Native Plant Development Program Seeds of Success, Alaska | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Native Plant Development Program Seeds of Success, Alaska opportunity?

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L11AS00100) was a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discretionary funding announcement focused on building a supply of native plant seed to support restoration and conservation efforts across Alaska. The work was designed to ensure seed is collected, documented, and delivered in a way that supports future rehabilitation projects and longer-term conservation goals.

Which agency offered this grant opportunity?

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

What type of funding instrument was used?

The project was structured as a cooperative agreement. This implies close coordination with BLM during performance of the work, especially around field methods, documentation, and deliverables.

What is the funding activity/category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category listed for this opportunity was Natural Resources.

What was the main purpose of the project?

The core purpose was to obtain high-quality native seed from identified species of interest, collected according to program specifications, to support restoration and conservation needs in Alaska.

What kinds of work were applicants expected to perform beyond seed harvesting?

Applicants were expected to do more than collect seed. The described scope included gathering population information for target species and tracking species phenology from earlier growth stages through the point when seed is ripe and ready to collect. This implies seasonal field monitoring, timing visits to match regional/site conditions, and documenting observations so the collection is scientifically useful and repeatable.

What is meant by tracking phenology in this project?

Based on the description, phenology tracking meant observing and documenting the timing of plant growth stages across the season, from earlier stages up to when seeds are ripe and ready to collect, so collection can be properly timed and documented.

Did the scope include transportation of collected seed?

Yes. The project description specifically included transportation as needed to sites throughout Alaska, reflecting the logistical realities of working in remote areas and the need to move collected material to appropriate locations for storage, processing, or use.

What reporting requirements were included?

Reporting was a formal part of the scope. The description indicates an expectation for clear documentation of methods, locations, quantities, phenology notes, and other collection data so the seed can be used confidently for restoration planning and conservation tracking.

How much funding was available for this specific announcement?

The intended award amount for this announcement was $80,000. The award ceiling and award floor were both listed as $80,000, meaning the award size was fixed rather than offered as a range.

How many awards did BLM anticipate making?

BLM anticipated making one award.

What was the estimated total funding amount mentioned for the overall program context?

The notice referenced an estimated total funding amount of $400,000 for the overall program context, while the specific award under this announcement was set at $80,000.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants were not required to contribute non-federal funds or provide an in-kind match as a condition of receiving the award.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was restricted to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This generally refers to public universities or similar public academic entities capable of conducting field research and data collection and managing cooperative agreement requirements.

Were private universities or non-academic organizations eligible?

The eligibility described in the notice was limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. No other eligible applicant types were listed in the provided information.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing associated with the opportunity was 15.231, Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management.

How does the CFDA listing relate to the project work?

The CFDA title (Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management) aligns with restoration, conservation, and resource stewardship activities, which matches the stated goal of building native seed supply for rehabilitation and conservation in Alaska.

What were the key dates for the opportunity?

The opportunity was posted on May 16, 2011, created on June 1, 2011, had an application closing date of May 31, 2011, and an archive date of July 31, 2011.

What was the application deadline?

The application closing date listed was May 31, 2011.

Where were applicants supposed to find the full instructions and application package?

The announcement referenced an "APPLICATION" tab for downloading complete instructions and the application package, indicating the full notice contained detailed technical specifications for seed collection, handling, and reporting.

Who was the point of contact for questions about the announcement?

The listed point of contact was Sandee Smith, Grants Management Officer at BLM.

How could applicants contact the point of contact?

Sandee Smith could be reached by phone at 907-271-5193 and by email at s2smith@blm.gov.

Does the description indicate where the work would take place?

Yes. The work was focused across Alaska, including the collection and transportation of native plant seed to sites throughout Alaska.

What kinds of deliverables are implied by the scope?

Based on the description, deliverables would include collected native seed (collected to program specifications) and associated documentation such as population information, phenology tracking notes, collection methods, locations, and quantities, plus any formal reports required by the cooperative agreement.

Why does the opportunity emphasize documentation and repeatability?

The description highlights documenting observations and collection details so seed collection is scientifically useful and repeatable, and so collected seed can be used confidently for restoration planning and conservation tracking in the future.