W912DQ-26-2-A002 FOA Undesirable Plants Multiple Counties Missouri.pdf

W912DQ-26-2-A002

FOA - Management of Undesirable Plants

Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Boone, Callaway, and St. Louis County, Missouri

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

Management of Undesirable Plants on USACE Lands, in Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Boone, Callaway, and St. Louis County, Missouri

Funding Agency:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District

601 E. 12th Street Kansas City, MO 64106

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement Funding Opportunity Number: W912DQ262A002 CFDA Number: 12.012 Program Title: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Noxious Weed Management Program

Issue Date: 14 May 2026

Application Due Date: 15 June 2026

Overview:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Kansas City District (NWK) intends to enter into a cooperative agreement with a state agency responsible for the administration or implementation of undesirable plants laws of the state, who will provide professional services to assist USACE with the management of undesirable plants on federal lands managed by NWK associated with the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation, Fish & Wildlife Mitigation Project in Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Boone, Callaway, and St. Louis County, Missouri

The cooperative agreement will be awarded pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2814 Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974.

The recipient for this cooperative agreement must be a state department of agriculture, or other state agency or political subdivision thereof, responsible for the administration or implementation of undesirable plants laws of a state.

Estimated Total Funding: $1,250,000.00 Estimated Number of Awards: 1

Contents of Full Text Announcement A. Program Description E. Application Review Information B. Award Information F. Award Administration Information C. Eligibility Information G. Agency Contacts D. Application and Submission Information H. 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. For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact the grants and agreements administrator Steven.a.lawson@usace.army.mil.

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 via the internet through Grants.gov.

Applicants shall have a Unique Entity Identifier, an active registration with the System of Award Management (SAM.gov) and registered with

Grants.gov. See Section D of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

Section A: Program Description

This agreement represents an opportunity for the Recipient, with the responsibility for the administration and implementation of undesirable plant laws of the state of Missouri, to perform management of undesirable plants on USACE lands under their jurisdiction.

The purpose of the cooperative agreement is to manage undesirable plants on Federal lands. The goal is to facilitate coordination to affect weed control on a watershed or ecosystem scale. It also enables the Government and the Recipient to contribute to regionally agreed efforts. The agreement is intended to allow development of collaborative programs throughout Kansas City District, improving the quality of undesirable plant management efforts.

1. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Invasive species, including noxious weeds and other undesirable plants, degrade the quality of public land, threaten agricultural production, interfere with ecosystem processes, and can be injurious to human health. These species cannot be managed piecemeal, and various public laws and orders (e.g., Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999) recognize the need to coordinate and integrate their management across jurisdictional boundaries. Interagency coordination is the only way to effectively control noxious weeds on a watershed or ecosystem scale, and efforts on USACE land must be consistent with those on other jurisdictions. This agreement will enable USACE and the recipient to contribute to the planning and implementation of regionally agreed efforts to control noxious weeds and other undesirable plants.

The Recipient of this agreement will use an integrated approach to weed management considering all treatment methods including manual, mechanical, cultural, biological, and chemical. Appropriate treatment methods to be employed will be determined through collaboration of each party and stipulated through a USACE-approved annual plan of work.

The appropriate level of treatment will align with the Missouri State Noxious Weed Control rules and list of Noxious Weeds. No weed management tactics shall conflict with USACE or the state of Missouri directives.

2. BENEFITS:

This Agreement will deliver substantial benefits related to Project, regional, and national invasive species management goals. Public benefits to the region and watershed function will be substantial in terms of both control and cross-boundary cooperation. Cooperative efforts will include coordination, planning, surveying, and treatment (including biological agents) to control noxious weeds threatening USACE-managed project sites.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The work will include the following:

Recipient will provide professional services to assist the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with the Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) of undesirable plants affecting federal lands and waters managed by the Natural Resource Management section associated with Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation, Fish & Wildlife Mitigation Project, (collectively referred to as the Missouri River Mitigation Project) in Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Boone, Callaway, and St. Louis County, Missouri. 7 USC 2814 States that the recipient of this funding assistance must be a State agency, or political subdivision thereof, responsible for the administration and implementation of undesirable plants laws of the State. The Statement of Work is attached (Attachment 1 – Statement of Work)

3.1. Coordination

Interagency coordination through participation and leadership in utilizing an integrated management system for the containment and control of undesirable plants from a Missouri River Mitigation Project perspective.

Manage and coordinate the actions of this Agreement with levee boards, adjacent landowners, USACE, Missouri River Project Office other political subdivisions of the State. Specifically, in the Missouri River Region, the recipient will coordinate to the maximum extent possible, on Missouri River Mitigation Sites.

3.2. Planning

Assist in the development of a USACE-approved annual management plan, identifying target species for inventory and management, prioritizing treatment based on site location and level of infestation. Provide consultation to USACE on regional Best Management Practices including Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) targets, quarantine initiatives, biological control releases and new designations or shifts in State-listed species.

3.3. Surveying

Assist with the inventory, survey, monitoring, and/or mapping of exotic, noxious, invasive, or undesirable native vegetation potentially affecting Missouri River Mitigation Project lands and waters. Maps, location descriptions, data and/or GIS information will be provided to USACE Project Natural Resource Managers that will aid in the management of areas under Project management.

3.4. Implementation

Assist in the implementation of the appropriate integrated treatment method as prescribed or approved by USACE biologists, natural resource specialists, or natural resource managers and coordinated with the Grants Officer (GO) or appointed Grants Officer Representative (GOR). Implementation will be aligned with the Missouri River Mitigation Project operational plans. Treatments may employ prevention, mechanical, cultural, biocontrol or herbicide application. Specific targets are identified in the annual management plan.

3.5. Reporting

If chemical methods are planned during the Period of Performance, an “Anticipated Pesticide Use” report will be submitted by the recipient to the USACE Project Natural Resource Manager, prior to implementation. An “Actual Pesticide Use” report will then be submitted by the recipient by 30 November, outlining what actions were completed of each year. Templates will be provided by USACE to ensure the required data outlined in the relevant project plans and EPA pesticide regulations are included.

4. SCHEDULE

The Period of Performance of this Cooperative Agreement is a one-year period with four (4) one-year option periods. The base period will be 12 months from the date the award is signed, followed by four

(4) one-year option periods. At any time prior to the completion of a performance period, the parties may agree to bilaterally exercise a one-year option period extending the cooperative agreement performance period by one year, so long as the funds remain available for continued performance.

An initial meeting between the recipient and USACE will occur within four (4) weeks of the execution of this Agreement. A schedule will be coordinated at that time. Additional ad hoc services within the scope of this Agreement may be requested throughout the Period of Performance as needs arise and if funding is available.

If additional funds become available, the parties may agree to bilaterally modify the cooperative agreement to increase the scope of the agreement. All scope increases must be completed within the active period of performance at the time the modification is awarded.

Work will occur in Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Boone, Callaway, and St. Louis County, Missouri.

5. OBLIGATION OF THE PARTIES:

5.1 The Recipient will:

a. Perform undesirable plant management activities (coordination, planning, surveying, implementation, and reporting) in accordance with the treatment plans as agreed upon in planning and coordination meetings.

b. Submit Annual Performance Reports (Attachment 2) and annual financial reports, SF425 (Attachment 3), during the performance period. Reports shall contain a narrative of work performed during the season and detail how goals and objectives were met.

c. Comply with OSHA regulations, the safety regulations defined in the USACE Safety Manual EM

385-1-1 https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385-1- 1.pdf, and all federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and orders.

d. Conform with State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to Wage and Hours, Equal

Employment Opportunity, Civil Rights, and Child Labor.

5.2 USACE will:

a. Pursue exercising of option years as requirements arise and budgets allow. Option years will contain updated Statements of Work, as necessary, to the requirement based on determinations made in planning and coordination meetings.

b. Participate in work planning and oversight for weed management activities for the upcoming field season.

c. Provide known inventory results, documents, and maps to support management activities.

d. Provide support in the form of treatments such as mowing and other mechanical methods to facilitate those activities identified in planning meetings.

5.3 Representatives from both parties will meet on a regular basis to ensure progress of scope of work, troubleshoot problems, discuss how expectations are being met and otherwise effect the provisions of this agreement.

6. OPTIONS

This cooperative agreement contains options. At any time prior to the completion of a performance period, the parties may agree to bilaterally exercise a one-year option period, extending the cooperative agreement performance period by one year, so long as funds remain available for continued performance. The parties have no obligation to continue and may elect to cease performance. Options will be exercised through a modification to the agreement.

7. MODIFICATIONS

7.1 Modifications to the awarded cooperative agreement may be proposed by either party, but neither party shall implement a change until the change has been negotiated and approved by the USACE GO. Change proposals shall be submitted in writing and shall detail the technical, schedule, and financial impacts of the proposed modification. Only the GO has the authority to act on behalf of the USACE to change this agreement.

7.2 Revision of budget/program plans: Recipients shall request prior approval for plan changes in accordance with 2 CFR 200.308.

7.3 The Grants Officer may unilaterally issue modifications for minor or administrative matters, such as changes in paying office, etc.

8. SUBAWARD

8.1 The Recipient shall apply to each subaward the administrative requirements of 2 CFR 200 applicable to the particular type of subrecipient.

8.2 Recipients awarding contracts under this agreement shall assure that contracts awarded contain, at a minimum, the provisions in Appendix B to DoDGARS Part 22.

8.3 The Recipient’s acquisition of goods and services needed to carry out the program is not considered a subaward and shall comply with 2 CFR 200 as applicable.

9. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The use of a cooperative agreement for services relating to the management of undesirable plants on federal lands is authorized pursuant to 7 U.S.C. § 2814 - Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974.

Through this cooperative agreement, USACE NWK will coordinate with a qualified state agency for the management of undesirable plants on federal lands in Atchison, Holt, Andrew, Boone, Callaway, and St. Louis County, Missouri.

Section B: Award Information

1. ESTIMATED FUNDING: Not-to-exceed (NTE) amounts are provided for:

Base year: $250,000.00 Option Year 1: $250,000.00 Option Year 2: $250,000.00 Option Year 3: $250,000.00 Option Year 4: $250,000.00

Total: $1,250,000.00 The total NTE cost for a base year and four one-year option periods is $1,250,000.00.

2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The planned term of this cooperative agreement is a one (1) year base period, with four (4), one-year option periods but may be shifted due to award date of the agreement at the time of the base award:

Base year: Date of Award through 09 July 2027;

Option Year 1: 10 July 2027 through 09 July 2028;

Option Year 2: 10 July 2028 through 09 July 2029;

Option Year 3: 10 July 2029 through 09 July 2030;

Option Year 4: 10 July 2030 through 09 July 2031.

If all funds are expended prior to the end of an active performance period, the parties have no obligation to continue and may elect to cease performance for that active period.

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

State department of agriculture, or other state agency or political subdivision thereof, responsible for the administration and implementation of undesirable plants laws of the state.

2. COST SHARING

All work under this cooperative agreement is 100% USACE funded.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. SUBMISSION LIMITATION

One completed application package per applicant or organization.

2. 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 Steven Lawson, Steven.A.Lawson@usace.army.mil.

3. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION SUBMISSION

3.1 Forms: All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed for the base period, followed by four (4) one-year option periods in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

a. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance;

b. SF 424 A - Budget Information for work described in Section A.3, Description of Services for the location listed in Section A.4, Schedule.

i. Submit a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), or a statement stating the applicant is eligible and electing to use the de minimis rate (in accordance 2 CFR 200.414(f)) with SF 424A when indirect costs are included in the applicant’s budget.

c. Program Narrative Submission

A Program Narrative shall be included in the application package addressing the following:

i. Program Goals and Objectives – In no more than 12 pages single sided or 6-pages double sided, provide a program description, illustrating how the applicant plans to achieve the goals and objectives included in Section A of this announcement. Include the applicant’s relevant past experience meeting similar goals and objectives through the performance of similar natural resource services.

ii. Program Management Plan – In no more than ten (10) pages single sided or five (5) -pages double sided, explain how the applicant plans to effectively manage the program in terms of manpower, administration, and quality control.

Include the following:

1. The applicant’s plans for completing the work described in Section A.3.

Description of Services;

2. The supplies and equipment to be used to perform the services;

3. The technical resources (staffing) and description of the accounting system to be used to execute the program and comply with financial requirements and financial reporting;

4. Documentation of Eligibility - documentation to support eligibility;

5. Completed Program Budget Proposal (Attachment 5).

iii. Past Performance (Attachment 6)

Provide past performance records for relevant federal assistance agreements in similar size and scope performed within the last five (5) years. A separate attachment is used for each past performant record. Up to three (3) past performance records are requested. Provide a brief summary of accomplishments for each record provided. Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience shall provide a statement in their proposal regarding that effect.

NOTE: All three sections of the program narrative shall be submitted on 8.5 x 11-inch paper with no less than 10-point font and 1-inch margins.

iv. Appropriation Certification Requirements (Attachment 7 Certs and

Acknowledgments) – Complete the certification, provide signature, and submit a copy with the application package.

d. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT

(SAM.gov)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to:

i. To apply for grants and other funding opportunities the applicant entity must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Proposals 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. SAM may be accessed at: https://sam.gov.;

ii. Be registered with Grants.gov in order to submit their application package through that site,

iii. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in their application; and,

iv. 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 applicable), and informing DoD of unpaid delinquent tax liability or a felony conviction under any Federal law.

e. Submission Instructions

i. The preferred method for submission of proposals is through Grants.gov. If the applicant is unable to submit their proposal package via Grants.gov please email Steven Lawson at Steven.a.lawson@usace.army.mil prior to the proposal due date and time.

ii. Preferred Method - Internet via Grants.gov: All applicants using Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have an account with Grants.gov. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html

iii. Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper.

f. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is received in its entirety.

The Government will bear no responsibility for delays in submissions due to technical difficulties at or with the Grants.gov website.

g. Reimbursement of pre-award costs are not allowable.

Section E: Application Review Information

1. GOVERNMENT REVIEW

1.1 Initial Review

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

1.2 Merit Review

Only proposals meeting ALL criteria in the initial review will be forwarded for merit review.

Proposals in the merit review will be evaluated on whether applicants demonstrate the ability to meet goals and objectives, effectively manage program, and has satisfactory past performance.

These factors will be rated individually and are of equal importance. Each proposal will also be given an overall rating based on the individual ratings of each factor and the effect one may have on another.

a. Program Goals and Objectives – The proposal illustrates that the applicant’s goals are in alignment with those described in Section A of the announcement. Proposal also details measurable objectives for achievement of goals.

b. Program Management - The applicant shows the ability to effectively manage program in terms of manpower and administration. Proposal should illustrate applicant’s ability to:

i. Complete the work described in Section A as specified through the scope of this cooperative agreement.

ii. Provide all necessary supplies and equipment to perform work described in Section A of this announcement.

iii. Work in Missouri

iv. Successfully execute management of undesirable plants.

The application should also demonstrate the applicant’s:

i. Experience with undesirable plant management programs.

ii. Management capability, financial resources and technical resources to execute the program.

iii. A satisfactory record of executing Government programs (if a prior recipient).

iv. A satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

v. Comply with all financial requirements and financial reporting.

c. Past Performance (Attachment 6) - Applicants will be reviewed based on their past performance in the following:

i. Successfully completing and managing federally funded assistance agreements similar in size, scope, and relevance to the program,

ii. History of meeting reporting requirements under Federal grants and cooperative agreements, and

iii. Extent and quality to which they adequately documented and/or reported on their progress towards achieving the expected results, (In evaluating applicants under this criterion, the Government will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources including agency files and prior/current grantors).

1.3 Budget Review

This agreement will be 100% USACE funded, and applicant’s budgets will be reviewed to ensure proposed costs and cost allocation are allowable and reasonable. Applicants are required to submit a SF 424A providing a breakdown of the budget proposal. Budget proposals will be evaluated on reasonableness of costs and allowability. Costs associated with the program must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.

2 REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

2.1 The Grants Specialist will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with the announcement; (2) all information required by the announcement has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

2.2 The Program Official is responsible for evaluation of applications against the merit criteria.

2.3 The Grants Officer is responsible for making the final selection of the cooperative agreement awardee based on the Program Official’s validation and recommendation. The selection for cooperative agreement award will be made to the applicant whose package conforms with the FOA and able to demonstrate the applicant’s best effort to deliver the program goals and objectives at fair and reasonable price. In accordance with 7 U.S.C. § 2814 - Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, awards are limited to a state department of agriculture, or other state agency or political subdivision thereof, responsible for the administration or implementation of undesirable plants laws of the state.

3 Anticipated Award Date:

Announcement Issue Date: 14 May 2026 Application Due Date: 15 June 2026 by 2:PM CDT Estimated Award Date: 10 July 2026

Section F: Award Administration Information

1. AWARD NOTICES

Electronic 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.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement will be subject to the National Policy requirements of 2 CFR Part 1122, Appendices A - D, as applicable. Applicable provisions will be specified in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions. The cooperative agreement will also be subject to the administrative requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 and 32 CFR Part 22, as applicable.

Applicable administrative requirements will be specified in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions.

3. REPORTING

3.1 Upon completion of each period of performance and of the cooperative agreement, the recipient will be required to submit one performance progress report as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the final (award) cooperative agreement.

3.2 Recipient will be required to submit an SF 425 – Federal Financial Report quarterly as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the final cooperative agreement.

3.3 All reporting shall be in accordance with 2 CFR Part 1134.

Section G: Agency Contacts

John Skelton Program Manager E-mail: John.a.skelton@usace.army.mil Telephone: 816-389-3968

Lacy Kay Grants and Agreements Officer, Contracting Division E-mail: Lacy.Kay@usace.army.mil Telephone: 816-389-3509

Steven Lawson Grants Specialist, Contracting Division E-mail: Steven.a.lawson@usace.army.mil Telephone: 816-389-3157

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District Attn: CECT-H, Grants and Agreements Specialist 601 E 12th ST Kansas City, MO

Section H: Other Information

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

2. A pre-award notice identifying a proposal was successful neither obligates the Government to make an award nor commits the Government to reimburse any pre-award costs incurred in anticipation of an award.

3. Responses should reference Program Announcement W912DQ262A002.

4. Questions regarding the proposal submission should be submitted no later than 28 May 2026.

Questions received after this date may not be answered.

Attachments:

Attachment 1 Statement of Work Attachment 2 Annual Performance Reports Attachment 3 SF 425 Federal Financial Report Attachment 4 SF 424 Application for Fed assistance Attachment 5 SF 424a Program Budget Proposal Attachment 6 Past Performance Template Attachment 7 Certs and Acknowledgments