Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Assessment for Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park, Florida

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, has issued a Request for Statement of Interest (RSOI) under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program for the project titled Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Assessment for Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park, Florida. This opportunity is rooted in federal restoration efforts authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, which established the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project contributes to the Monitoring and Assessment Plan developed under RECOVER, which evaluates ecosystem responses to restoration activities across South Florida. The initiative focuses specifically on the ecological role and condition of tree islands, which are elevated landforms within the Everglades that support diverse vegetation and wildlife communities. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to better understand the relationships between hydrology, vegetation structure, and wildlife communities on tree islands within Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park. The selected recipient will conduct field surveys, data analysis, and reporting activities that contribute to ecosystem monitoring and restoration science. Work includes wildlife utilization surveys, vegetation characterization, and development of a Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Index. These activities support broader restoration goals by linking habitat conditions to ecological outcomes and informing adaptive management decisions. Approximately 200000 dollars is expected to be available to support the base project period, with additional funding potentially available for optional tasks or follow-on work in subsequent years. The base period of performance is 12 months from the date of award, with the possibility of up to two additional 12-month follow-on periods depending on funding availability. The CESU indirect rate is established at 17.5 percent. Funding supports personnel, equipment, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting necessary to complete the outlined objectives, with significant collaboration expected between the recipient and USACE staff throughout the project lifecycle. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted to organizations that are members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Program within the Gulf Coast or South Florida-Caribbean CESU Regions. Applicants must demonstrate qualifications and experience relevant to Everglades ecology, wildlife monitoring, and environmental science, with preference given to those holding advanced degrees such as a PhD in a related field. Submissions must include organizational information, a statement of qualifications, descriptions of relevant past projects, available personnel, and supporting capabilities such as facilities and equipment. A full proposal and budget are not required at this stage; only a Statement of Interest is requested. Statements of Interest must be submitted via email by May 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM Central Time. Questions regarding the opportunity must be submitted by May 8, 2026. Submissions are evaluated by a review board based on technical merit, qualifications, and alignment with USACE objectives. Ratings range from Good or Excellent to Acceptable or Unacceptable, and only the highest-rated respondents will be invited to submit a full proposal for further consideration. The review process emphasizes demonstrated capability, understanding of project goals, and alignment with mission priorities. The project includes a structured reporting and coordination process, including quarterly progress reports, annual reports, and a final report summarizing findings and analyses. Recipients will also participate in RECOVER meetings and workshops and contribute to system-wide restoration assessments. The timeline includes initial project planning within 15 business days of award, ongoing fieldwork and data collection, and annual reporting milestones. Deliverables must adhere to specified formats and schedules, and all data generated will contribute to federal databases used to assess ecosystem restoration progress. Key contacts for this opportunity include Yvonne Howard, Grants Specialist, and Nicole D. Baker, Project Manager, both with the USACE Fort Worth District. Additional technical coordination is provided by RECOVER program staff. Applicants must ensure compliance with federal requirements, including NIST cybersecurity assessments and permitting for work conducted on federal or state lands. This opportunity represents a collaborative effort to advance scientific understanding and restoration of the Everglades ecosystem through applied research and monitoring.

Focus on demonstrating strong alignment with USACE mission and Everglades restoration goals; highlight prior relevant fieldwork and technical expertise; clearly show capacity to execute field surveys and data analysis