Invasive Plant Control/Restoration Projects | Apply Online

Invasive Plant Control/Restoration Projects (INVSPC9 001) - FAQs

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the Invasive Plant Control/Restoration Projects opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number INVSPC9 001), a discretionary grant offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Challenge Cost Share program (CFDA 15.642).

What is the purpose of the grant?

The grant is intended to support on-the-ground invasive plant treatment and restoration-related work within Arizona National Wildlife Refuges. The focus is on practical, field-based control and follow-up maintenance to protect sensitive habitats and sustain restoration outcomes over time.

Where will the work take place?

The described work is specifically associated with Arizona National Wildlife Refuges.

What types of activities does this opportunity support?

The opportunity supports invasive plant control efforts and restoration-related work, including treatment of invasive species and the follow-up maintenance and repeated retreatment often required to prevent reinvasion and maintain restoration sites.

Is the work research-focused or field-focused?

The activity is field-focused and emphasizes practical, on-the-ground treatment and maintenance rather than research or planning alone.

Why does the opportunity emphasize the use of hand crews?

Hand crews are highlighted as essential because they can operate in locations where heavy equipment cannot be used or would cause unacceptable disturbance, and where aerial spraying is impractical. This includes fragile habitats, hard-to-reach terrain, and areas not readily accessible by vehicles or aircraft.

What kinds of sites are hand crews intended to work in?

The announcement describes sites such as fragile habitats, hard-to-reach terrain, and locations not readily accessible by vehicles or aircraft, as well as areas where mechanized approaches are not feasible or where aerial spraying is impractical.

Does the scope include treating new infestations as well as existing ones?

Yes. The crews are intended to address both new infestations and the repeated retreatment needed to keep restoration sites from being reinvaded.

Which agency is offering the grant?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the awarding agency.

What program is this grant issued under?

It is issued under the Challenge Cost Share program and is associated with CFDA 15.642.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to a single applicant: Southwest Conservation Corps (SWCC). The announcement presents this as a limited competition based on "unique qualifications."

Why is eligibility limited to Southwest Conservation Corps (SWCC)?

The stated justification is that SWCC is considered specifically suited to meet the program need by providing hand crews that are described as efficient and economical, which aligns with how invasive species work must be performed in many refuge locations.

Is this opportunity competitive?

No. The announcement restricts eligibility to one organization (SWCC) and describes the restriction as based on "unique qualifications," which limits competition.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount listed is $32,000.

What is the award floor?

The award floor is listed as $32,000.

What is the award ceiling?

The award ceiling is listed as $100,000.

Does the notice indicate the expected award size for this project?

Yes. The information indicates the project described in the notice was expected to be funded at the lower bound (the $32,000 level), while still reflecting a broader allowable range under the program structure.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, consistent with Challenge Cost Share expectations. The recipient would be expected to contribute non-federal resources as part of the overall project cost.

What forms of match are mentioned?

The notice indicates match can be non-federal resources, including cash or allowable in-kind support.

What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument type is listed as "Other."

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Natural Resources, aligning the project with conservation and habitat management objectives.

When was the opportunity posted?

The announcement was posted on May 13, 2009.

What was the closing date?

The original closing date and the current closing date are both listed as May 22, 2009.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on June 21, 2009.

Who can be contacted for help accessing the full announcement?

The point of contact listed for assistance accessing the full announcement is Debbie Pike, Administrative Technician.

What is the contact phone number for the listed point of contact?

The listed phone number is 928-345-4910.