National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant announcement under the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act (CFDA 15.663) issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS).

Is this an open, competitive grant that anyone can apply for?

No. Although it appears as a funding opportunity announcement, it is described as a notice of intent to make a single-source financial assistance award to one specific recipient. It is for notification purposes only, not a practical competitive open call.

Who is the intended recipient of the award?

The announcement identifies BirdsCaribbean as the specific recipient for the planned single-source award.

What is the main purpose of the proposed award?

The proposed award is intended to support shorebird harvest and conservation work along the Atlantic Flyway, with research and related activities focused on shorebird survival across life-cycle stages such as migration and wintering.

Which geographic areas does the project focus on?

The geographic focus is on Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana, with particular attention to islands in the Guadeloupe archipelago.

What kinds of activities are expected to be supported by the award?

The project is expected to include field-based research to map and characterize shorebird sites, assess how those sites function (including as migration stopovers), study migration strategy differences between juveniles and adults, examine trophic links (feeding relationships), and evaluate management capacity and relevant legislation in existing natural/protected areas. It also includes documenting local practices and customs connected to shorebirds and their habitats.

What does the field-based research component involve?

Based on the announcement, field research includes mapping and characterizing sites used by shorebirds, identifying locations birds frequent, determining how long individuals remain at those sites, and understanding how sites function as migration stopovers.

Does the project look at different shorebird life stages?

Yes. A specific objective mentioned is examining differences in migration strategies between juveniles and adults, which can inform understanding of population dynamics and conservation targeting.

What are "trophic links" in the context of this project?

In this announcement, trophic links refer to feeding relationships that connect shorebirds to particular habitats and prey resources, and how those relationships relate to functional sites used during migration and wintering.

Is there an evaluation of protected areas or existing natural areas?

Yes. The project includes an assessment of existing natural areas, including protected sites, to determine whether current management capacity is sufficient for sustainable shorebird conservation.

Why does the opportunity mention French legislation and regulations?

Because the work is in French territories, the project calls for evaluating whether French legislation and regulations governing relevant sites can effectively support sustainable management of shorebirds that are described as declining.

Does the project include social or cultural considerations?

Yes. The announcement includes a human-dimensions element to document local practices and customs connected to shorebirds and their habitats, recognizing that long-term conservation outcomes depend on understanding local cultural and use contexts.

What are the expected deliverables or end products?

The expected end product is a set of proposals or recommendations for integrated management of both habitats and the shorebird species that rely on them, translating findings into practical management approaches.

What is meant by "integrated management" in this announcement?

As described, integrated management means combining ecological evidence from the research, considerations of site management capacity (including protected areas), and the social realities of how people interact with shorebirds and their environments into actionable recommendations.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is F16AS00237.

Which federal agency issued this announcement?

The announcement is issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS).

When was the opportunity posted?

It was created and posted on May 20, 2016.

What is the closing date listed for the opportunity?

The original and current closing date shown is May 25, 2016.

How many awards are expected?

The announcement lists an expected number of awards as 1.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $600,000.

What eligible applicant type is shown?

The eligible applicant category shown is nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), which aligns with the single-source intent naming BirdsCaribbean.

What is meant by "single-source" in this context?

In this announcement, single-source means the agency is planning to make a financial assistance award directly to one named organization (BirdsCaribbean) rather than soliciting and evaluating multiple competing applications.

Is this announcement mainly informational?

Yes. It is described as being for notification purposes only, meaning it publicly documents the agency's intent to award funds to the specified recipient.

Who is expected to provide personnel and resources for the work?

The announcement states that BirdsCaribbean is expected to provide the required personnel, materials, equipment, and services to carry out the research and associated activities.

What conservation issue is this project addressing?

The project addresses shorebird harvest and conservation along the Atlantic Flyway, with attention to the sustainable management of shorebirds that are described as declining in the announcement.