Developing Case Studies from Pre/Post Natural disaster monitoring of natural features | W81EWF 21 SOI 0023

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 21 SOI 0023

The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) under USACE, offered a cooperative agreement opportunity to turn existing pre- and post-disaster monitoring datasets into clear, publishable case studies about how natural features and natural and nature-based features (NNBF) perform during extreme events. The core idea is that a lot of high-quality field data get collected around hurricanes, floods, and similar disasters, but researchers often do not have the time or funding needed to fully analyze those datasets and translate them into practical case studies that decision-makers can use. This award is meant to close that gap by supporting focused analysis and synthesis of already-collected data from recent storm seasons, rather than funding brand-new monitoring campaigns.

The case studies are intended to document and explain real-world performance, impacts, and protective value of features such as dunes, marshes, reefs, and other coastal or riverine natural systems, as well as engineered NNBF projects that incorporate natural processes. Applicants are expected to leverage datasets they already have in hand from one or more sampling events tied to a specific disaster (for example, measurements collected before and after a hurricane landfall, storm surge, or major flood). The opportunity explicitly anticipates that these case studies will help link observed performance of natural features to the anticipated performance of NNBF approaches, supporting broader planning and engineering practice around nature-based risk reduction.

The types of data that can underpin a case study are broad, as long as they credibly support an analysis of how the feature responded and what effects it had. Examples listed include wave attenuation and water movement measurements, sediment transport information, elevation or topographic/bathymetric change data, and vegetation or other ecological indicators. In practice, a strong case study would usually combine multiple lines of evidence (physical, geomorphic, and ecological) to show what happened during the event, what changed afterward, and what that implies about function (for example, reduced wave energy, stabilized shorelines, trapped sediment, limited erosion, or aided recovery).

The work is structured around three main tasks. First, the recipient must describe the previously collected dataset(s) and justify why they are well-suited to a pre/post disaster case study of a natural feature or NNBF. Second, the recipient works collaboratively with ERDC to analyze the data and develop the case study products, including the analytical approach and interpretation. Third, the recipient collaborates with ERDC to publish the results, either through ERDC publication channels or via peer-reviewed journal articles. The government role is hands-on in a technical sense: ERDC will provide guidance, assist with experimental design decisions tied to the analysis (for example, how to frame comparisons, controls, uncertainty treatment, and metrics), and collaborate on drafting manuscripts. The notice also clarifies that the government does not expect periods of performance to overlap, implying awards may run on separate schedules rather than concurrently.

Deliverables and dissemination are a central expectation. Findings must be made publicly available through public reports and/or peer-reviewed journal publications, and the effort also includes a public seminar describing results. On the reporting side, recipients must submit quarterly status reports and produce a final report within four months after completing the study. During the period of performance, ERDC and the selected partner(s) are expected to develop draft journal article(s) that will undergo internal peer review.

Eligibility is described broadly (with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement), and the opportunity is set up as a discretionary cooperative agreement in the Science and Technology / R&D category (CFDA 12.630). The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 21 SOI 0023. The posting lists an award ceiling of $23,500 and an expectation of up to three awards, indicating relatively small, targeted awards aimed at analysis and synthesis rather than large field programs. The opportunity was created July 1, 2021, with an original closing date of August 20, 2021.

For applicants, the key qualifications are very specific: demonstrated expertise in natural features and NNBF concepts, possession of relevant pre- and post-event monitoring datasets already in hand, and a clearly articulated plan for statistical analysis appropriate for those datasets. The required expertise areas emphasize experience monitoring extreme events and competence in statistical methods, reflecting the program’s focus on credible, defensible interpretation of observational data into decision-relevant case studies.

• The Department of Defense, Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Developing Case Studies from Pre/Post Natural disaster monitoring of natural features" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 01, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 20, 2021. (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 $23,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for W81EWF 21 SOI 0023

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