Salmon River Cryptocrystalline Silicate (CCS) Sourcing | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Salmon River Cryptocrystalline Silicate (CCS) Sourcing opportunity?

This opportunity is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperative agreement focused on improving how archeologists and cultural resource specialists identify the geological sources of cryptocrystalline silicate (CCS) stone tool material in the Plateau culture area, specifically in north central Idaho (the Salmon River area).

What is the main purpose of this project?

The purpose is to strengthen archeological interpretation by building a reliable, repeatable way to match CCS artifacts from archeological sites to their geological source locations using geochemical analysis.

What are the central tasks or activities funded under this opportunity?

The announcement centers on two linked technical tasks: (1) conducting geochemical analysis on lithic source samples, and (2) comparing those geochemical results to CCS artifacts recovered from archeological sites.

Why does CCS sourcing matter in this region?

CCS is described as the dominant stone tool material used for tools in this region, rather than obsidian. The opportunity notes that more than 90 percent of lithic artifacts found at sites are made from CCS. Because CCS makes up so much of the archeological record, the ability to confidently source CCS artifacts can significantly improve interpretations of past behavior.

What kinds of archeological questions could better CCS sourcing help answer?

By matching artifacts to geological sources more confidently, the project can strengthen interpretations about mobility, trade or exchange networks, land use, and site function over time.

What analytical approach does BLM require for this work?

A key requirement is the development or application of a non-destructive analytical approach that is standard, repeatable, and usable consistently across different organizations.

Why does the method need to be non-destructive?

The emphasis on non-destructive testing supports cultural and collections-management concerns by helping protect artifacts and respecting sensitivities that can be associated with sampling or damaging cultural materials.

What does "standard and repeatable" mean in the context of this opportunity?

It means the method must generate results that can be reproduced by others, not just within a single lab or agency. The approach should be usable in a way that supports consistent application and verification across organizations.

Who is expected to be able to replicate the approach?

BLM emphasizes that the approach should be replicable by a wide range of partners who commonly work with archeological materials, including academic institutions, tribes, cultural resource management (CRM) contractors, and federal agencies.

What type of funding instrument is this?

This was issued as a discretionary funding opportunity under a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement indicates the federal agency expects to be substantially involved in the work, rather than simply providing funds with minimal engagement.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Natural Resources.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA 15.224 (Cultural Resource Management).

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $63,000.

What were the expected award size limits (floor and ceiling)?

Individual awards were expected to range from $1,000 (floor) to $15,800 (ceiling).

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. There was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This indicates BLM was looking for a university or similar public academic partner to carry out the technical work and support credible, transferable results.

When was the opportunity posted and when was the application deadline?

The opportunity was posted on May 12, 2012, and the application deadline was June 10, 2012.

When was the opportunity archived?

It was later archived on May 12, 2013.

Where were applicants directed for application access help, forms, and instructions?

Applicants needing access help were directed to the APPLICATIONS tab for forms and instructions.

Who was the point of contact for this opportunity?

The listed point of contact was Christine K. Shaver, Lead Grants Management Officer at BLM. Phone: (208) 373-3817. Email: cshaver@blm.gov.

What geographic and cultural area is the project focused on?

The project focus is the Plateau culture area, specifically in north central Idaho, with emphasis on the Salmon River area.

What is the overall expected outcome of the project?

The project is intended as a targeted effort to build a reliable, non-destructive geochemical sourcing framework for CCS in the Salmon River area so future investigations in north central Idaho and the broader Plateau region can compare artifacts to sources using methods that others can repeat and verify.