B01-RSOI Package W9126G-25-2-SOI-25045 Dry Season Prey.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

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

P.O. BOX 17300

FORT WORTH, TX 76102-0300

29 July 2025

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST

W9126G-25-2-SOI-25045

Applicants must be a member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions: Gulf Coast, Piedmont–South Atlantic Coast, and South Florida-Caribbean

Project Title: Dry Season Prey Concentrations

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 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 $234,142.70 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.

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: 2 pages, single-spaced, 12 pt. font):

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

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

a. Biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator, to include specific experience and capabilities in areas related to this project’s requirements, meeting the qualifications of holding a Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other relevant related field of study, AND have direct experience monitoring native aquatic fauna in the Everglades, AND have experience conducting seasonal sampling across large spatial scales and remote locations, AND expert knowledge of Everglade’s ecology. Preference given to those with a working knowledge of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

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

c. Biographical sketched of personnel available to support this project, meeting qualifications in the SOO, 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, laboratory facilities, greenhouse 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

1. Statements of Interest (SOI) are due by 2:00 P.M., Central Time, on 28 August 2025, submit to the parties listed below

2. Direct questions no later than 12 August 2025, via email to the parties listed below.

Nicholas A. Aprea Grants Specialist USACE, Fort Worth District Email: nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.mil Office: 817-886-1925

Niki Baker Project Manager USACE, Fort Worth District Email: nicole.d.baker@usace.army.mil Office: 918-669-4939

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 mailto:nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.mil mailto:nicole.d.baker@usace.army.mil 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 R. VENDEMIA

Grants Officer

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

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

Dry Season Prey Concentrations

For US Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Article III, (D) of the following Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU):

Gulf Coast, Piedmont–South Atlantic Coast, and South Florida-Caribbean 28 July 2025

1.0 PURPOSE

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000 authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) as a framework for modifications and operational changes to the Central and Southern Florida Project needed to restore the South Florida ecosystem. Provisions within WRDA 2000 provide for specific authorization for an adaptive assessment and monitoring program. A Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) (RECOVER 2004, 2006, 2009) has been developed as the primary tool to assess the systemwide performance of the CERP by the Restoration, Coordination and Verification (RECOVER) program. The MAP presents the monitoring and supporting research needed to measure responses of the South Florida ecosystem to CERP implementation. The proposed research for this Cooperative Agreement will collect new data to fulfill the long-term restoration efforts in the Florida Everglades and support regulations dictated by the CERP.

Wading birds are a dominant predator in the Everglades ecosystem and breeding population responses are integrative and reflective of many aspects of the wetland habitat; thus, wading birds have been identified as a key ecological indicator of restoration success. It has been hypothesized that the collapse of wading bird nesting colonies in the southern Everglades can be attributed to declines in the production and seasonal concentrations of marsh fishes and other aquatic organisms (collectively referred to as prey). Restoration of natural hydrologic conditions is expected to re-establish distributions of prey production and prey densities across the landscape that, in turn, will support the return of large, successful wading bird nesting colonies to the southern Everglades. Data from this project provide estimates of prey densities available to wading birds during the breeding season. The information collected also provides a measure of microhabitat to inform models that predict maximum prey densities during the dry season.

Information produced from this support provides the primary linkage between the production of prey during the wet season and wading bird nesting activity in the Everglades. Identifying where and when prey densities form and whether those densities are precursors to successful feeding and nesting by wading birds, as hypothesized (Kahl 1964, Gawlik 2002), provides the information necessary to inform operational and management decisions, particularly during the dry season. This support is essential to quantitatively link hydrologic fluctuations, prey populations, and wading bird nesting, which collectively represent the elements of key trophic processes that underlie anticipated ecological benefits of CERP implementation.

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 United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)- Jacksonville District objectives pursuant to the authority 10 U.S.C. § 4001 - 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, instead of acquiring goods or services for the exclusive direct benefit of the United States Government. 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 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.

2.4 The USACE will participate in study site selections, design, and work plan development. USACE will participate in field data collection efforts as appropriate, will review quarterly status reports, and will provide input to data interpretation for final reports, as well as review quarterly, annual and final reports. USACE will incorporate the data and analysis into a system-wide database that assesses and evaluates ecosystem restoration efforts in central and southern Florida. Scientific and technical information generated from the cooperative agreement will be utilized to evaluate project/restoration performance and system responses to be used in the development of assessment reports describing and interpreting those responses.

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this support is to monitor how dry season prey densities and biomasses vary through space and time and to link observed variation to environmental factors associated with the implementation of the CERP.

Specifically, the objectives include:

1) Measure the spatial patterns of maximum aquatic fauna densities across the freshwater Everglades as seasonal drying progresses across the landscape.

2) Analyze inter-annual variation in maximum aquatic fauna densities and biomasses in the context of hydrologic variation.

3) Examine possible correlates between maximum aquatic fauna densities and local site characteristics, hydrologic patterns, and regional aquatic fauna population size.

3.1 PROJECT TASKS

3.1.1 Task 1 – Kick-off Meeting, Work Plan, and Permits (Mandatory):

The PI will conduct a Kick-off Meeting with the USACE within fifteen (15) business days of cooperative agreement (CA) award and any subsequent Follow-on Period (FOP) awards. The Kick-off Meeting can be attended in-person or remotely. The PI will provide an overview of the project, introduce the project team, and define the project chain of command. The USACE will communicate to the PI any methodological requirements to be used when executing and reporting tasks as outlined. These methodologies are briefly described in this CA in the activities above. The MAP Assessment Strategy (RECOVER 2006) provides guidance in assessment methodologies. The Kick-off Meeting provides the opportunity for the PI and USACE to coordinate the project tasks outlined below.

Within fifteen (15) days following the Kick-off Meeting, the PI will submit an electronic copy of meeting summary from the Kick-off Meeting and the Draft Work Plan. The RECOVER Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) will respond with comments to the PI within fifteen (15) business days after the receipt of the meeting summary and Draft Work Plan. The PI shall address comments and submit a Final Work Plan, which will be submitted to the USACE fifteen (15) days upon receipt by the PI. Upon its approval in writing (email approval is sufficient) by the USACE RECOVER TPOC the Final Work Plan shall become the working document for this agreement. The PI will proceed with the performance of the agreement in accordance with the approved Final Work Plan and the requirements of this CA. In the event of any conflict between this CA and the Final Work Plan, the Final Work Plan shall take precedence. The Final Work Plan will be updated, as necessary, at the beginning of each new FOP.

The PI will begin preparations to execute field sampling within fifteen (15) days of CA execution. This includes acquiring and assembling any specialty equipment needed and working with USACE staff to become familiar with sampling protocols and equipment provided to the PI by the USACE.

Submittal of a CA for a project that will take place on Department of Interior (DOI) lands is acknowledgement that the PI has reviewed and understands the permit requirements for all applicable federal and state agencies and tribal lands, including the National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the State of Florida. Permits anticipated for completing this work are described in Section 5.0. Any required permits obtained in support of the project shall be delivered to the USACE RECOVER TPOC.

3.1.2 Task 2 – Dry Season Prey Concentration Sampling (Mandatory):

The PI will sample prey densities, biomasses, and associated hydrologic and environmental covariates (i.e., water depth, vegetation composition) across the freshwater extent of the Everglades (Water Conservation Areas, Everglades National Park, see Figure 1) in the dry season. Consistent with hypotheses that suggest aquatic fauna become increasingly vulnerable to wading bird predation as the wetland water depths recede, samples should be collected at sites with water depths between 10 and 30cm. To achieve this, the PI shall conduct sampling from approximately January through mid-May as wetland water depths recede and enter the 10-30cm depth window. The number of samples collected must be sufficient to make statistically robust inferences of prey densities and biomasses at a regional spatial resolution.

3.1.3 Task 3 – Data Analyses (Mandatory):

The PI will summarize, analyze, and report annual measures of mean prey densities and biomasses down to the lowest practicable taxonomic level at a regional spatial scale. Analyses should also include an examination of density and biomass in the context of hydrologic and environmental variation.

3.1.4 Task 4 – Participation in RECOVER Regional Team Support (Mandatory):

The PI will participate in up to six (6) 2-hour virtual RECOVER meetings and up to two (2) 6-hour in-person workshops each year to provide updates on or engage in discussions regarding the project or project-related RECOVER efforts.

The PI will attend, and participate, in up to four virtual (4) Greater Everglades Regional Team meetings during the course of each Period of Performance.

The PI will present a summary of completed support to a Regional Team or other science meeting when scheduled by the RECOVER TPOC after the conclusion of each field monitoring season. This presentation shall include an

MS PowerPoint presentation that summarizes all support that has been provided, including data analysis and interpretations that highlight all spatial and statistical relationships found. The PI shall also list recommendations for further data analysis and/or collection. The PI shall provide the USACE an electronic copy via email of the MS PowerPoint presentation made at the scheduled Regional Team meeting. If electronic files are too large to submit via email, the PI may choose to transfer such files through an FTP site or to provide it on a compact disc.

3.1.5 Task 5 – Expansion of Spatial Scope of Surveys (Optional):

The spatial coverage of sampling conducted under Task 2 may be expanded with this Optional Task to areas not mentioned above (e.g., Big Cypress National Preserve) and or increase the spatial resolution within existing monitoring areas.

The support of this task would be directed by USACE in collaboration with the PI.

The results of any expansion in effort will be appropriately incorporated into the Annual Report.

3.1.6 Task 6 – Dry Season Prey Concentrations System Status Report Assessment (Optional):

The PI will provide up to ten (10) days to work with the Regional Coordinator(s) to assist in the development of the System Status Report (SSR) as applicable.

Most information provided shall be drawn from submitted Annual Reports. The PI shall contribute to the RECOVER System Status Report with an assessment, including status determination, of dry season aquatic fauna densities and biomasses in the context of CERP implementation and other factors that influence aquatic fauna concentrations. The USACE RECOVER TPOC will provide clear and concise recommendations to guide development of the SSR.

3.1.7 Task 7 – Dry Season Prey Concentrations Performance Measure Updates (Optional):

Information generated from mandatory Tasks 2-6 above may be used to construct a RECOVER Performance Measure to include methods to simulate aquatic fauna responses, and/or update current methods used to interpret real-world responses of aquatic fauna concentrations, to hydrologic variation associated with CERP implementation.

3.1.8 Task 8 – Monitoring Plan Evaluation (Optional):

RECOVER expects to update the MAP within the duration of this 5-year Cooperative Agreement. Support of this task entails the Cooperator providing a statistical review of monitoring methodology to determine if monitoring efforts are robust and align with RECOVER’s need to assess whether the goals and objectives of CERP are being met.

3.1.9 Task 9 – Synthesis of Dry Season Prey Concentrations and Wading Bird Breeding Activity (Optional):

The PI will conduct an inter-annual synthesis of prey density and biomass patterns and wading bird breeding activity to examine the hypothesis that increased aquatic fauna density and biomass concentrations during the dry season support wading bird breeding activity and success.

4.0 CONSIDERATION

The PI is not required to perform services on federal holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day Washington’s Birthday Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Christmas Day Independence Day

5.0 QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Successful applicants should hold a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other relevant related field of study and should have direct experience monitoring native aquatic fauna in the Everglades. Applicants should have experience conducting seasonal sampling across large spatial scales and in remote locations. Applicants should have expert knowledge of Everglades’ ecology, and those with a working knowledge of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will be treated preferentially.

The PI must be able to acquire or already possess required research permits to conduct sampling within Everglades National Park (National Park Service Research Permit), the Water Conservation Areas (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Research Permit), and A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Special Use Permit for flights over refuge).

6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS OR PROPERTY

6.1 Physical Data: Data sets and information associated with this project are the property of USACE and the DOD. Recipient/Cooperator may use the data sets and information associated with this cooperative agreement for internal research and educational purposes, including but not limited to publication.

7.0 FOLLOW-ON PERIODS

7.1 In addition to the Base Year, four (4), twelve (12) month Follow-on Periods (FOP) are anticipated subject to availability of funds.

8.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

8.1 All tasks (mandatory and optional) will be for a period of 12 months that will begin from date of each task award.

9.0 COORDINATION

Niki Baker Project Manager Regional Planning and Environmental Center Fort Worth District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nicole.D.Baker@usace.army.mil

Jennifer John RECOVER Project Manager Planning and Policy Division Jacksonville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 701 San Marco Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 Jennifer.H.John@usace.army.mil

Tasso Cocoves, MS Biologist – RECOVER Technical Point of Contact Planning and Policy Division Jacksonville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 701 San Marco Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 Tasso.C.Cocoves@usace.army.mil

10.0 DELIVERABLES

Detailed descriptions of any required deliverables required (reports, plans, etc.)

and formats. Provide delivery schedules. At a minimum these deliverables should include:

10.1 Work Plans and permits (see Task 1)

10.1.1 One (1) electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of a Draft Work Plan shall be submitted within ten (10) days after the execution of the work order.

mailto:Nicole.D.Baker@usace.army.mil mailto:Jennifer.H.John@usace.army.mil mailto:Tasso.C.Cocoves@usace.army.mil

10.1.2 One (1) electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of the Final Work Plan shall be submitted within forty-five (45) days after the execution of the work order.

10.1.3 Any and all permits associated with or required to support awarded Tasks in the Final Work Plan shall be included with the Final Work Plan in an appendix.

10.2 Four (4) Quarterly Status Reports (QSR) or Progress Reports (PR) shall be submitted for every three-month period, or quarter, following the award of the CA and any subsequent Follow-on Periods. These QSRs 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.

Quarters:

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

10.2.1 Deliverable 1.1: Electronic copy (email attachment in Microsoft [MS] Word format) of the QSR every quarter from award of CA and subsequent Follow-on Periods.

10.3 Annual Reports (AR) shall be submitted prior to the end of the 12-month period of performance for this CA, including any subsequent Follow-on Periods. Each AR shall summarize activities and results from all executed Tasks, including all executed Optional Tasks, within each Period as well as analyses of spatial and temporal trends in the parameters of interest. The ARs shall summarize results to date, provide the information needed to develop the System Status Report (SSR), and include an assessment and/or analysis of the data as it relates to CERP hypotheses from the MAP. ARs shall be comprised of an introduction placing monitoring into the context of CERP and Everglades restoration, summaries of all executed Tasks within the existing Base or Follow-on Periods, results of any analyses and assessments conducted, discussion of results, and conclusions presented within the context of CERP and Everglades restoration.

The Draft Annual Report will be reviewed by the USACE RECOVER Technical POC and the RECOVER Greater Everglades Regional Coordinators within fifteen (15) days upon submission. Comments will be provided for the PI to address in the Final Annual Report. A data file (Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet or CSV file) of all quality assured data will accompany each Annual Report.

10.3.1 Deliverable 2.1: Electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of a Draft Annual Report shall be submitted in September of each year.

10.3.2 Deliverable 2.2: Electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of a Final Annual Report shall be submitted in September of each year.

10.3.3 Deliverable 2.3: Electronic copy of all data collected, and quality assured submitted as a Microsoft Excel or CSV file.

10.4 Task 6 Deliverable: PI Contribution to the System Status Report (SSR) – Upon the execution of Task 6 (Optional), results of the work performed under this CA shall be used to develop the cumulative annual findings outlined in the System Status Report (SSR). The SSR provides an assessment of whether the goals and purposes of CERP are being achieved by comparing monitoring results to established interim goals (incremental restoration benchmarks established for the ecological indicator). The PI of this CA shall collaborate with the Greater Everglades Regional Coordinator(s) in developing the SSR and their participation shall be included as a Task (Task 6) in this work breakdown structure.

10.5 Task 7 Deliverable: Performance Measure Documentation Sheet. Electronic copy of the draft RECOVER Performance Measure Documentation Sheet will be provided to the RECOVER TPOC for technical review by RECOVER. The PI shall address comments and submit a draft final RECOVER Performance Measure Documentation Sheet for RECOVER approval. The RECOVER TPOC will provide a documentation sheet template for use by the PI. An electronic copy (email attachment in MS Word format) of RECOVER Performance Measure Documentation Sheet shall be submitted at the completion of this Optional Task of the CA.

10.6 Task 8 Deliverable: Upon the completion of Task 8, the PI shall submit a separate report to summarize methods and results of a statistical review of monitoring methodology and a discussion of its alignment with RECOVER’s need to assess whether the goals and objectives of CERP are being met. The PI shall also submit all datasets and statistical code developed to conduct analyses used to examine the monitoring methodology. An electronic copy of the report (email attachment in MS Word format) and supporting files used for the statistical review will be submitted at the completion of the Optional Task of the CA.

10.7 Task 9 Deliverable: Upon the completion of Task 9, the PI shall submit a separate synthesis report with and Executive Summary as well as introduction, methods, results, and discussion sections describing how the examination of aquatic fauna density and biomass concentrations were related to wading bird breeding activity. The PI shall also submit all datasets and statistical code developed to conduct the analysis. An electronic copy of the report (email attachment in MS Word format) and supporting files used for the statistical review will be submitted at the completion of the Optional Task of the CA.

10.8 Draft Final Project Report – Electronic copy of a draft final report shall be submitted no later than one month before end of the project. At a minimum, the report shall summarize activities and results from all executed Tasks, including all executed Optional Tasks, within each Period as well as analyses of spatial and temporal trends in the parameters of interest. The report shall summarize results to date, provide the information needed to develop the next System Status Report (SSR), and include an assessment and/or analysis of the data as it relates to CERP hypotheses from the MAP. The report shall be comprised of an introduction placing monitoring into the context of CERP and Everglades restoration, summaries of all executed Tasks within the existing Base or Follow-on Periods, results of any analyses and assessments conducted, discussion of results, and conclusions presented within the context of CERP and Everglades restoration. USACE POC staff will review and provide comments, if any, within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt.

10.9 Final Project Report. One (1) paper copy of the final report, incorporating USACE POC review comments on the draft, if any, shall be submitted no later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of the USACE POC comments. Additionally, one (1) copy of the final report shall be submitted in a MSWord file(s), on digital media. All data gathered for project Tasks shall be submitted with the Final Project Report as a Microsoft Excel or Comma Separated Value (CSV) file.

11.0 POST AWARD AND INVOICE PROCESS

11.1 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.

11.2 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.

Quarters:

Q1: Oct-Dec Q1: 31 Jan Q2: Jan-Mar Q2: 30 Apr Q3: Apr-Jun Q3: 30 Jul Q4: Jul-Sep Q4: 31 Oct

11.3 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.

Invoice pkgs due no later than (NTL):

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

11.4 SF270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement

11.4.1 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/.

11.4.2 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.

11.5 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

• 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

11.6 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 https://sam.gov/ mailto:swf-cesu-invoice@usace.army.mil 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.

12.0 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 Indirect Cost 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 https://www.grants.gov/forms

13.0 FIGURES:

Figure 1. Map of southern Florida, the RECOVER regions, and the Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) 1, 2, and 3, Everglades National Park.

Sampling for this Cooperative Agreement will take place within the WCAs and Everglades National Park, with an Optional Task (Task 5) to expand into Big Cypress National Preserve.

14.0 REFERENCES

Monitoring and Assessment Plan (Part 2), Assessment Strategy for the Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP), December 2006.

END OF STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES