Species distribution modeling project at marine corps air ground combat center, twentynine palms, california

The Department of the Navy Naval Facilities Engineering Command is seeking a cooperative agreement to conduct a comprehensive species distribution modeling project at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in Twentynine Palms, California. The primary objective is to develop advanced ecological mapping and monitoring protocols using LiDAR and orthophotography data to analyze desert ecosystem processes, species distributions, and habitat suitability. Qualified applicants must be Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Californian partners who can perform geomorphological analysis, create monitoring protocols, collect baseline data, and develop GIS systems to support natural resource conservation and Marine Corps training infrastructure. The project will require detailed research on approximately 30 species, with a focus on identifying high-priority habitats and ecological vulnerabilities. The application deadline is August 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM PDT, with notification of selection expected by August 25, 2025, and a cooperative agreement start date of August 31, 2025.

The total estimated funding for this three-year project is $292,628.00, with a single award anticipated under the Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations program (CFDA 12.005). The project will cover approximately 1,100 square miles of desert terrain in San Bernardino County, California, with fieldwork and GIS-specific actions to be conducted on-base and administrative/lab work permissible off-site. The research will involve four primary tasks: geomorphological analysis of species distributions, developing a natural community monitoring plan, performing baseline monitoring over two winters and springs, and creating comprehensive GIS-based rating systems and reports. The cooperative agreement will involve substantial collaboration with Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest and MCAGCC staff to ensure project success and alignment with military training and environmental conservation objectives.