Opportunity Information: Apply for R13SS60011
Apply for R13SS60011
- The Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent to Award Archaeological Fieldwork and Research for Unanticipated Discoveries" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.511 Cultural Resources Management.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 7, 2013 and posted on May 2, 2013.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 16, 2013. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $180,647.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $155,665.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Private institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity is a Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Great Plains Region, cooperative agreement intended to support targeted cultural resources management work at archaeological sites along Lake Altus in Greer County, Oklahoma. It is framed as a Notice of Intent to Award and centers on improving how archaeologists locate and respond to unanticipated discoveries, especially the potential presence of buried human remains. The Oklahoma Archeological Survey (OAS) proposed this work in close coordination with BOR archaeologists based in the Oklahoma City office, building directly on earlier field efforts that attempted to identify high-probability burial areas using geophysical survey methods.
The need for the project comes from limitations discovered during prior investigations. Earlier work used magnetometer-based geophysical surveys to find subsurface anomalies that might represent features containing human remains. However, the area has extensive surface and near-surface debris, including fire-fractured rock, lithic artifacts, ceramic sherds, animal bone, and historic-period metal. These materials complicate geophysical interpretation because burned items and ferrous metal generate strong magnetic signals that can look like meaningful anomalies even when they are not related to burials. When the earlier project tested the magnetometer anomalies, only 2 out of 44 anomalies contained bone, translating to a 4.5 percent success rate. The proposed work is essentially an attempt to raise that return rate by reducing the "noise" that masks or imitates burial-related signals.
To address this, the project proposes a revised, more controlled method that combines intensive surface and subsurface cleanup with renewed geophysical survey and follow-up testing. The approach includes piece plotting (systematically recording artifact locations), removing all surface artifacts from the test area, conducting metal detecting and removing subsurface metallic items, then running a new gradiometer survey over the cleaned area. Any newly identified anomalies from the improved survey would then be tested archaeologically to determine their contents. The work is structured over two years: in the first year, the method would be implemented and evaluated on a 20 x 40 meter grid; in the second year, it would be applied to an additional 20 x 40 meter grid to further assess effectiveness and consistency. Importantly, analysis of artifacts recovered from the first grid would be completed before deciding on or interpreting results from the second grid, ensuring that lessons learned and site-specific patterns inform the next phase rather than repeating the same assumptions.
In addition to the grid-based testing, the project includes large-scale GPS mapping of surface features across multiple site areas identified as 34GR3 through 34GR6. This mapping is meant to support future broader application of the improved method by creating a better spatial understanding of surface distributions and features across the larger site complex, not just within the small test grids. Overall, the stated purpose is practical and compliance-focused: improve predictability in detecting human remains so that BOR and its partners can locate, remove, and appropriately manage remains more efficiently and with fewer unnecessary disturbances to the site.
The opportunity also lays out clear expectations for post-fieldwork handling of collections and reporting. After removal, cultural materials are to be transported to OAS for cleaning and cataloging, followed by descriptive analysis. Results must first be written up as a draft report for BOR (Reclamation) review and approval; after approval, a final report is produced. The final disposition of artifacts and associated materials will be to a curatorial facility designated by Reclamation, indicating federal oversight of curation decisions consistent with cultural resources management practice.
A key administrative and legal condition of the award is protection of sensitive archaeological information. In line with 36 CFR 79.10(d)(1), and referencing Section 9 of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the recipient must restrict access to records that could reveal the nature, location, or character of protected prehistoric or historic resources, unless disclosure would not increase risk of harm, theft, or destruction, or unless disclosure is otherwise required by law. The opportunity explicitly requires a final technical report after completion, covering work performed and information recovered, reinforcing that documentation and compliance deliverables are central to the award.
From the funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary program award under CFDA 15.511 (Cultural Resources Management), using a cooperative agreement instrument (which typically implies substantial federal involvement during the project compared to a standard grant). The posting date was May 2, 2013, with an original and current closing date of May 16, 2013, and an archive date of June 15, 2013. The opportunity anticipated a single award. Estimated total funding was $180,647, with an award ceiling of $155,665 and no cost sharing or matching requirement. Eligible applicants were limited to public/state-controlled and private institutions of higher education. The listed grants management contact was Irene Hoiby, Grants Management Specialist, at 406-247-7615.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What agency is offering this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Great Plains Region.
What type of award is it?
It is a cooperative agreement, which generally means BOR is expected to have substantial involvement during the project compared to a standard grant.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The purpose is to support targeted cultural resources management work at archaeological sites along Lake Altus in Greer County, Oklahoma, with a specific focus on improving how archaeologists locate and respond to unanticipated discoveries, especially the potential presence of buried human remains.
Where will the work take place?
The work is focused on archaeological sites along Lake Altus in Greer County, Oklahoma, including site areas identified as 34GR3 through 34GR6.
What problem is the project trying to solve?
The project addresses limitations found in earlier magnetometer-based geophysical surveys used to detect subsurface anomalies that might represent features containing human remains. Surface and near-surface debris (including fire-fractured rock, lithic artifacts, ceramic sherds, animal bone, and historic-period metal) creates "noise" that can produce magnetic signals that look meaningful but are not related to burials.
What did the earlier investigation find, and why is a new approach needed?
Earlier work identified 44 magnetometer anomalies that were tested, and only 2 contained bone, a 4.5 percent success rate. The new approach is intended to improve that return rate by reducing interfering debris and improving the reliability of geophysical interpretation.
What methods will be used in the proposed project?
The proposed method combines intensive surface and subsurface cleanup with renewed geophysical survey and follow-up testing. It includes piece plotting (systematically recording artifact locations), removing all surface artifacts from the test area, conducting metal detecting and removing subsurface metallic items, then running a new gradiometer survey over the cleaned area. Newly identified anomalies would then be tested archaeologically to determine their contents.
What is "piece plotting" in the context of this project?
As described in the opportunity, piece plotting means systematically recording artifact locations within the test area before removal and further survey work.
Why does the project include removal of surface artifacts and subsurface metal?
Because burned materials and ferrous metal can generate strong magnetic signals that complicate geophysical interpretation, removing these materials is intended to reduce the "noise" that masks or imitates burial-related signals.
What geophysical equipment or survey type is planned after cleanup?
After cleanup and metal removal, the project proposes running a new gradiometer survey over the cleaned area.
How will potential burial-related anomalies be confirmed?
Any newly identified anomalies from the improved survey would be tested archaeologically to determine their contents.
How is the project structured over time?
The work is structured over two years. In Year 1, the method would be implemented and evaluated on a 20 x 40 meter grid. In Year 2, it would be applied to an additional 20 x 40 meter grid to assess effectiveness and consistency.
How large are the test grids?
Each test grid is 20 x 40 meters. The project proposes one grid in the first year and a second grid in the second year.
Why does the project require analysis of Year 1 artifacts before proceeding with Year 2 interpretation?
The opportunity specifies that analysis of artifacts recovered from the first grid will be completed before deciding on or interpreting results from the second grid, so lessons learned and site-specific patterns can inform the next phase rather than repeating the same assumptions.
Is the project limited to the two test grids?
No. In addition to the grid-based work, the project includes large-scale GPS mapping of surface features across multiple site areas (34GR3 through 34GR6) to improve spatial understanding across the broader site complex and support future broader application of the improved method.
What is the purpose of the large-scale GPS mapping?
The mapping is intended to document surface distributions and features across the larger site complex, not just within the small test grids, to support future broader application of the improved detection method.
What happens to artifacts and cultural materials recovered during fieldwork?
After removal, cultural materials are to be transported to the Oklahoma Archeological Survey (OAS) for cleaning and cataloging, followed by descriptive analysis.
What reporting is required?
A draft report must be prepared for BOR (Reclamation) review and approval. After approval, a final report is produced. The opportunity also explicitly requires a final technical report after completion that covers work performed and information recovered.
Who decides where artifacts and associated materials are ultimately curated?
The final disposition of artifacts and associated materials will be to a curatorial facility designated by Reclamation, indicating federal oversight of curation decisions.
Are there restrictions on sharing site location and other sensitive information?
Yes. The recipient must restrict access to records that could reveal the nature, location, or character of protected prehistoric or historic resources unless disclosure would not increase risk of harm, theft, or destruction, or unless disclosure is otherwise required by law.
What laws or regulations are referenced for protecting sensitive archaeological information?
The opportunity references 36 CFR 79.10(d)(1), Section 9 of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), and Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
What is the program listing or CFDA number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is under CFDA 15.511, Cultural Resources Management.
Is this a competitive opportunity, and how many awards were anticipated?
The posting is framed as a Notice of Intent to Award, and it anticipated a single award.
What was the estimated total funding for the opportunity?
The estimated total funding was $180,647.
What was the award ceiling?
The award ceiling was $155,665.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement was stated.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants were limited to public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The posting date was May 2, 2013. The original and current closing date was May 16, 2013. The archive date was June 15, 2013.
Who is the listed grants management contact?
The listed grants management contact is Irene Hoiby, Grants Management Specialist, at 406-247-7615.
Who proposed the technical work described in the opportunity?
The Oklahoma Archeological Survey (OAS) proposed the work in close coordination with BOR archaeologists based in the Oklahoma City office, building on earlier field efforts using geophysical survey methods.
What is the practical outcome BOR is trying to improve through this work?
The stated compliance-focused outcome is improved predictability in detecting human remains so BOR and its partners can locate, remove, and appropriately manage remains more efficiently and with fewer unnecessary disturbances to the site.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: 2013 Conservation Innovation Grants
Previous opportunity: Instrument Development for Biological Research
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for R13SS60011
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (R13SS60011) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| DS ATA Curriculum Rewrite Law Enforcement Apply for DS DSATA 13 008 Funding Number: DS DSATA 13 008 Agency: Diplomatic Security Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Afghanistan Enhancing Civil Societys Advocacy and Monitoring Capacity Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 13 041 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 13 041 Agency: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2013 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Refugees and IDPs in the Balkans Apply for PRM PRMOAPEU 13 002 Funding Number: PRM PRMOAPEU 13 002 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Montana State University, Bozeman (MSU) Center for Biofilm Engineering Apply for F13AS00163 Funding Number: F13AS00163 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Kandahar Food Zone Apply for RFA 306 13 000004 Funding Number: RFA 306 13 000004 Agency: Afghanistan USAID Kabul Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for High School Students Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2013 02 Funding Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2013 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Iraq Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students Apply for DOS BAGHDAD PD 2013 03 Funding Number: DOS BAGHDAD PD 2013 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to Iraq Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| FY 2013 Funding Opportunity Announcement for global programs to develop and assess the humanitarian communitys capacity to prevent and respond to gender based violence (GBV) within refugee and conflict affected populations. Apply for PRM PRMOAPGL 13 010 Funding Number: PRM PRMOAPGL 13 010 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| USAID/DCHA/FFP International Emergency Food Assistance Apply for APS FFP 13 000001 Funding Number: APS FFP 13 000001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Archaeological Investigations, Fort Clark Irrigation District Apply for R13SS60012 Funding Number: R13SS60012 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Great Plains Region Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Integrated Cybersecurity Education Communities (ICEC) Expansion of a Portable Cybersecurity Education Teacher Focused Model Apply for DHS 13 NPPD 127 001 Funding Number: DHS 13 NPPD 127 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| FY 2013 Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Sri Lankan Refugees in Tamil Nadu, India Apply for PRM PRMOAPNE 13 007 Funding Number: PRM PRMOAPNE 13 007 Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
| The U.S./Pakistan Professional Partnership Program for Journalists Apply for ECA PE C PF 13 45 Funding Number: ECA PE C PF 13 45 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,800,000 |
| EASE 2.0 Grants Apply for H98210 13 BAA 0001 Funding Number: H98210 13 BAA 0001 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Lowell National Historical Park Youth Programming Spindle City Corps, 2013 Maintenance Teams Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0027 Funding Number: NPS 13 NERO 0027 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $72,500 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Fort McHenry, Baltimore, MD Maintain Cultural Landscapes with Project SERVE Apply for NPS 13 NERO 0028 Funding Number: NPS 13 NERO 0028 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $26,000 |
| Oldman Watershed Council Landscape Patterns Environmental Quality Analysis Apply for F13AS00172 Funding Number: F13AS00172 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Susan Harwood Training Grant, FY 2013 (Targeted Topics) Apply for SHTG FY 13 02 Funding Number: SHTG FY 13 02 Agency: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID West Bank and Gaza APS for Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation Programs and Activities Apply for APS 294 13 000001 Funding Number: APS 294 13 000001 Agency: West Bank, Gaza USAID West Bank Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Watershed Rehabilitation and Sediment Control Apply for R13AS20018 Funding Number: R13AS20018 Agency: Bureau of Reclamation Mid Pacific Region Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $831,427 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "R13SS60011", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.