Erie Pier Confined Disposal Facility (Duluth, MN) – Beneficial Reuse Placement Site Analysis | W81EWF 24 SOI 0024

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0024

The Erie Pier Confined Disposal Facility (Duluth, MN) - Beneficial Reuse Placement Site Analysis funding opportunity is a discretionary, science and technology oriented cooperative agreement offered by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The project is focused on applied research and field monitoring related to dredged material that has been placed at beneficial use sites, with particular emphasis on two real-world reuse applications: mine land reclamation and landfill cover. The core purpose is to track how dredged material performs over time in these settings and to produce clear, defensible reporting that helps agencies understand whether these placements are stable, environmentally sound, and function as intended.

The work centers on monitoring and evaluating multiple performance factors at the beneficial use sites. These factors include ecosystem recovery and functionality, which can involve observing whether ecological processes and habitat conditions are reestablishing in a meaningful way after placement. It also includes water quality monitoring to identify any changes or risks associated with the dredged material in the surrounding environment. In addition, the project calls for evaluating landscape stability, meaning the physical integrity of the placed material over time, such as erosion resistance, settlement, slope stability, and other indicators that the site will remain secure under expected conditions. Vegetation growth is another major focus, looking at establishment, survivability, vigor, and longer-term plant community development, since vegetative cover is often essential for erosion control and successful reclamation outcomes.

ERDC is looking for applicants with demonstrated, expert-level knowledge of confined disposal facilities and the beneficial use of dredged material, along with a strong record of applied research and monitoring experience in both areas. Competitive applicants are expected to bring practical experience that translates into credible monitoring plans, appropriate sampling and measurement approaches, and real field implementation know-how. Prior experience specifically monitoring beneficial use sites is called out as an expectation, which signals that the sponsor wants a team that can start producing reliable results quickly rather than learning the basics during the project.

Deliverables and project management requirements are clearly defined. The selected partner will need to develop a Statement of Work and a Work Plan detailing how the research and monitoring will be conducted, what methods will be used, how data will be collected and analyzed, and how findings will be communicated. During each year of the contract, the awardee must submit three quarterly status reports plus one annual report. These reports are intended to keep ERDC updated on progress, field activities, preliminary observations, data trends, and any issues affecting schedule, scope, or interpretation of results.

Eligibility is restricted: only non-federal partners of the Great Lakes - Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) may apply. The opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number W81EWF 24 SOI 0024 under CFDA 12.630. The agency anticipates making one award, with an award ceiling of $225,000. The original closing date listed for submissions is 2024-06-10, and the posting was created on 2024-04-22.

The notice also highlights compliance and integrity requirements around disclosures of current and pending support. Applicants are warned that disclosures provided in the application can affect eligibility, and ERDC may request updated current and pending support information before award and throughout the project period. Those updates will be reviewed and could lead to discontinuation of funding if issues arise. Finally, the announcement states that religious organizations may compete on the same basis as secular organizations for this federal financial assistance, consistent with Executive Order 13798.

• The Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Erie Pier Confined Disposal Facility (Duluth, MN) – Beneficial Reuse Placement Site Analysis" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-10. (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 $225,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for W81EWF 24 SOI 0024

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