Marine Mammal and Habitat Monitoring-Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Prey at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, in coordination with the U.S. Air Force, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity under the authority of the Sikes Act to support marine mammal and habitat monitoring efforts at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska. This opportunity is administered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program and is restricted to organizations that are active members within specified CESU regions, including Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Rocky Mountains regions. The initiative reflects a federal commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with key conservation laws such as the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a multi-year scientific study focused on the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population and its habitat. The project aims to address significant knowledge gaps related to beluga whale behavior, habitat use, prey availability, and environmental conditions, particularly in the Eagle River and Knik Arm areas near JBER. Data collected through this effort will inform environmental management decisions, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to broader conservation and recovery efforts for the species. Funding for the base period is anticipated to be approximately $522,500, with additional funds potentially available for optional tasks and follow-on work in subsequent years. The base period of performance is 18 months, with the possibility of up to six additional 18-month follow-on periods depending on funding availability. The cooperative agreement structure requires substantial involvement from the Department of Defense, including collaboration in study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as participation in project oversight and coordination activities. Eligible applicants must be members of the designated CESU regions and demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience, particularly in marine mammal research, Alaska-based fieldwork, and operations in complex environmental conditions such as high tidal zones. Preference is given to federal and state agencies with responsibilities related to wildlife conservation, though other qualified non-federal entities within CESU regions may also be considered. Applicants must also meet federal cybersecurity requirements, including maintaining an active NIST SP 800-171 Department of Defense assessment within the past three years. At this stage, applicants are required to submit a Statement of Interest rather than a full proposal. The submission must include organizational details, a summary of qualifications, descriptions of relevant past projects, and information about available personnel and capabilities. Statements of Interest are limited to two pages and must be submitted via email by May 4, 2026. Following evaluation, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Questions regarding the opportunity must be submitted by April 20, 2026. The evaluation process will assess submissions based on alignment with program objectives, qualifications of the principal investigator, relevance of past experience, and overall capability to successfully execute the project. The selected recipient will be required to deliver a range of outputs including work plans, quarterly progress reports, technical reports, and comprehensive data packages. The project emphasizes rigorous scientific methodology, coordination with federal stakeholders, and adherence to reporting and administrative requirements throughout the performance period.

Focus on demonstrating direct experience with marine mammals in Alaska and highlight Principal Investigator qualifications and past similar projects; align capabilities closely with stated objectives