Opportunity Information: Apply for F15AS00208
Apply for F15AS00208
- The Fish and Wildlife 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 "Improving the Information, Planning and Conservation Decision Support System (IPaC) Functionality" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.657 Endangered Species Conservation Recovery Implementation Funds.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 1, 2015 and posted on May 1, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 8, 2015 This is a notice of intent to award a single source cooperative agreement to Montana Natural Heritage Program in accordance with Department of Interior Policy 505 DM 2.14 B (4) Unique Qualifications. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $30,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- This is a notice of intent to award a single source cooperative agreement to Montana Natural Heritage Program in accordance with Department of Interior Policy 505 DM 2.14 B (4) Unique Qualifications
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The grant opportunity titled "Improving the Information, Planning and Conservation Decision Support System (IPaC) Functionality" is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) effort to strengthen the geospatial data behind federal conservation planning tools, especially the Information, Planning and Conservation (IPaC) system that many project proponents and agencies rely on during early environmental review and consultation. The work is focused on Montana and is designed to make the underlying species range and impact-related mapping more accurate, consistent, and usable inside USFWS systems, particularly ECOS (Environmental Conservation Online System), which then feeds information into IPaC.
At its core, the award funds a practical, production-oriented workflow to evaluate and improve key GIS data products used to represent two concepts for sensitive species: "Area of Influence" (a spatial representation of where a proposed action could affect a species) and "Current Range" (a representation of where the species is currently known or predicted to occur). The project begins with a one- to two-day scoping workshop held at the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) with USFWS staff. During that workshop, participants review existing datasets and decide which products are already adequate, which need updates, and which need to be built from scratch. This up-front step is meant to prevent duplicating work, establish shared standards, and agree on what will be considered acceptable outputs for agency use.
Following the workshop, the main technical deliverables involve updating and/or creating GIS data layers for up to 30 species that fall into one of several high-priority categories: species already listed under the Endangered Species Act, species being considered for listing as Threatened or Endangered, or species deemed to be of the highest conservation concern for other reasons (for example, those with global conservation ranks of G1 or G2, or evidence of rapid decline). For these species, the recipient is expected to produce or refine a set of spatial products that can credibly support federal decision-making. That includes range polygons (mapped representations of species range), species occurrence data (locations or records documenting presence), and maximum entropy (MaxEnt) predictive distribution models, which are commonly used in conservation science to estimate suitable habitat or likelihood of occurrence based on environmental variables and known records. The important point is not just to create models, but to develop outputs that are acceptable and defensible for delineating both Area of Influence and Current Range in an operational agency context.
The final step of the work is data packaging and transfer. The completed and finalized GIS layers for Montana species are to be delivered to USFWS in a format suitable for incorporation into ECOS, with the explicit goal that these improved datasets will then be available for downstream use in IPaC. In practice, that means the project is not only about making better maps, but also about ensuring the products can be integrated into federal systems so they actually influence real-world planning, consultation, and conservation actions.
Administratively, this opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.657 (Endangered Species Conservation - Recovery Implementation Funds). It was posted May 1, 2015, with an original and current closing date of May 8, 2015, and an archive date of June 1, 2015. The estimated total funding is $30,000, with an award ceiling of $30,000 and an award floor of $10,000, and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Although it lists "ExpectedAwards: 2," the announcement is explicitly described as a notice of intent to make a single-source award to the Montana Natural Heritage Program under Department of the Interior policy (505 DM 2.14 B(4)) based on unique qualifications. In other words, it is not a typical open competition; it is largely intended to formalize funding for MTNHP to carry out this specialized work in partnership with USFWS.
For questions or issues accessing the full announcement, the listed USFWS contact is Jodi Bush (phone 406-449-5225, email jodibush@fws.gov).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Improving the Information, Planning and Conservation Decision Support System (IPaC) Functionality."
Which federal agency is offering this funding?
The grant is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
What is the main purpose of the project?
The purpose is to strengthen the geospatial data used in federal conservation planning tools, especially the Information, Planning and Conservation (IPaC) system, by improving the underlying species range and impact-related mapping. The improved datasets are intended to be incorporated into USFWS systems, particularly ECOS (Environmental Conservation Online System), which then feeds information into IPaC.
What geographic area does the work focus on?
The work is focused on Montana.
Why is IPaC mentioned so prominently in the scope?
IPaC is a tool relied on by many project proponents and agencies during early environmental review and consultation. This award focuses on improving the data that ultimately supports IPaC outputs by first improving the datasets in ECOS.
What does ECOS have to do with IPaC?
ECOS (Environmental Conservation Online System) is a USFWS system where species-related datasets are incorporated. The improved datasets delivered under this project are intended to be integrated into ECOS, and then made available for downstream use in IPaC.
What are the two key mapping concepts being improved?
The project targets two GIS concepts used for sensitive species:
- Area of Influence: a spatial representation of where a proposed action could affect a species.
- Current Range: a representation of where the species is currently known or predicted to occur.
What is the project approach at a high level?
The award supports a practical, production-oriented workflow that evaluates and improves key GIS data products used to represent Area of Influence and Current Range for sensitive species. It begins with a scoping workshop and then proceeds to updating/creating geospatial deliverables, followed by packaging and transfer of finalized layers to USFWS for use in ECOS and IPaC.
Is there a kickoff or scoping meeting included in the work?
Yes. The project begins with a one- to two-day scoping workshop held at the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) with USFWS staff.
What happens during the scoping workshop?
Participants review existing datasets and decide which data products are already adequate, which need updates, and which need to be built from scratch. The workshop is intended to prevent duplicative work, establish shared standards, and agree on what outputs will be acceptable for agency use.
How many species may be included in the deliverables?
The deliverables involve updating and/or creating GIS data layers for up to 30 species.
What types of species are prioritized?
Species fall into high-priority categories that include:
- Species already listed under the Endangered Species Act.
- Species being considered for listing as Threatened or Endangered.
- Species deemed of highest conservation concern for other reasons, such as having global conservation ranks of G1 or G2 or evidence of rapid decline.
What GIS products are expected as technical deliverables?
For the selected Montana species, the recipient is expected to produce or refine spatial products that support federal decision-making, including:
- Range polygons (mapped representations of species range)
- Species occurrence data (locations or records documenting presence)
- MaxEnt predictive distribution models (maximum entropy models used to estimate suitable habitat or likelihood of occurrence)
What is MaxEnt in the context of this project?
MaxEnt refers to maximum entropy predictive distribution models, which are commonly used in conservation science to estimate suitable habitat or likelihood of occurrence based on environmental variables and known occurrence records.
Is the goal simply to create new models and maps?
No. An important emphasis is that the outputs must be acceptable and defensible for delineating both Area of Influence and Current Range in an operational agency context, not just produced as stand-alone research products.
What is the final step after the GIS layers are developed?
The final step is data packaging and transfer. The completed and finalized GIS layers for Montana species are to be delivered to USFWS in a format suitable for incorporation into ECOS, with the goal that the improved datasets will then be available for downstream use in IPaC.
What type of award mechanism is this?
This opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 15.657 (Endangered Species Conservation - Recovery Implementation Funds).
How much total funding is estimated for this opportunity?
The estimated total funding is $30,000.
What are the award ceiling and award floor?
The award ceiling is $30,000 and the award floor is $10,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Is this an open competitive funding opportunity?
No. Although it lists "ExpectedAwards: 2," the announcement is explicitly described as a notice of intent to make a single-source award to the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) under Department of the Interior policy (505 DM 2.14 B(4)) based on unique qualifications.
Who is the intended recipient of the single-source award?
The notice indicates an intent to make a single-source award to the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP).
What are the key dates listed in the announcement?
The opportunity was posted May 1, 2015, with an original and current closing date of May 8, 2015, and an archive date of June 1, 2015.
Who can be contacted for questions or problems accessing the full announcement?
The listed USFWS contact is Jodi Bush. Phone: 406-449-5225. Email: jodibush@fws.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: FY 2015 Elections and Political Transitions (EPT) Program
Previous opportunity: CCS Arizona BLM Recreational Shooting Outreach, Education and Monitoring (PDO)
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 F15AS00208
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F15AS00208) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2015 Elections and Political Transitions (EPT) Program Apply for RFA OAA 15 000016 Funding Number: RFA OAA 15 000016 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Support for Foreign Female Judges to Attend National Association for Women Judges Annual Conference Apply for INLEA INLCJ 15 005 Funding Number: INLEA INLCJ 15 005 Agency: International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affair Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP SSSE) R7 Apply for DHS 15 MT 023 007 99 Funding Number: DHS 15 MT 023 007 99 Agency: Region 7 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Community Assistance Program State Support Services Element (CAP SSSE) R8 Apply for DHS 15 MT 023 008 99 Funding Number: DHS 15 MT 023 008 99 Agency: Region 8 Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Schuylkill River Greenway National Heritage Area Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0036 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0036 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $491,000 |
| Project to Promote Ratification and Implementation of the 2014 ILO Protocol and Recommendation on Forced Labor Apply for ILAB NOI 15 02 Funding Number: ILAB NOI 15 02 Agency: Bureau of International Labor Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $9,000,000 |
| FY 2016 Critical Language Scholarship Program Apply for ECA ECAAS 16 002 Funding Number: ECA ECAAS 16 002 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Proposals Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law in Libya Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 15 070 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 15 070 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| FY 2016 EducationUSA Advising Services Apply for ECA ECAAS 16 001 Funding Number: ECA ECAAS 16 001 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,500,000 |
| Notice of Intent Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IVTP) Apply for NOI VETS IVTP Funding Number: NOI VETS IVTP Agency: OASAM Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Award Maine Acadian Culture Project Acadia National Park, Maine Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0037 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0037 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $75,800 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD Document, Evaluate, and Prescribe Treatment, Cultural Landscape of Gettysburg National Military Park, First Day Union 1st Corps Battlefield Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0038 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0038 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| FY 2015 Notice of Funding Opportunity for NGO programs benefiting individuals potentially in danger of statelessness in the Dominican Republic Apply for PRM PRMOAPWH 15 003 Funding Number: PRM PRMOAPWH 15 003 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) Apply for DHS 15 DAD 024 000 01 Funding Number: DHS 15 DAD 024 000 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Maintenance and Operations for Herat and Balkh Universities Women s Dormitories Apply for SCAKAB 15 CA 009 SCA 05072015 Funding Number: SCAKAB 15 CA 009 SCA 05072015 Agency: U.S. Mission to Afghanistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, Inc. Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0039 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0039 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Management Plan Implementation Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0040 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0040 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Delaware Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0042 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0042 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $610,000 |
| Erie Canalway Heritage Area Apply for NPS 15 NERO 0041 Funding Number: NPS 15 NERO 0041 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $775,720 |
| Lincoln Corner Karachi Programming and Staffing Apply for SCA ISB 15 AW 010 05082015 Funding Number: SCA ISB 15 AW 010 05082015 Agency: U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
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 "F15AS00208", 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.