Invasive Species Awareness Training Outreach Material Development | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this BLM grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Invasive Species Awareness Training - Outreach Material Development."

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

What type of funding opportunity is this?

It is a discretionary cooperative agreement focused on natural resources work.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The project is intended to strengthen how invasive species are addressed through education, prevention, and early action by developing training and outreach materials that can be used long term by a coordinated mix of public and private partners.

Is this meant to be a short-term awareness campaign?

No. The intent is to build a durable, consistent framework and set of materials that partners across the state can rely on over time, rather than running a one-off awareness campaign.

What kinds of deliverables are expected under this award?

Based on the description, expected deliverables are standardized, shareable training and outreach products designed for long-term use by partner organizations. The materials should directly support practical outcomes tied to prevention, early detection, and rapid response to invasive species.

What outcomes does BLM emphasize for the materials being developed?

The announcement emphasizes practical field and community outcomes, especially those that improve education/outreach, prevention, early detection, and rapid response related to invasive species (not just general environmental messaging).

What does BLM mean by an "early detection and rapid response pipeline"?

The opportunity highlights a full pipeline that includes spotting new populations early, reporting them through appropriate channels, creating or submitting voucher specimens (documentation verifying the species found), mapping infestations or sightings, and organizing rapid response efforts to contain or eliminate outbreaks before they spread.

What are voucher specimens in the context of this opportunity?

Voucher specimens are documentation that verifies which species was found. The announcement notes creating or submitting voucher specimens as one component of the broader early detection and rapid response pipeline.

Why does the opportunity focus on outreach, education, prevention, and early action?

BLM frames outreach and education, prevention, and early detection/rapid response as its most effective tools for limiting invasive species expansion. The project is designed to support these tools through consistent statewide materials and coordination.

Does the opportunity emphasize statewide coordination?

Yes. A central aim is building a statewide network that shares information and coordinates action across a mix of public and private partners.

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding is $20,000.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $20,000.

How many awards does BLM expect to make?

The agency expected to make a single award.

Is matching funding or cost share required?

No. There is no required cost share or matching requirement listed for this opportunity.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

Because the instrument is a cooperative agreement, the relationship is typically more collaborative than a standard grant. Based on the announcement summary, BLM may anticipate involvement in shaping deliverables, ensuring alignment with statewide priorities, and/or coordinating with existing invasive species programs and partner networks.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is specialized. The listing indicates "Others" and clarifies that the recipient is uniquely qualified because the opportunity is issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. The intended recipient is identified as a member of the Pacific Northwest CESU program.

What is a CESU, and why does it matter for eligibility?

CESUs (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units) are partnership networks designed to support research, technical assistance, and education. This opportunity is issued under a CESU program, which the summary indicates results in a limited competition environment oriented around CESU partners (specifically, the Pacific Northwest CESU program).

Does this opportunity appear to be openly competitive?

Based on the eligibility language provided, it suggests a limited competition environment oriented around CESU partners, with an intended recipient identified as a Pacific Northwest CESU member.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted (and created) on March 7, 2008.

What was the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed is March 21, 2008.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date is April 30, 2008.

Who is the contact for administrative questions or access issues?

The contact listed is Pamella Sterling, Contract Specialist.

What is the contact phone number?

The phone number provided is 503-808-6221.

What kinds of partners are meant to use the materials developed under this project?

The materials are intended for long-term use by a coordinated mix of public and private partners working together statewide on invasive species education, prevention, and early detection/rapid response.

What is the overall goal of developing standardized training and outreach products?

The overall goal is to unify statewide invasive species response efforts across agencies, organizations, and other partners, improving the speed and consistency of early detection and rapid response work when new invasive or potentially invasive populations are discovered.