Population monitoring and habitat use for WNS affected bat species | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Population monitoring and habitat use for WNS affected bat species."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is P15AS00111.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

This is a National Park Service (NPS) research effort.

Where will the work take place?

The work focuses on Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM).

What problem or threat is this project focused on?

The project is focused on understanding how White-nose syndrome (WNS) is affecting bat populations in GRSM.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The core purpose is to understand where key WNS-impacted bat species occur in the park, how their populations are doing, and what roosting habitats they rely on.

Which bat species are emphasized in this project?

The project places particular emphasis on two federally listed or conservation-priority species: the northern long-eared bat and the Indiana bat.

Does the project only focus on the northern long-eared bat and Indiana bat?

No. In addition to targeted work on those species, the project includes broad acoustic monitoring across the park to document the distribution of all bat species, creating a park-wide picture of bat community presence and activity.

What are the main research objectives described in the opportunity?

The work centers on connected objectives that include: (1) evaluating distribution and population status, (2) studying roosting ecology, and (3) conducting acoustic surveys across GRSM.

What does "evaluate distribution and population status" mean in this context?

It means tracking where bats are found in the park and collecting information useful for assessing whether populations appear stable, declining, or shifting across the landscape as WNS continues to influence survival and behavior.

What does "roosting ecology" mean for this project?

Roosting ecology typically involves identifying the types of trees, structures, or habitat features bats use for day roosts and maternity sites, and characterizing conditions that support successful roosting.

What are "acoustic surveys" and what are they used for here?

Acoustic surveys generally involve deploying ultrasonic detectors to record bat echolocation calls so species can be identified (to the extent possible) and mapped. This helps managers understand which areas of the park are most heavily used and whether distributions are changing over time.

What management outcome is the project intended to support?

A key stated management outcome is to strengthen the development of an Indiana bat species action plan.

How might the results be used by the park?

The opportunity indicates the data will be used to inform conservation decisions such as prioritizing habitats for protection, guiding visitor or operational impacts near important roosting or foraging areas, improving monitoring strategies, and helping the park respond to ongoing or future WNS impacts with more targeted measures.

What type of funding mechanism is used?

This is a discretionary opportunity using a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

It falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

What CFDA listings are associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listings provided are 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs) and Resources of the National Park System.

How much funding is available?

The total estimated funding amount is $100,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date is April 27, 2015.

What was the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed is May 4, 2015.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on May 27, 2015.

Is this a request for applications (RFA) with open competition?

No. The notice states it is not a request for applications. It is a public notice of intent to award funding without full and open competition.

Why is the opportunity not open for competing proposals?

The text explains the NPS is announcing its intent to fund specific project activities through an established partnership, rather than seeking competing proposals.

Who is the intended recipient or partner mentioned in the notice?

The notice identifies an existing cooperative agreement (P14AC00882) with the University of Tennessee, described as a partner under the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.

What cooperative agreement number is referenced in relation to the intended award?

The existing cooperative agreement number referenced is P14AC00882.

Does the listing mention any eligibility categories?

Yes. The listing includes categories such as private institutions of higher education, special district governments, and other eligible entities, but it also makes clear the intent is to award through the established partnership rather than soliciting applications.

Where can someone look for the official announcement or additional details?

The listing references Grants.gov as the source for additional information.

Who is the point of contact for questions or for help accessing the announcement?

The listed point of contact is Brian Straka at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How can Brian Straka be reached?

He can be reached by phone at 865-436-1217 or by email at brianstraka@nps.gov.