Opportunity Information: Apply for F12AS00389
Apply for F12AS00389
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Single Source Funding for Mitigation Services within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.657 Endangered Species Conservation Recovery Implementation Funds.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 20, 2012 and posted on Aug 20, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 30, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,215,717.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,215,717.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This grant opportunity, titled "Single Source Funding for Mitigation Services within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas" (Funding Opportunity Number F12AS00389), is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) effort to fund third-party mitigation services that support land conservation in the Lower Rio Grande Valley wildlife corridor. The project is structured as a cooperative agreement and grant under the Natural Resources funding category, with funding coming from CFDA 15.657 (Endangered Species Conservation, Recovery Implementation Funds). The core public purpose is to expand and protect habitat that supports imperiled wildlife, specifically including the endangered ocelot and jaguarundi, while also conserving broader public trust natural resources in a region where habitat connectivity is critical.
The work is tied to two related federal infrastructure and flood control actions that require conservation measures and mitigation. First, USFWS (through its Corpus Christi Ecological Services Field Office) is supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in completing a conservation measure associated with the construction and operation of the new Los Ebanos Land Port of Entry. For that component, the project goal is to acquire at least 23.62 acres within the existing wildlife corridor. Second, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is seeking assistance to complete land acquisition that was identified as a conservation measure and mitigation requirement for the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project (LRGFCP), consistent with an amended USFWS Biological Opinion issued in 2003. For that flood control-related component, the target is to acquire 184.6 acres. Combined, the opportunity anticipates acquiring roughly 208.22 acres total, all within the existing Lower Rio Grande Valley wildlife corridor.
Beyond simply purchasing land, the scope includes the full package of land acquisition and mitigation services needed to complete conservation transactions correctly and keep the properties protected during the interim period. That includes activities such as appraisals, surveys and title work consistent with federal standards, transaction and holding costs, and management of acquired lands for conservation purposes until they can be transferred to a USFWS-approved land trust or otherwise placed into permanent conservation status. A key condition is that acquisitions occur only in Texas, only from willing sellers, and only for tracts that USFWS determines are appropriate for inclusion in the wildlife corridor. The expectation is that multiple smaller tracts may be acquired rather than a single large purchase, with an emphasis that no single tract purchased under this agreement is expected to exceed $1 million.
This opportunity is explicitly described as a single-source action. Under Department of the Interior guidance (505 DM 2.14), USFWS Ecological Services Region 2 issued notice of its intent to make a non-competitive award to The Friends of the Wildlife Corridor. The justification focuses on that organization’s demonstrated, long-term local capability: more than 10 years of experience acquiring land in the corridor, established relationships with willing sellers, particular strength in completing smaller, complex tract purchases efficiently, and a track record of moving acquired lands into permanent conservation arrangements with agencies or land trusts. USFWS also notes operational reasons for the selection, including that the organization already uses the federally required survey, title, and acquisition processes, requires no startup time or training, has local manpower to execute deals quickly, and has a history of effective collaboration with the South Texas Refuge Complex and USFWS Ecological Services staff.
In terms of award details, the estimated total funding is $1,215,717, and both the award ceiling and floor are listed at $1,215,717, indicating a fixed total amount for this action. The opportunity anticipated two awards. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), though the single-source intent statement makes clear that the agency planned to direct the award to The Friends of the Wildlife Corridor based on the rationale above. The posting date was August 20, 2012, with an original and current closing date of August 30, 2012. For additional details, the notice points to Grants.gov and provides a USFWS contact: Dr. Larisa Ford, Senior Biologist, at (361) 994-9005 and larisford@fws.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the title of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Single Source Funding for Mitigation Services within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas."
2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F12AS00389.
3) Which federal agency is offering this funding?
The funding is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
4) What is the main purpose of this funding?
The public purpose is to fund third-party mitigation services that expand and protect habitat within the Lower Rio Grande Valley wildlife corridor, supporting imperiled wildlife and broader public trust natural resources where habitat connectivity is critical.
5) Which species are specifically mentioned as benefiting from this work?
The notice specifically highlights the endangered ocelot and jaguarundi.
6) What is the geographic focus area for acquisitions and services?
All acquisitions must occur in Texas and within the existing Lower Rio Grande Valley wildlife corridor.
7) Is this a land acquisition program, a habitat restoration program, or something else?
It is primarily focused on land acquisition within the corridor and the associated mitigation services needed to complete those transactions properly and maintain conservation protections during the interim period before permanent conservation status is finalized.
8) What types of activities and costs are included in the scope of work?
The scope includes the full package of land acquisition and mitigation services, including appraisals, surveys, title work consistent with federal standards, transaction costs, holding costs, and management of acquired lands for conservation purposes until transfer to a USFWS-approved land trust or other permanent conservation mechanism.
9) How many acres are expected to be acquired under this opportunity?
The opportunity anticipates acquiring roughly 208.22 acres total within the existing wildlife corridor.
10) How is the total acreage broken down across the two related components?
The work is tied to two related actions:
- Los Ebanos Land Port of Entry conservation measure: acquire at least 23.62 acres.
- Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project mitigation requirement: acquire 184.6 acres.
11) Why is this project connected to federal infrastructure and flood control actions?
The land acquisition and mitigation services support conservation measures and mitigation requirements linked to (1) construction and operation of the new Los Ebanos Land Port of Entry and (2) the International Boundary and Water Commission's Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project, consistent with an amended USFWS Biological Opinion issued in 2003.
12) What type of award instrument is expected?
The project is structured as a cooperative agreement and grant.
13) What is the funding category and CFDA program listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity is under the Natural Resources funding category, with funding coming from CFDA 15.657 (Endangered Species Conservation, Recovery Implementation Funds).
14) Is cost sharing or a match required?
No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed.
15) What is the total amount of funding available?
The estimated total funding is $1,215,717.
16) What are the award ceiling and floor amounts?
Both the award ceiling and the award floor are listed as $1,215,717, indicating a fixed total amount for this action.
17) How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated two awards.
18) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education).
19) Is this a competitive opportunity?
No. The opportunity is explicitly described as a single-source action, and USFWS issued notice of its intent to make a non-competitive award.
20) Which organization was identified for the non-competitive (single-source) award?
USFWS stated its intent to direct the award to The Friends of the Wildlife Corridor.
21) What reasons were provided for selecting The Friends of the Wildlife Corridor?
The justification cited demonstrated local capability, including more than 10 years of experience acquiring land in the corridor, established relationships with willing sellers, strength in completing smaller and complex tract purchases efficiently, and a track record of placing acquired lands into permanent conservation arrangements. Operational reasons included already using federally required survey, title, and acquisition processes, needing no startup time or training, having local manpower to execute deals quickly, and a history of effective collaboration with USFWS staff and the South Texas Refuge Complex.
22) Are land purchases allowed from any seller?
No. Acquisitions may occur only from willing sellers.
23) Are there limitations on what tracts can be acquired?
Yes. Only tracts that USFWS determines are appropriate for inclusion in the Lower Rio Grande Valley wildlife corridor may be acquired, and acquisitions must be within Texas.
24) Will this involve buying one large tract or multiple smaller tracts?
The expectation is that multiple smaller tracts may be acquired rather than a single large purchase.
25) Is there a maximum expected purchase price per tract?
Yes. The notice emphasizes that no single tract purchased under this agreement is expected to exceed $1 million.
26) What happens to the land after it is acquired?
The acquired lands are to be managed for conservation purposes during an interim period, and then transferred to a USFWS-approved land trust or otherwise placed into permanent conservation status.
27) Which USFWS office is mentioned in connection with this work?
The notice references USFWS, through its Corpus Christi Ecological Services Field Office, supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Los Ebanos Land Port of Entry conservation measure.
28) Which other federal entities are linked to the underlying actions requiring mitigation?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is linked to the Los Ebanos Land Port of Entry, and the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is linked to the Lower Rio Grande Flood Control Project.
29) What are the posting date and closing date for this opportunity?
The posting date was August 20, 2012. The original and current closing date was August 30, 2012.
30) Where does the notice direct applicants or readers to find additional details?
The notice points to Grants.gov for additional details.
31) Who is the listed USFWS contact for questions?
The listed contact is Dr. Larisa Ford, Senior Biologist.
32) What contact information is provided for the USFWS point of contact?
Phone: (361) 994-9005
Email: larisford@fws.gov
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Project to Support Local Efforts to Combat Child Labor in Tanzania
Previous opportunity: Taunton Wild and Scenic River Assistance
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 F12AS00389
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F12AS00389) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| BLM Idaho Craters of the Moon AIM Implementation Apply for L12AS00253 Funding Number: L12AS00253 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $106,000 |
| BLM Idaho Environmental Regulatory Compliance and Support Partnership Apply for L12AS00255 Funding Number: L12AS00255 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $166,422 |
| Development of Water Quality and Climate Monitoring Plan and Protocols for the Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program Apply for NPS PWR NOI P12AC15064 Funding Number: NPS PWR NOI P12AC15064 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Develop a Monitoring Plan for Brachyramphys Murrelets in Alaska Apply for NPS PWRNOIP12AC15003 Funding Number: NPS PWRNOIP12AC15003 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| BLM Idaho Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey (BOP) Impacts of Fuel Reduction Treatments Apply for L12AS00256 Funding Number: L12AS00256 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,000 |
| Southern Lincoln County Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation Apply for L12AS00254 Funding Number: L12AS00254 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $56,000 |
| Planning Assistance Muir Woods Pinchot Tree Area Apply for P12AC11149 Funding Number: P12AC11149 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND PROJECT ASSISTANCE Apply for P12AC11145 Funding Number: P12AC11145 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| BLM Idaho North Highway 20 Travel Plan Trail Design Apply for L12AS00258 Funding Number: L12AS00258 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,500 |
| Assessment of Current Year Stock Grazing Effects on meadow Invertebrates Apply for NPS PWRNOIP12AC15021 Funding Number: NPS PWRNOIP12AC15021 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $62,823 |
| BLM Idaho Biological Control Agent Development Project Apply for L12AS00259 Funding Number: L12AS00259 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $110,000 |
| Lichen Inventory for the Southwest Alaska Network Apply for NPS PWRNOIP12AC15015 Funding Number: NPS PWRNOIP12AC15015 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $135,000 |
| BLM WY Sublette County Conservation District Historic Aerial Imagery Apply for L12AS00263 Funding Number: L12AS00263 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| El Portal NAGPRA Project Apply for NPS PWRNOIP12AC15017 Funding Number: NPS PWRNOIP12AC15017 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $89,363 |
| BLM AK Fisheries Intern Scholar Program, Alaska Apply for L12AS00265 Funding Number: L12AS00265 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $7,000 |
| Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative(IIC) Internships Apply for NPS NOIR1360120021 Funding Number: NPS NOIR1360120021 Agency: National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM OR WA Natural Area Vegetation Monitoring Apply for L12AS00270 Funding Number: L12AS00270 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $6,700 |
| BLM Idaho Cottonwood Field Office Communities at Risk Program Apply for L12AS00268 Funding Number: L12AS00268 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $87,900 |
| BLM OR WA Environmental Ed Restoration Apply for L12AS00271 Funding Number: L12AS00271 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| BLM OR WA Baseline Soil Water Data WEW Apply for L12AS00272 Funding Number: L12AS00272 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $80,000 |
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 "F12AS00389", 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.