Aquatic Invasive Species in the Southwest | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Aquatic Invasive Species in the Southwest (FWS R2 AIS SOUTHWEST)

1) What is the Aquatic Invasive Species in the Southwest funding opportunity?

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: FWS R2 AIS SOUTHWEST) is a discretionary grant and cooperative agreement program run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). It supports work to prevent, manage, and control aquatic invasive species across the FWS Southwest Region.

2) Which states are covered by this program?

The program specifically focuses on Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.

3) What kinds of problems is this funding meant to address?

The funding is intended to reduce the spread and impacts of harmful nonnative aquatic organisms in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and connected waterways. The announcement notes these invasive species can disrupt ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and create long-term management costs.

4) What is the main purpose or “core” goal of the program?

The core purpose is to support on-the-ground and coordination work that reduces the spread and impacts of aquatic invasive species in the four-state Southwest Region footprint (AZ, NM, OK, TX).

5) What is the highest funding priority under this opportunity?

The highest priority is implementation of State Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans that have been officially approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

6) What are State ANS Management Plans, and why do they matter here?

State ANS Management Plans are plans authorized under the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. In this opportunity, projects that directly advance an approved state ANS plan are positioned as first priority for limited available funds.

7) What types of activities might count as implementing an approved state ANS plan?

The announcement describes examples such as coordinated prevention actions, early detection, response readiness, or management efforts identified in an approved state plan.

8) Are projects considered if they are not part of an approved state ANS plan?

Possibly. The opportunity states that if funding remains after supporting state plan implementation, the program may also support prevention programs targeting only the most severe aquatic invaders threatening or affecting Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and/or New Mexico.

9) Do proposed projects have to relate to the four covered states?

Yes. The announcement draws a clear boundary that proposed work must focus on invasive species that threaten or impact at least one of the four covered states (Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and/or New Mexico).

10) Does the opportunity favor certain kinds of projects beyond geographic fit?

Yes. The program favors projects that are already proven and collaborative, giving priority to existing, successful, long-term partnership efforts rather than short-term or isolated initiatives.

11) Does the program support coordination work, or only field/on-the-ground work?

It supports both. The announcement emphasizes on-the-ground and coordination work aimed at reducing spread and impacts of aquatic invasive species.

12) What is the total estimated funding available?

The estimated total funding amount listed is $25,000.

13) How many awards are expected?

The opportunity anticipates approximately 4 awards.

14) What is the expected award size (minimum and maximum)?

Individual awards are expected to range from $1,000 (award floor) up to $10,000 (award ceiling).

15) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost-sharing or matching requirement is stated for applicants in the information provided.

16) Is there a limit on indirect costs?

Yes. Any award made under this opportunity is capped at a maximum indirect cost rate of 15%. Applicants need to ensure indirect cost calculations do not exceed that limit.

17) What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education).

18) Are colleges and universities specifically mentioned as potential partners?

Yes. The opportunity notes that FWS may enter into cooperative agreements with partner entities, including colleges and universities, when those partners help coordinate invasive species prevention, management, or control efforts with the Service.

19) Is this opportunity a grant, a cooperative agreement, or both?

It is described as a discretionary grant and cooperative agreement program.

20) What category or program area is this funding associated with?

The program is categorized under Natural Resources.

21) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 15.608, Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance.

22) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on June 13, 2012.

23) What was the application closing date listed?

The closing date listed is March 29, 2013.

24) When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date listed is April 28, 2013.

25) Who is the contact person for questions or access to the full announcement?

The listed contact is David Britton, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southwest Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator.

26) How can the listed contact be reached?

David Britton can be reached by phone at 817-272-3714.

27) Is there any special instruction for the subject line when corresponding about this opportunity?

Yes. The information provided instructs correspondents to put "FWS R2 AIS SOUTHWEST" in the subject line.

28) What aquatic environments are specifically mentioned as areas of concern?

The announcement mentions rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and connected waterways throughout the four covered states.

29) What types of invasive species does the opportunity focus on?

It focuses on harmful nonnative aquatic organisms (aquatic invasive species). If funding remains beyond state plan implementation, it may support prevention programs targeting the most severe aquatic invaders threatening or affecting the covered states.

30) How competitive is the funding likely to be based on the information provided?

The announcement describes funding levels as modest and considerably limited, with an estimated total of $25,000 and about 4 expected awards.