Bat Surveys Support at Belle Fountain Area Ditches 1 & 2, Pemiscot, MO and 15 Mile Bayou in Edmondson, AR | W9126G 24 2 SOI 2890

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Bat Surveys Support at Belle Fountain Area Ditches 1 and 2, Pemiscot, MO and 15 Mile Bayou in Edmondson, AR."

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is W9126G 24 2 SOI 2890.

3) Which government office is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District.

4) Why is USACE seeking this work?

USACE is seeking a partner to support bat survey work needed ahead of a planned USACE Mississippi Valley Division, Memphis District channel cleanout project.

5) What type of award will be used (grant, contract, etc.)?

The government anticipates making an award through a cooperative agreement rather than a standard procurement contract.

6) Is this a research and development opportunity?

The work is framed as science and technology or other research and development support.

7) What is being requested right now: a full proposal or something else?

At this stage, the government is requesting a Statement of Interest (SOI), not a full technical proposal.

8) Is a detailed budget required at the SOI stage?

No. The notice indicates the government is not asking for a detailed budget at this stage.

9) What is the purpose of the Statement of Interest (SOI)?

The SOI is described as a screening step used to identify qualified cooperators before the agency invites a smaller group to submit full proposals later.

10) Should applicants expect a multi-step selection process?

Yes. The described approach is a two-step process: submit an SOI first, and then (if selected) submit a complete proposal package when requested by the agency.

11) When might full proposals be requested?

The agency indicates it expects to review SOIs and then request full proposals roughly 30 days after the SOI review period.

12) What is the anticipated scope of work?

The anticipated scope is to provide support for bat surveys required prior to channel cleanout activities.

13) Are specific survey methods, timing windows, or target species listed?

No. The notice does not spell out survey methods, timing windows, or target species.

14) What is the general intent of bat surveys in this context?

In this context, bat surveys are described as typically being used to inform environmental compliance and reduce risk for upcoming construction or maintenance work, especially where there may be concerns about protected bat species or sensitive roosting and foraging habitat.

15) Where will the bat survey work take place?

The locations identified are Belle Fountain Area Ditches 1 and 2 in Pemiscot County, Missouri, and 15 Mile Bayou in Edmondson, Arkansas.

16) Does the notice suggest the type of habitat where fieldwork may occur?

Yes. Because the work sites are ditches and a bayou, the notice suggests fieldwork will likely occur in or near riparian corridors and associated vegetation where bats may roost or forage.

17) How long is the period of performance?

The period of performance is six months from the date of award.

18) What does the six-month period of performance imply about scheduling?

It implies the agency is looking for a partner that can mobilize quickly and complete the required field effort and any associated deliverables within a relatively short timeline.

19) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $140,000.

20) How many awards does USACE expect to make?

The notice anticipates making one award.

21) Can a team apply, or must it be a single organization?

The notice anticipates one award, which implies a single organization would be responsible under the cooperative agreement. The notice also suggests a lead organization could partner with others, but responsibility would still rest with the award recipient.

22) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network under the Great Rivers and Great Plains CESU Units.

23) If an organization is not a CESU member, is there any way to participate?

Yes, the notice indicates that organizations that are not members could work through an eligible CESU member as the direct applicant.

24) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number associated with this opportunity?

The listing shows CFDA (Assistance Listing) 12.005.

25) The listing says eligible applicants are "Others" - what controls eligibility?

The notice states the CESU restriction is the controlling eligibility requirement.

26) What is the deadline to respond?

The original closing date for responses is June 17, 2024.

27) When was the opportunity posted or created?

The opportunity was created on May 17, 2024.

28) Who should questions be directed to?

Questions are directed to two USACE points of contact: Nicholas Aprea (Grants Specialist) and Brian Hesford (Project Manager).

29) Where should the Statement of Interest (SOI) be sent?

The notice directs SOI responses to the same two USACE points of contact listed for questions.

30) What are the points of contact email addresses?

Nicholas Aprea: Nicholas.A.Aprea@usace.army.mil
Brian Hesford: brian.d.hesford@usace.army.mil

31) Which USACE districts are referenced in relation to the project?

The notice identifies USACE Fort Worth District as issuing the opportunity, and references a planned Mississippi Valley Division, Memphis District channel cleanout project that the bat surveys support.

32) What deliverables are required?

The notice does not list specific deliverables. It states the partner will provide support for bat surveys required prior to channel cleanout activities and indicates completion of field effort and any associated deliverables within the six-month period of performance.