USACE Kansas City District: Management of Undesirable Plants, St. Charles County, Missouri

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Kansas City District, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity under its Noxious Weed Management Program to support the management of undesirable plants on federal lands in St. Charles County, Missouri. This opportunity is authorized under the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 and is designed to engage a qualified state-level entity in coordinated vegetation management activities tied to the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation, Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project. The funding aims to strengthen ecosystem health, improve land quality, and address invasive species that threaten agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and public safety. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enable large-scale, coordinated control of noxious weeds and other undesirable plant species across jurisdictional boundaries. USACE emphasizes that effective management of invasive species requires integrated, ecosystem-wide approaches rather than isolated efforts. Through this agreement, the selected recipient will collaborate with federal and regional partners to plan and implement strategies aligned with state and federal regulations, including Missouri State Noxious Weed Control rules. The program promotes interagency cooperation and supports regionally agreed-upon management strategies. Funding is structured as a cooperative agreement with a total estimated value of up to 275000 dollars over a potential five-year period, including a one-year base period and four optional one-year extensions. The base year funding is 55000 dollars, with each option year also funded at up to 55000 dollars, contingent on availability of funds and mutual agreement. The work includes coordination, planning, surveying, implementation of treatment methods, and reporting. Allowable activities span integrated vegetation management techniques such as mechanical removal, biological controls, cultural practices, and herbicide application, all subject to USACE approval. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to state departments of agriculture or other state agencies or political subdivisions responsible for implementing undesirable plant laws. This restriction ensures that the recipient has the legal authority and operational capacity to manage invasive species at the required scale. The selected entity must demonstrate experience in similar environmental or natural resource management programs and the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders including levee boards, landowners, and government agencies. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through Grants.gov and must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Required application components include standard federal forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, a detailed program narrative outlining goals, management plans, and past performance, as well as supporting documentation such as budget proposals and certifications. The application must clearly demonstrate the applicant’s ability to meet program objectives, manage resources effectively, and comply with federal regulations. Applications are evaluated through a multi-step review process, beginning with an eligibility and completeness check, followed by a merit review assessing alignment with program goals, management capability, and past performance. Budget proposals are also reviewed for reasonableness and compliance with federal cost principles. The anticipated award date is July 10, 2026, and the period of performance begins upon award execution, with an initial duration of one year and potential extensions. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 23, 2026. Questions regarding the opportunity were accepted until May 28, 2026. Key contacts include program and grants officials within the USACE Kansas City District, who can provide guidance on application requirements and program expectations. This funding opportunity is not explicitly recurring but may be extended through option years depending on performance and funding availability.

Demonstrate strong alignment with ecosystem-scale weed management goals; provide detailed management and staffing plans; highlight past federal assistance experience and reporting compliance