B01.03_FOA (W81EWF-25-SOI-0002).pdf

PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

Title: Applied Field Research on Ecological Functions at Living Shoreline Installations

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: W81EWF-25-SOI-0002

Assistance Listing Number: 12.630

Date Issued: 06 December 2024

Key Dates: Phase I announcement will be open to receive statements of interest continuously until 2:00pm Central Time (CT), 06 January 2025, at which point all statements of interest must be received.

If invited to Phase II, full proposal applications will be due at 2:00pm Central Time (CT), 06 February 2025.

Estimated Award Ceiling: $100,000 for base award

Estimated Total Program Funding: $300,000; Base year will be $100,000 plus two option years, $100,000 for each year.

Agency Contact: Phoebe Fuller (phoebe.v.fuller@ysace.army.mil) mailto:phoebe.v.fuller@ysace.army.mil

I. Program Description

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity

ERDC seeks applications for applied field research of the ecological functions at living shoreline installations and natural shorelines (i.e., not stabilized) and their adjacent aquatic habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

B. Background In the Mid-Atlantic region, the loss of natural shorelines has led many landowners and natural resource managers, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay, to reexamine their shoreline management practices. Historically, shorelines have been stabilized using traditional armoring approaches (e.g., bulkheads and revetments) that are constructed with “hard” materials, such as stone, concrete, timber, and/or steel, to prevent flooding and erosion. However, living shorelines, which are engineered to work with natural processes and utilize natural and nature-based features (NNBFs) that dampen hydrodynamic energy and reduce erosion while also providing a suite of ecological co-benefits, are becoming the preferred shoreline stabilization method. Many living shorelines incorporate a vegetated buffer along an intertidal gradient to absorb or reduce waves and tides that may reach upland areas. They are sometimes reinforced with low elevation rock sills, coir logs, or oyster reefs at the shoreline edge to provide additional protection, especially in higher energy environments; however, exact specifications will vary based on site conditions.

The goal of living shorelines is to design a stabilization structure that better reflects natural systems and processes and maximizes both the ability to adapt to change (e.g., migration potential to sea level rise) and ecosystem benefits (e.g., species diversity, recruitment). A key component of living shoreline projects is that they can provide physical protection as well as ecological function of coastal habitats and should minimize functional capacity loss of coastal ecological functions (i.e., restricted water movement or aquatic organism movement between the waterbody and the shore). Because living shoreline projects frequently overlap with highly productive shallow water habitat including areas supporting submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), designs may be modified (perhaps unnecessarily) to limit potential negative impacts, without quantifying the net ecological benefits and tradeoffs from converting to different habitat types. It is necessary to develop and apply qualitative and quantitative metrics to evaluate the ecological function tradeoffs associated with the benefits of living shorelines and the potential detrimental impacts to existing aquatic resources, including SAV, to ensure that projects are sufficient to minimize or offset impacts to the existing aquatic ecosystem.

C. Program Description/Objective:

The research will address the following 2 objectives:

Objective 1: Collaborate with ERDC researchers to develop and apply qualitative and quantitative metrics that evaluate the ecological function (i.e., biomass productivity, sediment accumulation, habitat provisioning, etc.) within and adjacent to living shoreline and natural shoreline sites. The metrics and results will be reported in a yearly report and/or peer reviewed publication as a journal article, technical report, etc.

Objective 2: Perform comparative analysis of physical parameters, design specifications, and ecological functions at living shoreline and natural shoreline sites. The results of this analysis will be used to develop a living shoreline guidance document that will assist landowners and natural resource managers in making informed decisions about shoreline stabilization strategies.

D. Public Benefit In the state of Maryland, living shorelines are mandated as the preferred shoreline stabilization measure per the Living Shorelines Protection Act (2008). Living shorelines can be self-sustaining fringing marsh features that bolster coastal resilience over both short- and long-term scales and provide ecosystem benefits such as unimpeded land-water connection, support for increased species diversity and abundance, and enhanced carbon sequestration. However, challenges are often encountered if a proposed living shoreline design adversely impacts ecologically important shallow water habitats. There is currently no framework to evaluate the ecological outcomes of living shoreline installations. This program will produce results that will provide guidance on calculating the functional gain of living shoreline projects.

E. Authorization: 10 USC 4001

F. Legal Requirements

Each Cooperative Agreement awarded under this announcement will be governed by 2 CFR 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards”, 2 CFR 1100 Subchapter D—Administrative Requirements Terms and Conditions for Cost-Type Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Nonprofit and Governmental Entities and the DoD research general terms and conditions located at https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions.

G. Program-Specific Requirements

The partner institution will be required to attend monthly (virtual) check-in meetings with the ERDC team to discuss progress and/or challenges related to the project objectives.

Additionally, the partner institution will be required to co-develop slides for and attend an annual Program Review, either virtually or in Vicksburg, MS. Finally, the partner institution will be required to co-develop a detailed yearly report with the ERDC team.

The award recipient shall be solely responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work. The recipient will be expected to comply with all environmental regulations and obtain all necessary licenses and permits for the selected operational setting.

II. Federal Award Information

The following information applies to awards issued under this announcement:

• This is a new program

• The Government anticipates 1 Federal awards from this announcement, but reserves the right to award more or less https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=17bffa4cc8aa56c9680587c537476bf9&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2CXIsubchapD.tpl https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=17bffa4cc8aa56c9680587c537476bf9&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2CXIsubchapD.tpl https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/manage-your-award/manage-grant-award/grants-terms-conditions

• The total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this announcement is $300,000

• The expected amount of funding for each award is $100,000 for Year 1, $100,000 for Year 2, and $100,000 for Year 3.

• Award(s) from this announcement will be Cooperative Agreement(s)

• The anticipated period of performance is 12 months for the base year followed by two optional 12-month periods for a total of 36 months

• Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards

• The government reserves the right to accept only portions of an application and to negotiate with potential awardees

• Government’s substantial involvement includes assisting with field plan development

(i.e., living shoreline and natural shoreline site selection, sampling frequency, and field methods) and data analyses (i.e., GIS and statistical analyses). ERDC researchers will hold a monthly collaboration meeting to discuss progress and issues. ERDC researchers will also join at least 1 field campaign. ERDC researchers and the selected applicant will also co-develop a final report.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

This opportunity is restricted to non-federal partners of the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU).

Disclosures of current and pending support made in this application may render an applicant ineligible for funding. Prior to award and throughout the period of performance, ERDC may continue to request updated continuing and pending support information, which will be reviewed and may result in discontinuation of funding.

Religious organizations are entitled to compete on equal footing with secular organizations for Federal financial assistance as described in E.O. 13798, “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.”

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

C. Conflict of Interest

a) General Requirement for Disclosure

You and your organization must disclose any potential or actual scientific or nonscientific conflict of interest(s) to us. You must also disclose any potential or actual conflict(s) of interest for any identified sub recipient you include in your application. We may have to ask you more questions if we need more information.

At our discretion, we may ask you for a conflict-of-interest mitigation plan after you submit your application. Your plan is subject to our approval.

b) Scientific Conflict of Interest

Scientific collaborations on research and development projects are generally the result of close collaboration prior to the submission of applications for support.

Accordingly, these collaborations should be considered when considering potential conflicts of interest. The potential conflict is mitigated by the disclosure of these collaborations, and the list of current and pending support you provide for senior and key researchers. Therefore, you must include in your list of current and pending support all collaborators, even if they did not formally provide support.

D. Other

a) Licensure or Certification

You must include the Acknowledgment of Support and Disclaimer on all materials created or produced under our awards. This language may be found in the Terms and Conditions included in the award documents.

E. Certifications, representations, and assurances

1. To apply for grants and other funding opportunities the applicant entity must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov or other methods unless the entity is registered in SAM. Registration in SAM now includes the acceptance of Certifications and Assurances. See https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html for details on how to register in SAM, and Grants.gov

2. The Federal Assistance Certifications Report is an attestation that the entity will abide by the requirements of the various laws and regulations; therefore, as applicable, you are still required to submit any documentation, including the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if award value exceeds $100,000.00), and, if applicable, informing DoD of unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under any Federal law.

3. Certification Regarding Disclosure of Funding Sources. By checking "I

Agree" on the SF 424 (R&R) block 17 you agree to abide by the following statement: "By signing this application, I certify the proposing entity is in compliance with Section 223(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 which requires that: (a) the PI and other key personnel certify that the current and pending support provided on the proposal is current, accurate and complete; (B) agree to update such disclosure at the request of the agency prior to the award of support and at any https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/grantors/grantor-standard-language.html subsequent time the agency determines appropriate during the term of the award; and (c) the PI and other key personnel have been made aware of the requirements under Section 223(a)(1) of this Act. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. code, Title 218, Section 1001)."

IV. Application and Submission Information (2 Phase Process)

A. Phase I: Submission of Statement of Interest (SOI)

1. Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications:

a. Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to: Phoebe Fuller (phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil) (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).

i. Name, Organization and Contact Information

ii. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):

• Biographical Sketch,

• Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,

• Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,

• 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.

The administrative point of contact is Phoebe Fuller (phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil).

2. ERDC will only accept SOIs submitted on or before 06 January 2025, 2:00pm Central Time (CT).

Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to move to Phase II which is 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.

B. Phase II (if invited): Submission of Full Application Package

1. Address to Request Application Package

The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov.

mailto:phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil

The administrative point of contact is Phoebe Fuller (phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil).

2. Content and Form of Application Submission All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

a. SF 424 R&R - Application for Federal Assistance

b. Full Technical Proposal – Discussion of the nature and scope of the research and technical approach. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included.

c. Cost Proposal/Budget – Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror’s financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit a full budget in sufficient detail so that a reasonableness determination can be made. A recommended template will be included in the invitation to Phase II. The SF 424 Research & Related Budget Form can be used as a guide but is required if the sub-recipient uses it. The cost breakdown should include the following, if applicable:

1. Direct Labor: Direct labor should be detailed by level of effort (i.e.

numbers of hours, etc.) of each labor category and the applicable labor rate. The source of labor rates shall be identified and verified. If rates are estimated, please provide the historical based used and clearly identify all escalation applied to derive the proposed rates.

2. Fringe Benefit Rates: The source of fringe benefit rate shall be identified and verified.

3. Travel: Travel costs must include a purpose and breakdown per trip to include destination, number of travelers, and duration.

4. Materials/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are based on vendor quotes and/or engineering estimates; provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.

5. Subrecipient costs: Submit all subrecipient proposals and analyses.

Provide the method of selection used to determine the subrecipient.

6. Tuition: Provide details and verification for any tuition amounts proposed.

7. Indirect Costs: Currently the negotiated indirect rate for awards through the CESU is 17.5%.

8. Any other proposed costs: The source should be identified and verified.

d. R&R Senior/Key Person Profile

1. Biographical Sketch

2. Disclosure of Current and Pending Support:

i. A list of all current projects the individual is working on, in addition to any future support the individual has applied to receive, regardless of the source.

ii. Title and objectives of the other research projects.

iii. The percentage per year to be devoted to the other projects.

iv. The total amount of support the individual is receiving in connection to each of the other research projects or will receive if other applications are awarded.

v. Name and address of the agencies and/or other parties supporting the other research projects.

vi. Period of performance for the other research projects.

e. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if award value exceeds $100,000.00)

f. Data Management Plan:

A data management plan is a document that describes which data generated through the course of the proposed research will be shared and preserved, how it will be done, or explains why data sharing or preservation is not possible or scientifically appropriate, or why the costs of sharing or preservation are incommensurate with the value of doing so. See also: DoD Instruction 3200.12.

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/320012p.pdf?ver =2019-04-30-073122-220

Data management plans are generally 2 pages in length, and must include the following considerations:

(1) The types of data, software, and other materials to be produced.

(2) How the data will be acquired.

(3) Time and location of data acquisition, if scientifically pertinent.

(4) How the data will be processed.

(5) The file formats and the naming conventions that will be used.

(6) A description of the quality assurance and quality control measures during collection, analysis, and processing.

(7) A description of dataset origin when existing data resources are used.

(8) A description of the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content.

(9) Appropriate timeframe for preservation.

(10) The plan may consider the balance between the relative value of data preservation and other factors such as the associated cost and administrative burden. The plan will provide a justification for such decisions.

3. ERDC will only accept full application packages submitted on or before 06 February

2025, 2:00pm Central Time (CT).

4. Submission Instructions Choose ONE of the following submission methods:

a. E-mail:

Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal to Phoebe Fuller (phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil).

b. Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/:

Applicants are not required to submit proposals through Grants.gov. However, if applications are submitted via the internet, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety.

All applicants choosing to use Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have and account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three weeks to complete Grants.gov registration. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html.

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active System for Award Management (SAM) registration to apply for Federal financial assistance.

C. Application Withdrawal:

An applicant may withdraw an application at any time before award by written notice via email. Notice of withdrawal shall be sent to the agency point of contact identified in this announcement, and are effective upon receipt.

D. Funding Restrictions

Per 2 CFR § 200.216, funds may not be used to procure telecommunications equipment or video surveillance services or equipment produced by

• Huawei Technologies Company,

• ZTE Corporation Hytera Communications Corporation,

• Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company,

• Dahua Technology Company

• any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities

Funds from an award may not be used to attain fee or profit.

V. Application Review Information

A. Selection Criteria Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria, listed in descending order of importance:

● Technical merits of the proposed research and development; and

● Prior field experience with quantifying ecological functions in living shorelines and marsh/SAV habitats, including:

o Flora and fauna monitoring surveys along a subtidal to upland gradient;

o Quantifying erosion and deposition patterns;

mailto:phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html

● Data analysis and GIS experience and/or numerical modeling of ecological functions of different shoreline types

B. Review and Selection Process:

Each application will be reviewed based on the selection criteria above rather than against other applications submitted under this Announcement.

Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable (see definitions below). The selection of the source for award will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

i. Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.

ii. Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

Note: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposals. When the Government elects to award only a part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization.

In addition to the technical/program review, the DoD performs a budget review and a risk review as directed by 2 CFR 200.206, including a review of the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). Applicants may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information entered into that system. Comments made by applicants will be taken into account in addition to other information in considering applicants’ integrity, business ethics, and record of performance.

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

The notification e-mail regarding a selection is not authorization to commit or expend DoD funds. A DoD grants officer is the only person authorized to obligate and approve the use of federal funds. This authorization is in the form of a signed Notice of Award. Applicants whose applications are recommended will be contacted by a DoD grants officer to discuss any additional information required for award. This may include representations and certifications, revised budgets or budget explanations, or other information as applicable to the proposed award.

The award start date will be determined at this time.

VII. Reporting Requirements

The terms and conditions of the award will provide the specifics on how to submit the reports and any required sections for those reports.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.328 (Financial Reporting) and 2 CFR 200.329 (Program Performance)

Report Requirements/Form Frequency Means of Submission ERDC Progress Report Upon submittal of SF

Upon submittal of SF

E-mail

Research Performance Progress Reports (Interim and Final)

OMB Control Number:

0704-0527

Annually E-mail

Financial Report SF 425 Bi-annually E-mail Payment Report SF 270 Monthly E-mail Closeout Report Once E-mail

Awardees will need to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR 170: Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information.

The terms and conditions of the award will provide the specifics on how to submit the reports and any required sections for those reports.

VIII. Federal Contacts

Questions should be directed to:

Phoebe Fuller Grant Specialist Phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil

Zavien Beal Grants Officer Zavien.t.beal@usace.army.mil

Questions regarding Grants.gov should be directed to: the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov.

IX. Other Information

The Federal government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. Only grants officers can bind the Federal government to the expenditure of fund.

Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov for potential amendments to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. You can also elect to be automatically notified by Grants.gov whenever there is a change to the opportunity.

Applications must not include any information that has been identified as classified national security information under authorities established in Executive Order 12958, Classified National Security Information.

mailto:Phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil mailto:Zavien.t.beal@usace.army.mil mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:support@grants.gov