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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - ISSSSP Invertebrate Conservation (BLM) Grant

What is the ISSSSP Invertebrate Conservation grant opportunity?

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L13AS00092) is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperative agreement focused on improving conservation for rare invertebrate species included on the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Special Status Sensitive Species lists (added in January 2008). The project is intended to build on earlier progress since those listings by addressing remaining information gaps and on-the-ground management needs.

Which agency is offering this funding, and what type of award is it?

The funding is offered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates that the agency expects substantial involvement during project implementation rather than operating as a hands-off pass-through award.

What is the main purpose of the project described in this opportunity?

The core purpose is to strengthen conservation of Special Status invertebrates by improving how they are surveyed, improving how the resulting information is turned into management and restoration actions, and ensuring the work can be carried forward through training and capacity-building.

What funding activity category and CFDA program is this opportunity associated with?

This opportunity is listed under the Natural Resources funding activity category and is tied to CFDA 15.231 (Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management), indicating an emphasis on practical conservation actions grounded in resource management methods.

What are the primary outcomes or focus areas the funded work is expected to achieve?

The funded work is centered on three linked outcomes: (1) developing survey protocols for Special Status invertebrates and their habitats, (2) supporting conservation measures such as protection, management, and restoration of species locations and habitat areas, and (3) building capacity through training programs so field personnel and other groups can apply the protocols and conservation practices consistently.

What does "develop survey protocols" mean in the context of this grant?

It refers to designing consistent, repeatable approaches for field surveys so that partners and land managers can systematically gather better information about Special Status invertebrates and their habitats. The intent is to improve the quality and comparability of data collected across different sites and seasons and to help identify where species occur and what habitat conditions they rely on.

What kinds of conservation actions are supported under this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, conservation actions may include work that supports protection, management, and restoration of species locations and broader habitat areas. This can include identifying sensitive sites, recommending management actions to reduce threats, and helping guide restoration priorities so species and their ecological settings are maintained or improved over time.

What is meant by capacity-building and training in this grant?

A major emphasis is on training programs for field personnel and other interested organizations and groups. The goal is to ensure that survey protocols and conservation practices developed through the project are actually used effectively and consistently by those conducting surveys and implementing management actions.

Which species does this grant focus on?

The opportunity focuses on rare invertebrate species that were added in January 2008 to the BLM and U.S. Forest Service Special Status Sensitive Species lists.

How many awards were anticipated?

The announcement anticipated one award.

What is the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?

The source data lists an estimated total funding amount of $500,000.

What are the stated minimum and maximum award amounts (award floor and ceiling)?

The documented award ceiling is $27,300 and the award floor is $1. The listing notes that these figures may reflect a structured sub-award or task-based approach within the broader funding pool, but they are presented as the official minimum and maximum award amounts in the posting.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.

Are colleges and universities eligible under this opportunity?

No. Institutions of higher education are explicitly excluded from eligibility, even if they otherwise operate as nonprofit entities.

When was the opportunity posted, and what was the application deadline?

The opportunity was posted on June 5, 2013. The application closing date was June 28, 2013.

Has the opportunity been archived?

Yes. The listing was archived on June 4, 2014.

Where are applicants directed to find the full announcement and application package?

The listing directs applicants to the full announcement and application package via the application materials associated with the posting.

Who can applicants contact for access issues or administrative questions?

The grants management contact listed is Sheryl Dowley, Grants Management Specialist. Phone: 503-808-6243. Email: sdowley@blm.gov.

What does it mean that the funding is "discretionary"?

The opportunity is described as discretionary funding, meaning it is not an entitlement. Awards are made through a competitive or agency-directed selection process rather than being automatically provided to all applicants who meet basic requirements (the posting identifies it as a discretionary opportunity but does not provide additional selection process details).

What does a "cooperative agreement" imply for project implementation?

A cooperative agreement typically implies substantial involvement by the awarding agency during implementation. In this opportunity, that suggests BLM is likely to be actively engaged as the project progresses, rather than only receiving periodic reports.