Aquatic Fauna Response to Ecosystem Restoration in Southwest Florida

This opportunity is a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) to identify qualified investigators for a cooperative agreement that will study how aquatic fauna respond to ecosystem restoration efforts under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) in Southwest Florida. The award will be a cooperative agreement (not a contract) limited to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) in the Gulf Coast, Piedmont‑South Atlantic Coast, or South Florida‑Caribbean regions. The base period is 12 months with up to four additional 12‑month follow‑on periods, subject to funding. Funding for mandatory tasks is expected to be at least $300,000, with a ceiling of $1.925 million for the entire effort. The work includes project initiation, aquatic fauna field sampling, data analysis, reporting, participation in RECOVER meetings, and optional tasks such as performance‑measure development and expanded spatial surveys. Deliverables include work plans, quarterly status reports, annual reports, data sets, and final reports. • Location: Southwest Florida (including Big Cypress National Preserve) • Funding: $300 k minimum, up to $1.925 M (Cooperative Agreement) • Duration: 12‑month base period, possible 4 additional 12‑month extensions (up to 5 years) • Eligible applicants: CESU members in specified regions only • Required deliverables: work plans, quarterly/annual reports, data files, final report, optional performance‑measure documentation • Key tasks: project kickoff, aquatic fauna sampling, data analysis, participation in RECOVER meetings, optional performance‑measure and expanded survey work • Submission: Statement of Interest (max 3 pages) due 2:00 PM CT, 12 Oct 2026; questions due 30 Sep 2026