Opportunity Information: Apply for BLM AK RFA09 0008
Apply for BLM AK RFA09 0008
- The Department of the Interior in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "CESU Cooperative Animal and Plant Inventory Program, Alaska" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.231 Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 1, 2009 and posted on Sep 1, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 15, 2009. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $300,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The CESU Cooperative Animal and Plant Inventory Program, Alaska is a U.S. Department of the Interior funding opportunity administered through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska. It is a discretionary cooperative agreement focused on natural resources work that strengthens BLM land management through better information on rare plants and animals found on public lands. The core purpose is to partner with an eligible Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) participant to gather field-based species data, translate those findings into practical management guidance, and build BLM capacity to continue inventory and monitoring efforts over time.
The work described centers on collecting observations and field data for rare species, then using that information to support real-world land use and conservation decisions. Projects under this opportunity are expected to generate occurrence records and other monitoring results that can be used to understand where species are found, how they use habitat, and what conditions may affect their persistence. A major deliverable is technical assistance to BLM staff on species management, meaning the recipient is not only collecting data but also helping interpret it in ways that inform planning, permitting, mitigation, and on-the-ground stewardship actions.
A significant emphasis is placed on producing clear technical products. The opportunity calls for developing and writing technical reports that outline best management practices, summarize life history information relevant to management (for example, phenology, habitat needs, reproduction, and sensitivities), and provide modeled distribution products for public lands. In practice, this means the cooperative agreement is aimed at both applied science and communication: the partner is expected to turn field findings into decision-ready documentation that BLM can rely on for internal planning and consistent management across landscapes.
Training and capacity-building are also explicit requirements. The program includes training BLM staff to conduct inventory and monitoring work for species of interest. That typically involves developing field protocols, demonstrating survey methods, improving identification skills, and ensuring that staff can repeat surveys consistently in future seasons. This training component is important because it extends the value of the grant beyond a single field season by strengthening BLM's ability to maintain long-term datasets and respond to emerging management needs.
On the data management and collections side, the opportunity highlights conducting inventory and monitoring studies and ensuring rare species occurrence data are properly managed and uploaded. It also includes tasks commonly associated with biological and botanical field programs such as collecting specimens when appropriate, identifying them, and preparing voucher specimens (including mounting, where applicable) to support verification and long-term reference. These elements point to an expectation of high-quality, defensible records that can be used in agency databases and referenced by researchers and managers.
Administratively, this opportunity is issued under Funding Opportunity Number BLM AK RFA09 0008 and is associated with CFDA 15.231 (Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management). It is structured as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, which generally indicates substantial federal involvement in project coordination, priorities, or technical direction during the period of performance. The announcement specifies that the project will follow CESU guidelines, which typically means the applicant must be a CESU member or otherwise eligible through the CESU network, and that the partnership model is central to how the work is organized and delivered.
In terms of funding, the estimated total funding amount is $300,000 with an award floor of $62,000, and the agency anticipated making one award. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement noted, which lowers the barrier to participation for eligible CESU entities. The opportunity was posted on September 1, 2009, with a closing date of September 15, 2009, and it was archived on October 16, 2009, indicating it was a time-limited competition for that funding cycle.
Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others" with eligibility clarified as Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), meaning the practical eligibility standard is tied to CESU participation or the specific CESU framework referenced in the full announcement on Grants.gov. For access issues related to the full announcement, the contact provided is Sandra S. Smith at s2smith@blm.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CESU Cooperative Animal and Plant Inventory Program, Alaska?
It is a U.S. Department of the Interior funding opportunity administered through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska. It supports natural resources work that strengthens BLM land management by improving information on rare plants and animals found on public lands.
Which agency is offering and administering this opportunity?
The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior and administered through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska.
What type of funding instrument is this: grant or cooperative agreement?
This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, which generally indicates substantial federal involvement in project coordination, priorities, and/or technical direction during the project period.
What is the main purpose of the cooperative agreement?
The core purpose is to partner with an eligible Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) participant to (1) gather field-based species data for rare species, (2) translate findings into practical management guidance, and (3) build BLM capacity to continue inventory and monitoring over time.
What kinds of projects or activities are expected under this opportunity?
The work centers on collecting observations and field data for rare species and using the results to support land use and conservation decisions. Expected activities include inventory and monitoring studies, generating occurrence records, interpreting results for management use, and developing technical products that BLM can use for planning and consistent management.
What is meant by "field-based species data" in this announcement?
Based on the description, it includes collecting observations and other field data for rare plants and animals to produce occurrence records and monitoring results. The goal is to improve understanding of where species are found, how they use habitat, and what conditions may affect their persistence.
What are "occurrence records" in the context of this program?
Occurrence records are records documenting where rare species are found. The announcement indicates these records should be generated through field work and managed in a way that supports BLM land management and long-term monitoring.
How will the project results be used by BLM?
The announcement emphasizes that findings should support real-world management decisions, including planning, permitting, mitigation, and on-the-ground stewardship actions. The recipient is expected to provide technical assistance that helps BLM interpret and apply results consistently.
Does the project include technical assistance to BLM staff?
Yes. A major deliverable is technical assistance to BLM staff on species management, meaning the recipient is expected to help interpret field findings in ways that inform BLM decisions and actions.
What technical products are expected as deliverables?
The opportunity calls for clear technical products, including technical reports that outline best management practices, summarize life history information relevant to management (such as phenology, habitat needs, reproduction, sensitivities), and provide modeled distribution products for public lands.
What does "modeled distribution products" refer to here?
Based on the description, these are products that model or depict species distributions on public lands, intended to be decision-ready and usable by BLM for internal planning and management.
Is training and capacity-building part of the required work?
Yes. Training and capacity-building are explicit requirements, including training BLM staff to conduct inventory and monitoring for species of interest. The announcement describes developing field protocols, demonstrating survey methods, improving identification skills, and ensuring surveys can be repeated consistently.
Why does the announcement emphasize training BLM staff?
The stated intent is to extend the value of the work beyond a single field season by strengthening BLM's ability to maintain long-term datasets and continue inventory and monitoring efforts as management needs evolve.
Are data management tasks included in the scope?
Yes. The opportunity highlights ensuring rare species occurrence data are properly managed and uploaded, alongside conducting inventory and monitoring studies.
Does the work involve collecting and preparing specimens?
It can. The description includes tasks typical of biological and botanical field programs, such as collecting specimens when appropriate, identifying them, and preparing voucher specimens (including mounting, where applicable) to support verification and long-term reference.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?
The Funding Opportunity Number is BLM AK RFA09 0008.
What CFDA number is associated with this funding?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.231 (Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management).
How much funding is available under this opportunity?
The estimated total funding amount is $300,000.
Is there a minimum award amount (award floor)?
Yes. The award floor is listed as $62,000.
How many awards does BLM expect to make?
The agency anticipated making one award.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement is noted in the information provided.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are listed as "Others," with eligibility clarified as Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). In practical terms, eligibility is tied to CESU participation or the CESU framework referenced in the full announcement.
Does the announcement indicate the project must follow CESU guidelines?
Yes. The project is specified to follow CESU guidelines, and the partnership model is described as central to how the work is organized and delivered.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
It was posted on September 1, 2009, with a closing date of September 15, 2009.
What does it mean that the opportunity was archived?
The announcement was archived on October 16, 2009, indicating it was a time-limited competition for that funding cycle.
What should applicants do if they have trouble accessing the full announcement?
The contact listed for access issues related to the full announcement is Sandra S. Smith at s2smith@blm.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP)
Previous opportunity: BLM CA Challenge Cost Share Carrizo Plain Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for BLM AK RFA09 0008
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (BLM AK RFA09 0008) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| North Slope Digital Land Cover Evaluation Project, Alaska Apply for BLM AK RFA09 0010 Funding Number: BLM AK RFA09 0010 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Upper Crossing Archaeological Project in Colorado Apply for BLMCO NOI09 1040 Funding Number: BLMCO NOI09 1040 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $7,500 |
| Youth Conservation Corps in the Fourmile Recreation Area Apply for BLM CO NOI 09 1446 Funding Number: BLM CO NOI 09 1446 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM UT Moab FO Canyon Country Fire Zone Riparian Restoration Apply for BLM UT NOI 09 1634 Funding Number: BLM UT NOI 09 1634 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Alaska Grass Guide Apply for BLM AK NOI09 1648 Funding Number: BLM AK NOI09 1648 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM CO MCNCA Paleontolgical Science Program for the McInnis Canyons NCA in Colorado Apply for BLMCO NOI09 1322 Funding Number: BLMCO NOI09 1322 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Idaho Interstate 84 Hazardous Fuels Project Apply for BLM ID NOI 09 1241 Funding Number: BLM ID NOI 09 1241 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000 |
| Using DNA from Museum Specimens to Determine the Heritage and Native Range of Colorados State Fish Apply for BLM CO NOI 09 1242 Funding Number: BLM CO NOI 09 1242 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $12,000 |
| Development and Collection of Native Plant Material Apply for BLM ID NOI 09 0877 Funding Number: BLM ID NOI 09 0877 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $570,000 |
| AMARGOSA RIVER WATER MONITORING AND HABITAT RESTORATION Apply for BLM CA 09 NOI 0012 Funding Number: BLM CA 09 NOI 0012 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Design and Implementation of Flat Tailed Horned Lizard (FTHL) Surveys at MCAS Yuma, AZ Apply for N62473 09 R FTHLYUMA Funding Number: N62473 09 R FTHLYUMA Agency: NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING COMMAND Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| BLM CO KFO North Park Cultural Landscape Project Apply for BLM CO NOI 09 1304 Funding Number: BLM CO NOI 09 1304 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pinon Juniper Marketing and Utilization Project in Colorado Apply for BLM CO NOI 09 1417 Funding Number: BLM CO NOI 09 1417 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| BLM WY Highway 789 Migration Route Deer Crossing (Stage 2) Apply for BLM WY NOI09 9032 Funding Number: BLM WY NOI09 9032 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM Oregon/Washington Noxious Weed Education, Inventory, Treatment and Monitoring in Lake County, Oregon Apply for BLM OR RFA 09 1202 Funding Number: BLM OR RFA 09 1202 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $66,500 |
| Outdoor Nation Apply for NPS NOI WASO 09 0005 Funding Number: NPS NOI WASO 09 0005 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| WILD9 Apply for NPS NOI WASO 09 0006 Funding Number: NPS NOI WASO 09 0006 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $55,000 |
| Henry Hagg Lake Boarding Floats Improvements Apply for 09SF1LT28001 Funding Number: 09SF1LT28001 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $180,000 |
| Prineville Reservoir Recration Improvements Apply for 09SF1LT28002 Funding Number: 09SF1LT28002 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $117,000 |
| BLM WY WLCI Partner Support Carney Conservation Easement Apply for BLM WY NOI09 9033 Funding Number: BLM WY NOI09 9033 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "BLM AK RFA09 0008", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.