Comprehensive Stranding Investigations for High Priority Marine Mammal Species in the Hawaiian and Mariana Archipelagos, Navy US Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, HI | W9126G 24 2 SOI 3586

Opportunity Information: Apply for W9126G 24 2 SOI 3586

This funding opportunity seeks a partner to provide rapid, on-the-ground (and lab-supported) technical natural resource assistance to the U.S. Navy in the Hawaiian and Mariana Archipelagos by carrying out comprehensive investigations of marine mammal strandings. The central purpose is to ensure that every newly reported stranding over the project period can be met with an immediate, professional response and then followed through with thorough scientific examination. The work is framed as essential support for the Navy’s environmental compliance responsibilities, regulatory consultations, and public-facing education and outreach, meaning the results are expected to feed directly into the kinds of documents and coordination processes the Navy must maintain when operating in these regions.

The anticipated work focuses most heavily on “high priority” cetacean species, specifically beaked whales, false killer whales, and pygmy killer whales, with additional attention to “secondary priority” species including dwarf and pygmy sperm whales, melon-headed whales, pilot whales, and humpback whales. The core tasks described include mobilizing quickly to stranding sites; conducting extensive necropsies when feasible; and completing associated laboratory and diagnostic efforts such as histopathology, disease surveillance, and systematic tissue collection. Tissue sampling is specifically called out as supporting multiple research efforts aimed at improving scientific understanding of cetaceans in Hawaii and the Marianas, which implies the recipient should be capable of standardized sample collection, proper chain-of-custody and preservation methods, and coordination with relevant research and diagnostic partners.

The award structure is planned as a cooperative agreement (rather than a standard grant), which typically indicates a higher level of federal involvement or coordination during performance. The period of performance is laid out as a 12-month base period starting from the date of award, with the possibility of four additional 12-month follow-on periods, for up to five years total if all follow-ons are exercised. The opportunity anticipates a single award, with an award ceiling listed at $3,717,000, suggesting a substantial, multi-year operational capability is expected (including readiness to respond across broad geographic areas and potentially multiple events over time).

At this stage, the government is not asking for a full technical proposal or a detailed budget. Instead, interested parties are expected to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI), and the review timeline is 30 calendar days from the posting date. The closing date shown in the source information is 2024-08-08. Questions and responses are directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District, with Nicholas A. Aprea listed as the Grants Specialist (Nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.mil) and Kathy S. Mitchell as the Project Manager (kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil). Although the Navy is the beneficiary (Navy U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii), the administrative management and points of contact run through USACE.

Eligibility is limited in a very specific way: the opportunity is only available to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) within the Californian, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii-Pacific Islands Units, and it is issued under Sikes Act authority (16 USC 670c-1). The Sikes Act emphasis signals the project is tied to implementation and enforcement of Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs), and it also notes that priority is given to federal and state agencies with responsibility for conserving or managing fish or wildlife. In practical terms, applicants should expect the project to operate within established interagency wildlife management frameworks and to produce defensible scientific outputs that can be used in formal compliance contexts as well as public communication.

Key identifiers from the announcement include the Funding Opportunity Number W9126G 24 2 SOI 3586, CFDA 12.005, activity category described as Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and an “Other” opportunity category. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as funding a standing capability: a ready-to-deploy stranding response and investigation program for sensitive marine mammal species across Hawaii and the Marianas, generating rigorous necropsy and diagnostic information that the Navy can rely on for compliance, consultation, and outreach needs.

• The Fort Worth District in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Comprehensive Stranding Investigations for High Priority Marine Mammal Species in the Hawaiian and Mariana Archipelagos, Navy US Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, HI" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.005.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-07-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-08-08. (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 $3,717,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for W9126G 24 2 SOI 3586

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