REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST (SOI)
NUMBER W9132T-18-SOI-0003
PROJECT TO BE INITIATED in FY 2018
Project Title: Natural Resources and Endangered Species Research and Support at Fort Hood, Texas
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the Engineer Research and Development Center – Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL), which seeks to conduct research and provide support for natural resources and endangered species management at Fort Hood, Texas.
Approximately $222,000 is expected to be available to support this project for a period of twelve (12) months after award.
Note that the CESU F&A rate will be applied to any awards that result from this Request for SOIs.
Background:
Many of the land bases where US Army installations reside are ecologically significant – providing refuge for a large number of the nation’s threatened and endangered plants and animals. The benefits of biodiversity to the public and the environment have long been recognized and the Army’s role as land managers can influence the floral and faunal diversity both within the installation and on nearby lands. To fulfill long-term mission requirements, the military must achieve environmental objectives of sustainability of training lands and full compliance with conservation requirements under law. The Army is committed to maintaining its role as a national leader in the conservation and management of sensitive natural resources on Army lands.
Fort Hood currently supports the heaviest Army training activity as the only installation providing training facilities for the equivalent of two mechanized divisions as well as support units. Within this military context, Fort Hood is also home to large numbers of a federally endangered bird species (golden-cheeked warbler), at-risk species (recently delisted black-capped vireo), numerous migratory bird species, plant pollinators and sensitive karst associated species. Fort Hood must balance military training requirements with species conservation requirements imposed by the Sikes Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Work under this proposal will provide logistical and research support to 1) summarize and analyze previously collected data to determine distribution, abundance and population status of endangered and migratory bird species, 2) inform invasive species monitoring and control and 3) investigate effects of natural resource and environmental management on at-risk mammal species at Fort Hood, Texas.
Brief Description of Anticipated Work:
The government seeks research and technical support for data analyses as well as surveying and monitoring of at-risk and invasive species on Fort Hood, Texas. Study design and focal study sites will be decided based upon input from Fort Hood, ERDC-CERL, and CESU partners. It is anticipated that results from Fort Hood will be relevant for management throughout the focal species range. Details of primary tasks are as follows:
Task 1: Analyses of distribution, abundance and population status of endangered and migratory bird species.
Data collected during the 2018 avian breeding season will be made available for analyses of distribution, abundance, and population status of endangered and migratory bird species on Fort Hood. Available data will include point count surveys, nest location, nest monitoring, and productivity. Work accomplished under this task will include data summarization and analysis to determine Fort Hood population size and trends as well as impacts of species management on regional population goals. Data will be used to populate annual report on status of endangered species at Fort Hood, Texas.
Task 2: Invasive species monitoring and control
Feral hog populations on Fort Hood can pose a threat to endangered and at-risk species through habitat disturbance and predation. Similarly, brown-headed cowbirds are known to significantly impact host avian reproductive success through nest parasitism and predation. Beginning in spring 2019, work under this task will include surveys of feral hog and cowbird populations and implementation of control activities. Primary control methods entail trapping in areas known to house populations of the invasive species. Surveys and control location determination will be conducted in collaboration with Fort Hood Natural Resources staff and ERDC-CERL.
Task 3: Effects of natural resource and and environmental management on at-risk mammal species at Fort Hood, Texas
Initiating fall 2018, work under this task will involve surveys and monitoring of at-risk mammals on Fort Hood, with a focus on understanding how natural resource management on the installation impacts mammal distribution and abundance. Focal mammals will include small mammals (rodents) and the federally petitioned for listing Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta). Survey methods will include live trapping and baited camera traps. Locations of surveys will be decided in collaboration with Fort Hood Natural Resources Branch personnel. A report will be prepared and submitted to sponsors which includes detailed demographic data on relevant species and management implications.
Substantial government involvement is anticipated for this project. The Government’s technical contributions include:
1) Expertise in military installation natural resource management,
2) Coordination between installation personnel and university researchers
3) Participation in study design and execution.
Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications:
Please provide the following via e-mail attachment (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).
1. Name, Organization and Contact Information
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
a. Biographical Sketch,
b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
c. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
d. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).
Note: A proposed budget is NOT requested at this time.
Review of Statements Received: Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.
Please send responses or direct questions to:
David G. Ammermann
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL)
P O Box 9005
Champaign, IL 61826-9005
David.G.Ammermann@usace.army.mil
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin ten working days after posting of SOI.
Posted 7-23-18.