Ecological Parameters in the Forested Wetlands of Southern Florida
🏛 Fort Worth District
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit) organizations in three specific regions: Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, and South Florida-Caribbean. The project focuses on ecological research in forested wetlands of southern Florida.
CESU member institutions must partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. This is a statement of interest stage grant—full proposals come later.
Universities, research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations within the eligible CESU regions can apply. The work involves ecological parameter studies and field research.
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit) organizations in three specific regions: Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, and South Florida-Caribbean. The project focuses on ecological research in forested wetlands of southern Florida.
CESU member institutions must partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. This is a statement of interest stage grant—full proposals come later.
Universities, research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations within the eligible CESU regions can apply. The work involves ecological parameter studies and field research.
Program description
Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the recipient’s CESU Master Agreement. Note the established CESU Program indirect rate is 17.5%.
Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project. Approximately $575,000 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period (mandatory and optional task 5). Additional funding may be available to the successful recipient for optional tasks and/or follow-on work in subsequent years.
Period of Performance. The base period of agreement will extend 12 months from date of award. There may be up to four 12-month follow-on periods based on availability of funding.
Description of Anticipated Work: For the full description of this announcement click on the Related Documents Tab.
NOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.
Submission of Your Statement of Interest
1. Statements of Interest are due by Noon Central Time, on 5 June 2026.
2. Submit your Statement of Interest via e-mail or direct questions no later than 13 May 2026 to:
Yvonne Howard
Grants Specialist
USACE, Fort Worth District
Email: Yvonne.Howard@usace.army.mil
AND
Nicole (Niki) Baker
Project Manager
USACE, Fort Worth District
Email: Nicole.D.Baker@usace.army.mil
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOIs are required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals.
Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine which statement(s) best meet the program objectives: offer the most highly qualified Principal Investigator, have the most relevant experience and the highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives. Submitters whose statements are determined to best meet the program objectives will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit) organizations in three specific regions: Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, and South Florida-Caribbean. The project focuses on ecological research in forested wetlands of southern Florida.
CESU member institutions must partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. This is a statement of interest stage grant—full proposals come later.
Universities, research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations within the eligible CESU regions can apply. The work involves ecological parameter studies and field research.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Statement of Interest
- Credentials or CV of Principal Investigator
- Brief description of relevant past experience
- Organizational affiliation and CESU membership documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Cheryl Vendemia Grantor
- 📧 cheryl.r.vendemia@usace.army.mil
- 📞 817-253-3341
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.005 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$104,256,557
-
$46,204,785
-
$42,203,707
-
$29,163,337
-
$25,536,048
-
$15,967,466
-
$15,518,066
-
$15,512,998
-
$13,800,451
-
$12,214,089
Top States by Funding
- HI 17 awards $72.7M
- CA 20 awards $48.8M
- CO 1 awards $42.2M
- AK 12 awards $41.3M
- LA 3 awards $32.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.005). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $49,167,599 | |
| 2025 | $112,165,475 | |
| 2026 est. | $115,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only Cooperative Ecosystem Study Unit (CESU) members in the Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, or South Florida-Caribbean regions. You must be a current CESU member or partner organization.
What is a statement of interest?
A brief document showing your qualifications and past experience with similar ecological research. It demonstrates capability before submitting a full proposal.
When is the deadline?
Statements of interest are due by noon Central Time on June 5, 2026. Questions must be submitted by May 13, 2026.
What happens after I submit a statement of interest?
Your statement is posted on Grants.gov for 30 days. A review board then selects the strongest applicants to submit full proposals. Not all submitters will advance.
How much funding is available?
The base period offers approximately $575,000 for 12 months. Additional funding may be available for optional tasks and follow-on years (up to 4 more 12-month periods).
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the grant specialist early with questions. Email Yvonne Howard or Nicole Baker by May 13, 2026 to clarify expectations.
- Emphasize relevant past ecological research and wetland studies. The review board prioritizes experience with similar work.
- Clearly identify your qualified Principal Investigator. Highlight their track record and leadership on comparable projects.
- Review the full project description in the Related Documents tab. Understand the specific ecological parameters being studied.
- Note the 17.5% indirect rate is already established. Budget accordingly for your institution's overhead and administrative costs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting after the May 13 questions deadline without clarifying project scope. Not demonstrating prior wetland ecology or Florida research experience. Forgetting to confirm CESU membership or regional eligibility before applying.
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