Bat Diet Characterization Focusing on Tricolored Bats and Little Brown Bats for Arnold Air Base, Tennessee

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, is seeking a cooperative agreement partner to characterize the diet of tricolored bats and little brown bats at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee through a 24-month study period. The work scope includes study plan preparation, field surveys utilizing mist netting and guano collection at minimum 12 nights annually across at least 4 sites, genetic analysis of prey species using BOLD and GenBank databases, acoustic monitoring, insect trapping, and comprehensive reporting. Applicants must be members of one of three Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) regions: Great Rivers, Southern Appalachian Mountains, or Gulf Coast, and must possess Section 10 permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Scientific Collection permits from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Additionally, eligible recipients must have an active NIST SP 800-171 Department of Defense assessment performed within the last three years and comply with the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and other applicable environmental regulations. The Statement of Interest submission deadline is March 5, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. Central Time via email to the project contacts listed at USACE Fort Worth District.

The cooperative agreement will provide approximately $227,181.92 for the 24-month base period, with an established CESU indirect rate of 17.5%, and the non-Federal entity must provide all equipment except aluminum bat bands supplied by Arnold AFB. Field work is scheduled for April, July, and August across 2027 and 2028, with quarterly progress reports and weekly meetings with project managers required throughout performance. Key deliverables include a draft study plan due 60 days before the period end, a draft final report due 60 days before period end, and a final report due 30 days before period end, with all geographic data submitted in SDSFIE 4.0 format. Performance will take place at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee.