The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Alaska District, is announcing a funding opportunity under Cooperative Agreement No. W911KB-25-2-0002 to support the evaluation and study of wetlands, floodplain, and littoral zone management at Eielson Air Force Base (EAFB), Alaska. This cooperative agreement is issued under the statutory authority of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670) and aligns with the goals outlined in the 2023 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) for EAFB. The initiative seeks to assess the effectiveness of past habitat improvement efforts on the base’s lands and borrow pits, with the overall goal of enhancing native fish and wildlife habitats and supporting broader ecological sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.

The grant’s primary objectives include evaluating the stability and function of littoral zones and riparian habitats developed as part of previous wetland mitigation projects. This includes assessing areas such as Mullins Pit, Cathers Lake, Bear Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Scout Lake WMA, and Manchu Ponds WMA. The initiative also supports the management of game and non-game species and addresses issues related to bird-air strike hazards (BASH) by creating less attractive habitats for waterfowl within the Waterfowl Exclusion Zone (WEZ). Grantees will be required to generate reports, including geospatial data and technical findings, with recommendations for restoration and future habitat construction if existing efforts are deemed inadequate.

The total funding for this opportunity is $55,000, with one award anticipated. The grant will be fully funded by USACE, and no cost-sharing or matching is required. The period of performance is 18 months from the date of award. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, as specified under 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a). All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number.

Applications must include mandatory forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424B, and a program narrative demonstrating the applicant’s ability to meet project goals. Submissions may be made electronically via Grants.gov or by email. The submission deadline is May 20, 2025, by 2:00 PM Alaska Time. The grant opportunity was issued on March 20, 2025, and awards are expected to be made around May 30, 2025. Offer evaluations will be based on experience, technical approach, and cost, with experience considered the most important factor.

Evaluation criteria emphasize prior experience in Department of Defense natural resources projects, knowledge of wetland and littoral zone management, and demonstrated success in managing ecologically sensitive areas. Proposals must also outline the technical approach, quality assurance measures, regulatory compliance strategies, and include an organizational chart. Weekly updates to natural resources staff at EAFB are required throughout the project, and all resulting data and reports will be the property of the U.S. Government.

For questions or clarifications, the point of contact is Pamela Iverson, reachable via email at pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil. Additional support related to Grants.gov should be directed to their contact center at 1-800-518-4726.