Opportunity Information: Apply for R14SF30003
Apply for R14SF30003
- The Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Bat Foraging Distance Survey" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.538 Lower Colorado River Multi Species Conservation Program..
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 16, 2013 and posted on Sep 23, 2013.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 1, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $600,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- See eligibility within the full Announcement
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Opportunity Summary:
The Bureau of Reclamation (Lower Colorado Region) issued this discretionary grant opportunity, titled Bat Foraging Distance Survey (Funding Opportunity Number R14SF30003), under CFDA 15.538 for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP). The project is focused on two bat species, the California leaf-nosed bat (CLNB) and Townsend's big-eared bat (TBEB), and is meant to generate practical, defensible data on how far these bats travel between roosts and foraging areas along the Lower Colorado River corridor and nearby landscapes. The core deliverable is a well-designed field study that quantifies the distribution of foraging distances (minimum, maximum, median, and mean) and improves understanding of how roost and foraging habitats are connected within the MSCP planning area.
The work is organized around two main tasks. Task 1 requires capturing bats at both known roost sites and at foraging locations, then fitting bats with radio transmitters (or another justified tracking approach) and tracking individuals across multiple nights. Applicants are expected to propose and defend the technical methods they will use, with radio telemetry identified as the preferred tool, but with flexibility to use active ground tracking, active aerial tracking, passive data loggers, or some combination depending on feasibility and study needs. The proposal must also lay out an evidence-based sample size plan for each species, including sex ratios and how sampling will be distributed across seasons and years. Seasonal considerations are built into the design: CLNB is active year-round, so Reclamation anticipates tracking in at least two seasons (summer and winter) to evaluate whether foraging distances shift seasonally. TBEB is not typically winter-active, but can arouse in spring and transition from hibernacula to summer roosts, so timing needs to reflect that biology. The announcement also specifies animal welfare and life-history constraints: female bats must not be tracked during the maternity period while pregnant or lactating.
The opportunity identifies likely roosting and foraging study sites and gives applicants room to propose modifications with clear justification. For TBEB, Reclamation anticipates capturing bats from two known roost locations: one along the mainstem Lower Colorado River north of Blythe, California, and one along the Bill Williams River near Planet Ranch. CLNB has more known roosts in the region, and the project expects tracking from at least five CLNB roosts, including two that overlap with TBEB roosts. Additional roost areas mentioned include locations near the Mittry Lake Wildlife Management Area near Palo Verde, California, and another roost that will be either along the Parker Strip or within Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Some mine-roost sites may require access by boat, and the recipient is expected to provide the boat as needed. These roost sites were chosen largely because they are close to existing or future potential Habitat Creation Areas (HCAs) under the LCR MSCP, and Reclamation expects final site selections to be coordinated and confirmed with Reclamation staff before fieldwork begins. A notable logistical detail is that most of the mine roosts are on the California side of the river.
In addition to roost-based capture, Task 1 also requires capturing and tracking bats from foraging areas along the river, many of which are MSCP HCAs where Reclamation already runs mist-net surveys. A key feature of this grant is coordination with Reclamation's ongoing field efforts: the applicant can often piggyback on Reclamation mist-netting (mostly May through September, with possible winter exploratory work), and Reclamation estimates that roughly 75 percent of foraging-area captures for this project may be accomplished using that existing survey effort. During summer, the recipient may only need one to two project staff present at Reclamation surveys to attach transmitters, depending on capture success and logistics. Reclamation listed six habitat creation sites it currently monitors, with at least five expected to be used for this project: Beal Lake Conservation Area (within Havasu NWR), Ahakhav Tribal Preserve (near Parker, Arizona), Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (near Blythe, California), Cibola Valley Conservation Area (near Cibola, Arizona), Cibola NWR Unit 1 Conservation Area (within Cibola NWR), and Yuma East Wetlands (near Yuma, Arizona). Applicants may propose additional foraging sites if they can explain why expanded sampling is necessary to meet the project objectives.
Task 2 addresses what happens if tracking reveals new roosts that were not previously documented. If bats captured in foraging areas are found using unknown roost sites, the recipient must assess those roosts to determine their significance to the bat population within the MSCP planning area. The applicant is expected to propose a clear set of assessment criteria, with colony size identified as the most important factor, and to provide detailed field methods for evaluation (for example, emergence or outflight counts and/or internal roost surveys, as appropriate). The assessment must also determine the seasonal role of each roost (winter roost, summer roost such as maternity or bachelor, or both). The idea is not just to map new roosts, but to characterize their conservation value and functional role in the broader landscape.
The announcement emphasizes that proposals should present a credible technical approach, but also requires a more detailed study design after award. Specifically, the recipient must submit a detailed study design within 30 days of award, Reclamation will review and provide comments over a two-week period, and the recipient then submits a final revised study design one week later. This structure signals that Reclamation expects close coordination and iterative refinement of methods before full field implementation.
Geographically, the study area covers Reach 3 south through Reach 7 of the LCR MSCP Habitat Conservation Plan area, plus the Bill Williams River from its confluence with the LCR east to approximately Planet Ranch. The study footprint includes five mine roosts and six foraging areas. Even though the mine roosts may lie just outside the MSCP river reaches (which stay within the historic floodplain), the surrounding mountain ranges containing those mines are considered part of the study area for project purposes, reflecting how bats actually use the landscape rather than administrative boundaries.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, Reclamation anticipated up to 10 awards, with an estimated total funding amount of $600,000. The award ceiling was $600,000 and the award floor was $200,000, and there was no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity was posted September 23, 2013, originally closed October 8, 2013, and later extended to a current closing date of November 1, 2013, with an archive date of November 7, 2013. Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others" with specifics to be found in the full announcement. The listed grants officer contact was Shawna Thompson (702-293-8570, smthompson@usbr.gov) for help accessing the full announcement and related details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Bat Foraging Distance Survey (R14SF30003)
1. What is this grant opportunity called?
The funding opportunity is titled Bat Foraging Distance Survey, with Funding Opportunity Number R14SF30003.
2. Which agency is offering the grant?
The grant is issued by the Bureau of Reclamation (Lower Colorado Region).
3. What program is this grant associated with?
This opportunity is under the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP).
4. What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) listing is 15.538.
5. What is the main purpose of the project?
The project is intended to generate practical, defensible field data on how far certain bats travel between roosts and foraging areas along the Lower Colorado River corridor and nearby landscapes. The core outcome is a field study that quantifies foraging-distance distributions (including minimum, maximum, median, and mean) and improves understanding of how roost and foraging habitats are connected within the MSCP planning area.
6. Which bat species are the focus of the study?
The project focuses on two species: the California leaf-nosed bat (CLNB) and Townsend's big-eared bat (TBEB).
7. What are the main tasks or work components described in the announcement?
The work is organized into two main tasks:
- Task 1: Capture bats at known roost sites and at foraging locations, fit them with transmitters (or another justified tracking approach), and track individuals across multiple nights.
- Task 2: If tracking reveals previously unknown roosts, assess those roosts to determine their significance and seasonal role within the MSCP planning area.
8. What is the core deliverable expected from the award?
The announcement points to a well-designed field study that produces defensible estimates of bat foraging-distance distributions (min/max/median/mean) and improves understanding of connectivity between roost sites and foraging habitats across the project area.
9. What tracking methods are preferred or allowed?
Radio telemetry is identified as the preferred tool. The announcement also allows flexibility if justified, including:
- Active ground tracking
- Active aerial tracking
- Passive data loggers
- Or a combination of methods depending on feasibility and study needs
10. What does Task 1 require in terms of bat capture locations?
Task 1 requires capturing bats from both:
- Known roost sites
- Foraging areas along the river (many of which are MSCP Habitat Creation Areas where Reclamation already runs mist-net surveys)
11. What does the announcement require regarding sample size and sampling design?
Applicants are expected to propose and defend an evidence-based sample size plan for each species, including:
- Proposed sample sizes for CLNB and TBEB
- Planned sex ratios
- How sampling will be distributed across seasons and years
12. Are there seasonal study requirements for California leaf-nosed bats (CLNB)?
Yes. CLNB is active year-round, and Reclamation anticipates tracking in at least two seasons, specifically summer and winter, to evaluate whether foraging distances change seasonally.
13. Are there seasonal study considerations for Townsend's big-eared bats (TBEB)?
Yes. TBEB is not typically winter-active, but may arouse in spring and transition from hibernacula to summer roosts. Study timing is expected to reflect this biology.
14. Are there restrictions related to maternity periods or animal welfare?
Yes. The announcement specifies that female bats must not be tracked during the maternity period while pregnant or lactating.
15. Which roost sites are anticipated for TBEB captures?
Reclamation anticipates capturing TBEB from two known roost locations:
- One along the mainstem Lower Colorado River north of Blythe, California
- One along the Bill Williams River near Planet Ranch
16. How many CLNB roost sites are expected to be included?
CLNB has more known roosts in the region, and the project expects tracking from at least five CLNB roosts, including two that overlap with TBEB roosts.
17. What additional roost areas are mentioned for CLNB?
Additional roost areas mentioned include:
- Locations near Mittry Lake Wildlife Management Area near Palo Verde, California
- Another roost either along the Parker Strip or within Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
18. Can applicants propose different roost or foraging sites than those listed?
Yes. The opportunity identifies likely sites but allows applicants to propose modifications, as long as changes are supported with clear justification.
19. Do roost sites need to be coordinated with Reclamation before fieldwork begins?
Yes. Reclamation expects final site selections to be coordinated and confirmed with Reclamation staff before fieldwork begins.
20. Are any roost sites expected to require special access or equipment?
Yes. Some mine-roost sites may require access by boat, and the recipient is expected to provide the boat as needed.
21. Where are most of the mine roosts located?
Most of the mine roosts are on the California side of the river.
22. What foraging areas does Reclamation list for potential use?
Reclamation listed six habitat creation sites it currently monitors, with at least five expected to be used for this project:
- Beal Lake Conservation Area (within Havasu NWR)
- Ahakhav Tribal Preserve (near Parker, Arizona)
- Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (near Blythe, California)
- Cibola Valley Conservation Area (near Cibola, Arizona)
- Cibola NWR Unit 1 Conservation Area (within Cibola NWR)
- Yuma East Wetlands (near Yuma, Arizona)
23. How does this project coordinate with Reclamation's existing mist-net surveys?
The announcement emphasizes coordination with Reclamation's ongoing work. The applicant can often piggyback on Reclamation mist-netting, and Reclamation estimates that about 75 percent of foraging-area captures for this project may be accomplished through those existing surveys.
24. What is the typical timing of Reclamation's mist-net surveys mentioned in the announcement?
Reclamation's mist-net surveys are described as occurring mostly May through September, with the possibility of winter exploratory work.
25. How many project staff may be needed at summer mist-net survey events?
During summer, the recipient may only need one to two project staff present at Reclamation surveys to attach transmitters, depending on capture success and logistics.
26. What happens under Task 2 if tracking reveals previously unknown roosts?
If bats captured in foraging areas are found using unknown roost sites, the recipient must assess those roosts to determine their significance to the bat population within the MSCP planning area, and to determine each roost's seasonal role.
27. What assessment criteria are expected for newly discovered roosts?
The applicant is expected to propose a clear set of assessment criteria. The announcement identifies colony size as the most important factor.
28. What field methods are suggested for roost assessment?
The announcement calls for detailed evaluation methods and gives examples such as:
- Emergence or outflight counts
- Internal roost surveys (as appropriate)
29. What seasonal roles must be determined for newly identified roosts?
The assessment must determine whether each roost functions as a:
- Winter roost
- Summer roost (including maternity or bachelor roost)
- Or both
30. Is a detailed study design required after award?
Yes. While proposals must present a credible technical approach, the recipient must submit a detailed study design within 30 days of award.
31. What is the review and revision timeline for the post-award study design?
The announcement lays out a specific sequence:
- Recipient submits detailed study design within 30 days of award
- Reclamation reviews and provides comments over a two-week period
- Recipient submits a final revised study design one week later
32. What is the geographic scope of the study area?
The study area covers Reach 3 south through Reach 7 of the LCR MSCP Habitat Conservation Plan area, plus the Bill Williams River from its confluence with the LCR east to approximately Planet Ranch.
33. How many roost and foraging locations are included in the described study footprint?
The study footprint described includes five mine roosts and six foraging areas.
34. Are any parts of the study area outside the formal MSCP river reaches?
Yes. Even though mine roosts may lie just outside the MSCP river reaches (which stay within the historic floodplain), the surrounding mountain ranges containing those mines are considered part of the study area for project purposes to reflect how bats use the landscape.
35. How many awards were anticipated, and what was the total estimated funding?
Reclamation anticipated up to 10 awards, with an estimated total funding amount of $600,000.
36. What were the award ceiling and floor?
The award ceiling was $600,000 and the award floor was $200,000.
37. Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.
38. When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted on September 23, 2013. It originally closed on October 8, 2013, and was later extended to a closing date of November 1, 2013. The archive date is listed as November 7, 2013.
39. Who was eligible to apply based on the summary provided?
Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others", with specifics to be found in the full announcement.
40. Who is the grants officer contact for questions and where can the full announcement be requested?
The listed grants officer contact is Shawna Thompson at (702) 293-8570 or smthompson@usbr.gov. The contact is identified as the person to help with accessing the full announcement and related details.
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