USACE Kansas City District: Management of Undesirable Plants, Multiple Counties, 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 across federal lands in multiple counties in Missouri. This program is authorized under the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 and reflects a broader federal initiative to coordinate invasive species control across jurisdictional boundaries. The funding is administered through a cooperative agreement, emphasizing collaboration between federal and state entities to achieve ecosystem-scale vegetation management. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to facilitate coordinated, integrated vegetation management on lands associated with the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation, Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project. The program focuses on controlling invasive and noxious plant species that degrade land quality, disrupt ecosystems, threaten agricultural productivity, and pose risks to human health. The initiative prioritizes regionally aligned strategies and interagency cooperation to ensure that weed control efforts are consistent and effective across multiple jurisdictions. Funding will support a wide range of allowable activities under an integrated vegetation management framework. These include coordination among stakeholders, planning and development of annual management strategies, surveying and mapping of invasive species, and implementation of treatment methods such as mechanical removal, biological controls, cultural practices, and herbicide application. All treatment activities must align with Missouri state regulations and USACE-approved plans, and chemical treatments require both anticipated and actual pesticide use reporting in compliance with federal and environmental regulations. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to state-level entities, specifically state departments of agriculture or other state agencies or political subdivisions responsible for administering or implementing undesirable plant laws. This restriction reflects statutory requirements and ensures that recipients have the authority and capacity to coordinate large-scale vegetation management efforts. Applicants must demonstrate experience with similar programs, the ability to manage technical and administrative aspects of the project, and compliance with federal financial and reporting standards. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components such as SF-424 forms, a detailed program narrative, budget documentation, and past performance records. The narrative must address program goals, management plans, and prior experience. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov and provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier. Only complete applications meeting all eligibility and submission requirements will proceed to merit review. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program goals, management capability, and past performance. These criteria are equally weighted and collectively determine the overall rating of each proposal. The selection process includes an initial eligibility screening, followed by a merit-based evaluation and final selection by the Grants Officer. The anticipated award date is approximately one month after the application deadline, with funding awarded to the applicant demonstrating the best value and capability. The cooperative agreement includes a one-year base period with up to four optional one-year extensions, contingent on funding availability and mutual agreement. The total program funding is structured across these periods, and the project may extend up to five years. Reporting requirements include annual performance reports and quarterly financial reporting. Key contacts are provided for both programmatic and administrative inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to guidance throughout the application process.

Align proposal clearly with stated goals and demonstrate strong past performance and management capability; ensure all required documents are complete and compliant with federal standards