Natural Resources Support Cannon AFB & Melrose AFR | W9126G 22 2 SOI 4242

Opportunity Information: Apply for W9126G 22 2 SOI 4242

The grant opportunity titled "Natural Resources Support Cannon AFB and Melrose AFR" (Funding Opportunity Number W9126G 22 2 SOI 4242) is a US Air Force-funded effort, administered through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to line up qualified partners who can provide professional and technical support for natural resources management at Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB) and the Melrose Air Force Range (MAFR) in New Mexico. The work is intended to help the installations carry out their responsibilities under the Sikes Act (16 USC 670c-1), which requires military installations to implement and enforce Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs) in coordination with appropriate conservation agencies. While the overall project scope references both CAFB and MAFR, the notice makes clear that funding is expected for MAFR at the time of posting, and any work at Cannon AFB would only be added later if funding becomes available.

This is not a request for a full proposal up front. Instead, the government is soliciting Statements of Interest (SOIs) to identify investigators or teams with the right experience, staffing, and technical capabilities to support on-site natural resources goals and compliance needs. The SOI stage is focused on demonstrating qualifications, relevant past work, and any applicable skills or certifications. After reviewing the SOIs, the government expects to invite the strongest candidates to submit a full study proposal and budget. In other words, the immediate deliverable is your credentials and fit for the work, not a detailed technical plan or cost breakdown.

The agreement type is a cooperative agreement, and eligibility is restricted. Only non-federal partners that are part of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network, specifically within the Great Plains and Gulf Coast CESU Units, can be considered. The notice also emphasizes that this opportunity is under Sikes Act authority only, and that when prioritizing projects tied to INRMP implementation and enforcement, preference is to be given to federal and state agencies responsible for fish and wildlife conservation or management, consistent with the Sikes Act language. More broadly, the CESU framework is described as supporting research, technical assistance, and education across biological, physical, and social sciences, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary problem-solving and collaboration between federal agencies and universities or affiliated partner institutions.

In terms of performance period, the anticipated base period is 12 months from the date of award, with the agreement structured as one base year plus up to four additional one-year option periods. Those option years are not guaranteed and would only be exercised depending on the availability of funds. The funding listing shows an award ceiling of $1,750,000, though the notice does not spell out how much would be allocated by year or by site, and it notes that MAFR is the location expected to receive funding initially.

SOIs are reviewed by an evaluation board made up of one or more personnel from the receiving installation or activity. Selections for invitation to submit a full proposal are based on how well the investigator's experience and capabilities align with the program objectives and study requirements described in the draft scope of work (referenced as a DRAFT SOO). Questions and SOI submissions were directed to Sandy Justman (Grants Specialist, USACE Fort Worth District) and Kali Evans (Project Manager, USACE Omaha District). The posting notes that the SOI must remain open at least 30 days before the government can decide and request full proposals, and the due date for responses was 5:00 P.M. Central Time on August 18, 2022.

Key identifiers from the source listing include CFDA 12.005, activity category listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development, agency name Fort Worth District, and opportunity category "Other." The practical takeaway is that this opportunity is essentially a pre-proposal qualification round for CESU partners who can help manage and support natural resources programs on an Air Force range and base, with initial work expected at Melrose and potential later expansion to Cannon if funds allow.

• The Fort Worth District in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Natural Resources Support Cannon AFB & Melrose AFR" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.005.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-07-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-08-18. (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 $1,750,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for W9126G 22 2 SOI 4242

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: