Invertebrate Habitat Modeling and Enhancement for Fort Carson and Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in Colorado

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, on behalf of the Department of the Army, has issued a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) for a cooperative agreement focused on invertebrate habitat modeling and enhancement at Fort Carson and the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in Colorado. This opportunity is administered under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program and is authorized by the Sikes Act, which supports partnerships for natural resource conservation on military lands. The initiative is designed to engage qualified CESU-affiliated organizations in providing scientific research, technical assistance, and environmental management support to advance biodiversity conservation and land stewardship objectives. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to conduct comprehensive arthropod surveys and habitat assessments to support the Fort Carson Environmental Division’s natural resource management responsibilities. The project emphasizes documenting invertebrate species presence, distribution, and habitat relationships, particularly for species that are under consideration for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The work includes field sampling, specimen identification, habitat modeling, and development of management recommendations aimed at maintaining and enhancing ecological conditions for species of concern. Funding for the base period is anticipated at approximately 326000 dollars, with the possibility of additional funding for optional tasks and follow-on work in subsequent performance periods. The base period of performance is 18 months, and up to four additional 18-month follow-on periods may be awarded depending on funding availability and performance. The CESU indirect cost rate is capped at 17.5 percent. Funds are intended to support field research, laboratory analysis, data management, modeling, and reporting activities consistent with the project’s scientific and conservation objectives. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are active members of specified CESU regions, including the Californian, Colorado Plateau, Rocky Mountain, and Great Plains regions. Priority for award may be given to federal and state agencies with responsibilities related to fish and wildlife conservation, though other qualified CESU partners such as universities and research institutions may also participate. All applicants and any proposed subrecipients must have a current NIST SP 800-171 DoD assessment to ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements. The submission process at this stage requires only a Statement of Interest rather than a full proposal. Applicants must submit a concise document, not exceeding two pages, outlining organizational information, qualifications, relevant experience, available personnel, and capabilities to perform the work. Statements must be submitted via email to designated USACE contacts by the stated deadline. Following review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal and budget for further consideration. Evaluation of submitted statements will be conducted by a review board assessing alignment with program objectives, qualifications of personnel, relevant experience, and organizational capability. The opportunity follows a structured timeline, with a firm submission deadline and a review period aligned with federal posting requirements. Successful applicants will engage in a collaborative cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from the Department of Defense throughout the project lifecycle, including coordination, technical guidance, and participation in project activities.

Focus on demonstrating relevant experience strong principal investigator qualifications and clear capability to meet project objectives