Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP16AC00224
Apply for NPS NOIP16AC00224
- The DOI-NPS in the environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS - Survey of the Bat Community - Emphasis on the Northern long-eared Bat - PIRO" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.944.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 17, 2016 and posted on Mar 17, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 25, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $119,466.00 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).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This opportunity is a National Park Service (DOI-NPS) cooperative agreement focused on building a solid, field-based picture of the bat community at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PRNL) in Michigan, with special attention to the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). The core purpose is to generate management-ready information by combining three complementary methods: mist-netting to capture and identify bats, radio-telemetry to track northern long-eared bats to their day roosts and evaluate roost habitat, and acoustic monitoring to document bat activity across the park. Because White-nose Syndrome has already affected the Upper Peninsula and caused major bat declines, the work is framed as time-sensitive and aimed at capturing baseline conditions and remaining habitat use patterns while they can still be documented.
The project is designed around two main outcomes. First, it establishes a baseline dataset on which future bat surveys in the central and eastern Upper Peninsula can be compared, especially for tracking long-term changes in species occurrence and relative abundance. Second, it documents and describes how northern long-eared bats use habitat in and around PRNL, including identifying roost locations and assessing the characteristics of those roost sites. The intent is that the findings will not stay internal to the park; results are expected to be shared with other agencies involved in bat conservation and land management, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Forest Service, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, so the information can support regional decisions about threatened bat management and habitat protection.
The recipient (the project partner) is responsible for implementing the hands-on biological survey work that requires specialized capture and tracking expertise. That includes conducting mist-netting surveys to collect baseline data on the bat species present at PRNL, focusing effort in ways that can efficiently detect northern long-eared bats despite depressed populations. When northern long-eared bats are captured, the recipient then conducts radio-tracking to locate roosts and completes habitat assessments of those roost sites to document the conditions associated with roost selection. The recipient is also expected to deliver a written report that summarizes methods, findings, and analysis, effectively translating field data into usable conclusions for managers.
The National Park Service role is both collaborative and complementary. NPS staff will run a companion acoustic monitoring effort alongside the mist-netting work, specifically to compare what acoustic detectors record versus what is confirmed through capture-based sampling. This side-by-side comparison is meant to improve confidence in acoustic monitoring as a future tool, refine interpretation of acoustic datasets, and strengthen long-term monitoring accuracy in the park. NPS also supports the project by sharing prior acoustic monitoring information to help guide survey locations, assisting with logistics, access, and site information within PRNL, and providing staff help during data collection when appropriate and requested.
Administratively, the posting makes clear that it is not an open call for applications. NPS states it did not pursue full and open competition because it had a specific, uniquely qualified applicant in mind: Dr. Allen Kurta of Eastern Michigan University. The justification is based on his long history of bat surveying and monitoring in Michigan, strong publication record and reputation in the bat research community, experience leading similar inventory projects, and his practical familiarity with regional bat species and habitats that would allow the work to be targeted and efficient. Another key factor is permitting: work on a federally threatened species requires appropriate federal authorization, and the selected investigator either already has, or can obtain, the needed permits. The urgency created by White-nose Syndrome impacts in the Upper Peninsula is also cited as a reason for moving forward quickly with a direct award approach.
In terms of basic opportunity details, the instrument is a cooperative agreement under the environment and natural resources category (CFDA 15.944). It was posted March 17, 2016, with a closing date of March 25, 2016, and it anticipated a single award with an award ceiling of $119,466. The opportunity number is NPS NOIP16AC00224, and it is associated with PRNL (often abbreviated PIRO in NPS context). Overall, the project is structured to quickly generate credible baseline and habitat-use information for a threatened bat species while also strengthening the park's long-term monitoring approach by pairing capture-based survey methods with acoustic monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant opportunity about?
This is a National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) cooperative agreement focused on building a field-based understanding of the bat community at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PRNL) in Michigan, with special attention to the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis).
What is the main purpose of the project?
The purpose is to produce management-ready information by combining three complementary survey methods: mist-netting (to capture and identify bats), radio-telemetry (to track northern long-eared bats to day roosts and evaluate roost habitat), and acoustic monitoring (to document bat activity across the park). The work is described as time-sensitive due to major bat declines caused by White-nose Syndrome in the Upper Peninsula.
Where will the work take place?
The project takes place at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PRNL), located in Michigan. The opportunity is associated with PRNL and also referenced in an NPS context abbreviation (PIRO).
Which bat species is the special focus of the project?
The special focus is the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis).
Why is the project considered time-sensitive?
White-nose Syndrome has already affected the Upper Peninsula and has caused major bat declines. The project is framed as urgent so baseline conditions and remaining habitat-use patterns can be documented while they can still be measured.
What are the two main outcomes expected from this project?
The project is designed around two primary outcomes: (1) establishing a baseline dataset for future comparisons in the central and eastern Upper Peninsula, particularly for tracking long-term changes in species occurrence and relative abundance; and (2) documenting and describing northern long-eared bat habitat use in and around PRNL, including locating roosts and assessing roost-site characteristics.
What field methods are included in the project?
The opportunity describes three methods used together: mist-netting to capture and identify bats, radio-telemetry to track captured northern long-eared bats to their day roosts and evaluate roost habitat, and acoustic monitoring to record bat activity across the park.
What is the recipient (project partner) responsible for?
The recipient is responsible for the specialized, hands-on biological survey work, including: conducting mist-netting surveys to collect baseline data on bat species present at PRNL; focusing effort in ways that can efficiently detect northern long-eared bats despite depressed populations; conducting radio-tracking when northern long-eared bats are captured to locate roosts; completing roost habitat assessments to document conditions associated with roost selection; and delivering a written report summarizing methods, findings, and analysis for park management use.
What is the National Park Service (NPS) role in this cooperative agreement?
NPS plays a collaborative and complementary role. NPS staff will conduct a companion acoustic monitoring effort alongside mist-netting to compare acoustic detections with capture-based confirmations. NPS will also share prior acoustic monitoring information to help guide survey locations, assist with logistics and access within PRNL, provide site information, and offer staff help during data collection when appropriate and requested.
Why is acoustic monitoring being paired with mist-netting?
The side-by-side comparison is intended to improve confidence in acoustic monitoring as a future tool, refine how acoustic datasets are interpreted, and strengthen the accuracy of long-term monitoring in the park by understanding how acoustic detections relate to capture-confirmed species presence.
How will the information be used after the project is completed?
The results are intended to support management decisions and are expected to be shared beyond the park with other agencies involved in bat conservation and land management, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Forest Service, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Is this an open call for applications?
No. The posting specifies it is not a full and open competition. NPS states it did not pursue full and open competition because it had a specific, uniquely qualified applicant in mind.
Who is the intended applicant, according to the posting?
The posting identifies Dr. Allen Kurta of Eastern Michigan University as the specific, uniquely qualified applicant.
Why did NPS justify a direct award instead of open competition?
The justification described includes the intended investigator's long history of bat surveying and monitoring in Michigan, a strong publication record and reputation, experience leading similar inventory projects, practical familiarity with regional bat species and habitats to make the work targeted and efficient, and the need for appropriate permitting to work with a federally threatened species. The urgency related to White-nose Syndrome impacts is also cited as a reason to move quickly using a direct award approach.
Are permits relevant to this project?
Yes. The posting notes that work involving a federally threatened species requires appropriate federal authorization, and the selected investigator either already has, or can obtain, the needed permits.
What type of funding instrument is this?
The instrument is a cooperative agreement under the environment and natural resources category.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.944.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is NPS NOIP16AC00224.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
It was posted on March 17, 2016, and had a closing date of March 25, 2016.
How many awards were anticipated?
The posting anticipated a single award.
What was the award ceiling?
The award ceiling was $119,466.
What is the expected deliverable from the recipient?
The recipient is expected to provide a written report summarizing the project methods, findings, and analysis, translating field data into conclusions that park managers can use.
What baseline information is this project trying to create?
The project aims to establish a baseline dataset for bat species occurrence and relative abundance at PRNL that can be used for future comparisons, especially for long-term tracking in the central and eastern Upper Peninsula.
What habitat-use information is being documented for northern long-eared bats?
The project is intended to identify northern long-eared bat roost locations and assess characteristics of those roost sites, documenting conditions associated with roost selection in and around PRNL.
How does this project support long-term monitoring at PRNL?
By pairing capture-based methods (mist-netting and radio-telemetry) with NPS-led acoustic monitoring, the project is structured to strengthen how acoustic monitoring is interpreted and applied in the future, improving long-term monitoring accuracy at PRNL.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment, Natural Resources
Next opportunity: NOTICE OF INTENT TO FUND TASK AGREEMENT - Temporal and Spatial Distributions of Visitor Use - BUFF
Previous opportunity: Promoting Strengthening and Enhancing Disease Prevention
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 NOIP16AC00224
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NPS NOIP16AC00224) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 15.608 Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance Apply for F16AS00137 Funding Number: F16AS00137 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| North Branch Canal Design & Lining Project Apply for BOR PN 16 N004 Funding Number: BOR PN 16 N004 Agency: DOI-BOR Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $396,084 |
| Fish and Wildlife Coordination and Assistance Programs Apply for F16AS00146 Funding Number: F16AS00146 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Notice of Intent to award to Student Conservation Association Apply for P16AS00090 Funding Number: P16AS00090 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $26,867 |
| Notice of Intent to award to SCA under Master CA: P15AC00031 Apply for P16AS00101 Funding Number: P16AS00101 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $67,000 |
| Upper Peninsula Piping Plover Monitoring Apply for F16AS00167 Funding Number: F16AS00167 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $65,708 |
| Youth Interpretation Interns - Jewel Cave Apply for NOIP P16AC00308 Funding Number: NOIP P16AC00308 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Migratory Bird Joint Ventures - Gulf Coast Joint Venture Priority Science Needs Apply for F16AS00178 Funding Number: F16AS00178 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $34,000 |
| Tribal Wildlife Grants Program Apply for F16AS00199 Funding Number: F16AS00199 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Apply for F16AS00202 Funding Number: F16AS00202 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $367,193 |
| ENDANGERED SPECIES GRANT PROGRAM Apply for F16AS00222 Funding Number: F16AS00222 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Service Training and Technical Assistance (Generic Training) Apply for F16AS00213 Funding Number: F16AS00213 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $58,000 |
| Twomile Creek Watershed Restoration Apply for F16AS00227 Funding Number: F16AS00227 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| FY 2016 Rio Grand Joint Venture Base Operations Support Apply for F16AS00225 Funding Number: F16AS00225 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $263,500 |
| FY 2016 Oaks & Prairies Joint Venture Base Operations Support Apply for F16AS00226 Funding Number: F16AS00226 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $263,500 |
| FY 2016 Playa Lakes Joint Venture Base Operations Support Apply for F16AS00228 Funding Number: F16AS00228 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $692,000 |
| Projected Effects of Climate Change on Birds at U.S. National Parks Apply for P16AS00166 Funding Number: P16AS00166 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Notice of Intent to award , University of Miami Under MA#P16AC00032 Apply for P16AS00169 Funding Number: P16AS00169 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $43,307 |
| Notice of Intent to Award University of Miami Under MA#P16AC00032 Apply for P16AS00167 Funding Number: P16AS00167 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $29,610 |
| Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Partners for Fish and Wildlife 2016 Apply for F16AS00229 Funding Number: F16AS00229 Agency: DOI-FWS Category: Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
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 "NPS NOIP16AC00224", 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.