CAP GILA RIVER BASIN NATIVE FISH AND RECOVERY AND CONSERVATION | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CAP Gila River Basin Native Fish and Recovery and Conservation grant opportunity?

The CAP Gila River Basin Native Fish and Recovery and Conservation opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F15AS00453) is a discretionary federal grant offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) through a cooperative agreement. It supports the CAP Gila River Basin Native Fishes Conservation Program.

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The program’s purpose is to offset and manage impacts associated with Central Arizona Project (CAP) water transfers into the Gila River basin by conserving native aquatic species and actively managing threats posed by nonindigenous (non-native) aquatic species.

Why was the CAP Gila River Basin Native Fishes Conservation Program created?

The program was created in response to biological opinions issued in 1994, 2001, and 2008 related to CAP water transfers into the Gila River basin. The program addresses conservation needs and impact management tied to those consultations.

Which species are the primary conservation focus under this opportunity?

The core priorities named in the announcement are five federally listed fish species: spikedace, loach minnow, Gila chub, Gila topminnow, and razorback sucker, plus the Chiricahua leopard frog.

Can projects support other species besides the ones specifically listed?

Yes. The announcement indicates conservation actions may also extend to other native fish species within the Gila River basin when appropriate, as long as the work aligns with the broader goals of native species conservation and controlling or reducing pressures from non-native aquatic organisms.

What kinds of conservation problems is this program trying to address?

The program is driven by the fact that several native aquatic species in the Gila River basin have become extremely rare in the wild and are at risk of extirpation (local disappearance). A key emphasis is on conservation actions and on active management of threats from non-native aquatic species.

What federal agency is offering and administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Because it is a cooperative agreement, recipients should expect coordination with FWS during planning, implementation, reporting, and efforts to align work with the program’s conservation objectives.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

The listing describes the award as a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements commonly involve substantial federal involvement during the project period, rather than a more hands-off relationship typical of some grant awards.

Is this a discretionary or formula grant?

This opportunity is listed as a discretionary federal grant.

How much total funding is estimated to be available?

The estimated total funding available is listed as $2,000,000.

Is there a minimum or maximum award amount (award floor/ceiling)?

In the summarized record, both the award ceiling and award floor are shown as $0. This typically indicates that the specific per-award range was not specified in the summary and that applicants would need to consult the full announcement for details such as expected award sizes, number of awards, and project periods.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing states that cost sharing or a matching contribution is not required.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments, meaning the intended applicants are state-level agencies or entities able to receive and administer federal assistance on behalf of state programs.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The program is identified under CFDA 15.657, Endangered Species Conservation - Recovery Implementation Funds.

What activity categories are associated with this funding opportunity?

The listing includes activity categories such as education, environment, science and technology, and other research and development, reflecting a broad mix of potential project types under the cooperative agreement structure.

When was the opportunity posted, and what were the open and close dates?

The opportunity was posted on September 3, 2015. The original closing date and the current closing date are both listed as September 11, 2015.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The listing indicates it was archived on September 2, 2016.

Where can applicants find the full announcement?

The listing provides a Grants.gov link for accessing the full announcement and related application materials.

Who can I contact with questions about this opportunity?

The listing provides a Fish and Wildlife Service contact: Laverna Chavez, phone 505-248-6828, email LavernaChavez@fws.gov.

How does this opportunity relate to CAP water transfers into the Gila River basin?

The conservation program supported by this opportunity was created specifically in response to biological opinions concerning CAP water transfers into the Gila River basin, and its underlying purpose is to offset and manage impacts associated with those transfers.

What geographic area is the focus of this program?

The program focuses on the Gila River basin, with conservation efforts tied to native aquatic species in that basin and management of pressures from non-native aquatic organisms.