Algorithm for Inventory, Assessments and Spatial Analysis in Natural Resources Management, Institute for Water Resources | W81EWF 24 SOI 0028

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0028

The grant opportunity titled "Algorithm for Inventory, Assessments and Spatial Analysis in Natural Resources Management, Institute for Water Resources" is a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) cooperative agreement focused on building and applying data-driven tools to improve how USACE manages natural resources, recreation assets, and associated infrastructure. The work is positioned as science and technology research and development that supports USACE missions by strengthening inventories, assessments, and spatial analyses used for decision-making across recreation and environmental stewardship programs.

A major part of the scope centers on natural resources management and recreation resources management. The selected partner would collaborate directly with key USACE staff and work with several types of information, including recreation facility data, environmental stewardship datasets, and visitation data. The practical outputs include maintaining and updating USACE spatial data inventories for recreation facilities, conducting operational condition assessments of those facilities, and analyzing both internal USACE datasets and external datasets to better understand environmental and land-use pressures. Examples of the kinds of factors highlighted include invasive species presence and development pressure, which often affect habitat quality, recreation experiences, and long-term maintenance needs. When requested by USACE, the partner is also expected to produce written documentation that summarizes research findings, explains how those findings matter to USACE missions, and outlines realistic pathways for implementing methods or tools within USACE operations.

Another key component is road condition monitoring and trails management, with an emphasis on developing "smart sensing" technologies and related data collection methods. The opportunity calls for research and development using sensing approaches such as camera-based systems, thermal imaging, laser-based methods, and ground penetrating radar to assess conditions of both paved and unpaved (gravel or dirt) roads. Beyond simply describing current conditions, the work is expected to support prediction of future integrity issues, which implies an interest in algorithms and models that can forecast deterioration, prioritize maintenance, and improve lifecycle planning. In parallel, the same technology-driven approach is expected to extend to USACE multi-use trail systems, including nature trails and trails used for hiking, equestrian activities, and biking. This portion of the work includes developing strategies appropriate to the diverse realities of USACE road and trail networks and creating practical methodologies for collecting, managing, and using those data at scale.

The opportunity also includes an economics-focused line of effort described as "Value to the Nation." USACE natural resources management programs can generate economic impacts at local, regional, and national levels, and the agency is seeking stronger methods to quantify and communicate those impacts. The expected work involves assessing positive and negative economic effects and developing or refining methodologies to measure them in ways that are credible and understandable to different audiences. This suggests deliverables that could help USACE explain program value, compare alternatives, and justify investments using consistent economic framing.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement instrument, which typically indicates substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal sponsor during the project. The opportunity number is W81EWF 24 SOI 0028, listed under CFDA 12.630, with an award ceiling of $100,000 and an expectation of one award. The original closing date is 2024-06-10, and the opportunity was created on 2024-04-16. Eligibility is restricted: applicants must be non-federal partners of the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU), meaning only organizations within that CESU network (and meeting non-federal status requirements) can compete.

Two important compliance notes are emphasized. First, disclosures of current and pending support are treated as a serious eligibility and oversight issue; the application can be deemed ineligible based on those disclosures, and ERDC may request updates before award and throughout the performance period, with the possibility that funding could be discontinued based on review results. Second, faith-based and religious organizations are explicitly permitted to compete on equal footing with other applicants for federal financial assistance, consistent with Executive Order 13798 on free speech and religious liberty.

• The Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Algorithm for Inventory, Assessments and Spatial Analysis in Natural Resources Management, Institute for Water Resources" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-10. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0028

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