BLM CA Challenge Cost Share Carrizo Plain Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "BLM CA Challenge Cost Share Carrizo Plain Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is BLM CA NOI 09 2019.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This notice was issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project is focused on conserving and improving scientific understanding of the Kern primrose sphinx moth on or associated with the Carrizo Plain area in California. It emphasizes field-based surveys and applied research to address key knowledge gaps, and then translating those results into practical habitat protection and management actions.

Where is the work focused geographically?

The work is focused on or associated with the Carrizo Plain area in California.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources.

What program is this offered under?

This opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement under the Challenge Cost Share program (CFDA: 15.238).

What does the scope of work prioritize?

The scope prioritizes linked activities including: field surveys to detect and document moth occurrence and distribution; developing more accurate ways to estimate the number of individuals; developing a synthetic pheromone to improve standardized detection and monitoring; researching life cycle specifics and seasonal patterns; defining habitat requirements; studying predators and parasites and their effects on larvae; supporting on-the-ground habitat protection; and developing or refining management practices to safeguard the moth and its environment.

What types of survey and monitoring work were emphasized?

The announcement emphasized field-based survey work to detect and document occurrence and distribution, along with efforts to develop more accurate approaches for estimating the number of individuals.

Why was synthetic pheromone development included in the project?

Developing a synthetic pheromone was intended to improve detection and monitoring by attracting moths in a standardized way, which could support more reliable population indexing than opportunistic sightings alone.

What biological research topics were included?

The opportunity called for research on life cycle specifics (including timing of developmental stages and seasonal patterns) and defining habitat requirements so land managers can better identify conditions the species needs to persist.

What ecological pressures or threats were specifically mentioned for study?

The scope specifically mentioned studying predators and parasites and how those influences affect larvae, recognizing that mortality at early life stages can strongly shape population trends.

Was the project intended to produce on-the-ground conservation actions, or only research?

It was intended to do both. The notice explicitly aimed to support on-the-ground protection of existing habitat and to develop or refine management practices, in addition to monitoring and research.

What kinds of outcomes was BLM seeking from the work?

The intent was to generate actionable knowledge to guide long-term preservation of the species, including identifying threats, clarifying habitat features worth prioritizing, and improving the effectiveness of future monitoring and conservation decisions.

Did the opportunity allow collection of specimens?

Yes. Specimen collection was included, with the stated purpose of supporting further genetic work.

Why was genetic work mentioned as part of the project?

Genetic work was described as a way to answer questions about population structure, connectivity, and conservation risk.

What type of award instrument was anticipated?

The notice anticipated a cooperative agreement.

How many awards were anticipated?

The notice anticipated a single award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $100,000.

What were the award ceiling and award floor?

The award ceiling was $100,000 and the award floor was $10,000.

Was cost sharing or a matching contribution required?

No. The notice indicated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, excluding institutions of higher education.

Were institutions of higher education eligible?

No. Institutions of higher education were explicitly excluded from eligibility.

When was the opportunity posted?

The notice was posted on September 1, 2009.

What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was September 11, 2009.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on September 30, 2009.

Where could applicants find the full announcement?

The general reference link for the full announcement was Grants.gov.

Who was the contact for access issues or questions?

The listed contact was Leona B. Parker. The email provided was lparker@blm.gov.

What species is the project focused on?

The project is focused on the Kern primrose sphinx moth.

What was the overall conservation approach described in the notice?

The approach combined field detection and distribution surveys, improved monitoring tools (including pheromone development), applied research on biology and habitat needs, assessment of ecological pressures on larvae, and translating findings into habitat protection and management actions to support long-term viability.