Science Applications Texas Tech University Cooperative | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant/cooperative agreement opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Science Applications Texas Tech University Cooperative" and it is associated with Funding Opportunity Number F12AS00154.

Which federal agency issued this opportunity?

This opportunity was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as a discretionary cooperative agreement.

What is the CFDA program for this opportunity?

The program is listed under CFDA 15.669, Cooperative Landscape Conservation.

What type of award is this?

It is a discretionary cooperative agreement. The description emphasizes the cooperative agreement model, which anticipates substantial involvement and ongoing interaction between the federal agency and the recipient.

Is this a competitive funding opportunity?

No. The announcement indicates it was not competed and was structured as a single-source (noncompetitive) cooperative agreement.

Who was the intended recipient?

The opportunity was designed specifically as a single-source cooperative agreement with Texas Tech University (TTU), identified as a public/state-controlled institution of higher education.

Why was the award issued as noncompetitive (single-source)?

FWS justified a noncompetitive award under Department of the Interior policy (Interior Manual 505 DM 2, section 2.14(B)) using two allowable criteria: (1) an unsolicited proposal and (4) unique qualifications.

What does the "unsolicited proposal" rationale mean in this case?

TTU proactively offered cooperative collaboration opportunities that were considered advantageous to program objectives. The rationale was tied to on-the-ground operations and efficiencies related to staff already located on the TTU campus and TTU's proposal to provide shared services (including office space) to support landscape-scale conservation work.

What "unique qualifications" were cited for TTU?

The justification focused on TTU's established track record and its campus environment hosting multiple federal and state natural resource and science entities, enabling improved coordination and efficiency across colocated partners.

Which organizations were specifically noted as being located on the TTU campus?

The announcement notes the presence of the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, the USGS Water Science Center, the South Central Climate Science Center, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff on the TTU campus.

What is the activity area/category for this opportunity?

The activity area is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the main purpose or intent of the award?

The overarching intent is to support landscape-scale conservation planning and implementation capacity through close coordination among colocated federal, state, and university partners.

How does co-location factor into the cooperative agreement?

The announcement describes co-location of federal, state, and university professionals as adding practical value by improving coordination, collaboration, and efficiency. This aligns with a cooperative agreement structure where ongoing interaction between FWS and the recipient is expected.

What landscape conservation effort is referenced in the justification?

The opportunity references the Great Plains Landscape Conservation Cooperative (GPLCC), including needs related to developing, managing, and completing priority conservation actions at a landscape scale.

What staffing situation is mentioned as part of the operational rationale?

The notice states that when GPLCC hired a new coordinator in January 2012, that Service staff member was already located on the TTU campus, and a Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program biologist was also already stationed there.

How much funding is available under this opportunity?

The award amount is fixed at $50,000. The award floor, ceiling, and estimated total funding are all stated as $50,000.

How was the funding expected to be obligated over time?

The Service anticipated obligating $10,000 in FY 2012, with total Service obligations over the full five-year period expected to reach $50,000.

Is there a cost-sharing or matching requirement?

The posting indicates there is no formal cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Did TTU provide any in-kind or equivalent support?

Yes. TTU committed significant in-kind support that functioned like a cost-share arrangement in practice: phone, internet, utilities, parking, and general administrative support valued at $10,000 per year for five years (totaling $50,000 over the life of the agreement).

When was this opportunity posted, and what were the open/close dates?

It was posted on May 7, 2012. The original closing date and the current closing date were both May 10, 2012.

When was the opportunity archived?

The notice indicates it was archived on June 29, 2012.

What does the short open period suggest about the nature of the posting?

The short open period, combined with the single-source structure, suggests it functioned as a formal public notice and documentation step for a pre-identified cooperative partner rather than an open competitive solicitation.

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

The listed contact is Melanie Dacovich, Executive Assistant.

How can the listed contact be reached?

By phone at 505-248-6277 or by email at melaniedabovich@fws.gov.

What policy citation was used to justify the noncompetitive award?

The notice cites Department of the Interior policy, Interior Manual 505 DM 2, section 2.14(B), and references the criteria of an unsolicited proposal and unique qualifications.

What is the expected number of awards?

The opportunity is structured as a single expected award.