Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0138
Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0138
- The National Park Service in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Citizen Scientists Study Mercury in Dragonfly Larvae" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs Resources of the National Park System.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 19, 2013 and posted on Aug 19, 2013.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 25, 2013 This is not a request for applications. This is just an announcement that NPS has entered into an agreement with the University of Maine for their work on Citizen Scientists Study Mercury in Dragonfly Larvae.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $72,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $72,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
- This is not a request for applications. This is just an announcement that NPS has entered into an agreement with the University of Maine for their work on Citizen Scientists Study Mercury in Dragonfly Larvae. Specifically, the cooperator will 1. Collaboratively undertake the research outlined below and further detailed in Attachment A. 2. Appoint a Principal Investigator (PI). 3. Collaborate with Park, Network, Regional and Air Resource Division personnel, to plan and implement dragonfly larvae sampling in 2 3 waterbodies in each of 25 park units. 4. Initiate and manage the subcontract with an odonatologist (dragonfly identification specialist). 5. Initiate and manage the subcontract with SERC Institute for curriculum development. 6. Refine sample collection protocols to allow for improved citizen science taxonomic identification. 7. Statistically evaluate the relationships between mercury in surface water and landscape and site features. 8. Produce a compiled database with project data for mercury in dragonfly larvae, water, supporting water chemistry, and site characteristics collected by citizen scientists. 9. Utilize the following NPS web site to post the project deliverables http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/Studies/airtoxics/dragonfly/index.cfm 10. Develop a 1 page public communication piece to be served on the above web site and available for distribution by participating parks and NPS. 11. Produce outreach materials for use by NPS interpreters in participating parks and Servicewide. These materials will be served on the project Web site. 12. Host a joint UMaine NPS Webinar to share results and field questions from participating park staff. 13. Develop annual reports detailing findings and accomplishments for the NPS due September 30 of each year until the final report to NPS is completed. These annual reports should (1) summarize the park and site locations sampled, (2) discuss preliminary or final results of the mercury analysis from samples taken (3) provide a status update for all scheduled deliverables 14. Submit a draft final assessment report to the NPS. The draft report may undergo NPS and peer review (at NPS discretion). UMaine will be expected to respond to review comments, make appropriate revisions, and submit the final assessment report within 6 weeks of receipt of the NPS and peer review comments. 15. Submit a final assessment report to the NPS by June 15, 2014. The final report will include citations for all protocols used with descriptions of how protocols were applied or deviated from. The final report shall conform to the NPS technical series format. 16. Write and submit a manuscript based on this work, to a peer reviewed journal either alone or in conjunction with the assessments undertaken in cooperation with the Western North American Mercury Synthesis. 17. Submit all progress, draft, and final reports in MS Word and include supporting data in an Excel database (as in #8). All data shall include metadata. Clearly acknowledge NPS and project administration through the North Atlantic Coast CESU in any published material produced from this agreement.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The National Park Service (NPS) notice titled "Citizen Scientists Study Mercury in Dragonfly Larvae" (Funding Opportunity Number NPS 13 NERO 0138) is not an open funding competition and not a request for applications. Instead, it serves as a public announcement that NPS has already entered into a cooperative agreement with the University of Maine to carry out a specific research and public engagement project focused on measuring mercury levels in dragonfly larvae across national park units. The award is a single, fixed amount cooperative agreement totaling $72,000, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The notice was posted on August 19, 2013, carried an administrative closing date of August 25, 2013, and was archived on August 26, 2013. It is associated with CFDA 15.945, Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System, and the eligible applicant category listed is public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, consistent with the fact that the University of Maine is the selected partner.
At its core, the project is designed to use dragonfly larvae as bioindicators for mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems within the National Park System, while also building a citizen science component that supports broader participation and education. Under the agreement, the University of Maine is responsible for appointing a Principal Investigator and working closely with NPS staff at multiple levels (park units, networks, regional offices, and the Air Resources Division) to plan and implement field sampling. The sampling design calls for collecting dragonfly larvae from approximately two to three waterbodies in each of 25 park units, meaning the effort spans a wide geographic footprint and requires consistent methods that can be carried out with the help of trained citizen scientists.
The notice lays out a detailed set of work tasks and deliverables for the University of Maine. These include managing subcontracts with specialized partners, specifically an odonatologist (a dragonfly identification specialist) to ensure accurate taxonomic work, and the SERC Institute for curriculum development to support education and citizen science training materials. A key technical goal is refining sample collection protocols so that citizen scientists can collect usable samples and improve the reliability of taxonomic identification in the field. On the analysis side, the university is expected to statistically evaluate how mercury levels measured in surface waters relate to landscape and site characteristics, which is meant to help explain where mercury risks may be higher and what environmental factors may be driving patterns across parks.
Data management and public-facing communication are also central requirements. The University of Maine must compile a project database that includes mercury results from dragonfly larvae and water samples, supporting water chemistry, and site characteristics, with appropriate metadata. Project deliverables are to be posted to an NPS-hosted project webpage (the notice references the NPS air toxics dragonfly project page), and the university must develop public outreach products including a one-page communication piece suitable for distribution by participating parks and NPS, along with additional outreach materials intended for NPS interpreters for use both in participating parks and servicewide. The agreement also calls for a joint University of Maine and NPS webinar to share results and answer questions from participating park staff, reinforcing that this is intended to be an applied, collaborative project with practical outputs for park managers and educators, not just an internal research report.
Reporting deadlines are clearly specified. The University of Maine must produce annual reports due September 30 each year until the final report is completed. These annual reports must document which parks and sites were sampled, summarize preliminary or final mercury results from collected samples, and provide a status update on scheduled deliverables. A draft final assessment report must be submitted to NPS, with the understanding that NPS may subject it to internal and/or peer review. The university is expected to respond to review comments and submit a revised final assessment report within six weeks after receiving feedback. The final assessment report was due to NPS by June 15, 2014, and must include citations for all protocols used, including explanations of how protocols were applied or where deviations occurred, and it must conform to NPS technical series formatting requirements.
Beyond agency reporting, the agreement emphasizes producing publishable science and ensuring proper attribution. The University of Maine is expected to write and submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal based on the work, either as a standalone publication or in connection with related mercury synthesis efforts (the notice references the Western North American Mercury Synthesis). All progress reports and final documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format, with supporting data provided as an Excel database, and all data must include metadata. Any publications resulting from the agreement must clearly acknowledge NPS and the project administration through the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). For assistance accessing the announcement, the notice lists Keith Zotti, Partnership Program Specialist, as the point of contact, with a phone number provided in the source text.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this an open grant competition?
No. This notice is not an open funding competition and it is not a request for applications. It is a public announcement that the National Park Service (NPS) has already entered into a cooperative agreement for this work.
Can my organization apply for this funding opportunity?
No. Based on the notice, applications are not being accepted because the agreement is already in place with the University of Maine for the described project.
Who is the selected partner on this cooperative agreement?
The selected partner is the University of Maine.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this notice?
The Funding Opportunity Number is NPS 13 NERO 0138.
What is the title of the NPS notice?
The notice is titled "Citizen Scientists Study Mercury in Dragonfly Larvae."
How much is the award, and what type of award is it?
The award is a single, fixed amount cooperative agreement totaling $72,000.
Is cost sharing or a match required?
No. The notice states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.
What CFDA program is associated with this agreement?
The agreement is associated with CFDA 15.945, "Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System."
What applicant category is listed as eligible in the notice?
The eligible applicant category listed is public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, consistent with the University of Maine being the selected partner.
When was the notice posted, and what happened to it afterward?
The notice was posted on August 19, 2013. It carried an administrative closing date of August 25, 2013, and it was archived on August 26, 2013.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The project focuses on measuring mercury levels in dragonfly larvae across national park units. It also includes a citizen science component aimed at broader participation and education.
Why use dragonfly larvae in this study?
Dragonfly larvae are used as bioindicators for mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The project uses larvae measurements to help understand mercury risks across the National Park System.
How many parks and sites are expected to be sampled?
The sampling design calls for collecting dragonfly larvae from approximately two to three waterbodies in each of 25 park units.
Who leads the work and how is it coordinated with NPS?
The University of Maine is responsible for appointing a Principal Investigator and working closely with NPS staff at multiple levels (park units, networks, regional offices, and the NPS Air Resources Division) to plan and implement field sampling.
Does the project involve citizen scientists directly?
Yes. A major part of the project is building a citizen science component, including refining sample collection protocols so trained citizen scientists can collect usable samples and improve field identification reliability.
What specialized partners or subcontracts are included?
The University of Maine is responsible for managing subcontracts with specialized partners, including an odonatologist (a dragonfly identification specialist) for taxonomic work and the SERC Institute for curriculum development to support education and citizen science training materials.
What technical or scientific analysis is expected from the University of Maine?
The university is expected to statistically evaluate how mercury levels measured in surface waters relate to landscape and site characteristics, to help explain where mercury risks may be higher and what environmental factors may be driving patterns across parks.
What data and database products must be created?
The University of Maine must compile a project database that includes mercury results from dragonfly larvae and water samples, supporting water chemistry, and site characteristics, with appropriate metadata.
Where will project deliverables be posted for public access?
The notice states that project deliverables are to be posted to an NPS-hosted project webpage (referencing the NPS air toxics dragonfly project page).
What public outreach materials are required?
Required outreach products include a one-page communication piece suitable for distribution by participating parks and NPS, along with additional outreach materials intended for NPS interpreters for use both in participating parks and servicewide.
Is there a webinar requirement?
Yes. The agreement calls for a joint University of Maine and NPS webinar to share results and answer questions from participating park staff.
What are the annual reporting requirements?
Annual reports are due September 30 each year until the final report is completed. Annual reports must document which parks and sites were sampled, summarize preliminary or final mercury results from collected samples, and provide a status update on scheduled deliverables.
What are the final report requirements and deadlines?
A draft final assessment report must be submitted to NPS and may be subject to internal and/or peer review. The final assessment report was due to NPS by June 15, 2014.
How does the review and revision process work for the final assessment report?
After NPS provides review comments on the draft final assessment report, the University of Maine is expected to respond to comments and submit a revised final assessment report within six weeks of receiving feedback.
Are there formatting or citation requirements for the final assessment report?
Yes. The final assessment report must include citations for all protocols used, explain how protocols were applied (or where deviations occurred), and conform to NPS technical series formatting requirements.
Are there required publication outcomes?
Yes. The University of Maine is expected to write and submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal based on the work, either as a standalone publication or in connection with related mercury synthesis efforts (the notice references the Western North American Mercury Synthesis).
How must NPS be acknowledged in publications and products?
Any publications resulting from the agreement must clearly acknowledge NPS and the project administration through the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).
What file formats are required for reports and data submissions?
All progress reports and final documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Supporting data must be provided as an Excel database, and all data must include metadata.
Who is the point of contact listed for assistance accessing the announcement?
The notice lists Keith Zotti, Partnership Program Specialist, as the point of contact for assistance accessing the announcement. A phone number is provided in the source text referenced by the notice.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: FY 2014 American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A SMYLE) Program Host Family and School Placement and Monitoring
Previous opportunity: Analysis of Potential San Juan Ecosystem Restoration Sites and Hazardous Material Threats
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 NPS 13 NERO 0138
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NPS 13 NERO 0138) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2014 American Serbia and Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (A SMYLE) Program Host Family and School Placement and Monitoring Apply for ECA ECAPEC 14 003 Funding Number: ECA ECAPEC 14 003 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,020,000 |
| Informing Visitor Use Mgmt Strategies for Moose Wilson Corridor, Grand Teton NP Apply for P13AS00211 Funding Number: P13AS00211 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Washington, DC, Civil War Contraband Ethnography Study (1861 1877) Apply for P13AS00212 Funding Number: P13AS00212 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Archaeological Research and Investigation at Eastern Front Unit, Petersburg National Battlefield Apply for P13AS00221 Funding Number: P13AS00221 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnership for the Digital Documentation of Ancestral Puebloan Architecture. Apply for L13AS00222 Funding Number: L13AS00222 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Strengthening Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation Systems (SMMES) of Apply for RFA 663 13 000007 Funding Number: RFA 663 13 000007 Agency: Ethiopia USAID Addis Ababa Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Maps of W R Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0140 Funding Number: NPS 13 NERO 0140 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $76,810 |
| Museum Collection Storage Plan Seismic Protection Assessment Point Reyes National Seashore Apply for P13AS00231 Funding Number: P13AS00231 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/Armenia Advanced Civil Society for Accountable Governance Program, Draft Program Description for Comments Apply for RFI 111 13 000001 Funding Number: RFI 111 13 000001 Agency: Armenia USAID Yerevan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Expand Urban Youth Visits to DEWA through Partner Youth Opportunities Program Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0141 Funding Number: NPS 13 NERO 0141 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $26,880 |
| Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for East Asia and the Pacific and the Western Hemisphere Apply for ECA ECAAE 14 007 Funding Number: ECA ECAAE 14 007 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,775,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Archeological Overview and Assessment of Submerged, Intertidal, and Shipwreck Archeological Sites in the National Park Service Northeast Region Parks Component A Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0142 Funding Number: NPS 13 NERO 0142 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Securing Water for Food A Grand Challenge for Development Apply for SOL OAA 13 000134 Funding Number: SOL OAA 13 000134 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fire Supression Assitance Mutual Aid Apply for P13AS00243 Funding Number: P13AS00243 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Proliferation Awareness Seminar Montenegro Apply for ISN ISNECC 13 014 Funding Number: ISN ISNECC 13 014 Agency: Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferat Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Strategic Trade Control Legislation Development Licensing Assistance Iraq Apply for ISN ISNECC 13 015 Funding Number: ISN ISNECC 13 015 Agency: Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferat Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Ethnographic Overview and Assessment Antietam National Battlefield Apply for P13AS00244 Funding Number: P13AS00244 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Potomac River Gorge Environmental History and Historic Resource Study Apply for P13AS00245 Funding Number: P13AS00245 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Award Support Park Programs Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0143 Funding Number: NPS 13 NERO 0143 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $106,500 |
| Service Training and Technical Assistance (Generic Training) Apply for F13AS00344 Funding Number: F13AS00344 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
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 "NPS 13 NERO 0138", 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.