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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): BLM OR/WA Aquatic Monitoring Program (L13AS00054)

What is the BLM OR/WA Aquatic Monitoring Program grant opportunity (L13AS00054)?

It was a discretionary Bureau of Land Management (BLM) funding opportunity focused on improving how stream and watershed condition is measured using aquatic biology. The effort centered on developing a macroinvertebrate-based bioassessment index to support clearer, more consistent determinations of stream condition.

Which agency offered this funding opportunity?

The opportunity was offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), specifically tied to aquatic monitoring needs in the Oregon/Washington (OR/WA) area.

What was the main purpose or central aim of the project?

The central aim was to develop a new macroinvertebrate-based bioassessment index that works at two spatial scales: (1) a broad regional scale and (2) a finer, site-specific "reach" scale. The index was intended to make stream condition status determinations clearer and easier to compare across large areas while still being useful for assessments at individual stream segments.

What is a macroinvertebrate-based bioassessment index in this context?

It is a biological assessment tool built from observations of stream macroinvertebrate communities (for example, aquatic insects and other small stream-dwelling organisms). Because macroinvertebrate community composition tends to reflect water quality and habitat conditions over time, such an index can be used to indicate overall stream condition rather than capturing only a single moment in time.

Why were macroinvertebrates emphasized as bioindicators?

The announcement emphasized macroinvertebrates because their community composition typically reflects longer-term water quality and habitat conditions. This makes them useful for biological monitoring and for informing management decisions about stream and watershed condition.

What does it mean that the index should work at two spatial scales?

It means the index was expected to be usable both for broad, regional comparisons (helping compare conditions across large areas) and for localized, on-the-ground evaluation at a specific stream reach (a site-specific stream segment).

How would the index be used in practice?

In practical terms, the index was intended to support clear status determinations about stream condition. That includes helping users compare condition across large landscapes while still supporting decisions and assessments at individual stream reaches.

Who was expected to benefit from the resulting index?

The opportunity emphasized that the value of a single index usable at multiple scales would extend beyond BLM. Federal, State, and local agencies, as well as public and private organizations, could use the tool to help identify sites or watersheds needing protection, preservation, and/or restoration.

How does this project relate to watershed decision-making?

The index development was tied to a broader Decision Support Model (DSM) approach for evaluating overall watershed condition. The idea was that biological data, including macroinvertebrate indicators, can be incorporated as attributes in a larger model that integrates multiple lines of evidence.

What is a Decision Support Model (DSM) as described in the opportunity?

As described, a DSM is an approach for evaluating overall watershed condition by integrating multiple attributes and lines of evidence. Biological indicators (including macroinvertebrate-derived measures) can serve as attributes within that model.

Why did the announcement emphasize index sensitivity and performance?

The announcement underscored that a DSM is only as good as the sensitivity of the attributes used to define condition and trends. As a result, a key technical emphasis was identifying an optimal macroinvertebrate index and understanding which factors influence how well it performs.

What technical issues was the project expected to address besides creating an index?

Beyond building an index, the project emphasized understanding performance drivers, including identifying factors that influence index effectiveness and teasing apart sources of variability and sensitivity. The goal was to ensure the index can detect meaningful differences in condition and change over time rather than reflecting noise.

What type of award mechanism was used?

The opportunity was offered as a Cooperative Agreement.

What activity category was associated with this opportunity?

The activity category listed was Natural Resources.

What CFDA number was associated with the opportunity?

The CFDA number provided was 15.231, titled Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.

How many awards were anticipated?

The solicitation anticipated making one award.

What was the estimated total funding for the opportunity?

The estimated total funding listed for the opportunity was $350,000.

What were the award ceiling and award floor?

The stated award ceiling was $39,989 and the award floor was $1. The announcement indicated the specific award amount would depend on proposal scope and selection decisions.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition was open to any type of entity unless further limited by the detailed announcement text.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on April 1, 2013. The original and current closing date listed was April 22, 2013.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on March 31, 2014.

How were applicants instructed to access the full instructions and application package?

Applicants were directed to download full instructions and the application package through the announcement's application materials.

Who was the point of contact for access issues with the application materials?

The listed point of contact for access issues was Sheryl Dowley, Grants and Agreements Specialist. The phone number provided was 503-808-6243 and the email address provided was sdowley@blm.gov.

What overall outcome was this grant designed to produce?

The grant was designed to produce a practical, scientifically defensible biological assessment tool that could improve consistency and accuracy in aquatic monitoring across Oregon/Washington BLM landscapes and beyond, especially when used as part of an integrated watershed decision-support framework.