Opportunity Information: Apply for P15AS01037
Apply for P15AS01037
- The National Park Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Assessing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Plankton Populations in Glacier Bay" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs Resources of the National Park System.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 27, 2015 and posted on Jun 27, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 11, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $140,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- This is a notice of intent to award to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Please see the attachment for further information.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This government grant notice is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award, meaning it is not an open call for proposals and not requesting applications. Instead, it publicly announces NPS plans to make a single, non-competitive cooperative agreement award to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) framework. The project is titled "Assessing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Plankton Populations in Glacier Bay" and is associated with Funding Announcement Number P15AC01037 (also referenced in the source data as P15AS01037). The anticipated award amount is $139,234 with no cost share requirement, and it is described as a new award with an anticipated period of performance from 08/15/2015 to 08/14/2020. The CFDA listing is 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System / CESU Network, and the statutory authorities cited include 54 USC 100703 (Cooperative Studies Units) and 54 USC 101702(a) (Cooperative Agreements).
The core purpose of the project is to improve understanding of how ocean acidification is affecting marine zooplankton in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, with an emphasis on how changing seawater chemistry can ripple through the marine food web. The opportunity description frames ocean acidification as a major and growing threat to marine and coastal ecosystems worldwide, but especially in cold, well-mixed, high-latitude waters like those in Alaska. These regions are expected to experience stronger shifts in carbonate chemistry because CO2 dissolves more readily in colder water, carbonate ion concentrations are naturally lower, and local mixing patterns can intensify exposure. Glacier Bay is highlighted as both highly productive biologically and scientifically important, and the NPS notes that uncertainty about impacts is driven largely by limited information about present-day pH conditions, variability, and how organisms respond to those conditions. Building on earlier work that documented the extent, timing, and intensity of acidification events in Glacier Bay, this project represents the next step: connecting those chemical patterns to biological responses within the plankton community.
The research focus centers on testing a specific hypothesis: that strong spatial gradients in aragonite saturation state (a key indicator of how favorable seawater conditions are for organisms that build calcium carbonate shells) will be reflected in the distribution and condition of zooplankton across Glacier Bay, especially during summer and fall when saturation states are expected to be lowest. A particular point of concern is pteropods, small planktonic snails that are both ecologically important prey for higher trophic levels and also vulnerable because their shells can dissolve under more corrosive (lower saturation) conditions. The project approach is built around multi-season oceanographic surveys across Glacier Bay, where teams will collect seawater and zooplankton samples at core stations and from discrete depths. Those samples will then be analyzed in laboratories to characterize seawater chemistry and zooplankton community composition and condition, and the combined dataset will be used to evaluate how biological patterns change with location, season, and depth in relation to acidification conditions.
A major applied product of the effort is the development of a conceptual model describing how ocean acidification interacts with nearshore coastal ecosystem components and the physical-chemical environment, with a strong emphasis on trophic linkages (how changes at the plankton level can affect broader food-web structure and ecosystem function). The model is intended to be broadly useful beyond Glacier Bay, serving as a management-oriented tool that can be applied across Alaskan coastal park units to help managers identify which ecosystem components are most likely to be sensitive to acidification and where additional monitoring or research would be most valuable. This reflects a practical management goal alongside the scientific goal: translating measurements and ecological findings into a framework that supports park decision-making and communication.
Roles are clearly divided between UAF and NPS, with substantial involvement from both sides, consistent with a cooperative agreement. UAF is responsible for scientific leadership and execution of much of the research and analysis, including naming Russell Hopcroft, Ph.D. as Principal Investigator, appointing a graduate student to work on the project, supplying most sampling gear (such as plankton nets), managing shipment of equipment and samples, conducting laboratory analyses of seawater and zooplankton samples, and integrating chemical and biological results. UAF is also responsible for reporting and dissemination: annual Investigator Annual Reports comparing findings to historical datasets and broader North Pacific contexts, a final synthesis in the form of an M.S. thesis, at least one peer-reviewed journal article, a presentation at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, a two-page public-friendly Research Highlight, a comprehensive NPS Natural Resources Report, and an article submission to Park Science or Alaska Park Science. In addition, while in the park, the project team is expected to provide at least one annual oral update to park staff and/or visitors, and all products must acknowledge NPS support and the Alaska CESU agreement.
NPS, in turn, provides both funding and critical field and logistical support. The park appoints Lewis Sharman (Ecologist) as the Project Manager and Agreement Technical Representative, collaborates with UAF to review and adapt project progress and goals, and provides key operational resources for fieldwork. Specifically, NPS supplies the vessel, fuel, operator, and oversight for gear deployment, as well as a CTD and associated water sampler and a laptop for field programming and data upload. NPS also offers local logistical support for extended stays if surveys are delayed, contributes existing oceanographic and other data where helpful, assists in planning field activities, and provides timely feedback on draft reports and the conceptual model to ensure it is relevant to coastal resource management needs.
The notice also explains why this award is being made without full and open competition. The single-source justification is based on the "unique qualifications" criterion. NPS argues that the named UAF investigators are uniquely positioned to conduct the work because of their combined expertise and existing leadership in the relevant science. Russell Hopcroft is described as an expert in zooplankton and marine food webs with extensive experience in the Gulf of Alaska and a history of leading multidisciplinary research on zooplankton roles in trophic structure. Jeremy Mathis, listed as co-PI, is described as directing UAFs Ocean Acidification Research Center and also leading NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratorys Ocean Environment Research Division, with specialization in ocean acidification. The notice emphasizes that Mathis previously oversaw a multi-year Glacier Bay acidification study that mapped spatial and temporal patterns and evaluated how glacial meltwater affects alkalinity, effectively providing the baseline chemical context needed for the present projects biological focus. Taken together, NPS presents this as a logical continuation from chemical characterization toward ecosystem impact assessment, with UAF offering an unusually strong fit because the needed expertise and prior local work are already in place.
In practical terms, the opportunity is best understood as a targeted, partner-driven research investment aimed at linking ocean acidification exposure to ecological response in a high-value, high-latitude national park marine system. The deliverables are structured to serve multiple audiences at once: resource managers who need decision-relevant conceptual tools and reports, scientists who need publishable datasets and analyses, and the public who benefits from accessible summaries and park-based interpretation. The intended outcome is not only better documentation of acidification conditions, but clearer understanding of which plankton species and food-web pathways are most vulnerable in Glacier Bay, and a transferable conceptual model that can strengthen coastal stewardship across Alaskan NPS units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this an open funding opportunity that accepts applications?
No. This is a National Park Service (NPS) notice of intent to award. It is not an open call for proposals and it is not requesting applications.
What type of award is being announced?
NPS plans to make a single, non-competitive cooperative agreement award under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) framework.
Who is the intended recipient of this award?
The intended recipient is the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
Is this a competitive award?
No. The notice describes a single-source, non-competitive award and provides a justification for not using full and open competition.
What is the project title?
The project is titled "Assessing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Plankton Populations in Glacier Bay."
What funding announcement number is associated with this notice?
The project is associated with Funding Announcement Number P15AC01037. The source data also references P15AS01037.
How much funding is anticipated?
The anticipated award amount is $139,234.
Is cost sharing or match required?
No. The notice states there is no cost share requirement.
Is this a new award or a continuation?
It is described as a new award, while also being framed as the next step building on earlier Glacier Bay ocean acidification work.
What is the anticipated period of performance?
The anticipated period of performance is from 08/15/2015 to 08/14/2020.
What CFDA program is listed for this award?
The CFDA listing is 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System / CESU Network.
What statutory authorities are cited in the notice?
The statutory authorities cited include 54 USC 100703 (Cooperative Studies Units) and 54 USC 101702(a) (Cooperative Agreements).
What is the main purpose of the project?
The purpose is to improve understanding of how ocean acidification is affecting marine zooplankton in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, and how changes in seawater chemistry may ripple through the marine food web.
Why is ocean acidification a focus in Glacier Bay and Alaska?
The notice describes ocean acidification as a major and growing threat worldwide, with heightened concern in cold, well-mixed, high-latitude waters like Alaska. It notes that CO2 dissolves more readily in colder water, carbonate ion concentrations are naturally lower, and local mixing patterns can intensify exposure to changing chemistry.
What knowledge gap is this project trying to address?
NPS highlights uncertainty about impacts due largely to limited information about present-day pH conditions, variability, and how organisms respond to those conditions. The project aims to connect chemical patterns to biological responses within the plankton community.
What earlier work does this project build on?
The notice states that earlier work documented the extent, timing, and intensity of acidification events in Glacier Bay. This project is described as the next step, linking those chemical patterns to plankton community responses.
What hypothesis is the project testing?
The project tests the hypothesis that strong spatial gradients in aragonite saturation state will be reflected in the distribution and condition of zooplankton across Glacier Bay, especially during summer and fall when saturation states are expected to be lowest.
What is aragonite saturation state, in the context of this project?
In this notice, aragonite saturation state is described as a key indicator of how favorable seawater conditions are for organisms that build calcium carbonate shells, and it is used to evaluate how corrosive conditions may be for sensitive species.
Which organisms are a particular concern, and why?
Pteropods (small planktonic snails) are highlighted as a key concern because they are important prey for higher trophic levels and are vulnerable to shell dissolution under more corrosive (lower saturation) conditions.
Where will the research take place?
The work focuses on Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, using multi-season oceanographic surveys across Glacier Bay.
What are the main field activities described?
The notice describes multi-season oceanographic surveys that collect seawater and zooplankton samples at core stations and from discrete depths, along with supporting oceanographic measurements.
What happens to samples after collection?
Samples are analyzed in laboratories to characterize seawater chemistry and zooplankton community composition and condition. The combined dataset is then used to evaluate how biological patterns vary by location, season, and depth in relation to acidification conditions.
What is one major management-oriented product of the project?
A major applied product is a conceptual model describing how ocean acidification interacts with nearshore coastal ecosystem components and the physical-chemical environment, emphasizing trophic linkages and food-web effects.
Is the conceptual model intended to be useful beyond Glacier Bay?
Yes. The notice states the model is intended to be broadly useful across Alaskan coastal park units as a management-oriented tool to help identify sensitive ecosystem components and prioritize monitoring or research.
Why is this being done through a cooperative agreement?
The notice describes substantial involvement from both UAF and NPS, including collaborative review of progress and goals and significant NPS field and logistical support, which aligns with the cooperative agreement approach.
Who is listed as the Principal Investigator (PI)?
Russell Hopcroft, Ph.D. (UAF) is named as the Principal Investigator.
Is there a co-PI mentioned?
Yes. Jeremy Mathis is listed as co-PI in the notice.
What key responsibilities does UAF have under the project?
UAF is responsible for scientific leadership and execution of much of the research and analysis, including appointing a graduate student, supplying most sampling gear (such as plankton nets), managing shipment of equipment and samples, conducting laboratory analyses of seawater and zooplankton samples, integrating chemical and biological results, and producing required reports and publications.
What reporting and dissemination products are identified for UAF?
The notice lists: annual Investigator Annual Reports comparing findings to historical datasets and broader North Pacific contexts; a final synthesis in the form of an M.S. thesis; at least one peer-reviewed journal article; a presentation at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium; a two-page public-friendly Research Highlight; a comprehensive NPS Natural Resources Report; and an article submission to Park Science or Alaska Park Science.
Are there any expectations for communication while the team is in the park?
Yes. While in the park, the project team is expected to provide at least one annual oral update to park staff and/or visitors.
Are there required acknowledgements in project products?
Yes. The notice states all products must acknowledge NPS support and the Alaska CESU agreement.
What key responsibilities does NPS have under the project?
NPS provides funding and significant field and logistical support. The park appoints Lewis Sharman (Ecologist) as Project Manager and Agreement Technical Representative, collaborates with UAF to review and adapt progress and goals, and supplies operational resources for fieldwork.
What field resources does NPS plan to provide?
NPS will supply the vessel, fuel, operator, and oversight for gear deployment, plus a CTD and associated water sampler and a laptop for field programming and data upload.
Does NPS provide any additional logistical support beyond equipment?
Yes. NPS offers local logistical support for extended stays if surveys are delayed, contributes existing oceanographic and other data where helpful, assists with planning field activities, and provides feedback on draft reports and the conceptual model to keep it relevant to management needs.
Why is the award being made without full and open competition?
The notice cites a single-source justification based on the "unique qualifications" criterion. NPS states the named UAF investigators are uniquely positioned due to their expertise and prior leadership in the relevant science.
What unique qualifications are highlighted for Russell Hopcroft?
He is described as an expert in zooplankton and marine food webs, with extensive Gulf of Alaska experience and a history of leading multidisciplinary research on zooplankton roles in trophic structure.
What unique qualifications are highlighted for Jeremy Mathis?
He is described as directing UAF's Ocean Acidification Research Center and leading NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory's Ocean Environment Research Division, specializing in ocean acidification. The notice also notes he oversaw a multi-year Glacier Bay acidification study that mapped spatial and temporal patterns and evaluated how glacial meltwater affects alkalinity.
How does this project relate to NPS management needs?
Beyond producing scientific measurements and analyses, the project is designed to translate findings into a conceptual model and reports that support park decision-making, prioritization of monitoring and research, and communication about ecosystem sensitivity and food-web impacts.
What outcomes does NPS appear to be aiming for?
The notice emphasizes clearer understanding of which plankton species and food-web pathways are most vulnerable in Glacier Bay, improved linkage between acidification exposure and ecological response, and a transferable conceptual model to strengthen coastal stewardship across Alaskan NPS units.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: Conduct Geophysical Sub surface Resource Survey at Brooks River, Katmai National Park
Previous opportunity: 2013 Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative, Phragmites Symbios Collaborative and Coastal Science Strategy
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 P15AS01037
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P15AS01037) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Conduct Geophysical Sub surface Resource Survey at Brooks River, Katmai National Park Apply for P15AS01041 Funding Number: P15AS01041 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Subtidal and Intertidal Habitats and Invertebrate Biota in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska Apply for P15AS01028 Funding Number: P15AS01028 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Large Fires in Wrangell St. Elias National Park Apply for P15AS01029 Funding Number: P15AS01029 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Mapping Lichen Cover and Biomass in the Western Caribou Arctic Herd Home Range Apply for P15AS01022 Funding Number: P15AS01022 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Population Dynamics of Forest Carnivores in Denali Apply for P15AS01013 Funding Number: P15AS01013 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| SUPPORTING THE ALASKA NATIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM (ANSEP) Apply for P15AS01023 Funding Number: P15AS01023 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Effects of Infanticide Risk on Brown Bear Resource Selection in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska Apply for P15AS01024 Funding Number: P15AS01024 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Identify Vulnerable Populations of Dall s Sheep in Alaska s National Parks Using Climate Models Apply for P15AS01026 Funding Number: P15AS01026 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Dinosaurs of the Cantwell Formation, Denali National Park and Preserve insights into a Late Cretaceous, high latitude ecosystem in a Greenhouse World. Apply for P15AS01027 Funding Number: P15AS01027 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| High resolution hydrologic modeling of Glacier Bay National Park Apply for P15AS01065 Funding Number: P15AS01065 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Transition to Teaching Grant Program Local Projects CFDA 84.350A Apply for ED GRANTS 111308 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111308 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transition to Teaching Grant Program Statewide Projects CFDA 84.350B Apply for ED GRANTS 111308 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111308 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transition to Teaching Grant Program National/Regional Projects CFDA 84.350C Apply for ED GRANTS 111308 004 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 111308 004 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Teaching American History Grant Program CFDA 84.215X Apply for ED GRANTS 122308 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 122308 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Research and Technical Assistance Center on Vocational Rehabilitation Program Management CFDA 84.133A 3 Apply for ED GRANTS 122408 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 122408 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Center on the Effective Delivery of Rehabilitation Technology by State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies to Improve Employment Outcomes CFDA 84.133A 4 Apply for ED GRANTS 122408 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 122408 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Higher Education Disaster Relief CFDA 84.938 Apply for ED GRANTS 011609 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011609 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| High Energy Laser Educational Initiative Apply for FA9451 09 1 0347 Funding Number: FA9451 09 1 0347 Agency: Air Force Research Lab Category: Education Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| Rehabilitation Long Term Training Rehabilitation Counseling, CFDA 84.129B Apply for ED GRANTS 022309 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 022309 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Youth Education Apply for J8542090030 Funding Number: J8542090030 Agency: National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $120,000 |
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
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 "P15AS01037", 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.