USACE Grant: Regional Geomorphic Parameters for Missouri Ozarks Bank Stabilization

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

Background: Gravel bed rivers in the Missouri Ozarks are notoriously unstable. At many locations, the channels are depositing sediment in the middle of over-widened sections while eroding both banks. In previous years, landowners would manually remove the deposition by bull-dozing the gravel from the channel center to the eroding bank. However, these unpermitted actions perpetuated the channel instability, and after a local landowner was fined for not obtaining a permit, landowners have been reluctant to do anything. The Engineering with Nature program is developing simplified design methods and a streamlined permit process so landowners can apply successful bank stabilization that will also result in ecosystem lift. These methods will be based on parametric designs, i.e. sizing riprap and floodplain benches based on ranges of stream configurations that exist in the Ozarks, in order to develop a simplified, conservative procedure that landowners can follow. This CESU agreement is to derive and quantify the range of stream geomorphology existing in the Missouri Ozarks to inform the parametric design methodology. Major Tasks Are To:

1. Derive hydrologic and geomorphic parameters from selected sub-watersheds in the Missouri Ozarks that are needed for design of a rock toe and a floodplain bench. These parameters include channel slope, bank height, wetted perimeter, bankfull area, and bankfull width.
2. Describe the geomorphic change, including erosion rates, at sites where either bank stabilization or gravel manipulation was implemented. This may require field data collection utilizing drone-based LIDAR and/or Structure From Motion.
3. (Option for future) Describe the geomorphic change over time of pilot bank stabilization projects on Crider Creek and the Maries River following implementation of pilot bank stabilization design.
4. (Option for future) Quantify geomorphic change and bank instability in and near Pershing State Park, MO.

Public Benefit: Streambank erosion, and difficulties that individual landowners have in dealing with it, are well known in the Missouri Ozarks. In the past, landowners have proposed largely ineffective methods such as bulldozing mid-channel gravel bars and placing the material on eroding banks. On the other hand, full slope rock revetments are effective but often too expensive for individual landowners to implement and have only limited ecological value. By providing a streamlined permitting process for bank stabilization incorporating natural and nature-based features such as floodplain benches with a rock toe, landowners will be facilitated in proposing solutions that result in ecological lift as well as bank stabilization. This CESU agreement is the first important step of describing the range of geomorphic parameters and erosion rates for streams in the region.

Section II: Award Information

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for studies to be sponsored by the Kansas City District and the Engineer Research and Development Center to provide geomorphic analysis and coding to support efforts to use local material in bank stabilization. The estimated level of funding for FY22 is approximately $120k, with the work to be performed over two years. Additional funds of $75k each year for an additional four years may be available, providing the potential funding of $420k over five years to the successful Recipient/Awardee. 

Government Involvement:  USACE will participate in selecting the bank stabilization sites to be assessed and in reviewing and co-authoring a journal paper documenting the geomorphic parameters. Moreover, USACE will use the developed geomorphic values to author a paper documenting the parametric design analysis and develop training material based on this method.

Section III: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – This opportunity is open to CESU non-federal partners in the Great Rivers region.
2. Cost Sharing – This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information – Two Phase Process

Phase I: Submission of a Statement of Interest/Qualifications.

Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: Please provide a statement of interest as an attachment via e-mail with statement of interest number, W81EWF-22-SOI-0035 in the subject line of e-mail to: chl-ct-quotes@usace.army.mil (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).

1. Name, Organization and Contact Information
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):

• Biographical Sketch,
• Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
• Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
• Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).

Note: A proposed budget is NOT requested at this time.

Phase I Responses: Statement of Interest (SOI)/Qualifications shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 5 pm or 1700 August 1, 2022, COB Central time. Administrative point of contact is Angela Holcomb,: chl-ct-quotes@usace.army.mil.

Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to move to Phase II which is to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.

Phase II: Submission of a complete application package (Full Proposal) to include a full technical proposal including budget, if invited. All SOI submitted will be evaluated and selected for participation in Phase II. The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. The administrative point of contact is Specialist; Angela.D.Holcomb@usace.army.mil. All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below:

1. SF 424 R&R – Application for Federal Assistance
2. Full Technical Proposal – Discussion of the nature and scope of the research and technical approach. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included.
3. Cost Proposal/Budget – Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror’s financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit cost element breakdowns in sufficient detail so that a reasonableness determination can be made. Any deficiencies in the cost information will delay the processing of the proposal. A detailed budget with complete written justification is required. The SF 424 Research & Related Budget Form can be used as a guide. The cost breakdown should include the following, if applicable:

• Direct Labor: Direct labor should be detailed by level of effort (numbers of hours, hourly rate etc.) of each labor category and the applicable labor rate. The source of labor rates shall be identified and verified. If rates are estimated, please provide the historical based used and clearly identify all escalation applied to derive the proposed rates.
• Fringe Benefit Rates: The source of fringe benefit rate shall be identified and verified.
• Travel: Travel costs must include a purpose and breakdown per trip to include destination, number of travelers, and duration.
• Materials/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are based on vendor quotes and/or engineering estimates; provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.
• Subrecipient costs: Submit all subrecipient proposals and analyses. Provide the method of selection used to determine the subrecipient.
• Tuition: Provide details and verification for any tuition amounts proposed.
• Indirect Costs: Currently the negotiated indirect rate for awards through the CESU is 17.5%.
• Any other proposed costs: The source should be identified and verified.

Application package shall be submitted NO LATER THAN August 22, 2022 the announced Suspense date for submission of Full Proposals.

Submission Instructions: Applications may be submitted by mail, e-mail, or Grants.gov. Choose ONE of the following submission methods:

• E-mail: Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal as an attachment with W81EWF-22-SOI-0035 in the subject line of e-mail to chl-ct-quotes@usace.army.mil
• Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/: Applicants are not required to submit proposals through Grants.gov. However, if applications are submitted via the internet, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety. All applicants choosing to use Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have and account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three weeks to complete Grants.gov registration. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html.

Section V: Application Review Information

Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: In accordance with DoDGARs 22.315(c), an impartial peer review will be conducted. Subject to funding availability, all proposals will be reviewed using the criteria listed below (technical and cost/price). All proposals will be evaluated under the following two criteria which are of descending importance.:

           a. Technical (items i. and ii. are of equal importance):

                       i. Technical merits of proposed R&D.

                       ii. Potential relationship of proposed R&D to DoD missions.

           b. Cost/Price: Overall realism of the proposed costs will be evaluated.

Review and Selection Process: Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable. The selection of the source for award will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

• Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.
• Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

Note: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposals. When the Government elects to award only a part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization. No other criteria will be used. Prior to award of a potentially successful offer, the Grants Officer will make a determination regarding price reasonableness.

Section VI: Award Administration Information

Award Notices: Written notice of award will be given in conjunction with issuance of a cooperative agreement signed by a Grants Officer. The cooperative agreement will contain the effective date of the agreement, the period of performance, funding information, and all terms and conditions. The recipient is required to sign and return the document before work under the agreement commences. Work described in this announcement SHALL NOT begin without prior authorization from a Grants Officer.

Administrative Requirements: The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement is subject to the administrative requirements in 2 CFR Subtitle A; 2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. XI, Part 1103; and 32 CFR Subchapter C, except Parts 32 and 33.

Reporting: See 2 CFR Sections 200.327 for financial reporting requirements,

200.328 for performance reporting requirements, and 200.329 for real property reporting requirements.

Section VII: Agency Contact: Angela Holcomb

US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

2902 Newmark Drive

Champaign, Illinois 61822-1076

Angela.D.Holcomb@usace.army.mil

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

Background: Gravel bed rivers in the Missouri Ozarks are notoriously unstable. At many locations, the channels are depositing sediment in the middle of over-widened sections while eroding both banks. In previous years, landowners would manually remove the deposition by bull-dozing the gravel from the channel center to the eroding bank. However, these unpermitted actions perpetuated the channel instability, and after a local landowner was fined for not obtaining a permit, landowners have been reluctant to do anything. The Engineering with Nature program is developing simplified design methods and a streamlined permit process so landowners can apply successful bank stabilization that will also result in ecosystem lift. These methods will be based on parametric designs, i.e. sizing riprap and floodplain benches based on ranges of stream configurations that exist in the Ozarks, in order to develop a simplified, conservative procedure that landowners can follow. This CESU agreement is to derive and quantify the range of stream geomorphology existing in the Missouri Ozarks to inform the parametric design methodology. Major Tasks Are To:

1. Derive hydrologic and geomorphic parameters from selected sub-watersheds in the Missouri Ozarks that are needed for design of a rock toe and a floodplain bench. These parameters include channel slope, bank height, wetted perimeter, bankfull area, and bankfull width.
2. Describe the geomorphic change, including erosion rates, at sites where either bank stabilization or gravel manipulation was implemented. This may require field data collection utilizing drone-based LIDAR and/or Structure From Motion.
3. (Option for future) Describe the geomorphic change over time of pilot bank stabilization projects on Crider Creek and the Maries River following implementation of pilot bank stabilization design.
4. (Option for future) Quantify geomorphic change and bank instability in and near Pershing State Park, MO.

Public Benefit: Streambank erosion, and difficulties that individual landowners have in dealing with it, are well known in the Missouri Ozarks. In the past, landowners have proposed largely ineffective methods such as bulldozing mid-channel gravel bars and placing the material on eroding banks. On the other hand, full slope rock revetments are effective but often too expensive for individual landowners to implement and have only limited ecological value. By providing a streamlined permitting process for bank stabilization incorporating natural and nature-based features such as floodplain benches with a rock toe, landowners will be facilitated in proposing solutions that result in ecological lift as well as bank stabilization. This CESU agreement is the first important step of describing the range of geomorphic parameters and erosion rates for streams in the region.

Section II: Award Information

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for studies to be sponsored by the Kansas City District and the Engineer Research and Development Center to provide geomorphic analysis and coding to support efforts to use local material in bank stabilization. The estimated level of funding for FY22 is approximately $120k, with the work to be performed over two years. Additional funds of $75k each year for an additional four years may be available, providing the potential funding of $420k over five years to the successful Recipient/Awardee. 

Government Involvement:  USACE will participate in selecting the bank stabilization sites to be assessed and in reviewing and co-authoring a journal paper documenting the geomorphic parameters. Moreover, USACE will use the developed geomorphic values to author a paper documenting the parametric design analysis and develop training material based on this method.

Section III: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – This opportunity is open to CESU non-federal partners in the Great Rivers region.
2. Cost Sharing – This action will be 100% funded by USACE.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information – Two Phase Process

Phase I: Submission of a Statement of Interest/Qualifications.

Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications: Please provide a statement of interest as an attachment via e-mail with statement of interest number, W81EWF-22-SOI-0035 in the subject line of e-mail to: chl-ct-quotes@usace.army.mil (Maximum length: 2 pages, single-spaced 12 pt. font).

1. Name, Organization and Contact Information
2. Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):

• Biographical Sketch,
• Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
• Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
• Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).

Note: A proposed budget is NOT requested at this time.

Phase I Responses: Statement of Interest (SOI)/Qualifications shall be submitted NO LATER THAN 5 pm or 1700 August 1, 2022, COB Central time. Administrative point of contact is Angela Holcomb,: chl-ct-quotes@usace.army.mil.

Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to move to Phase II which is to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.

Phase II: Submission of a complete application package (Full Proposal) to include a full technical proposal including budget, if invited. All SOI submitted will be evaluated and selected for participation in Phase II. The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. The administrative point of contact is Specialist; Angela.D.Holcomb@usace.army.mil. All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below:

1. SF 424 R&R – Application for Federal Assistance
2. Full Technical Proposal – Discussion of the nature and scope of the research and technical approach. Additional information on prior work in this area, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included.
3. Cost Proposal/Budget – Clear, concise, and accurate cost proposals reflect the offeror’s financial plan for accomplishing the effort contained in the technical proposal. As part of its cost proposal, the offeror shall submit cost element breakdowns in sufficient detail so that a reasonableness determination can be made. Any deficiencies in the cost information will delay the processing of the proposal. A detailed budget with complete written justification is required. The SF 424 Research & Related Budget Form can be used as a guide. The cost breakdown should include the following, if applicable:

• Direct Labor: Direct labor should be detailed by level of effort (numbers of hours, hourly rate etc.) of each labor category and the applicable labor rate. The source of labor rates shall be identified and verified. If rates are estimated, please provide the historical based used and clearly identify all escalation applied to derive the proposed rates.
• Fringe Benefit Rates: The source of fringe benefit rate shall be identified and verified.
• Travel: Travel costs must include a purpose and breakdown per trip to include destination, number of travelers, and duration.
• Materials/Equipment: List all material/equipment items by type and kind with associated costs and advise if the costs are based on vendor quotes and/or engineering estimates; provide copies of vendor quotes and/or catalog pricing data.
• Subrecipient costs: Submit all subrecipient proposals and analyses. Provide the method of selection used to determine the subrecipient.
• Tuition: Provide details and verification for any tuition amounts proposed.
• Indirect Costs: Currently the negotiated indirect rate for awards through the CESU is 17.5%.
• Any other proposed costs: The source should be identified and verified.

Application package shall be submitted NO LATER THAN August 15, 2022 the announced Suspense date for submission of Full Proposals.

Submission Instructions: Applications may be submitted by mail, e-mail, or Grants.gov. Choose ONE of the following submission methods:

• Mail one unbound copy of your complete proposal to: US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

Attn: Angela Holcomb 2902 Newmark Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61822-1076

• E-mail: Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal as an attachment with W81EWF-22-SOI-0035 in the subject line of e-mail to chl-ct-quotes@usace.army.mil
• Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/: Applicants are not required to submit proposals through Grants.gov. However, if applications are submitted via the internet, applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety. All applicants choosing to use Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have and account with Grants.gov. It may take up to three weeks to complete Grants.gov registration. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html.

Section V: Application Review Information

Peer or Scientific Review Criteria: In accordance with DoDGARs 22.315(c), an impartial peer review will be conducted. Subject to funding availability, all proposals will be reviewed using the criteria listed below (technical and cost/price). All proposals will be evaluated under the following two criteria which are of descending importance.:

           a. Technical (items i. and ii. are of equal importance):

                       i. Technical merits of proposed R&D.

                       ii. Potential relationship of proposed R&D to DoD missions.

           b. Cost/Price: Overall realism of the proposed costs will be evaluated.

Review and Selection Process: Based on the Peer or Scientific Review, proposals will be categorized as Selectable or Not Selectable. The selection of the source for award will be based on the Peer or Scientific Review, as well as importance to agency programs and funding availability.

• Selectable: Proposals are recommended for acceptance if sufficient funding is available.
• Not Selectable: Even if sufficient funding existed, the proposal should not be funded.

Note: The Government reserves the right to award some, all, or none of proposals. When the Government elects to award only a part of a proposal, the selected part may be categorized as Selectable, though the proposal as a whole may not merit such a categorization. No other criteria will be used. Prior to award of a potentially successful offer, the Grants Officer will make a determination regarding price reasonableness.

Section VI: Award Administration Information

Award Notices: Written notice of award will be given in conjunction with issuance of a cooperative agreement signed by a Grants Officer. The cooperative agreement will contain the effective date of the agreement, the period of performance, funding information, and all terms and conditions. The recipient is required to sign and return the document before work under the agreement commences. Work described in this announcement SHALL NOT begin without prior authorization from a Grants Officer.

Administrative Requirements: The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement is subject to the administrative requirements in 2 CFR Subtitle A; 2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. XI, Part 1103; and 32 CFR Subchapter C, except Parts 32 and 33.

Reporting: See 2 CFR Sections 200.327 for financial reporting requirements,

200.328 for performance reporting requirements, and 200.329 for real property reporting requirements.

Section VII: Agency Contact: Angela Holcomb

US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

2902 Newmark Drive

Champaign, Illinois 61822-1076

Angela.D.Holcomb@usace.army.mil