Environmental DNA Sampling in the Lower Roanoke River

Description

Project Title: Environmental DNA Sampling in the Lower Roanoke RiverResponses to this Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) will be used to identify potentialinvestigators for a project to be funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers (WilmingtonDistrict)-Sustainable Rivers Program. The work involves comprehensive support of researchersin studying the relationship between river flows and rare fish using Environmental DNA (eDNA)while all in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2358 - Research and Development.Approximately $65,000.00 is expected to be available to support this project, for the base period.Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to thesuccessful recipient/awardee.Background:The Roanoke River is considered one of the most important riverine systems for diadromous fishreproduction on the Atlantic seaboard. Beginning in 2016, the Corps revised flood operations atJohn H. Kerr Hydropower project to implement a more naturally variable flow regime, referredto as Quasi-Run-of-River (QRR). Under QRR, flood control releases mimic the natural inflowsto the project to the extent possible while maintaining other project purposes. Intensivemonitoring of diadromous fish recruitment has occurred on the Roanoke both pre and post QRR,yet limited work to date has connected observed population data for juvenile alosines (bluebackherring, alewife, hickory shad) with river flow events.The Roanoke River is in the nationwide Sustainable Rivers Program as one of the original eightrivers from 2002. It is an ideal river to test new technologies to understand effects of watermanagement decisions, and to relate this work to how it can be used nationwide. In this instance,the Corps is interested in using environmental DNA (eDNA) to understand the relationshipbetween flows and the response from rare fish. This includes spatial and temporal variability togather more information about where the juveniles are congregating, the condition of thathabitat, and the flow regimes associated with the presence of the fish. The e-DNA technologywill be assessed to understand if it is an appropriate tool to inform release decisions at Corpsreservoirs.Note: Must be a non-federal partner in the Piedmont - South Atlantic Coast, ChesapeakeWatershed, or Southern Appalachian Mountains CESU Unit Region.Brief Description of Anticipated Work (please refer to Statement of Objectives for complete detailed objectives and tasks):This project focuses on the following objectives:I. Gather data about how river flows affect juvenile fish in the Roanoke River;II. Examine the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool to study the presence or absenceof fish in varying flow;III. Refine eDNA as a tool to correlate to fish abundance specific to the Roanoke River;IV. Provide USACE – Wilmington District with insight about how their water releases fromKerr Reservoir influence fish, especially juvenile diadromous blueback herring and alewife;V. Put the subject work in a broader context of considering ways the Corps can use eDNAtechnology to inform reservoir releases in other rivers.Note: At this time, we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications andskills for performing similar or same type of work. You will be evaluated for request for aproposal based on skills, qualifications and certifications demonstrated in your SOI.Period of PerformanceThe base period of performance is anticipated to be twelve (12) months from date of award. Fouroption periods, extending for 12 months each, are anticipated subject to availability of funds.Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.Please send responses or direct questions to:Grants SpecialistUSACE Fort. Worth DistrictSandra.justman@usace.army.mil817-886-1073Greg BonnellProject ManagerRegional Planning and Environmental CenterU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCell: (918) 951-0591Email: Gregory.W.Bonnell@usace.army.milTimeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOI required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days, prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 27 July 2021.Please review the full documents attached to this posting.FINAL SOO will be submitted at time of Request for Proposals

Eligibility

Grants.gov lists this opportunity under eligibility category code 99. These codes correspond to applicant types (state/local government, tribal organization, nonprofit, educational institution, individual, small business, etc.) defined in Grants.gov's own eligibility reference. See the current Grants.gov eligibility categories or check the official listing below for this opportunity's exact eligibility statement.

Agency Contact

Key Dates