Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP15AC01605
Apply for NPS NOIP15AC01605
- The National Park Service in the environment natural resources science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Monitoring horseback rider use at OZAR THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs Resources of the National Park System.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 28, 2015 and posted on Aug 28, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 6, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $37,771.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $37,771.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Members of the Great Plains CESU
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This opportunity is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement tied to research support for monitoring horseback rider use at OZAR (Ozark National Scenic Riverways). It is explicitly labeled "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS," meaning it was not a competitive, open call for proposals. Instead, it documents NPS intent to make a single award to a specific, pre-identified partner to carry out a short, focused study that supports ongoing park planning work.
The core purpose of the project is to gather baseline data that can be used immediately in the park's roads and trails management plan that was underway at the time. NPS is looking for practical, on-the-ground information that helps managers provide sustainable horse trail use, reduce resource impacts, and make defensible management decisions. The work is also intended to bring specialized expertise in outdoor recreation management and recreation ecology, which are the fields that often guide how parks measure visitor use, track impacts, and set management triggers before problems become irreversible.
The announcement explains that NPS considered Southern Illinois University, Clemson University, and Kansas State University, and ultimately recommended Kansas State University (KSU) based on a mix of qualifications, proximity, and availability. Southern Illinois University was contacted but did not respond, while Clemson was viewed as highly experienced but too far away for the tight timeframe because distance would increase travel costs. KSU was preferred because the proposed principal investigator had relevant experience in visitor-use and impact monitoring and was located nearer to the park, making it more realistic to execute a rapid study efficiently.
The study is built around two main objectives. First, it aims to produce an updated assessment of current horseback riding use so the park can better understand long-term trends and increasing demand. A specific emphasis is placed on special event rides, which can concentrate large numbers of riders into the park at once and create short bursts of heavy use that are important to measure separately from routine visitation. Second, the project is intended to provide results that directly inform management design choices, including which indicators to monitor (for example, types of trail degradation or crowding measures), what thresholds should trigger management action, and what strategies might be most appropriate to maintain sustainable conditions while still allowing recreational access.
The arrangement is structured as a cooperative agreement, which signals active involvement from NPS rather than a hands-off grant. NPS staff are expected to collaborate with the university team by jointly developing and refining the project approach, reviewing data and reports, and making sure the work aligns with park needs. NPS will also handle or coordinate compliance responsibilities related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and ensure any necessary permits are obtained before field activities begin. Another planned element of support is potential in-kind housing for researchers through park housing, although the announcement notes that housing availability is not guaranteed.
Eligibility is limited to members of the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), and the intended recipient is described as operating under a Master Cooperative Agreement (H6000110100) that enables Kansas State University to perform specific tasks for NPS within this partnership framework. In other words, the administrative pathway for the award is tied to an existing CESU structure designed to streamline collaboration on research and technical assistance.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, the opportunity number is NPS NOIP15AC01605, the CFDA program listing is 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System), and the total estimated funding is $37,771 with an award ceiling of $37,771 and no required cost share or match. Only one award was expected. The posting date was August 28, 2015, with an original and current closing date of September 6, 2015, and an archive date of October 6, 2015. The listed agency contact for access issues is Noel Miller, Grants Management Specialist (402-661-1658, noelmiller@nps.gov).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement associated with research support to monitor horseback rider use at OZAR (Ozark National Scenic Riverways). The purpose is to support a short, focused study that provides practical data for park management and planning.
Is this an open, competitive funding opportunity?
No. The announcement is explicitly labeled "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS," which means it is not a competitive or open call for proposals. It documents NPS intent to make a single award to a specific, pre-identified partner.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The project is intended to gather baseline data that can be used immediately in the park's roads and trails management plan that was underway at the time. NPS is seeking on-the-ground information to help support sustainable horse trail use, reduce resource impacts, and support defensible management decisions.
What park site does this project support?
The work supports OZAR (Ozark National Scenic Riverways).
What type of agreement is being used?
The arrangement is a cooperative agreement, which indicates active involvement by NPS in the project rather than a hands-off grant structure.
What does NPS involvement look like under this cooperative agreement?
NPS staff are expected to collaborate with the university team by jointly developing and refining the project approach, reviewing data and reports, and ensuring the work aligns with park needs.
What are the study's primary objectives?
The study has two main objectives: (1) produce an updated assessment of current horseback riding use to better understand long-term trends and increasing demand, and (2) provide results that directly inform management design choices, including what indicators to monitor, what thresholds should trigger management action, and what strategies may be appropriate to maintain sustainable conditions while allowing recreational access.
Why is there a specific emphasis on special event rides?
Special event rides can concentrate large numbers of riders into the park at once, creating short bursts of heavy use. The project emphasizes measuring these events separately from routine visitation because they can have distinct management and resource impact implications.
What kinds of management decisions is this research intended to inform?
The results are intended to inform choices such as which indicators to monitor (for example, types of trail degradation or crowding measures), what thresholds should trigger management action, and which strategies are most appropriate for sustaining conditions while maintaining recreational access.
Who is eligible to receive this award?
Eligibility is limited to members of the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).
Who is the intended recipient of the cooperative agreement?
The announcement indicates NPS intent to make the award to Kansas State University (KSU), a pre-identified partner operating under the CESU framework.
Why was Kansas State University selected as the recommended partner?
NPS considered Southern Illinois University, Clemson University, and Kansas State University. Southern Illinois University was contacted but did not respond. Clemson University was described as highly experienced but too far away to meet the tight timeframe without increased travel costs. KSU was preferred due to relevant experience in visitor-use and impact monitoring and closer proximity to the park, supporting efficient execution of a rapid study.
Is this tied to an existing agreement or partnership framework?
Yes. The intended recipient is described as operating under a Master Cooperative Agreement (H6000110100) within the Great Plains CESU, which provides the administrative pathway for NPS to collaborate with the university on specific tasks.
Will NPS handle compliance requirements like NEPA and NHPA?
Yes. NPS will handle or coordinate compliance responsibilities related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and will ensure any necessary permits are obtained before field activities begin.
Does the opportunity include housing support for researchers?
Potential in-kind housing may be available through park housing, but the announcement notes that housing availability is not guaranteed.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is NPS NOIP15AC01605.
What is the CFDA program listing for this opportunity?
The CFDA listing is 15.945, titled "Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System."
How much funding is available?
The total estimated funding is $37,771. The award ceiling is also $37,771.
Is there a required cost share or match?
No. The announcement states there is no required cost share or match.
How many awards does NPS expect to make?
Only one award was expected.
When was this opportunity posted, and what were the close dates?
The posting date was August 28, 2015. The original and current closing date was September 6, 2015. The archive date was October 6, 2015.
Who can be contacted for access issues related to this posting?
The listed agency contact for access issues is Noel Miller, Grants Management Specialist, at 402-661-1658 or noelmiller@nps.gov.
What kind of expertise is this project intended to bring to the park?
The project is intended to bring specialized expertise in outdoor recreation management and recreation ecology, which are commonly used to measure visitor use, track impacts, and set management triggers before problems become irreversible.
Is the project designed to support immediate park planning needs?
Yes. The announcement states the baseline data is intended to be used immediately in the park's roads and trails management plan that was underway at the time.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: National Park Service National Historic Landmark Nomination
Previous opportunity: EarthCube Enterprise Governance
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 NPS NOIP15AC01605
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NPS NOIP15AC01605) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Acoustic Monitoring of Bats in Northern Great Plains Parks THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS Apply for MWRO NOI P15AC01642 Funding Number: MWRO NOI P15AC01642 Agency: National Park Service Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $155,915 |
| RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Research Grants Program Apply for GR RCE 15 003 Funding Number: GR RCE 15 003 Agency: U.S. Dept. of Treasury RESTORE Act Program Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $4,036,238 |
| Year 2016/2017 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Apply for NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2016 2004548 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2016 2004548 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2009 Monkfish Research Set Aside Apply for NMFS NEFSC 2009 2001478 Funding Number: NMFS NEFSC 2009 2001478 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2009 Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Apply for NMFS NEFSC 2009 2001472 Funding Number: NMFS NEFSC 2009 2001472 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Research Program Apply for NMFS SE 2009 2001417 Funding Number: NMFS SE 2009 2001417 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| FY09 Atlantic Salmon Conservation Grants Apply for NMFS HCPO 2009 2001540 Funding Number: NMFS HCPO 2009 2001540 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Prescott 2009 Apply for NMFS PRPO 2009 2001461 Funding Number: NMFS PRPO 2009 2001461 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans Apply for NMFS HCPO 2009 2001511 Funding Number: NMFS HCPO 2009 2001511 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Protected Species Cooperative Conservation Apply for NMFS PRPO 2009 2001480 Funding Number: NMFS PRPO 2009 2001480 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2009 CRCP Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring Apply for NOS NCCOS 2009 2001474 Funding Number: NOS NCCOS 2009 2001474 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2009 CRCP Coral Reef Management Apply for NOS OCRM 2009 2001001 Funding Number: NOS OCRM 2009 2001001 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| CSCOR FY09 NGOMEX and CRES Apply for NOS NCCOS 2009 2001466 Funding Number: NOS NCCOS 2009 2001466 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NOAAs National Height Modernization Program Apply for NOS NGS 2009 2001475 Funding Number: NOS NGS 2009 2001475 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| National Coastal and Estuarine Research and Technology Program Apply for NOS OCRM 2009 2001493 Funding Number: NOS OCRM 2009 2001493 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Estuarine Research Reserve Land Acquisition and Construction Program FY09 Apply for NOS OCRM 2009 2001450 Funding Number: NOS OCRM 2009 2001450 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Climate Program Office for FY 2009 Apply for OAR CPO 2009 2001430 Funding Number: OAR CPO 2009 2001430 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| State Wildlife Grants Competitive Program Apply for FWS WSFR SWGCOMP Funding Number: FWS WSFR SWGCOMP Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Migratory Bird Joint Ventures Midwest Region FY 2009 Opportunities Apply for FWS R3 JV08 1 Funding Number: FWS R3 JV08 1 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| 2010 Herring Research Set Aside (RSA) Apply for NMFS NEFSC 2010 2001653 Funding Number: NMFS NEFSC 2010 2001653 Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Category: Environment Natural Resources Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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 "NPS NOIP15AC01605", 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.
