Assessment of oyster reefs in the Great Wicomico River, VA
ID: 359833Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

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

Award Range

$0 - $100K

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 of the Department of Defense is offering a funding opportunity for the assessment of oyster reefs in the Great Wicomico River, Virginia, through a Cooperative Agreement. The primary objective is to monitor and document the status of newly established oyster reefs, focusing on metrics such as oyster density, biomass, and associated fauna, to support Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. This initiative is crucial for enhancing ecological services, including water filtration and habitat provision for commercially significant species, and aims to inform future oyster restoration projects based on the collected data. Interested non-federal partners must submit Statements of Interest by July 26, 2025, with full proposals due by August 11, 2025; the total program funding is $300,000, with an award ceiling of $100,000 for the selected applicant. For further inquiries, contact Kisha M. Craig at kisha.m.craig@usace.army.mil or by phone at 601-634-5397.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announces a funding opportunity focused on assessing oyster reefs in the Great Wicomico River, Virginia. This initial announcement, with a funding ceiling of $100,000 and total program funding of $300,000 over three periods, invites non-federal partners to submit Statements of Interest (SOI) until July 26, 2025, with a deadline for full proposals on August 11, 2025. The project aims to monitor and evaluate the status of new oyster reefs, established to enhance the region's ecological services, including water filtration and habitat provision for commercially significant species. As part of the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, the objectives include physical assessments for density and biomass of oysters and associated fauna, with environmental compliance requirements outlined. Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, relevance to Department of Defense missions, and cost realism. This initiative aligns with broader ecological restoration goals and seeks to inform future oyster restoration projects based on collected data. The results will be shared in a peer-reviewed journal, contributing to scientific discourse on oyster population restoration and its associated environmental benefits.
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