Project Title: Ecosystem Function Model Analysis on the Roanoke River Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Wilmington District)-Sustainable Rivers Program. The work involves comprehensive support of researchers in studying relationships between river flows, floodplain inundation and floodplain vegetation, to aid in basin wide efforts that examine the effectiveness of water releases to achieve the desired ecological outcomes while all in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2358 - Research and Development. Approximately $30,000.00 is expected to be available to support this project, for the base period. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful recipient/awardee. Background: The lower Roanoke River has beautiful, 5-mile wide floodplains with some of the largest expanses of bottomland hardwoods on the east coast. In 2016, the Corps implemented a monumental operational change of Kerr Reservoir from 20k cfs releases to Quasi-Run-of-River (QRR) of 35k cfs when in flood stage. This change was in large part to enhance the health of the floodplain vegetation. TNC, USFWS, and academics finished analyzing extensive vegetation data along the Roanoke River. This includes five 4000m2 plots with every single tree tagged and measured, sampled in 2001, 2012, and 2017. Results show that the number of trees in the floodplain is decreasing for important species like Laurel Oak. The trees that are alive are growing, but they are growing more slowly in seasons with extensive water inundation. Simultaneously, the Corps has been creating a HEC-RAS 2-D model for several sections of the Roanoke, including the locations of the vegetation plots. This scope will combine hydraulic modeling, aerial imagery, groundwater data and vegetation data in the ecosystem function model to analyze the impacts of changing hydrology in the lower Roanoke River floodplains. Brief Description of Anticipated Work (please refer to Statement of Objectives for complete detailed objectives and tasks): This project focuses on the following objectives: I. Use remote sensing imagery with a partner’s peer-reviewed model to examine the extent of flooding on the landscape with releases between 20,000-35,000 cfs to understand the floodplain vegetation that is influenced by Kerr Reservoir releases; II. Update the existing vegetation analysis with information from the remote sensing findings, with the Corps’ HEC RAS 2-D models, and with additional field sampling of tree rings to further refine the relationship of inundation effects on tree growth; III. Run the Corps’ Ecosystem Function Model with defined relationships to apply the vegetation findings across a broader geographic scope of the lower Roanoke watershed and further understand the how QRR might influence floodplain vegetation; IV. Provide recommendations of further research or monitoring that will be needed in subsequent years to capture the long-term effects of QRR on floodplain vegetation; Note: At this time, we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and skills for performing similar or same type of work. You will be evaluated for request for a proposal based on skills, qualifications and certifications demonstrated in your SOI. Preference will be given to statements of interest that demonstrate field technicians that have working knowledge of the Roanoke River and comprehensive knowledge of its species and demonstrate good working relationships with collaborating partners in the basin. eDNA sampling will be dependent upon weather events, thus quick response time and mobility to sampling locations is necessary. Ability to collect samples, apply baseline data, and run necessary lab analyses is mandatory. Period of Performance. The base period of performance is anticipated to be twelve (12) months from date of award. Four option periods, extending for 12 months each, are anticipated subject to availability of funds. Please send responses or direct questions to: Grants Specialist USACE Fort. Worth District
[email protected] 8178861073 Greg Bonnell Project Manager Regional Planning and Environmental Center U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cell: (918) 951-0591 Email:
[email protected] Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: RSOI required to be posted on www.Grants.gov for 30 days, prior to the Government making a decision and requesting full proposals. Responses due by 5:00 P.M., Central Time, on 27 JULY 2021. Please read the full RSOI & Draft SOO documents attached in this posting.