Opportunity Information: Apply for P16AS00500
Apply for P16AS00500
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Assessing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Plankton Populcations 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.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 16, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 25, 2016 This is a notice of intent for a continuation project. This modification will be awarded to the University of Alaska Fairbanks under CESU Master Agreement P13AC01025.. (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 $450,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
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Opportunity Summary:
The National Park Service (NPS), within the U.S. Department of the Interior, issued this notice as a public announcement of its intent to fund a specific continuation project rather than a call for new proposals. In other words, it is not an open, competitive grant opportunity that outside applicants can apply to. The planned award is a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) task agreement issued under existing CESU authority (including 54 USC 100703 and 54 USC 101702(a)) and tied to CFDA 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs). The recipient identified in the notice is the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), led by Principal Investigator Russell Hopcroft, Ph.D., working in coordination with NPS program manager Lewis Sharman at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The total anticipated federal funding is $267,645, with no cost share required, and the performance window covered by the continuation effort runs from August 15, 2015 through August 14, 2020.
The project itself, titled "Assessing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Plankton Populations in Glacier Bay," is positioned as a second phase building on earlier work that documented significant ocean acidification effects on Glacier Bay water chemistry (cited as Reisdorph and Mathis 2014). That earlier research indicated that acidification events in the bay are expected to become more intense, longer-lasting, and more widespread in the coming decades. This continuation shifts the focus from documenting chemistry changes to determining what those chemistry changes mean for zooplankton and broader marine food webs. Zooplankton are highlighted as a critical link in the ecosystem because they connect primary production (like phytoplankton) to fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Managers already recognize ocean acidification as a real threat, but the notice emphasizes that the character, timing, and magnitude of impacts on living resources in Glacier Bay remain uncertain; this project is intended to reduce those uncertainties and provide a stronger scientific basis for local management decisions.
The work is organized into two main components. Component 1 is the ocean acidification field and laboratory program, which integrates chemical measurements of seawater with biological sampling of zooplankton across seasons and depths. The study design leverages four regularly scheduled hydrographic monitoring cruises already conducted by Glacier Bay National Park (GLBA) and the Southeast Alaska Network (SEAN) under the park oceanography monitoring program (the "Oceanography Vital Sign"). A key efficiency point is that the project does not require additional ship time; sampling is planned to occur during cruises that are already happening, minimizing added operational cost and disruption. Over the first two years, sampling occurs on four cruises each year (spring, mid-summer, fall, and mid-winter; specified as March, July, September, and December/January), for a total of eight cruises spanning all four seasons across two years. Sampling is planned at seven stations and six depths per station during each cruise. The third year is dedicated primarily to synthesis and interpretation, aimed at identifying which depths and seasons show the strongest relationships between acidification conditions and zooplankton responses.
The specific measurements in Component 1 include water-column carbonate system parameters, especially dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA), which are then used to calculate pH and carbonate mineral saturation states (important indicators for organisms sensitive to reduced carbonate availability). The project also includes net tows to collect zooplankton so researchers can quantify seasonal distributions ("stocks") and evaluate whether shifts in species composition, abundance, or condition align with changes in seawater chemistry. To provide broader environmental context, the plan also calls for analyses of inorganic nutrients and chlorophyll-a, helping interpret how food availability and overall biogeochemical conditions might interact with acidification stress. Results are meant to be evaluated both within Glacier Bay's unique glacial fjord dynamics and in comparison to patterns observed elsewhere in the North Pacific, including the Gulf of Alaska and Arctic/subarctic waters, so the findings can contribute to broader regional and even global understanding of glacial fjord systems.
Component 2 focuses on conceptual model development, using a systems-thinking approach to map how ocean acidification affects trophic linkages and nearshore coastal dynamics, with an emphasis on conditions relevant to Alaskan national parks. The intent is to produce a broadly applicable management tool, not just a site-specific diagram for Glacier Bay. By explicitly laying out connections among physical and chemical drivers, biological communities, and food-web relationships, the model is meant to help resource managers identify which parts of their coastal systems are most sensitive to ocean acidification and where additional monitoring or research would provide the highest value. The deliverable for this component is a digital package containing both the conceptual model visualization and a detailed written narrative explaining the model, assumptions, and linkages.
A central management theme in the notice is that ocean acidification is a large-scale climate-driven process that park managers cannot quickly stop or reverse. Because of that, the project places strong emphasis on public communication and education alongside the scientific work. The notice explicitly states that interpreters and educators will share results with visitors, students, and the general public, framing the research as both a knowledge-building exercise and a tool for outreach about how ocean acidification works, what it affects, and what mitigation or adaptation conversations might look like. To support that outreach, planned non-technical products include a short, two-page public-friendly summary (a "Research Highlight") and a more detailed article to be submitted to NPS outlets such as Alaska Park Science or Park Science.
The roles are clearly divided between UAF and NPS, reflecting the cooperative nature of CESU agreements. UAF is responsible for executing the research tasks: appointing and supporting an M.S. graduate student, collecting seawater and plankton samples during the scheduled surveys, providing most sampling equipment and supplies (with the exception of certain NPS-provided oceanographic gear), shipping samples and equipment, conducting laboratory analyses for both chemical and biological samples, and integrating those datasets to identify patterns in biological responses to seawater conditions. UAF is also responsible for annual reporting and final synthesis products, including an M.S. thesis, at least one peer-reviewed journal article, a presentation at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, and a comprehensive NPS Natural Resources Report. UAF also commits to providing at least one oral update each year while in the park for staff and/or visitors and to acknowledging NPS support and the CESU agreement in all outputs.
NPS, in turn, provides substantial in-kind and operational support that is essential for the fieldwork: funding, collaboration on reviewing and adjusting project goals, vessel time (including fuel, operators, and oversight of gear deployment), core oceanographic equipment like the CTD and water sampler plus the associated laptop for programming and data upload, logistical support during unexpected delays, and access to existing oceanographic and related datasets. NPS also commits to providing timely feedback on draft reports and the conceptual model, particularly to ensure the model is useful for coastal resource management applications across Alaskan park units.
Finally, the notice explains why the award is being made without full and open competition. The stated rationale is that this is a CESU task agreement operating under a competed master agreement structure, and, regardless, it is a continuation of an existing project (referenced with an earlier synopsis number). The practical implication is that NPS is maintaining continuity with the existing research team and framework to avoid disruption to a multi-year monitoring and synthesis effort, which is especially important when the work depends on consistent methods across seasons and years and on integration with an ongoing park monitoring program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this an open grant opportunity that new applicants can apply to?
No. This notice is a public announcement of the National Park Service's (NPS) intent to fund a specific continuation project. It is not a call for new proposals and is not an open, competitive grant opportunity for outside applicants.
Who is the intended recipient of the planned award?
The notice identifies the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) as the recipient. The project is led by Principal Investigator Russell Hopcroft, Ph.D., and coordinated with NPS program manager Lewis Sharman at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
What is the funding mechanism being used?
The planned award is a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) task agreement issued under existing CESU authority (including 54 USC 100703 and 54 USC 101702(a)). The opportunity is tied to CFDA 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs).
How much federal funding is anticipated?
The total anticipated federal funding amount is $267,645.
Is cost share or matching funding required?
No. The notice states that no cost share is required.
What is the project period for this continuation effort?
The performance window covered by the continuation effort runs from August 15, 2015 through August 14, 2020.
What is the title and main focus of the project?
The project is titled "Assessing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Plankton Populations in Glacier Bay." It focuses on understanding what documented ocean acidification changes in Glacier Bay water chemistry mean for zooplankton and the broader marine food web.
Why is this work being done now (what is it building on)?
This continuation is positioned as a second phase building on earlier work that documented significant ocean acidification effects on Glacier Bay water chemistry (cited as Reisdorph and Mathis 2014). The earlier research indicated acidification events are expected to become more intense, longer-lasting, and more widespread in coming decades, and this project aims to reduce uncertainty about biological impacts.
Why are zooplankton important in this project?
Zooplankton are described as a critical ecosystem link because they connect primary production (such as phytoplankton) to fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The project is designed to clarify how acidification-driven chemistry changes may affect zooplankton and, by extension, marine food webs.
How is the project organized?
The work is organized into two main components: (1) an ocean acidification field and laboratory program integrating seawater chemistry and zooplankton sampling, and (2) a conceptual model development effort that maps how ocean acidification affects trophic linkages and nearshore coastal dynamics, especially in Alaskan national parks.
What does Component 1 (field and lab program) include?
Component 1 integrates chemical measurements of seawater with biological sampling of zooplankton across seasons and depths. It includes carbonate system measurements (including dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity), calculation of pH and carbonate mineral saturation states, zooplankton net tows, and additional analyses of inorganic nutrients and chlorophyll-a to provide environmental context.
Will this project require additional ship time?
No. A key efficiency described in the notice is that the project leverages four hydrographic monitoring cruises that are already regularly scheduled under Glacier Bay National Park and the Southeast Alaska Network (SEAN) oceanography monitoring program. Sampling is planned to occur during cruises that are already happening, so no additional ship time is required.
How many cruises and sampling events are planned?
Over the first two years, sampling occurs on four cruises each year (spring, mid-summer, fall, and mid-winter), for a total of eight cruises spanning all four seasons across two years.
When during the year does sampling occur?
The notice specifies seasonal timing as March (spring), July (mid-summer), September (fall), and December/January (mid-winter).
How extensive is the sampling design (stations and depths)?
Sampling is planned at seven stations and six depths per station during each cruise.
What happens during the third year of work?
The third year is dedicated primarily to synthesis and interpretation, with the goal of identifying which depths and seasons show the strongest relationships between ocean acidification conditions and zooplankton responses.
What chemistry measurements are emphasized and why?
The project emphasizes water-column carbonate system parameters, especially dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA). These measurements are used to calculate pH and carbonate mineral saturation states, which are described as important indicators for organisms sensitive to reduced carbonate availability.
What biological sampling is included?
The project includes net tows to collect zooplankton so researchers can quantify seasonal distributions (stocks) and evaluate whether shifts in species composition, abundance, or condition align with changes in seawater chemistry.
Why include nutrients and chlorophyll-a analyses?
The notice states these measurements provide broader environmental context, helping interpret how food availability and overall biogeochemical conditions might interact with ocean acidification stress.
How will results be interpreted beyond Glacier Bay?
Results are intended to be evaluated within Glacier Bay's glacial fjord dynamics and compared to patterns observed elsewhere in the North Pacific, including the Gulf of Alaska and Arctic/subarctic waters, so findings can contribute to broader regional and global understanding of glacial fjord systems.
What is Component 2 (conceptual model development) meant to produce?
Component 2 uses a systems-thinking approach to map how ocean acidification affects trophic linkages and nearshore coastal dynamics, emphasizing conditions relevant to Alaskan national parks. The intent is a broadly applicable management tool rather than only a site-specific diagram for Glacier Bay.
What is the deliverable for the conceptual model component?
The deliverable is a digital package containing both the conceptual model visualization and a detailed written narrative explaining the model, assumptions, and linkages.
How does this project support park management decisions?
The notice explains that managers already recognize ocean acidification as a real threat, but the character, timing, and magnitude of impacts on living resources remain uncertain. This project is intended to reduce those uncertainties and provide a stronger scientific basis for local management decisions, including identifying sensitive parts of coastal systems and where additional monitoring or research would be most valuable.
Is public communication and education part of the project?
Yes. The notice emphasizes that because ocean acidification is a large-scale process managers cannot quickly stop or reverse, the project includes strong public communication and education. Interpreters and educators will share results with visitors, students, and the general public.
What non-technical outreach products are planned?
The planned non-technical products include a short, two-page public-friendly summary ("Research Highlight") and a more detailed article to be submitted to NPS outlets such as Alaska Park Science or Park Science.
What are UAF's responsibilities under this cooperative agreement?
UAF is responsible for executing the research tasks, including appointing and supporting an M.S. graduate student; collecting seawater and plankton samples during scheduled surveys; providing most sampling equipment and supplies (except certain NPS-provided oceanographic gear); shipping samples and equipment; conducting laboratory analyses of chemical and biological samples; integrating datasets to identify biological responses to seawater conditions; and producing annual reporting and final synthesis products.
What specific reporting and scientific products is UAF expected to deliver?
The notice lists an M.S. thesis, at least one peer-reviewed journal article, a presentation at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium, and a comprehensive NPS Natural Resources Report. UAF also commits to at least one oral update each year while in the park for staff and/or visitors and to acknowledging NPS support and the CESU agreement in all outputs.
What does NPS provide as part of the cooperation?
NPS provides funding and collaboration on reviewing and adjusting goals, vessel time (including fuel, operators, and oversight of gear deployment), core oceanographic equipment (such as the CTD and water sampler plus the associated laptop for programming and data upload), logistical support during unexpected delays, and access to existing oceanographic and related datasets. NPS also commits to timely feedback on draft reports and the conceptual model to ensure management usefulness across Alaskan park units.
Why is the award being made without full and open competition?
The notice states the rationale is that this is a CESU task agreement operating under a competed master agreement structure and that it is a continuation of an existing project (referenced with an earlier synopsis number). The practical reason given is to maintain continuity with the existing research team and framework and avoid disrupting a multi-year monitoring and synthesis effort that depends on consistent methods and integration with the ongoing park monitoring program.
Which NPS monitoring program is this project aligned with?
The field effort leverages Glacier Bay National Park (GLBA) and the Southeast Alaska Network (SEAN) hydrographic monitoring cruises conducted under the park oceanography monitoring program, described as the "Oceanography Vital Sign."
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