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FAQs: NMFWCO FISH SPECIMENS Grant (FWS FY2009 NMFWCO)

What is the NMFWCO FISH SPECIMENS grant?

The NMFWCO FISH SPECIMENS grant (Funding Opportunity Number: FWS FY2009 NMFWCO) is a discretionary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) award intended to formalize and support a working arrangement between USFWS Region 2, Division of Fisheries and the Regents of the University of New Mexico, specifically the Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Fishes.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The main purpose is to establish a clear framework for collaboration so that fish specimens collected by fisheries staff, especially those needed as voucher specimens, can be properly maintained, transferred, and curated for long-term scientific use at the Museum of Southwestern Biology.

What are voucher specimens in the context of this opportunity?

Voucher specimens are physical reference specimens that document what species was collected, where it was collected, and when it was collected. They serve as verifiable evidence supporting scientific investigations, monitoring, and management activities.

Why does long-term curation of fish voucher specimens matter?

Long-term curation matters because voucher specimens provide an auditable record for species identification, taxonomy, distribution, conservation status assessments, and future re-analysis as scientific techniques improve, including methods that may not have been anticipated at the time of collection (such as later genetic work).

Which organizations are involved in the collaboration supported by this grant?

The collaboration is between USFWS Region 2, Division of Fisheries and the Regents of the University of New Mexico, specifically the Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Fishes.

Who is expected to collect the fish specimens under this arrangement?

Fisheries personnel may collect fish specimens in the course of fieldwork, and specimens needed as vouchers can be transferred to the Museum for long-term curation.

What is the Museum of Southwestern Biology expected to do with the specimens?

The Museum of Southwestern Biology is expected to curate voucher specimens to professional museum standards, maintain associated data, and make the specimens available as needed to support scientific studies.

What activity category does this grant fall under?

This opportunity is positioned within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category, reflecting that the specimen work is intended to strengthen research capacity and the credibility of investigations that rely on verifiable physical evidence.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity and what does it indicate?

The applicable CFDA number is 15.608, Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance. This indicates the award aligns with federal assistance activities that support fish and wildlife conservation and management, including technical and scientific support functions such as specimen archiving and research facilitation.

What is the estimated total funding amount for this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount is $130,000.

What is the award ceiling (maximum award amount)?

The award ceiling is $130,000.

What is the award floor (minimum award amount)?

The award floor is $26,000.

How many awards were expected to be made?

Only one award was expected.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity did not require cost sharing or matching funds, meaning the recipient would not be expected to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving the grant.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility for this announcement was limited and specific. The eligible applicant identified is the University of New Mexico/Museum of Southwestern Biology/Division of Fishes.

Is this an open, competitive funding opportunity?

Based on the eligibility statement, this announcement was structured as a targeted partnership with a named institution rather than an open competition across a broad pool of applicants.

Which federal agency administers this grant?

The administering agency is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 29, 2009.

What was the closing date to apply?

The closing date was June 5, 2009.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was July 5, 2009.

What does the short application window suggest about the nature of the opportunity?

The short window (from May 29, 2009 to June 5, 2009) is consistent with announcements intended for a specific partner or a continuation of an established relationship, as described in the opportunity summary.

Who is the point of contact for questions or access issues?

The point of contact listed is Stephen Davenport, Fish Biologist and Program Manager.

How can the point of contact be reached?

Stephen Davenport can be reached by phone at 505-342-9900 extension 106.

What does this grant help ensure about specimens collected during management and monitoring activities?

It helps ensure consistent handling, documentation, transfer, and long-term accessibility of specimens collected during fisheries management and monitoring work, especially when those specimens are needed as vouchers.

How does the grant support scientific credibility?

By supporting professional curation and the maintenance of associated data for voucher specimens, the grant strengthens the credibility of investigations by ensuring there is verifiable physical evidence behind species identifications and related scientific conclusions.