American Alligators as Ecological Indicators of Everglades Restoration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Fort Worth District is seeking Statements of Interest (SOI) from qualified research organizations within designated Cooperative Ecosystem Study Units (CESU) to conduct a multi‑year ecological monitoring program using American alligators as indicators of Everglades restoration. The effort is funded via a cooperative agreement, with a base period of 12 months and up to four optional 12‑month extensions, and a total potential award ceiling of $1.55 million. Successful respondents will demonstrate expertise in wetland ecology, alligator field methods, and the ability to secure required research permits. The work includes field surveys, data analysis, participation in regional scientific meetings, and delivery of quarterly and annual technical reports. • Target audience: CESU‑eligible entities (Gulf Coast, Piedmont‑South Atlantic, South Florida‑Caribbean regions) • Funding: $391,856 – $1,546,800 (Cooperative Agreement) • Period of performance: 12‑month base period + up to four 12‑month follow‑on periods (max 5 years) • Technical scope: Alligator population surveys, condition assessments, habitat data collection, statistical analysis, and integration with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) monitoring framework • Deliverables: Work plans, permits, quarterly status reports, annual reports, data sets, scripts, and a final project report; participation in RECOVER regional meetings • Submission: SOI (2‑3 pages) due 2:00 PM CT, 5 Oct 2026; questions due 14 Sep 2026