Oyster Pads and Wave Trip at Long Bird Island, Houston Ship Channel

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, has issued a request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) for a cooperative agreement titled "Oyster Pads and Wave Trip at Long Bird Island, Houston Ship Channel." This funding opportunity is part of the Department of Defense’s efforts to engage with the academic and scientific community under 10 USC 4001, aiming to promote conservation and research on military installations through partnerships with the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs). The Fort Worth District serves a broad range of civil and military functions in Texas and beyond and supports natural resource management initiatives in partnership with educational institutions. This funding opportunity supports scientific and technological research and development focused on enhancing ecological resilience and environmental quality in a sensitive coastal area near Long Bird Island. The project will investigate the effectiveness of oyster pads and wave trip structures, which are anticipated to mitigate erosion and enhance habitat conditions in the Houston Ship Channel, a critical waterway for both commercial and ecological functions. Though a full study proposal is not required at this stage, interested parties are expected to submit statements of interest to be evaluated on the technical merits of their proposed research and the relevance to USACE missions. The cooperative agreement will initially be funded at approximately $100,000 for a 12-month base period, with the potential for up to four additional 12-month extensions subject to available funding and satisfactory performance. The total potential ceiling for the agreement is $533,000, with a minimum award floor of $100,000. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. This project falls under Assistance Listing 12.005: Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs), a network designed to facilitate collaborative research efforts between federal agencies and academic or nonprofit institutions. This restriction aims to ensure high-quality, mission-aligned research outcomes. The application process begins with the submission of a Statement of Interest through Grants.gov, as full proposals are only requested from selected respondents after a 30-day posting period. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers at this stage. The application window opened on December 4, 2025, with an updated closing date of February 23, 2026, replacing the original January 5, 2026, deadline. Submissions must be made through Grants.gov, with any questions directed to either Maria Lopez (Grants Specialist) or Emily Woodruff (Project Manager) of the USACE Fort Worth District. The performance period for the awarded project begins upon execution and runs for 12 months, with potential for follow-on periods contingent on additional funding. This opportunity is a one-time solicitation rather than a recurring program. While the official description references an attached Statement of Objectives (SOO) for further detail, no such document was provided within the visible source content. Applicants are encouraged to engage with the agency early to clarify project expectations and eligibility alignment. The final decision on awards will be made based on merit review of statements submitted by the closing date.