The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Alaska District, has released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for a cooperative agreement to support the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Conservation Wildlife Program. This effort aims to address and reduce human-wildlife conflicts, specifically involving nuisance wildlife and species such as black bears, brown bears, and gray wolves. The project is anchored in the goals and objectives of the 2023 JBER Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), and will directly contribute to several key natural resource management priorities including minimizing wildlife conflicts, enhancing environmental education, and fostering inter-agency cooperation.

This funding opportunity provides a total of $190,000, with an expected single award. The period of performance is 18 months from the date of award, estimated around May 30, 2025. The cooperative agreement will involve substantial government involvement during execution. The award will support a multi-year wildlife survey project in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). The scope includes monitoring wildlife behavior, habitat use, and population data using tools such as game cameras, GPS tracking, and GIS mapping. Key objectives involve understanding wildlife movements near military operations and reducing risks posed by black bears, brown bears, and wolves to base residents and military personnel.

Eligible applicants include states, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, as per 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a). Applications must be submitted no later than May 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM Alaska Time. Submissions can be made via email to the designated grants specialist or through Grants.gov. Applicants must have a Unique Entity ID, and be registered in SAM and Grants.gov if applying electronically.

Application packages must include forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and a program narrative outlining the applicant’s technical capacity and proposed methodology. Evaluations will be based on three factors: experience (most important), technical approach, and cost. The evaluation will result in an adjectival rating ranging from Outstanding to Unacceptable, depending on the proposal’s quality and adherence to requirements.

The technical tasks under this agreement include assessing bear food resource use, documenting wolf presence, and evaluating habitat use in relation to military activities. Deliverables include analysis reports, a bear investigative plan, and GIS data. All data must meet specific geospatial standards and be compatible with JBER and Air Force GIS systems. Fieldwork safety protocols, including use of cellular phones and bear spray, are mandatory. The government will provide base access, training, and limited field support.

For questions related to the FOA, applicants may contact Pamela Iverson, the Grants Specialist, at pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil. The full announcement and application instructions are available on Grants.gov. The FOA was issued on March 20, 2025.