Management Invasive Species, Aquatic Plants and Management Habitat, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 354 CES/CEIE, Natural Resources

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Alaska District, has released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA No. W911KB-25-2-0004) for a cooperative agreement to support the management of invasive aquatic plants and natural habitat at Eielson Air Force Base (EAFB) in Alaska. This effort is part of the EAFB Natural Resources Program and supports the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The FOA was issued on June 9, 2025, with Amendment #02 issued on July 2, 2025. Applications are due by July 9, 2025. The cooperative agreement aligns with the Sikes Act and is specifically geared toward improving ecological health while minimizing conflicts with the military mission. The cooperative agreement aims to support invasive species management, aquatic plant control, forest restoration, and habitat management at EAFB. Activities under this project include treating aquatic invasive species such as Elodea spp. in affected water bodies and applying herbicides with strict compliance to environmental regulations. Targeted locations include lakes and sloughs within the base boundaries, with treatment activities scheduled for June through August. In addition to herbicide application, the selected recipient will be responsible for developing and submitting work plans, reports, GIS mapping, and best practices for continued treatment and monitoring. The project scope covers multiple fiscal years with a base year task for treating up to 300 acres and optional tasks for FY26 and FY27 that include additional 200-acre treatments and forest management via hydro-axing. The estimated funding for the base task is $133,000, while the total project ceiling with all optional tasks is $714,861. The work is to be executed over an initial 12-month performance period, with the possibility of two additional 12-month extensions depending on funding availability. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include qualified state and local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals under the authority of 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a). No matching funds are required. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and must have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number. Applications may be submitted via Grants.gov or by email to the Grants Specialist. Key application components include a signed SF-424, budget forms, a program narrative, and evidence of eligibility. Evaluation criteria focus heavily on past experience with Department of Defense (DoD) conservation programs, technical approach, and cost. Specific consideration will be given to experience managing DoD lands, performing aquatic herbicide treatments, and adhering to regulatory standards, especially those set by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). Applications are rated on a scale from Outstanding to Unacceptable based on their technical merit, with cost serving as a secondary factor. For more information, applicants may contact Pamela Iverson, Grants Specialist, via email at pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil or phone at (907) 753-2555. Additional administrative oversight is provided by Michelle Mandel, Grants Officer, reachable at michelle.r.mandel@usace.army.mil or (907) 753-2502. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted no later than ten calendar days before the application deadline. A post-award kickoff meeting will be held within 30 days of the award date to align deliverables and responsibilities. The anticipated award date is on or about July 30, 2025.