B01-Amendment 02 RSOI W9126G262SOI7308.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, FORT WORTH DISTRICT

P.O. BOX 17300

FORT WORTH, TX 76102-0300

22 January 2026

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST

W9126G262SOI7308 - Amendment 02

This amendment re-opens this RSOI to all CESU Regions, revises the response dates, and updates the attached Statement of Objectives

Applicants must be a member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions:

All CESU Regions Project Title: Oyster Pads and Wave Trip at Long Bird Island, Houston Ship Channel

A cooperative agreement is being offered ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the recipient’s CESU Joint and Cooperative Agreement (also known as the CESU Master Agreement).

NOTE: The established CESU indirect rate is 17.5%.

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project.

This RSOI seeks merit-based competitive procedures to encourage participation in USACE (DoD) programs by a broad base of the most highly qualified performers and will be evaluated on Technical Merits of the proposed research and development (R&D) and the potential relationship of the proposed R&D to USACE (DoD) missions.

Approximately $100,000 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. Additional funding may be available to the successful recipient for optional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent years.

Period of Performance. The base period of the agreement will extend 12 months from date of award. There may be up to four 12-month follow-on periods based on availability of funding. If an optional task is executed the period will extend 12 months from date of award.

Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives.

NOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.

Preparation of your Statement of Interest: Provide the following (Maximum length: 3 pages, single-spaced, 12 pt. font):

1. Name, Organization, CAGE Code, Unique Entity ID, CESU Region, and Contact Information (Email)

2. Statement of Technical Ability & Qualifications (including):

a. Biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator (PI), to include specific experience and capabilities in areas related to this project’s requirements, meeting the qualifications of a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, limnology, or similar natural resources fields, AND have at least five years’ experience in identification of bivalve species and monitoring and surveying techniques.

b. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects.

c. Biographical sketches of personnel available to support this project, meeting qualifications in the SOO, including the ability to identify bivalve species and have at least one year experience conducting similar monitoring or surveys and their areas of expertise relevant to this project’s requirements.

d. Innovative techniques and description of other capabilities to successfully complete the project: (e.g. equipment, research facilities, mapping facilities, field facilities, subject matter experts, etc.)

3. Summary of the potential relationship of the proposed research and development to the USACE (DoD) missions.

Submission of Your Statement of Interest

• Amendment 02: Statements of Interest (SOI) are due by 2:00 PM, Central Time, on 23 February 2026 via email to the parties listed below.

• Direct questions no later than 10 calendar days from RSOI posting via email to the parties listed below.

Maria Lopez Grants Specialist USACE, Fort Worth District Email: Maria.E.Lopez@usace.army.mil Office: 817-886-1881

Emily Woodruff Project Manager USACE, Fort Worth District Email: Emily.T.Woodruff@usace.army.mil Office: 417-213-3245

Review of Statements Received:

All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity to determine the which statements have the highest rated technical merit, highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives as outlined in the Statement of Objectives, and closest alignment between the proposed research and the USACE mission.

Overall Evaluation Ratings.

Good/Excellent: The SOI demonstrates a thorough understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, and has demonstrated the ability, qualifications, resources to exceed performance and capability standards and includes at least one strength. Strength is an aspect of a proposal that, when judged against the overall evaluation criterion, enhances the merit of the proposal or increases the probability of successful performance of the Assistance Award.

Acceptable: The SOI demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, and has demonstrated the ability, qualifications, and resources to meet performance and capability standards. The SOI meets the overall evaluation criterion.

Unacceptable: The SOI does not demonstrate an understanding of the project’s goals and objectives, and has not demonstrated the ability, qualifications, and resources that meet the performance and capability standards. The SOI includes at least one weakness. Weakness is an aspect that increases the risk of unsuccessful performance.

Respondent SOIs receiving the highest ratings, Good/Excellent being the highest, and Acceptable the lowest, will be requested to submit a full proposal for further evaluation.

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOIs are required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD, THE RECIPIENT AND ANY PROPOSED

SUBRECIPIENTS AND CONTRACT VENDORS MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE NIST

SP 800-171 DOD ASSESSEMENT (PERFORMED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS).

Additional details are provided as a separate attachment to this document.

Thank you for your interest in our Cooperative Agreements Program.

CHERYL A. VENDEMIA

Grants Officer

Attachment: Statement of Objectives http://www.grants.gov/

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

for

Oyster Pads and Wave Trip at Long Bird Island for

Houston Ship Channel, Segment 1: Package 3/4A

Amendment 01

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 The Houston Ship Channel, Segment 1: Package 3/4A environmental program ensures military mission activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and policies. Article I B of the master agreement states the objectives of the CESU are to: provide research, technical assistance and education to federal land management, environmental and research agencies and their potential partners; develop a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social sciences needed to address resource issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and place special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions.

The Houston Ship Channel supports commercial navigation and industrial activity that are central to the economic stability of the Texas Gulf Coast region. In support of this mission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, oversees maintenance and expansion activities that may impact essential estuarine habitats, including oyster reefs that provide critical ecosystem services such as water filtration, shoreline stabilization, and nursery habitat for numerous fish and invertebrate species. Mitigation sites, such as those at Long Bird Island, have been developed to offset these impacts through the creation of artificial oyster habitat. However, uncertainty remains regarding the long-term success and ecological function of these constructed habitats, particularly their capacity to support sustainable oyster populations and contribute to broader ecosystem recovery goals.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, as amended, provides the authorization for the Houston Ship Channel project, which includes ongoing efforts to mitigate impacts to oysters that result from construction efforts associated with this project. Specific provisions under WRDA 2020 authorize an oyster monitoring program designed to assess the health and sustainability of oyster populations on newly created oyster habitat associated with project mitigation. The objective of this program is to monitor the effectiveness of mitigation and management activities in close proximity to the channel. The proposed research for this Cooperative Agreement will involve the collection of new data to support long term ecosystem mitigation efforts and will contribute to the framework outlined by USACE overseeing the Houston Ship Channel’s restoration activities.

1.2 This work requires occasional onsite support person located at Long Bird Island. The work shall involve: Oyster surveys completed in accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Oyster Restoration Monitoring Protocols (TPWD 2024). The survey activities include the use of electronic equipment and bottom grabs/cores to identify reef structure and oyster success.

2.0 AUTHORITY

2.1 In agreement with the above stated purpose, the recipient/cooperator agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement, in part, the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)- Galveston District objectives pursuant to the authority10 U.S.C. § 2358 - Research and Development.

2.2 In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), all CESU projects must carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation. Examples of carrying out a public purpose may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Project results are made available to a wide audience (including nonfederal entities)

• Project results/outputs add to the scientific literature/knowledge base, with applicability and utility beyond the scope of the project footprint/study area

• Academic and other nonfederal partner institutions (and their personnel) gain professional experience, increase knowledge, and develop skills and abilities

• Students benefit from direct interaction with federal scientists, program and technical staff, and field unit managers

2.3 In accordance with section 6305 – Using cooperative agreements of the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.), substantial involvement is expected between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the cooperative agreement. The DoD agrees to participate at a national level in support of the CESU program as accepted in the Master MOU for the establishment and continuation of the CESU program Article II 1-4 and Article VI 1-7.

The USACE Galveston District and USACE Fort Worth Regional Planning and Environmental Center (RPEC) agrees to provide substantial involvement as directed under the appropriate master agreement to include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Technical assistance and guidance.

• Close monitoring during performance.

• Involvement in technical decisions, such as methodology.

• Participation in status meetings, including kick off meeting.

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES

3.1 Task 1: Kick-off Meeting (Mandatory)

The PI shall conduct a kick-off meeting with the USACE within fifteen (15) business days of cooperative agreement execution and any subsequent Follow-on Period (FOP) awards. The goal of this task is to ensure the recipient/cooperator, the Regional Planning & Environmental Center (RPEC), and Galveston District staff understand the purpose and process of the surveying and data collection and the timeline for accomplishing the overall tasks. The USACE will communicate to the PI any methodological requirements to be used when sampling and reporting tasks as outlined. The kick-off meeting shall provide the opportunity for the PI and USACE to coordinate on the project’s tasks and deliverables outlined below.

3.2 Task 2: Reef Dimensions Data Reporting (Mandatory)

Post-restoration side scan and single-beam sonar data would be collected and processed into ArcGIS data layers to identify reef project footprint, reef area, and reef height.

Each should be determined by using side-scan sonar (single or dual frequency 255/400/900 KHz) run as transects in a grid pattern. The surveys should collect all position data with a minimum requirement of using higher level DGPS technologies or RTK GPS that provide sub-meter accuracy. If the water is too shallow for the use of side-scan, but shallow enough to see the shelly bottom, a GPS may be fixed to a kayak or small craft to walk, paddle, or pole the craft along the perimeter of the project footprint while taking continuous measures with the GPS. TPWD Sonar Survey Guidance should be followed when completing the surveys.

A map(s) showing the project footprint, reef area, and reef topography should be produced from collected data. Additionally, the area of project footprint and reef area and minimum, maximum, and mean heights should be reported.

Project footprint is defined as the maximum areal extent of the footprint of each constructed reef pad and ignores possible patchiness within each reef pad.

Reef area is the actual area (summed) of patches living and non-living oyster shell (or other construction material with or without live oysters) within the project footprint. For determination of the reef area, the edge of the reef is defined as a continuous line where the percent coverage of surficial living or non-living shell substrate (or alternate material) is equal to or greater than 25%.

Reef height is a measure of the mean height of the reef above the surrounding substrate (in relation to the substrate immediately adjacent to the reef, not the shoreline).

3.3 Task 3: Oyster Monitoring (Mandatory)

Oyster success will be measured by the density, size-frequency distribution, recruitment, and health of each reef. The characteristics of each restored site will be compared with the reference site and a determination made as to whether or not the restored sites are of similar conditions and note any reef or oyster metrics that are of concern to achieving success at the restored sites.

Oyster success will be surveyed using patent tongs or similar grab sample methodology. Samples will be taken on a randomly stratified grid sample over each reef pad and wave trip with a minimum of one 0.25 square meter quadrat per acre of reef spaced a minimum of 150 feet apart. Data on oyster size, density, and disease, following the TPWD Oyster Metric Guidance (Attachment 2, Appendix 2), as well as bottom conditions such as hydrologic conditions (water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen), substrate type, inventory of resident fauna, and presence and estimated coverage of encrusting organisms will be collected from each sample site. Specifically for oyster size, all live and dead oyster shell brought to the surface must be enumerated, lengths measured (in 5 mm increments) and recorded in final report using following categories (# Spat (0-1.5 inches = 0-40 mm), # Submarket/Juvenile (1.5-2.9) inches = 41-75 mm), # Market (3.0+ inches = 76+ mm). Both Live and Dead shell must be categorized.

3.4 Task 4: Data Reporting (Mandatory)

The oyster survey results will be presented in a written report to document the methods and results. The report will include survey maps depicting the extent of the survey area(s), results of data collected, and the location/distribution of oyster resources. It will also include representative photographs of survey methods and oyster success samples. Additionally, digital geo-referenced ESRI-compatible (ArcView 10.0+) shape files of the extent of the survey area(s), processed side-scan and single-beam imagery, and oyster habitats should be provided along with the written report.

A draft report of the survey results shall be submitted to the USACE following completion of the survey. After the draft report is received, USACE will have 15 days to review and comment. The draft report with USACE comments will then be returned and the final report shall be submitted within 30 days.

3.5 Task 5: Additional Sampling Event (Optional)

The cooperator will conduct an additional sampling event that incorporates the same steps as indicated for sections 3.1 through 3.4 above. Initiation of this task is subject to the availability of funding. The Period of Performance for this optional task will be 12 months from date of the optional task award.

3.6 Task 6: Mitigation Recommendations (Optional)

The cooperator will utilize survey observations along with collection of additional data of reef structure and habitat to analyze and determine limiting factors for Oyster success and provide recommendations to encourage greater success.

Up to 6 months for data collection, and up to 6 months of data analysis and reporting activities, for a total of 12 months. Initiation of this task is subject to the availability of funding. The Period of Performance for this optional task will be 12 months from date of the optional task award.

3.7 Task 7: Modify Artificial Structures (Optional)

The cooperator will conduct modifications to the artificial reef structure to promote ecological function to encourage greater success with sustainable oyster populations and contribute to broader ecosystem recovery goals. Initiation of this task is subject to the availability of funding. The Period of Performance for this optional task will be 12 months from date of the optional task award.

4.0 QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 The crew leader must have at least five years’ experience in identification of bivalve species and monitoring and surveying techniques, and a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, limnology, or similar natural resources fields is preferred. Other crew members must have the ability to identify bivalve species and have at least one year experience conducting similar monitoring or surveys.

SCUBA diving crew members must be certified. Biographical sketches are required for each of the personnel supporting this project. The NFE will coordinate with USACE before any key personnel changes or hiring occurs.

5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS OR PROPERTY

5.1 Equipment, Supplies, and Materials:

Government furnished materials or property is governed by 2 C.F.R. Part

200.312 which states that a) Title to federally-owned property remains vested in the Federal government. The non-Federal entity must submit annually an inventory listing of federally-owned property in its custody to the Federal awarding agency. Upon completion of the Federal award or when the property is no longer needed, the non-Federal entity must return the property to the Federal awarding agency for further Federal agency utilization.

6.0 BASE PERIOD and OPTIONS

6.1 Base Period will be 12 months, from the date of award. Four (4), 12-month follow-on periods are anticipated subject to availability of funds.

7.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Each period of performance will be 12 months from the date of award. The four

(4) standard follow-on periods would begin the day following the end date of the previous period of performance. The optional tasks available once during each period of performance, if exercised, will be12 months and begin from date of award.

8.0 COORDINATION

• USACE CESU Fort Worth District RPEC Project Manager Emily Woodruff 417-213-3245 Emily.t.woodruff@usace.army.mil

• USACE CESU Fort Worth District RPEC

Project Manager (Alternate) Kathy Mitchell 817 886-1709 kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil

• USACE NEPA Fort Worth District RPEC

Technical POC Alex Herrejon 817 609-5385 Alexander.c.herrejon@usace.army.mil

• USACE Galveston District POC

Houston Ship Channel Improvement Project Manager Elizabeth McCarty 409 249-5749 Elizabeth.w.McCarty@usace.army.mil

9.0 DELIVERABLES

9.1 Deliverable 1

Four (4) Quarterly Progress Reports (PR) will be submitted for every three-month period, or quarter, following the award of the cooperative agreement and any subsequent Follow-on Periods. These PRs are required as a mailto:Emily.t.woodruff@usace.army.mil mailto:kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil mailto:Alexander.c.herrejon@usace.army.mil component to post award invoice packages and will summarize progress made on all executed Tasks, provide an update on the budget status of each Task, point out any problems or challenges that may have arisen during the previous three months. (See section 10.0 for specified post award invoice process).

Quarters:

Q1: Oct-Dec Q2: Jan-Mar Q3: Apr-Jun Q4: Jul-Sep

9.2 Deliverable 2

Draft Project Report. For the base period and any subsequent Follow-on Periods, one (1) paper copy of a draft final report should be submitted following the completion of the survey. The report will include survey maps utilizing the GPS data depicting the extent of the survey area(s), results of data collected, and the location/distribution of oyster resources. It will also include representative photographs of survey methods and oyster success samples. Additionally, digital geo-referenced ESRI-compatible (ArcView 10.0+) shape files of the extent of the survey area(s), processed side-scan and single-beam imagery, and oyster habitats should be provided along with the written report. USACE staff will review and provide comments, if any, within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt.

9.3 Deliverable 3

Final Project Report. For the base period and any subsequent Follow-on Periods, one (1) paper copy of the final report, incorporating USACE review comments on the draft, if any, shall be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the USACE staff comments. Additionally, one (1) copy of the final report shall be submitted in a MSWord file(s), on digital media.

10.0 POST AWARD & INVOICE PROCESSES

10.1. Payment Requests and Progress Reports (Invoice Package) - Submit Payment Request and additional required documents to: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil. Carbon Copy the assigned USACE Project Manager as well as your organization’s point of contacts (POCs) for the additional required documents and for delinquent accounts.

10.1.1. Frequency: Quarterly plus 30-day grace period (except for the final invoice package noted below). If the coverage dates are not quarterly or preapproved by the PM (or the first/last submittal), the invoice package will be rejected.

mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil

Quarters Invoice pkgs due No Later Than Q1: Oct-Dec Q1: 31 Jan Q2: Jan-Mar Q2: 30 Apr Q3: Apr-Jun Q3: 30 Jul Q4: Jul-Sep Q4: 31 Oct

10.1.2. Payment Requests must be submitted on form SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement with the accompanying Standard Form- Performance Progress Report (SF-PPR), otherwise the SF270 will be rejected.

10.1.3. SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement

10.1.3.1. Block 9, Recipient Organization. For successful set up of Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT), the Recipient’s name and address shall reflect the exact name and physical address that appears in the System for Award Management (SAM), https://sam.gov/.

10.1.3.2. Blocks 11, (a), (b), & (c) are for the description of funds. Preferred description is: CLIN/POP Type, POP start and end dates, amount awarded (see example below); at minimum include the CLIN. If the description or the minimum CLIN information is missing, the SF270 and SF-PPR will be rejected.

Example:

CLIN 0001 / Base

22SEP23 – 21SEP24

$100,000.00

Funding must be separated as specified on the Award document. Sub-CLINs that specify “for funding only” (e.g., numbered 000101, 000102, etc.) may be rolled into the primary CLIN (e.g., 0001) unless otherwise instructed. All others required PM approval.

The SF270 may have multiple pages. An SF270 in Excel format may be requested at: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil, however, must be submitted in pdf format otherwise will be rejected.

10.1.4. SF-PPR Standard Form-Performance Progress Report: The Recipient shall tailor the SF-PPR to include, at minimum, the following information:

• Separate details by CLIN as applicable

• Achievements (must detail work during quarter associated with the invoice)

• Percent Completion

• Project Status https://sam.gov/

• Problems encountered and impact of activities and personnel on schedule.

• Anticipated work in next reporting period.

If the SF-PPR is incomplete, the SF-PPR and SF270 will be rejected.

A tailored SF-PPR form may be requested at: swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil.

10.2. The Final invoice package is due no later than 90 days from final (funded/exercised) POP end date and must include the following documents:

If any of the required information below is missing, the final invoice package will be rejected.

Final

SF270

SF-PPR

Final

SF425

DD882

SF428 plus attachment B (C&S if applicable)

SF298

Final Report

Forms may be requested from the district office at swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil or found at: https://www.grants.gov/forms.

11.0 This cooperative agreement may be administered through a CESU only upon mutual agreement and official authorization by both parties of the acceptance of the application of the CESU Network IDC rate (17.5%).

Any resulting cooperative agreement will be subject to and recipient/cooperator shall comply with 2 CFR 200.313 “Equipment”, 200.314 “Supplies”, and 200.315 “Intangible Property” which includes use of research data.

mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil https://www.grants.gov/forms

If the SF-PPR is incomplete, the SF-PPR and SF270 will be rejected.