Update the Standard Assessment Methodology (SAM) Model | W81EWF 20 SOI 0027

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is this funding opportunity about?

This opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement from the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to update the Standard Assessment Methodology (SAM) habitat model used in the Sacramento River Basin. The updated model is intended to better evaluate how bank protection projects and associated habitat mitigation actions affect fish habitat conditions, with a primary emphasis on salmonids.

2) Who is offering the award?

The award is issued by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) under the Department of Defense.

3) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 20 SOI 0027.

4) What type of funding instrument is being used?

The opportunity uses a cooperative agreement. That generally means the federal agency expects substantial involvement during the project rather than the recipient working fully independently.

5) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this funding activity is 12.630.

6) What is the primary purpose of updating the SAM habitat model?

The update is intended to reflect current management and monitoring needs in the Sacramento River Basin and incorporate new information from recent monitoring efforts, including additional environmental parameters that were not adequately captured in earlier model versions.

7) What types of projects or actions is the SAM model meant to evaluate?

The SAM habitat model is used to help agencies evaluate how bank protection (bank stabilization) projects and associated habitat mitigation actions affect fish habitat conditions in the Sacramento River Basin.

8) Which species are the main focus of the model update?

The primary emphasis is on salmonids.

9) Is green sturgeon included in the scope?

Green sturgeon is identified as a secondary, optional component. The opportunity notes that an optional task may expand the work to include habitat effects for green sturgeon, depending on agency needs and the final project scope.

10) What are the two main objectives of the cooperative agreement?

The agreement has two main objectives: (1) collaboratively develop a revised SAM habitat model tailored to current management and monitoring needs in the Sacramento River Basin, and (2) support the formal certification of the revised SAM model so it can be recognized and relied upon as a credible tool for impact assessment and mitigation planning related to bank stabilization and similar river management activities.

11) What does it mean that the model must be "robust"?

In this opportunity, "robust" means the updated model should be able to evaluate a broad range of resource management actions (not just a narrow set of project types) while still producing defensible outputs that can support decision-making.

12) What does it mean that the model must be "adaptable"?

In this opportunity, "adaptable" means the model should be designed so that additional species criteria can be added later and so it can be integrated with other models or analytical components as part of a larger ecosystem assessment framework.

13) Is USACE looking for a one-time model update or something more?

Based on the description, USACE is looking for a modernized modeling platform that can evolve as new data, new questions, or new regulatory needs emerge, rather than a one-off update.

14) What kinds of tasks are included in the project scope?

The described work includes: managing the habitat model design and implementation process (including technical coordination, scheduling, documentation, and version control), coordinating closely with USACE and other agencies to develop a model development plan and oversee model development, providing technical support through the certification process (including demonstrating model performance and documenting assumptions and methods for reviewers), and delivering training so USACE personnel and other potential users can apply the updated model correctly and consistently.

15) What role do other agencies play in the model update?

The recipient is expected to work collaboratively with USACE and other relevant agencies. The scope indicates multi-stakeholder input and alignment with agency standards as part of planning and development.

16) What is meant by "certification" of the revised SAM model?

The opportunity states that the project must support formal certification so the revised SAM model can be recognized and relied upon as an effective, credible tool for impact assessment and mitigation planning. The description also notes certification generally requires clear demonstration of model performance, transparency of assumptions, and documentation sufficient for reviewers to validate and approve the tool.

17) Is training required as part of the award?

Yes. The scope includes training so USACE personnel and other potential users are prepared to apply the updated SAM habitat model correctly and consistently.

18) How many awards does the opportunity anticipate making?

The opportunity anticipates a single award.

19) What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $110,000.

20) What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity is listed under science and technology and other research and development.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

The posting lists eligible applicants as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.

22) What does "discretionary" mean in this context?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary funding opportunity, meaning the agency has discretion in making the award rather than the award being automatically determined by a formula.

23) When was this opportunity created and what was the original closing date?

The opportunity was created on June 4, 2020, and the original closing date listed is July 31, 2020.

24) What geographic area does the work focus on?

The model update is focused on the Sacramento River Basin.

25) What is the SAM model used for in practical decision-making?

The SAM habitat model is intended to be relied upon as a tool for impact assessment and mitigation planning related to bank stabilization and similar river management activities by evaluating effects on fish habitat conditions.