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Bat and Wind Energy Research (F14AS00119) - FAQs

What is the purpose of the "Bat and Wind Energy Research" grant opportunity?

This Fish and Wildlife Service funding opportunity supports applied research intended to improve how bat conservation is handled alongside the rapid expansion of land-based wind energy development within the range of the federally listed Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). The intent is to generate better field data so biologists can more confidently evaluate impacts and make better-informed decisions about wind project siting, operations, and conservation measures.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is F14AS00119.

What problem is this program trying to solve?

As more wind projects are proposed, built, and operated, the Service is increasingly involved through Endangered Species Act processes such as Section 7 consultations and Section 10 incidental take permitting. A recurring challenge in those reviews is estimating and reducing risk to bats, especially during migration, when interactions with turbines can lead to fatalities. This program is meant to address that practical need by producing field data that improves impact assessment and risk reduction.

What species are the focus of the research?

The primary focus is the federally listed Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). The opportunity also includes research on summer habitat distributions of northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis).

What are the main research topics this opportunity is looking to fund?

The notice identifies two key research focus areas: (1) spring and fall migration patterns of Indiana bats, and (2) summer habitat distributions of both Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats.

Why does the opportunity emphasize migration research, and especially fall migration?

The notice explains that Indiana bats show strong fidelity to both summer areas and winter hibernacula. Telemetry-based tracking in spring and fall can reveal consistent migratory pathways, stopover behavior, timing, and habitat use. While both seasons matter, the opportunity emphasizes fall migration because most documented Indiana bat fatalities at wind facilities have occurred in the fall, and much of the existing migration information is weighted toward spring.

How is the program structured?

The program is structured as two separate studies funded through two separate awards, each with a different period of performance: a Fall Migration Study conducted in fall 2014 and a Spring Migration Study conducted in spring 2015.

Can an applicant apply for both the fall and spring studies?

Yes. Applicants may apply to one study or both. However, each study requires its own complete proposal.

If an applicant applies to both studies, will both awards automatically go to the same applicant?

No. The notice states the two awards may or may not be made to the same applicant.

What are the expected periods of performance for the studies?

The Fall Migration Study is to be conducted in fall 2014, and the Spring Migration Study is to be conducted in spring 2015.

How much funding is available for the fall study?

The estimated funding available is up to $200,000 for the Fall Migration Study.

How much funding is available for the spring study?

The estimated funding available is up to $50,000 for the Spring Migration Study.

What is the total estimated funding under this announcement?

The announcement estimates a total of $250,000 across both studies.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity anticipates up to two expected awards.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed in the provided notice.

What type of funding instruments may be used?

The notice lists funding instrument types that include a cooperative agreement, a grant, or other.

What is the activity category and CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The CFDA listing is 15.670 (Adaptive Science).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to details and clarifications provided in the full application instructions attached to the announcement.

Where do applicants find the official application requirements?

The opportunity directs applicants to Grants.gov for official documents and application requirements.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The notice lists a posted date of March 12, 2014, and an application deadline of April 11, 2014. The opportunity is noted as archived on December 31, 2014.

Which fiscal year funding is referenced for these awards?

The notice indicates that FY2013 funding was allocated for these awards.

Is there any special note for federal applicants regarding the funding?

Yes. The notice includes a reminder that for federal applicants the funds are two-year funds expiring September 30, 2014.

How does this research relate to Endangered Species Act reviews?

The notice ties the research to Endangered Species Act implementation, noting the Service is increasingly involved in Section 7 consultations and Section 10 incidental take permitting for wind projects, and needs better data to estimate and reduce risk to bats, especially during migration.

What kinds of outcomes is the Service looking for from the funded research?

Based on the notice, the desired outcomes include better field data that helps biologists evaluate impacts more confidently and supports better-informed decisions related to siting, operations, and conservation measures for wind energy projects within the Indiana bat range.

Who is the point of contact for questions about this opportunity?

The listed point of contact is Megan Cook at the Fish and Wildlife Service. Phone: 703-358-1892. Email: MeganCook@fws.gov.