FOA W911KB-25-2-0012 CRREL Permafrost.pdf

1.0 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA)

Funding Agency:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District PO Box 6898

JBER AK 99506

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity No: W911KB-25-2-0012

CFDA No: 12.005

Program Title: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility Wetland Restoration using Engineering with Nature Solutions

Issue Date: 04 August 2025 Application Due Date: 03 September 2025

Overview:

This project is intended to provide wetland restoration using Engineering with Nature (EWN) solutions assistance to US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility (PTRF) near Fort Wainwright Alaska (FWA). Across the Arctic and sub-arctic, permafrost degradation is reshaping and modifying northern ecosystems through substantial changes in soil/water content, which impacts soils, sediments, and aquatic environments integral to constraining terrain instability, microbial diversity, vegetation succession, and water quality. The CRREL PTRF support project will restore natural drainage above the PTRF to protect the permafrost tunnel and enhance wetlands.

This project implements the installation Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) with the objective of providing healthy and resilient environments that are sustainable settings for military training while protecting and enhancing biological diversity and ecological health on all Department of Defense (DoD) lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations. Some of the benefits to the natural resources include improving existing hydrological connectivity, water quality, wetland protection, permafrost soil protection, and prevent further damage and rehabilitate soils to public lands.

This project is intended to assist CRREL in implementing the INRMP, mandated by the Sikes Act, on Alaska lands providing for “natural resource protection, enhancement, and restoration, where necessary for support of fish, wildlife, or plants”. This project meets the requirements of the 2020 U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Alaska INRMP and fulfills agency responsibilities for natural resource stewardship. The project supports the Army Military Resiliency and their INRMP goals and objectives. The project will improve the surfaces to protect the waterways for enhanced water quality, protect and prevent damage to natural resources, protect permafrost soils, and maintain quality training lands goals.

Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 670 (Sikes Act).

Award shall be limited to States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a).

Estimated Total Funding: $66,000.00 Estimated Number of Awards: 1 (one)

Contents of Full Text Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description V. Application Review Information

II. Award Information VI. Award Administration Information

III. Eligibility Information VII. Agency Contacts

IV. Application Information VIII. Other Information

Contact Information: Questions relating to Grants.gov including the registration process and system requirements should be directed to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

Applicant Questions and Comments: For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact the Grants Specialist, pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil no later than 10 calendars prior to the Application Due Date.

Instructions to Applicants:

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement shall be submitted by the application due date. Applications may be submitted electronically via email or through Grants.gov.

Applicants shall have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number, registration with the System of Award Management (SAM), and registration with Grants.gov, if submitting application through Grants.gov.

See Section IV of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

ENTER SOW HERE

Section II: Award Information

1. Type of Award: This Funding Opportunity Announcement is for a competed cooperative agreement.

2. Funding: The total funded Project Cost Ceiling for this requirement is $66,000.00.

3. Period of Performance: The period of performance for this task shall not exceed 18 months from date of award.

4. Substantial involvement. The Government will have substantive involvement throughout the execution of this requirement. The Recipient will work directly with the Government point of contact (POC) to coordinate and implement the project requirements at the PTRF and military lands. This project will provide technical support for natural resource management, site specific project planning, and best management practices land development. The Government will routinely collaborate with the Recipient, via in-person meetings or virtual meetings, to ensure compliance and timely execution of the Statement of Work (SOW) requirements. The Recipient will collaborate with the Government on the permafrost evaluation, wetland restoration efforts, best management practices, planning, project implementation, and progress reports for all activities completed during the period of performance.

Section III: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – Application submission is open to all that meet the criteria of this announcement. Award shall be limited to States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, pursuant to the authority of 16 U.S.C.

670c-1(a).

2. Cost Sharing – This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

3. Other Information –

Use of the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS): To protect the public interest, the Federal Government ensures the integrity of Federal programs by striving to conduct business only with responsible organizations. The Government uses the “Exclusions” within the Performance Information functional area of the SAM and data from FAPIIS, a component within SAM, to verify that an organization is eligible to receive Federal awards. More information about SAM and FAPIIS is available at https://sam.gov/.

Review of Risk: The following areas may be reviewed in evaluating the risk posed by an applicant: financial stability; quality of management systems and operational controls;

history of performance; reports and findings from audits; ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on recipients of Federal awards.

https://sam.gov/

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package:

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. USACE is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an applicant’s inability to access documents posted at the referenced website.

The administrative point of contact is the Grants Specialist, Pamela Iverson, at pamela.iverson@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. Signed SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance

b. SF 424 A – Budget Information for Non-construction Programs

c. SF 424 B – Assurances – Non-Construction Programs

d. Program Narrative –

i. Brief program description illustrating applicant’s ability to meet the goals and objectives described in Section I of this announcement. Refer to Section V for narrative requirements.

ii. A current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or a statement stating the applicant is eligible and electing to use the de minimis rate – If Applicable.

e. Evidence of Eligibility per Section III of the opportunity instructions – Required if not checked in SAM.gov.

3. Application shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 03 September 2025; 2:00 PM (Alaska Time) via email or through Grants.gov.

4. Submission Instructions:

Applications may be submitted by email or via the internet through Grants.gov. Choose ONE

(1) of the following submission methods:

a. Email:

Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail application and required forms to the Grants Specialist, Pamela Iverson, at pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil. Only

b. Internet:

Applicants are not required to submit applications 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 and within the date and time required.

The Government bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission of conversion processes associated with electronic submissions. The Government will bear no responsibility for delays in submissions due to technical difficulties at or with the Grants.gov website.

All applicants choosing to use Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have an account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three (3) weeks to complete Grants.gov registration.

For more information on registration, go to http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants.

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil http://www.grants.gov/ForApplicants

Section V: Application Review Information

Application Submission Evaluation Criteria and Basis of Award

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility

Wetland Restoration using Engineering with Nature Solutions

July 2025

INITIAL REVIEW: The Government will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with Section III of the announcement; (2) all information required by Section IV has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

The Government will evaluate technical submissions in accordance with the criteria described herein and award a cooperative agreement to the eligible, qualified, and responsible applicant whose submission is determined to be most likely to be successful. The Government will not award a cooperative agreement to an applicant whose submission contains a deficiency.

The evaluation factors for this action are:

Factor 1: Experience (most important technical factor)

Factor 2: Technical Approach (2nd most important technical factor)

Factor 3: Cost (3rd most important factor)

After listing submission strengths, weaknesses and deficiencies, the Government will assign an adjective rating of Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Unacceptable to each technical factor which reflects the Government's confidence in each applicant's ability, as demonstrated in its submission, to perform the requirements stated in the Statement of Work (SOW). The adjectival ratings shall be assigned, using the following criteria, which incorporate a submission risk assessment:

Adjectival Rating

Description

Outstanding Submission indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements and contains multiple strengths.

Good Submission indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements and contains at least one (1) strength.

Acceptable Submission indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements.

Marginal Submission has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements or contains an element of risk.

Unacceptable Submission does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one (1) or more deficiencies and is unawardable.

APPLICATION EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Each applicant shall be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria below. The selection criteria are listed in descending order of importance.

Factor 1 Past Performance/Experience

The applicant shall demonstrate prior project experience relevant to the attached SOW, completed within the last five (5) years of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, and other qualifications and technical competence in all of the following areas:

1. Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) Natural resource management programs and understanding conservation elements necessary to monitor, manage, protect, and conserve training areas and range facilities for optimal management of public lands under military control. Applicant(s) may receive greater consideration for previous experience working with the Government in an aforementioned capacity.

2. Experience with management/treatment of vegetation control/modification, erosion control/soil stabilization, forest management, seeding/re-vegetation, fertilization, and restore natural drainage on military lands.

3. Experience improving water quality and short and long-term effectiveness of land use for military training purposes.

4. Experience improving existing hydrological connectivity, wetland protection, and permafrost soil protection.

5. Experience planning and managing time critical work, performing studies, projects or plans in accordance with applicable guidance and regulations.

The applicant shall provide examples of up to four (4) past projects of similar size, scope and complexity that best demonstrate the above qualifications. Submit projects that are at least 50% complete or were completed within the past five (5) years. Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience shall provide a statement in their proposal to that affect. Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience may submit reference information for key personnel that will be working on this project that have performed work under past federal assistance agreements. The example project summaries shall be limited to one (1) page each. The example project summaries shall identify:

• Title/Subject

• Location

• Duration

• Brief description

• Roles and work self-performed

• Date project began and if completed

• Complexities or key accomplishments

• Client contact information

The Government will utilize the example project summaries to evaluate the capability and experience as a basis for comparing applicants to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering results.

Factor 2 Technical Approach

The applicant shall provide a brief narrative of their technical approach and a milestone schedule. The narrative shall be no more than two (2) pages per main task and must include:

• A discussion of the technical approach to accomplish the SOW requirements.

• A discussion of the quality assurance, quality control, and other technical activities that will be implemented to ensure that quality data are collected to support project data quality objectives.

• A discussion of applicable regulatory requirements and how project requirements will be implemented.

• A discussion of all assumptions. The inclusion of numerous assumptions that significantly “assume away” applicant risk regarding major issues or problems that may be encountered on the project will be considered unacceptable.

The applicant shall also provide an organizational chart with the proposed project team with defined roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication for all key personnel and sub-recipients. The Government will review, evaluate, and compare the technical approach documentation received from each applicant to determine the applicant most likely to be successful in delivering results.

Factor 3 Cost

The applicant shall provide a narrative of the proposed cost to the Government during the Period of Performance, as this data must be reviewed and evaluated to aid in determining fairness and reasonableness. In accordance with Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, non-Federal entities may not earn or keep any profit (or comparable fees) resulting from Federal Financial Assistance actions. Therefore, any applications that contain profit and/or fees will be excluded from consideration because the government cannot compensate for profit or fees on Federal Financial Assistance awards (i.e., Grants and Cooperative Agreements).

Allowable costs incurred by States, local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations, and individuals are determined in accordance with the provision of Cost Principles of 2 CFR 200. OMB’s cost principles are contained in 2 CFR 200.400-.475 et seq.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(c), the Department of Defense has deviated from the indirect cost rates negotiated between the cognizant Federal agencies and institutions of higher education (IHEs) and will instead limit indirect cost rates to 15% for all Federal assistance awards. Refer to Section VI, Award Administration Information, paragraph 2

Cost is considered less important than non-cost factors and will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness, per OMB cost principles. If more than one (1) application is rated as having equal non-cost factors, the lowest cost budget of the applications received would be granted as the preferred budget unless there are extraordinary reasons for not doing so.

Section VI: Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices Written notice of award will be given in conjunction with issuance of a cooperative agreement signed by a Grants Officer. The cooperative agreement will contain the effective date of the agreement, the period of performance, funding information, and all terms and conditions. The recipient is required to sign and return the document before work under the agreement commences. Work described in this announcement SHALL NOT begin without prior authorization from a Grants Officer.

Anticipated Award Date:

Announcement Issue Date: 04 August 2025 Application Due Date: 03 September 2025 Estimated Award Date: No later than 30 September 2025

2. Administrative Requirements The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement is subject to the administrative requirements of the Office of Management and Budget Grant and Agreement Regulations, Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Subtitle A, including Title 2 C.F.R.

Part 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards"; Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulatory System (DoDGARS), Title 2, C.F.R. Chapter XI; and Title 32, C.F.R. Chapter I, Subchapter C except Parts 32 and 33.

Plaintiffs in the AAU v. DoD indirect cost rate litigation (D. Mass., No. 25-cv-11740) have filed suit and have received a temporary restraining order (TRO). The DoD will not implement the 15 Percent Indirect Cost Rate Cap while the TRO remains in effect. However, the 15 Percent Indirect Cost Cap on Assistance Awards to Institutions of Higher Education will be applicable for the entirety of the award if there is a court decision permitting application of DoD policies.

3. Reporting The cooperative agreement issued under this announcement will establish reporting requirements which, in general, will consist of quarterly progress reports and annual reports (see Section 1, Funding Opportunity Description, Statement of Work for reporting details). See 2 CFR Sections 200.328 for financial reporting requirements, 200.329 for performance reporting requirements, and 200.330 for real property reporting requirements.

See 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII for Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance.

Section VII: Agency Contact

Pamela Iverson, Grants Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contracting Division Attn: CEPOA-CT P.O. Box 6898

JBER, AK 99506-0898

Phone: (907) 753-2555 Email: pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil

Section VIII: Other Information

1. Only Grants Officers are legally authorized to bind the Government to an agreement.

The Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement.

2. Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement should be submitted to the Agency Contact in Section VII, and no later than no later than 10 calendars prior to the Application Due Date. Questions received after this date may not be answered.

3. Responses should reference Funding Opportunity Number W911KB-25-2-0012

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