Opportunity Information: Apply for F16AS00428

  • The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Aquatic species and watershed protection and management projects" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.657.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Aug 24, 2016.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 31, 2016. (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 $574,300.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: State governments, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Small businesses.
Apply for F16AS00428

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Opportunity Summary:

The Aquatic species and watershed protection and management projects opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F16AS00428) is a discretionary federal grant program offered through the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, specifically managed by the Service's Kentucky Field Office. It is set up as a Cooperative Agreement, which usually means the Fish and Wildlife Service expects to have substantial involvement in the funded work (for example, coordinating on project design, technical approaches, monitoring methods, reporting expectations, or adaptive management decisions) rather than simply issuing funds and stepping away.

The purpose of the funding is straightforward: support aquatic species conservation and watershed protection or management actions that measurably benefit federally listed aquatic species (those protected under the Endangered Species Act) as well as other aquatic species considered at-risk. The opportunity emphasizes projects that directly conserve or improve conditions for these species, with a strong focus on watershed-level outcomes. Priority is given to work in "priority watersheds," especially those watersheds known to contain habitat for listed or at-risk aquatic species or watersheds that may contain such habitat based on existing data or reasonable biological expectations. In practice, this points toward projects like habitat restoration, improving water quality or aquatic connectivity, addressing threats such as sedimentation or altered flows, and other management actions that protect or enhance aquatic ecosystems where sensitive species live or could recover.

Funding can be provided through either of the applicable CFDA programs associated with the Service (CFDA Number 15.657 is identified in the source information), or through reimbursable funds that have been provided to the Kentucky Field Office by other federal agencies or other sources. That detail matters because it signals the office may be leveraging multiple funding streams, and projects might be structured to align with the goals and constraints of those underlying sources while still delivering conservation benefits for aquatic species and their habitats.

Eligible applicants include a broad mix of partners who typically play roles in aquatic conservation work: state governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments, as stated in the eligibility list); nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education); private institutions of higher education; and small businesses. This range suggests the Service is open to proposals from conservation organizations, research or implementation partners in the private higher-ed space, and technical firms capable of on-the-ground restoration, monitoring, design, or implementation work, as well as state agencies that often manage aquatic resources and watersheds.

From an award profile standpoint, the listing indicates an award ceiling of $574,300 and an expectation of a single award. That combination implies a relatively competitive, targeted funding action aimed at one sizable project (or one consolidated effort led by a primary recipient with partners) rather than many small subawards. The opportunity was created on August 24, 2016, with an original closing date of August 31, 2016, indicating a short application window at the time this announcement was posted. The overall activity category is Natural Resources, aligning with habitat and species conservation outcomes.

In summary, this opportunity supports collaborative, watershed-focused aquatic conservation projects in Kentucky or tied to the Kentucky Field Office's priorities, with the clearest preference given to efforts that conserve federally listed and at-risk aquatic species by protecting, managing, or restoring priority watersheds where those species occur or are likely to occur. The cooperative agreement structure and the emphasis on priority watersheds signal that projects should be well-justified biologically, grounded in watershed-scale needs, and designed in a way that allows the Fish and Wildlife Service to stay closely engaged throughout implementation to maximize conservation results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Aquatic species and watershed protection and management projects opportunity (F16AS00428)?

This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). It is managed by the Service's Kentucky Field Office and supports projects focused on aquatic species conservation and watershed protection or management.

Which agency is offering and managing this funding?

The funding is offered through the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, and is specifically managed by the FWS Kentucky Field Office.

What type of award is this?

The opportunity is set up as a Cooperative Agreement. This typically means FWS expects substantial involvement in the funded work, such as coordination on project design, technical approaches, monitoring methods, reporting expectations, and/or adaptive management decisions.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The purpose is to support aquatic species conservation and watershed protection or management actions that measurably benefit federally listed aquatic species under the Endangered Species Act, as well as other aquatic species considered at-risk.

What kinds of outcomes does the opportunity emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes projects with measurable conservation benefits for aquatic species, with a strong focus on watershed-level outcomes (for example, improving habitat conditions across a watershed rather than only at a single point location).

What kinds of projects are likely to fit this opportunity?

Projects are generally described as actions that conserve or improve conditions for listed and at-risk aquatic species. Examples mentioned or implied include habitat restoration, improving water quality, improving aquatic connectivity, and addressing threats such as sedimentation or altered flows, as well as other management actions that protect or enhance aquatic ecosystems.

What are "priority watersheds" in the context of this funding?

"Priority watersheds" are watersheds that the opportunity indicates should receive preference for funding. These are especially watersheds known to contain habitat for listed or at-risk aquatic species, or watersheds that may contain such habitat based on existing data or reasonable biological expectations.

Does the opportunity require projects to be in specific locations?

The opportunity is managed by the FWS Kentucky Field Office and emphasizes watershed-focused aquatic conservation tied to that office's priorities. It highlights priority watersheds, particularly those associated with listed or at-risk aquatic species habitat.

Which species are the focus of the program?

The focus is on federally listed aquatic species (protected under the Endangered Species Act) and other aquatic species that are considered at-risk.

How is the funding source described (CFDA and other funding streams)?

Funding can be provided through applicable CFDA programs associated with the Fish and Wildlife Service, with CFDA Number 15.657 identified in the source information. The opportunity also notes that reimbursable funds provided to the Kentucky Field Office by other federal agencies or other sources may be used.

Why does it matter that reimbursable funds may be involved?

The opportunity indicates the office may be leveraging multiple funding streams. As described, this may affect how projects are structured so they align with the goals and constraints of the underlying sources while still delivering aquatic conservation benefits.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments, as stated in the eligibility list); nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education); private institutions of higher education; and small businesses.

Are nonprofits required to have 501(c)(3) status to be eligible?

No. The eligibility list includes nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, provided they are not institutions of higher education.

Are institutions of higher education eligible?

Private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible. Nonprofits that are institutions of higher education are specifically excluded in the eligibility description provided.

Are small businesses eligible to apply?

Yes. Small businesses are listed among the eligible applicant types.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is listed as $574,300.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of a single award.

What does an expectation of a single award suggest about competitiveness and project scope?

Based on the listing, a single expected award combined with a relatively high ceiling suggests a targeted, competitive funding action aimed at one sizable project (or a consolidated effort led by a primary recipient with partners) rather than multiple smaller awards.

When was this funding opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on August 24, 2016, and had an original closing date of August 31, 2016, reflecting a short application window at the time it was posted.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is F16AS00428.

What is the activity category for this grant?

The activity category is Natural Resources.

What does "measurably benefit" imply for proposed projects?

It implies that proposals should be designed to deliver clear conservation benefits for listed and at-risk aquatic species and improvements at the watershed scale, with outcomes that can be monitored, tracked, or otherwise demonstrated through the project approach described.

How involved will the Fish and Wildlife Service be during the project?

Because this is a Cooperative Agreement, the opportunity notes that FWS typically has substantial involvement. Examples provided include coordination on project design, technical approaches, monitoring methods, reporting expectations, and adaptive management decisions.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources

Next opportunity: Delta State University -MIDE NHA

Previous opportunity: Internship Training Program Southeast Regional Office, Cultural Landscapes Program

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for F16AS00428

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F16AS00428) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
Implement White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River Watershed Management Plan Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0171

Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0171
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $95,000
Antelope Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project Apply for F16AS00429

Funding Number: F16AS00429
Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $693,039
Managing Wildlife at Death Valley National Park Apply for P16AS00558

Funding Number: P16AS00558
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $35,000
Predict Condor Range Expansion to Reduce Development Threats Apply for P16AS00559

Funding Number: P16AS00559
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $95,763
Notice of Intent to Award: South Florida / Caribbean Inventory and Monitoring Network Youth Internship and Training Program Apply for P16AS00560

Funding Number: P16AS00560
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $31,000
Notice of Intent to Award: Stabilize and Protect South Florida Archeological Sites with Integrated Ecosystem Restoration Apply for P16AS00562

Funding Number: P16AS00562
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $35,000
Stanislaus River Salmon Project Apply for F16AS00433

Funding Number: F16AS00433
Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $790,000
Developing a strategic decision framework for terrestrial species conservation Apply for F16AS00432

Funding Number: F16AS00432
Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Notice of Intent to Award: Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Three National Parks within the U.S. Virgin Islands Apply for P16AS00563

Funding Number: P16AS00563
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $212,299
Technical and educational support for forest management projects on Wildlife Refuges within the Gulf CESU area Apply for F16AS00434

Funding Number: F16AS00434
Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
Notice of Intent to Award: Natural Resources Support, Assistance, and Experiences, Everglades National Park Apply for P16AS00565

Funding Number: P16AS00565
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $152,837
Conservation of Channel Islands National Park Botanic Resources Apply for P16AS00564

Funding Number: P16AS00564
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $750,000
Notice of Intent to Award: The Conservation of Three Historical Cannons, 40 Shells and Treatment for Ordóñez Cannon and its Carriage Apply for P16AS00566

Funding Number: P16AS00566
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $27,000
Student Intern Support for the Cumberland Piedmont Inventory and Monitoring Network Apply for P16AS00567

Funding Number: P16AS00567
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $29,000
MACA Archeological Site Stewardship Program Apply for P16AS00569

Funding Number: P16AS00569
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $38,000
Archeological Investigations for Disability-Accessible Trail near Green River Ferry, Mammoth Cave National Park Apply for P16AS00570

Funding Number: P16AS00570
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $24,888
Notice of Intent - Framework and Guidance for Valuing Ecosystem Services in the Federal Government Apply for USGS FA 16 0435

Funding Number: USGS FA 16 0435
Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $75,000
Notice of Intent - Evidence Based Ecosystem Services Research, Example Applications, and Best Practices Apply for USGS FA 16 0436

Funding Number: USGS FA 16 0436
Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $300,000
Notice of Intent - Evaluating Principles to Guide Comprehensive Assessment of Ecosystem Service Values Apply for USGS FA 16 0437

Funding Number: USGS FA 16 0437
Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $75,000
Notice of Intent: East Jemez Landscape Futures Apply for P16AS00571

Funding Number: P16AS00571
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Category: Natural Resources
Funding Amount: $30,000

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

USGrants.org applicant portal membership

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F16AS00428", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.