Research and Development for Biological Control of Arundo Donax
ID: 358432Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Engineer Research and Development Center (DOD-COE-ERDC)

Award Range

$0 - $120K

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is offering a funding opportunity for research focused on the biological control of the invasive plant Arundo donax in Southern California. The initiative aims to evaluate biological control methods, develop effective release strategies for control agents, and assess their impact on the water-use efficiency and biodiversity of A. donax, with the goal of producing management tools to reduce its populations and enhance local ecosystems. This project is significant as Arundo donax poses a substantial threat to water resources and biodiversity in arid environments, with management costs exceeding $250,000 per acre in some areas. The total funding available for this program is $395,000 over five years, with an award ceiling of $120,000 for the first year. Interested applicants, who must be non-federal partners of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU), should submit a statement of interest by March 14, 2025, followed by full proposals due by April 14, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Stacy Thurman at stacy.d.thurman@usace.army.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is announcing a funding opportunity for research on the biological control of the invasive plant Arundo donax in Southern California. The initiative seeks proposals to evaluate biological control methods, with the program offering a total funding of $395,000 over five years, including $120,000 for the first year. The objectives include developing a control plan, identifying effective release strategies for control agents, and assessing their impact on water-use and biodiversity of A. donax. The project aims to produce management tools to reduce A. donax populations, thereby enhancing water quality, habitat, and recreational access. The application process is structured in two phases, beginning with a statement of interest due by March 14, 2025, and followed by an invitation for full proposals by April 14, 2025. Eligible applicants must be non-federal partners with the Californian Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU), and funding will cover 100% of costs. This announcement highlights the government's efforts to combat invasive species through innovative research while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
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