Opportunity Information: Apply for F18AS00347
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), through the Headquarters National Wildlife Refuge System, announced a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity to produce a large set of standardized trail inventory deliverables for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The core purpose of the award is to generate about 350 trail inventory reports using a trails geodatabase provided by the Service. Rather than building a new reporting method from scratch, the selected recipient is expected to use an existing FWS report module to produce the reports, then submit them to the Service for review and formal acceptance. The overall effort is designed to strengthen the Service's trail asset records by pairing field-verified trail information with consistent reporting and data management practices.
The scope of work is heavily focused on reconciling, collecting, validating, and delivering geospatial and tabular trail data in close coordination with FWS staff and systems. A key early requirement is providing a two-person team to perform extensive data reconciliation of existing trail data while working directly with staff responsible for the Service Asset Maintenance and Management System (SAMMS), starting about 4 to 6 months before youth crews are hired. In addition, the recipient must provide two separate youth crews to complete in-person field data collection. The recipient is also responsible for coordinating across multiple FWS roles, including Regional Transportation Coordinators, Facility Management Coordinators, and local refuge managers, to confirm accuracy and resolve discrepancies. Another major component is working with SAMMS staff and FWS GIS staff to automate the entry of GIS and tabular information into SAMMS so the system can capture financial values and identify deficiencies associated with trail assets.
On the production and delivery side, the project targets trail inventory data collection at roughly 175 stations per year, with the recipient handling all necessary data processing, validation, and compilation after field collection. Turnaround expectations are explicit: the recipient must submit a processed, clean trails geodatabase to the Service no later than 15 business days after each station completes the required data collection. The recipient must also work with Service staff to post the cleaned geodatabase and related materials to the Service SharePoint site, and continue collaborating to make any required revisions. All field datasets and final revisions to geodatabases are due by September 30, 2021, which effectively sets the deadline for completing and correcting the delivered data products before the end of the broader sponsorship window.
The agreement is structured as incrementally funded, meaning funding is added over time as available rather than provided entirely upfront. The overall federal sponsorship (performance period) runs from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021, while the first funding segment covers January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. For that first segment, the Service indicated $536,023 in available funding. The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $1,536,023 and anticipates a single award.
Eligibility is limited and targeted. Applicants must be nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), and they must have been previously selected under Funding Opportunity F18AS00058, the Natural Resources Conservation Careers Program. That earlier program focused on youth- and veteran-serving organizations capable of working cooperatively with the Service to provide introductory education and work experiences tied to natural resource careers. The emphasis includes reaching culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse participants and underserved communities that have historically had lower participation in outdoor recreation and related career pathways. In practice, this trails inventory award ties technical asset-management and GIS deliverables to workforce development by explicitly requiring youth crews as part of the field data collection approach.
Administratively, this opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number F18AS00347, categorized as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement instrument under the natural resources activity area (CFDA 15.676). It was created on September 11, 2018, with an original closing date of November 15, 2018. The award is made under multiple statutory authorities, including the Fish and Wildlife Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, and the Public Lands Corps authorities (including Youth Conservation Corps provisions).Apply for F18AS00347
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Trails Inventory" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.676.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 11, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 15, 2018. (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 $1,536,023.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 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:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to produce a large set of standardized trail inventory deliverables for the National Wildlife Refuge System. The core outcome is approximately 350 trail inventory reports generated from field-verified trail information and compiled using consistent reporting and data management practices.
2) Which agency is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), through the Headquarters National Wildlife Refuge System.
3) What type of award is this?
This is a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity.
4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F18AS00347.
5) What is the CFDA number and activity area listed for the opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.676 and is categorized in the natural resources activity area.
6) What are the main deliverables expected from the recipient?
The main deliverables include (1) about 350 standardized trail inventory reports, (2) processed and clean trails geodatabases submitted to the Service on a recurring schedule after field data collection, and (3) supporting geospatial and tabular trail data that has been reconciled, collected, validated, and delivered in coordination with FWS staff and systems.
7) Does the recipient need to develop a new reporting method?
No. The recipient is expected to use an existing FWS report module to produce the trail inventory reports, rather than building a new reporting method from scratch.
8) How will the reports be reviewed and accepted?
The recipient is expected to submit the generated reports to the Service for review and formal acceptance.
9) What data source will be used to produce the reports?
The reports will be generated using a trails geodatabase provided by the Service, alongside field-verified trail information collected through in-person data collection.
10) What is the project approach to improving trail asset records?
The effort strengthens trail asset records by pairing field-verified trail information with standardized reporting and consistent data management practices, including reconciliation and validation of existing data.
11) What does the scope of work focus on?
The scope is heavily focused on reconciling, collecting, validating, and delivering geospatial and tabular trail data, in close coordination with FWS staff and FWS systems.
12) Is staffing specified for early project work?
Yes. An early requirement is providing a two-person team to perform extensive data reconciliation of existing trail data while working directly with staff responsible for the Service Asset Maintenance and Management System (SAMMS).
13) When does the data reconciliation work begin relative to hiring youth crews?
The two-person reconciliation effort is expected to begin about 4 to 6 months before youth crews are hired.
14) Are youth crews required as part of the project?
Yes. The recipient must provide two separate youth crews to complete in-person field data collection.
15) What field data collection volume is anticipated each year?
The project targets trail inventory data collection at roughly 175 stations per year.
16) Who is responsible for data processing after field collection?
The recipient is responsible for all necessary data processing, validation, and compilation after field data collection is completed.
17) What is the required turnaround time for submitting cleaned geodatabase deliverables?
The recipient must submit a processed, clean trails geodatabase to the Service no later than 15 business days after each station completes the required data collection.
18) What collaboration is required for posting deliverables?
The recipient must work with Service staff to post the cleaned geodatabase and related materials to the Service SharePoint site and continue collaborating to make any required revisions.
19) What are the due dates for field datasets and final geodatabase revisions?
All field datasets and final revisions to geodatabases are due by September 30, 2021.
20) What is the overall performance period (federal sponsorship window)?
The overall federal sponsorship (performance period) runs from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021.
21) What dates are covered by the first funding segment?
The first funding segment covers January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
22) Is the agreement fully funded upfront?
No. The agreement is structured as incrementally funded, meaning funding is added over time as available rather than provided entirely upfront.
23) How much funding was indicated as available for the first segment?
For the first segment (January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019), the Service indicated $536,023 in available funding.
24) What is the award ceiling?
The opportunity lists an award ceiling of $1,536,023.
25) How many awards does the opportunity anticipate making?
The opportunity anticipates a single award.
26) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) that have been previously selected under Funding Opportunity F18AS00058, the Natural Resources Conservation Careers Program.
27) Are institutions of higher education eligible if they are 501(c)(3) entities?
No. The eligibility description excludes institutions of higher education.
28) What is the required prior selection criteria tied to eligibility?
Applicants must have been previously selected under F18AS00058, the Natural Resources Conservation Careers Program.
29) What was the focus of the referenced Natural Resources Conservation Careers Program?
That program focused on youth- and veteran-serving organizations capable of working cooperatively with the Service to provide introductory education and work experiences tied to natural resource careers, with an emphasis on reaching culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse participants and underserved communities with historically lower participation in outdoor recreation and related career pathways.
30) How does this trails inventory award connect to workforce development?
The opportunity ties technical asset-management and GIS deliverables to workforce development by explicitly requiring youth crews as part of the in-person field data collection approach.
31) What coordination with FWS roles is expected?
The recipient is responsible for coordinating across multiple FWS roles, including Regional Transportation Coordinators, Facility Management Coordinators, and local refuge managers, to confirm accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
32) What is SAMMS and why is it involved in this project?
SAMMS is the Service Asset Maintenance and Management System. The project includes working directly with SAMMS staff to reconcile trail data and to support automated entry of GIS and tabular information into SAMMS so the system can capture financial values and identify deficiencies associated with trail assets.
33) Is automation into SAMMS part of the required work?
Yes. A major component is working with SAMMS staff and FWS GIS staff to automate the entry of GIS and tabular information into SAMMS.
34) What is the key early technical task described in the scope?
A key early technical task is extensive reconciliation of existing trail data by a dedicated two-person team, working directly with SAMMS staff, beginning 4 to 6 months before youth crews are hired.
35) When was this opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on September 11, 2018, with an original closing date of November 15, 2018.
36) Under what statutory authorities is the award made?
The award is made under multiple authorities, including the Fish and Wildlife Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, and the Public Lands Corps authorities (including Youth Conservation Corps provisions).
37) What is the expected submission workflow for geodatabase deliverables?
After each station completes data collection, the recipient processes and cleans the trails geodatabase, submits it to the Service within 15 business days, works with Service staff to post the cleaned geodatabase and related materials to the Service SharePoint site, and then collaborates on any required revisions leading to final accepted versions.
38) What does "formal acceptance" imply in the described deliverable process?
Based on the description, deliverables (including reports) are submitted to the Service for review, and the Service is expected to provide formal acceptance after review and any necessary revisions.
39) What is the practical implication of the September 30, 2021 deadline?
It sets the deadline for completing and correcting field datasets and final revisions to geodatabases before the end of the broader sponsorship window.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee -- Pulaski County, Arkansas
Previous opportunity: Notice of Intent
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 F18AS00347
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F18AS00347) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Invasive Plant Management Internships Apply for P18AS00680 Funding Number: P18AS00680 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $38,610 |
| Restoration of Seabeach Amaranth Population Apply for P18AS00679 Funding Number: P18AS00679 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $43,850 |
| Adaptive Science - Central Michigan University Apply for F18AS00348 Funding Number: F18AS00348 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Landbird Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting: Fifth Visit to all Klamath Network Parks Apply for P18AS00683 Funding Number: P18AS00683 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $260,000 |
| Provide Internship Opportunities at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Apply for P18AS00682 Funding Number: P18AS00682 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $99,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 18 FA 0266 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0266 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $26,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 18 FA 0265 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0265 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $26,000 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 18 FA 0363 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0363 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $320,744 |
| Operation and Maintenance of Continuous Water Quality Monitorin Apply for NPS NOI P18AC01367 Funding Number: NPS NOI P18AC01367 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Operation and Maintenance of Continuous Water Quality Monitorin Apply for NPS NOI P18AC01368 Funding Number: NPS NOI P18AC01368 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Sewer System Management with Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District Apply for P18AS00581 Funding Number: P18AS00581 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Tribal Cultural Monitoring in Support of Park Improvement Projects at Cabrillo National Monument Apply for P18AS00686 Funding Number: P18AS00686 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $34,000 |
| Reintroduction of rare plants to strand, dry forest, and rainforest communities of Kalaupapa National Historical Park Apply for P18AS00685 Funding Number: P18AS00685 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $120,018 |
| Support Infrastructure Projects at Pacific West Region Parks through Student Civil Engineering Internship Apply for P18AS00687 Funding Number: P18AS00687 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $71,297 |
| Typhoon Soudelor Recovery Activity Assistance at the Micro Beach Area of American Memorial Park Apply for P18AS00688 Funding Number: P18AS00688 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $68,889 |
| Cultural Landscape Report and Cultural Landscape Inventory for Carter Compound at Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Apply for P18AS00691 Funding Number: P18AS00691 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $185,000 |
| Preventing the Spread and Developing Control Techniques for Aquatic Invasive Species Apply for F18AS00351 Funding Number: F18AS00351 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,818,793 |
| Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative Cooperative (IIC) Youth Partnership Project at Great Basin National Park (GRBA) Apply for P18AS00657 Funding Number: P18AS00657 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $103,000 |
| Vulnerability Assessment of Wetland Habitats to Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) along Ross Lake, North Cascades National Park Service Complex Apply for P18AS00690 Funding Number: P18AS00690 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Managing Biodiversity along Transition Zones in Joshua Tree National Park Apply for P18AS00695 Funding Number: P18AS00695 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $125,000 |
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
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
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.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F18AS00347", 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.