Funding Opportunity Announcement W911KB-25-2-0011.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-25-2-0011

CFDA No: 12.005

Program Title: Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Implementation U.S. Army Garrison, Alaska (SOW 25-01)

Issue Date: 24 July 2025 Application Due Date: 29 August 2025

Overview:

This project is intended to provide Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP) implementation support to U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (USAG Alaska) Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division / Planning Branch / Natural Resources Management Section. The Recipient will provide soil, water and vegetation protection and repair, erosion control, vegetation and soil rehabilitation, sensitive area protection and habitat management, forest management, and trail improvements to the impacted military training areas. The improvements will provide optimal management of training lands, to minimize restrictions to the military mission due to natural resource related constraints. The project area is within the Fort Greely and Fort Wainwright, Alaska training lands to include the Donnelly Training Area and Yukon Training Area.

This project implements the installation’s 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 USAG Alaska lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations. Some of the benefits to the natural resources include ensuring access improvements will not adversely impact existing hydrological connectivity, wetland protection, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, and prevent damage and rehabilitate soils.

This project will support recreational and forest management activities on USAG-AK managed lands. The intent of this project is to improve recreational trail access, signage, and trail brushing along Donnelly Dome and Birch Hill trails as well as improve access, enhance forest production, and provide forest products to commercial and personal use firewood cutters.

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: $385,620.00 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.

SOW 25-01

Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Implementation

US Army Garrison, Alaska

Task 1 – TA 531 Recreational Trail Access Improvement - Project Ceiling $33,240.00

Task 2 – Donnelly Dome Recreational Trail Access Improvement - Project Ceiling $33,960

Task 3 – Yukon Training Area Forest Products and Production - Project Ceiling $20,000

Optional Task 4 – Forest Health Protection and Timber Stand Improvement - Project

Ceiling $21,000 (unfunded)

Total Project Cost Ceiling: $87,200.00 for Tasks 1-3

15 July 2025

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to provide Integrated Natural Resource

Management Plan (INRMP) implementation support details to be performed by the Recipient in support of the U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (USAG-AK) Directorate of Public Works (DPW)

Environmental Division / Planning Branch / Natural Resources Management Section through a cooperative agreement between the Recipient and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Alaska District.

1.2 Background

The Sikes Act of 1960 requires that each Department of Defense (DoD) installation create and maintain their own INRMP providing for “natural resource protection, enhancement, and restoration, where necessary for support of fish, wildlife, or plants”. This project meets the requirements of the INRMP and fulfills agency responsibilities for natural resource stewardship.

Additionally, the described project is listed in the 5-year implementation plan of the 2020 USAG

Alaska INRMP.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this project is to assist the USAG-AK with the optimal management of training lands, to minimize restrictions to the military mission due to natural resource related constraints, to protect and enhance biological diversity and ecological health on all USAG-AK lands, and to ensure compliance with all environmental laws and regulations.

Specific objectives that apply to these projects include:

• Protect and enhance wetlands and watersheds

• Repair, revegetate, and enhance training areas

• Protect soil, water, and vegetative resources by preventing or mitigating soil erosion through conservation practices

• Improve water quality and increase long and short-term effectiveness of land use for military training purposes

• Maintain/manage perennial vegetation to support mission requirements and enhance stewardship

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

• Protect and enhance wildlife habitat

• Improve and enhance natural resource outreach and recreational utilization

• Provide natural resource technical assistance

3.0 MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Tasks include:

Task 1 – Training Area (TA) 531 Recreational Trail Access Improvement

Task 2 – Donnelly Dome Recreational Trail Access Improvement

Task 3 – Yukon Training Area Forest Products and Production

Optional Task 4 – Forest Health Protection and Timber Stand Improvement

3.1 Task 1 TA 531 Recreational Trail Access Improvement

3.1.1 Project Description

This project shall support recreational management activities on USAG-AK managed lands. The intent of this task is to improve recreational trail access, signage, and trail brushing along

Donnelly Training Area TA 531 and Fort Wainwright Main Post Birch Hill trails. This task will only be executed in the base year.

3.1.2 Objective

The objective of this project is to implement best management practices on trails managed for recreational use and military mission support as identified in USAG-AK INRMP. Trail management practices require continued maintenance support on actions conducted during previous years. The USAG-AK Garrison Commander has approved Sikes Act funding to be used for recreational trail improvements at Donnelly Training Area TA 531 and Fort Wainwright

Main Post Birch Hill. The trail systems at TA 531 and Birch Hill require vegetation management and signage.

3.1.3 Project Area

The project area is defined as USAG-AK training lands to include the Donnelly Training Area

TA 531 and Fort Wainwright Main Post.

3.1.4 Treatment

Vegetation

This project shall conduct general vegetation management using mechanical clearing, hand clearing, chipping, and firewood processing for trail clearing and general improvements.

Vegetation management efforts will be focused on approximately two (2) acres of targeted clearing in areas impacted by trail improvement projects as identified by USAG-AK Natural

Resource staff.

Signs

This project shall establish up to three (3) informational four (4) foot by four (4) foot signs with associated protective bollards using standard USAG-AK recreational access information.

Informational signs shall be in areas identified by USAG-AK Natural Resource staff.

Report

The final report shall map trail areas treated for vegetation management and state the locations of recreational access signs.

3.2 Task 2 Donnelly Dome Recreational Trail Access Improvement

3.2.1 Project Description

This project shall support recreational management activities on USAG-AK managed lands. The intent of this task is to improve recreational trail access, signage, and trail footing along

Donnelly Training Area Donnelly Dome and Fort Wainwright Main Post Birch Hill trails.

3.2.2 Objective

The objective of this project is to implement best management practices on trails managed for recreational use and military mission support as identified in USAG-AK INRMP. Trail management practices require continued maintenance support on actions conducted during previous years. The USAG Alaska Garrison Commander has approved Sikes Act funding to be used for recreational trail improvements at Donnelly Training Area TA 531 and Fort Wainwright

Main Post Birch Hill. The trail systems at TA 531 and Birch Hill require erosion management and signage.

3.2.3 Project Area

The project area is defined as USAG-AK training lands to include the Donnelly Training Area and Fort Wainwright Main Post.

3.2.4 Treatment

Trail Footing

This project shall conduct general erosion management using mechanical grubbing and hand grubbing for trail clearing and rerouting improvements. Total project trail footing efforts shall be focused on approximately 25,000 linear feet with approximately 5,000 linear feet annually of eroded trails in areas with unstable soils as identified by USAG-AK Natural Resource staff. This is a multi-year project covering approximately 25,000 linear feet total, work will be accomplished in annual increments of approximately 5,000 linear feet.

Signs

This project shall establish up to three (3) informational four (4) foot by four (4) foot signs with associated protective bollards using standard USAG-AK recreational access information.

Informational signs will be in areas identified by USAG-AK Natural Resource staff. This is a multi-year project covering up to fifteen (15) informational signs total, work will be accomplished in annual increments of up to three (3) signs.

Report

The final report shall map trail areas treated for erosion control and state the locations of recreational access signs.

3.3 Task 3 Yukon Training Area Forest Products and Production

3.3.1 Project Description

This project shall support forest management activities on USAG-AK managed lands. The intent of this project is to improve access, enhance forest production and provide forest products to commercial and personal use firewood cutters.

3.3.2 Objective

The objective of this project is to implement forest management practices on timber stands managed for firewood production and military mission support as identified in USAG-AK

INRMP. Forest management practices require continued maintenance support on actions conducted during previous years. Forest management activities require continued maintenance support on actions conducted during previous years.

3.3.3 Project Area

The project area is defined as USAG-AK training lands to include the Yukon Training Area and

Fort Wainwright Main Post.

3.3.4 Treatment

Vegetation

This project shall conduct general vegetation management using mechanical clearing, hand clearing, chipping, and firewood processing for commercial and personal use firewood cutters.

Vegetation Management efforts shall be focused on approximately one (1) acre of targeted clearing in areas identified by USAG-AK Natural Resource staff to improvement access to firewood areas. This is a multi-year project covering approximately five (5) acres total, work will be accomplished in annual increments of approximately one (1) acre.

Report

The final report shall map areas treated for vegetation management and document equipment use with before and after treatment photos.

3.4 Optional Task 4 Forest Health Protection and Timber Stand Improvement

3.4.1 Project Description

This project shall support forest management activities on USAG-AK managed lands used by the community and the Army. The intent of this project is to improve and protect the health of the forests on USAG-AK training lands.

3.4.2 Objective

The objective of this project is to protect and improve forest health by implementing forest management practices that reduce the occurrence of insect, disease, invasive species, fire, erosion, and physical damage to forested lands that support forest products production and military mission support as identified in USAG-AK INRMP. Forest health improvement practices require continued maintenance support on actions conducted during previous years.

3.4.3 Project Area

The project area is defined as USAG-AK lands to include Main Post, Yukon, Tanana Flats, Donnelly, Gerstle, and Black Rapids Training Areas.

3.4.4 Treatment

Vegetation

This project shall conduct timber management actions to support forest health utilizing mechanical and chemical vegetation management techniques standardized by the forestry industry. This project will utilize best management practices to protect forested lands as outlined in the State of Alaska’s Forest Practices Act and the USAG-AK INRMP.

Timber management efforts shall be focused on approximately two (2) acres of targeted clearing and access improvement in areas identified by USAG-AK Natural Resource staff to improvement forest health. This is a multi-year project covering approximately ten (10) acres total, work will be accomplished in annual increments of approximately two (2) acres.

Report

The final report shall map areas treated for forest health improvement and document equipment use with before and after treatment photos.

Exercise of Optional Task 4 is contingent upon the following: (1) subject to availability of current Fiscal Year funds at the time the option is awarded; and (2) if exercised, must be completed within the performance period stated in paragraph 10.0 Period of Performance. Any option may be exercised within the Period of Performance, at the discretion of the Grants

Officer. Inclusion of options does not commit the Government to consider the options or obligate the Government to exercise any such right. If any options are awarded by the Grants Officer, they become a part of the work required by the CA.

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements are common to all tasks listed in Section 3.0.

4.1 Services

The Recipient shall provide services required for the professional preparation, editing, and printing of reports presenting findings for future USAG-AK planning and consultation purposes.

The Recipient shall ensure personnel have developed working relationships with range management personnel and other garrison staff regarding the aspects of this project and in support of the USAG-AK Environmental Office.

4.2 Equipment, Supplies, and Materials

The Recipient shall provide supplies and materials as necessary to accomplish tasks in field and office settings as defined in Section 3.0 to include but not limited to project-specific software, computers / laptops, global positioning system (GPS) units, other field-related technical equipment, and field camp equipment and supplies. Required equipment includes that necessary for safety and communication with Army Range Control– cellular phones, satellite phones, and

SPOT or like devices.

4.3 Transportation

The Recipient shall provide vehicles—4x4 trucks/cars, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, and aircraft (rotary or fixed wing)—as necessary to access remote areas and complete tasks in back country, remote, or other installation settings.

4.4 Travel

The Recipient shall facilitate necessary travel within and outside of Alaska as required to accomplish task requirements and meet with consulting agencies and stakeholders. Recipient personnel shall be required to maintain an agile work schedule as travel to and work in remote training areas may be rescheduled as needed for range management and mission training.

Recipient personnel may be required to travel on government-provided fixed or rotary wing aircraft during the execution of tasks on Fort Wainwright-managed lands. Recipient personnel may utilize General Services Administration (GSA) government or military vehicles, after acquiring the proper training, and if available.

5.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL

The Government shall supply access to Army-managed lands as necessary to complete this project. The Government may supply use of GSA government or military vehicles to accomplish tasks defined in Section 3.0, when available and deemed appropriate and after

Recipient personnel acquire proper training. The Government may supply use of government-provided fixed or rotary wing aircraft to tasks defined in Section 3.0, when available and deemed appropriate and after Recipient personnel acquire proper training. The Government may provide office space, as available, for accomplishment of tasks and to facilitate on-site work, including providing access to the Government computer system via software and hardware to accomplish this project in the office setting.

6.0 REPORTS, DELIVERABLES, AND SCHEDULE

The Recipient shall accomplish all required work as per requirements of the project and no later than (NLT) 12 months from date of award. The Recipient shall submit quarterly progress reports detailing the progress on tasks to the USAG-AK Natural Resource Manager (NRM) during the duration of the project. Annual reports of work completed during the field season shall be delivered to the NRM for comment and response NLT 30 days prior to the end of the period of performance. Digital and print versions of required final reports shall be provided.

7.0 HAZARD INFORMATION

This project does not require the Recipient or its personnel to handle sensitive items or information, hazardous materials/wastes, surety materials, or microbiological or biomedical materials.

8.0 MEETINGS, REVIEWS, AND COORDINATION

USAG-AK and the Recipient shall hold regular meetings to discuss needs, priorities, and updates as deemed necessary by parties to this agreement. The timing and frequency of the meetings shall be determined by the project needs and the NRM and shall occur at Fort Wainwright or

Fort Greely, as needed.

9.0 SHARING OF INFORMATION

The Government shall retain all ownership of data gathered during the course of this project.

Any public dissemination and/or financial gain endeavor utilizing information obtained through this project requires mutual agreement and approval by USAG-AK.

10.0 PERIOD AND PLACE OF SERVICE

The period of performance for this task is 12 months from date of award with the option to extend for up to (four) 4 option periods subject to availability of funding. Each option period will be for an additional 12 months. Task 1 will only be executed in the base year only.

11.0 POINTS OF CONTACT

The POC for USACE Project Management is TBD. Cooperative Agreement questions should be addressed to the Grants Officer, Michelle Mandel. Correspondence should be addressed as follows:

USACE Project Management - TBD Michelle Mandell

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Contracting Division

ATTN: CEPOA-CT

P.O. Box 6898

JBER, AK 99506-0898

Phone: (907) 753-2502

Email: Michelle.R.Mandel@usace.army.mil

The POC for FWA is TBD. Correspondence should be addressed as follows:

TBD

Section II: Award Information

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

2. Funding: The funded Project Cost Ceiling for this requirement is $87,200.00 (Tasks 1 through 3 only). The total Project Cost Ceiling, including the optional unfunded task and the optional periods of performance, is $385,620.00.

3. Period of Performance: The period of performance for this task is 12 months from date of award with the option to extend for up to (four) 4 option periods, subject to availability of funding. Each option period will be for an additional 12 months. Task 1 will not be awarded in the option periods of performance.

This does not obligate the Government to extend this agreement beyond the initial 12-month period of performance.

4. Substantial involvement. The Government will have substantive involvement throughout the execution of this requirement. The Recipient will work directly with the Government to coordinate and implement the project requirements on the Army installations and training areas. This project will provide technical support for natural resource management, site specific project planning, and land best management practices 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 recreational trail improvements planning, forest management activities, 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 29 August 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

Applicant Submission Evaluation Criteria and Basis of Award

SOW 25-01

INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

US ARMY GARRISON, FORT WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA

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 Applications meeting requirements in the initial screening in accordance with the criteria described herein and the Government will 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 applicants' 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 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. Applicants(s) may receive greater consideration for previous experience partnering with the Government in an aforementioned capacity.

2. Experience with management/treatment of vegetation control/modification, erosion control/soil stabilization, fuel breaks, forest management, seeding/re-vegetation, fertilization, culvert management, and trail maintenance on military lands.

3. Experience maintaining quality training lands by repairing training areas and sites that have been damaged and provide improved soldier training environments for sustainability.

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

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 proposed cost to the Government during the Period of Performance, to include optional periods, 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. Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s)’s cost principles are contained in 2 CFR 200.400-.475 et seq.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(c), the DoD 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: 24 July 2025 Application Due Date: 29 August 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-25-2-0011

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.

mailto:pamela.iverson@usace.army.mil