Adaptive Science
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) uses a science-based, adaptive framework for setting and achieving cross-program conservation objectives that strategically addresses the problems fish and wildlife will face in the future.
This framework, called Strategic Habitat Conservation,
This process uses the best available scientific information to predict how fish and wildlife populations will respond to changes in the environment, thus enabling the USFWS to focus habitat conservation and other management activities where they will be most effective.
Fiscal Year 2010: (actual): Funded projects include: 1) National Stream Gauge Network Gap Analysis.
The USGS National Climate Change & Wildlife Science Center will identify and prioritize flow and water level information gaps required to improve precision and accuracy for water dependent climate change adaptation predictive models; 2) Best Land Management Practices Under Climate Change.
The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), NatureServe, the Refuge System, the FWS National Conservation Training Center, and several corporate biologists will develop guidance to support the planning and implementation of natural resource land management practices in the context of climate change.
The product will be a handbook and/or web-based tool, in the context of the broadly accepted "best management practices" (BMPs) concept.
It will catalogue ongoing work, identify criteria characterizing such projects, and facilitate deconstructing complex issues such as sea level rise into addressable resource management problems.
3) Dynamic Linear Modeling.
The U.S.
Geological Survey, University of Washington, University of Massachusetts, and U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service will work to develop models that bridge the gap between very broad-scale empirical models with lots of uncertainty and fine-scale, mechanistic models that account for every drop of water, but are not feasible at larger landscape levels.
The models developed under this proposal are necessary precursors to modeling the impacts of climate change on hydrologic regimes which play a critical role in sustaining aquatic natural resources.
Fiscal Year 2011: (anticipated): This funding will be used for risk and vulnerability assessments, inventory and monitoring, population and habitat assessments and models, conservation design using specialized expertise, evaluation of management options, projects which lead to an increased understanding of conservation genetics, and other applicable research.
In addition, these funds will help address unmet adaptive science needs of the Service such as: Creation of the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy (Strategy).
The Strategy will provide a unified approach - reflecting shared principles and science-based practices - for reducing the negative impacts of climate change on fish, wildlife, plants, habitats, and our natural resource heritage.
The Strategy is a high-level framework outlining how Federal, state and tribal governments can collaborate to address the climate-related threats to our nation s fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
The Service is partnering with other Federal agencies, State fish and wildlife agencies, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, landowners and other stakeholders to develop the Strategy using the most up to date scientific tools and information; The relationship between fish and wildlife (e.g.
golden eagles) and renewable energy development; Invasive species identification, assessment and control; The population distribution and habitats of threatened and endangered species such as polar bear and Steller s eider, and; The identification of distinct population and management units in order to maintain genetic diversity essential to preserving healthy, resilient populations of fish, wildlife and plants.
Fiscal Year 2012: (anticipated): Anticipated funding opportunities will be focused on funding projects related to: species risk and vulnerability assessments; inventory and monitoring; population and habitat assessments; biological planning and conservation design; management evaluation and research; and conservation genetics.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Contacts for regional science programs can be found on the Internet at:
Region 1- http://www.fws.gov/pacific/
Region 2- http://www.fws.gov/southwest/
Region 3- http://www.fws.gov/midwest/
Region 4- http://www.fws.gov/southeast/
Region 5- http://www.fws.gov/northeast/index.cfm
Region 6- http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/
Region 7- http://alaska.fws.gov/
Region 8- http://www.fws.gov/cno/.
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2010: 1) Cooperative agreement with James Watling University of Florida to provide a technical guidebook for construction and use of climate envelope models, develop a series of innovative, data-driven models for key species, and integrate models with a universal visualization platform. 2) Award to The Instream Flow Council to conduct a workshop with the goal to increase participants ability to quantify socioeconomic values and benefits of ecological flows/water levels critical to climate change adaptation and associated water management decisions/outcomes. 3) Cooperative agreement with the University of Washington and University of Massachusetts to develop models that bridge the gap between very broad-scale empirical models with lots of uncertainty and fine-scale, mechanistic models that account for every drop of water, but are not feasible at larger landscape levels. The models developed under this proposal are necessary precursors to modeling the impacts of climate change on hydrologic regimes which play a critical role in sustaining aquatic natural resources. Fiscal Year 2011: (anticipated): This funding will be used for risk and vulnerability assessments, inventory and monitoring, population and habitat assessments and models, conservation design using specialized expertise, evaluation of management options, projects which lead to an increased understanding of conservation genetics, and other applicable research. In addition, these funds will help address unmet adaptive science needs of Service programs such as: the relationship between fish and wildlife (e.g. golden eagles) and renewable energy development; invasive species identification, assessment and control; the population distribution and habitats of threatened and endangered species such as polar bear and Steller s eider; and the identification of distinct population and management units in order to maintain genetic diversity essential to preserving healthy, resilient populations of fish, wildlife and plants. Fiscal Year 2012: (anticipated): Anticipated funding opportunities will be focused on funding projects related to: species risk and vulnerability assessments; inventory and monitoring; population and habitat assessments; biological planning and conservation design; management evaluation and research; and conservation genetics.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Support will be provided for science projects to include: research; inventory design and implementation; monitoring; goal and priority setting associated with efficient and effective conservation; and development of implementation strategies; and projects supporting all other FWS organizational efforts, including planning, establishment, maintenance, and general business operations.
This program is administered in compliance with the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977, as amended.
These funds may not be used towards training U. S. Federal Government personnel.
For further information, please contact the regional office.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
None.
Beneficiary Eligibility
None.
Credentials/Documentation
No Credentials or documentation are required. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination is required.
An environmental impact statement is required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Title 43, Part 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations applies to this program. Funding opportunity announcements and complete application instructions are posted online at Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov. All applicants must submit a complete, signed Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance.
Award Procedures
The Science Advisor to the Director identifies priority needs for the USFWS. Applications for funding will be reviewed and approved by USFWS staff based on the project-specific review criteria to be detailed in the funding opportunity posting. USFWS staff will notify applicants of review results by either issuing a fully executed Award either electronically or through the mail, or by sending written notification to the applicant that the application will not be funded.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544, 87 Stat. 884); Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 2901-2911; 94 Stat. 1322); Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 U.S.C 703-712).; The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-742j, not including 742 d-1; Stat. 1119), as amended; The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-57).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 120 to 180 days. Typically within 180 days of proposal receipt.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Not Applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
This program has no matching requirements. However, to the extent possible, recipient in-kind and/or cash match is encouraged.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Project period of performance may be up to five years. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Funds are disbursed to recipients as requested and in accordance with the payment methods prescribed in 43 CFR Part 12, or as otherwise prescribed in program-specific legislation.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Performance reports are to be submitted in accordance with the specific reporting requirements as detailed in the Award document.
At a minimum, a performance report will be required annually, within 30 calendar days after the annual anniversary date.
Final performance reports are required within 90 calendar days from the end date of the award.
Cash reports are not applicable.
Progress reports are not applicable.
SF-425, Federal Financial Reports are to be submitted in accordance with the specific reporting requirements as detailed in the Award document.
At a minimum, a financial report will be required annually, within 30 calendar days after the annual anniversary date.
Final SF-425, Federal Financial Reports are required within 90 calendar days from the end date of the award.
Recipients are responsible for monitoring and reporting performance of each award and sub-award under this program in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12 and 2 CFR Part 170.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Recipients are to maintain records in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments" and 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations", as applicable. Cost records must be maintained separately for each grant. Records, accounts, and supporting documents must be retained for three years after submission of the final reports.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1611-0-1-302.
Obigations
(Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 10 $2,500,000; FY 11 $1,500,000; FY 12 $3,000,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Range is $1,000 - $1,000,000. Average award amount varies by project type and duration.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Per http://www.doi.gov/parnlTermsandConditions.htrnl, acceptance of a Federal
Financial award from the Department of the Interior carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Acceptance is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by the Department of the Interior and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated in to the Award either directly or by reference to the following: Program legislation/regulation, assurances, special conditions, the Code of Federal Regulations, and other regulatory requirements, as applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Regional Agency Offices. Contacts for regional science programs can be found on the Internet at:
Region 1- http://www.fws.gov/pacific/
Region 2- http://www.fws.gov/southwest/
Region 3- http://www.fws.gov/midwest/
Region 4- http://www.fws.gov/southeast/
Region 5- http://www.fws.gov/northeast/index.cfm
Region 6- http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/
Region 7- http://alaska.fws.gov/
Region 8- http://www.fws.gov/cno/.
Headquarters Office
Office of the Science Advisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N Fairfax Dr, Room 222 , Arlington, Virginia 22203 Phone: 703-358-1740
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposed projects will be selected on the basis of how well they meet the program and/or project-specific criteria detailed in individual Adaptive Science funding opportunity postings. Criteria will vary depending on the scope of the program or project for which applications are being accepted.
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