Evaluation of Muskellunge Management and Stocking Strategies in Iowa

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity titled Evaluation of Muskellunge Management and Stocking Strategies in Iowa. This opportunity is part of the Planning Assistance to States Program and focuses on improving fisheries management practices, particularly for Muskellunge, a popular sportfish species. The funding supports applied research that aligns with federal and state interests in optimizing recreational fisheries, enhancing ecological sustainability, and increasing public benefits derived from water resource projects. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Muskellunge stocking strategies, including comparing traditional pond-rearing methods with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The research aims to improve survival rates, growth outcomes, and stocking efficiency in Iowa lakes and reservoirs, including those managed by USACE. The project includes multiple research tasks such as monitoring fish survival and movement using tagging technologies, evaluating habitat conditions, and developing system-specific stocking strategies that can inform updates to Iowa’s Muskellunge Management Plan. Funding under this announcement is structured as a cooperative agreement with substantial federal involvement. The total program funding is estimated at $446,000, with a base year award of approximately $155,000 and additional option years bringing the total project duration to three years. The award supports research-related expenses including labor, travel, equipment, and data management activities, but does not allow for profit or fee. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, as the program is fully funded by USACE. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners within the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU). Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with federal regulations including 2 CFR 200. Religious organizations are eligible to apply on equal footing with other entities. Applicants must also disclose any conflicts of interest and provide detailed information on current and pending support for key personnel. The application process is conducted in two phases. In Phase I, applicants submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) via email, limited to two pages, outlining qualifications, relevant experience, and available resources. Based on evaluation of SOIs, selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal in Phase II, which includes technical narratives, data management plans, and detailed budgets. Evaluation criteria prioritize technical merit, alignment with Department of Defense missions, and cost realism. Key deadlines include May 29, 2026, for Phase I SOI submissions and June 29, 2026, for Phase II full proposals if invited. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 PM Central Time on the respective deadlines. The project period of performance is anticipated to be three years. Contact for this opportunity is Kisha M. Craig, Grants Specialist, available via email at Kisha.M.Craig@usace.army.mil. Additional contacts include the Grants Officer for administrative inquiries. The program is not recurring and represents a specific research initiative tied to current program priorities. Award decisions are based on peer or scientific review and availability of funding. Successful applicants will be required to comply with reporting requirements including progress reports, financial reports, and data management documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Focus on demonstrating technical expertise in fisheries research and alignment with USACE and DoD mission priorities