Skiff Milkvetch Data Collection Project | F17AS00150

Opportunity Information: Apply for F17AS00150

The Skiff Milkvetch Data Collection Project (Funding Opportunity Number F17AS00150) is a U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service discretionary grant focused on gathering standardized field data about skiff milkvetch populations and their habitat conditions. The work centers on organizing and executing targeted plant surveys in suitable habitat areas outside the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, specifically emphasizing locations south of Hartman and around Beaver Creek, Cebolla Creek, and the Kezar Basin. The overall goal is to improve the quality, consistency, and usability of occurrence information by combining careful field planning, proper survey timing, accurate GPS-based mapping, and clear reporting products that can be used by the Service and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP).

A major portion of the project is logistical planning and coordination. The grantee is expected to coordinate closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service and recruit and organize volunteers who will lead or participate in field survey efforts. This includes assigning survey locations to specific volunteers or teams so coverage is efficient and does not duplicate effort. Because survey areas are remote, the project also requires arranging camping accommodations for participants and coordinating with the Bureau of Land Management to secure any necessary camping permits. Transportation is another key component: the project calls for securing 4-wheel-drive vehicles, in cooperation with federal and state partners, to ensure all teams can reach survey sites. The grant also expects the organizer to manage on-the-ground readiness and risk, including making sure safety procedures are followed and that drinking water is available for survey participants.

Before conducting intensive surveys, the project includes an assessment step to confirm conditions are suitable for a productive survey season. The organizer is responsible for determining whether it is a good year to conduct surveys, which is tied to whether skiff milkvetch is present in high abundance. If abundance is high or conditions suggest adjustments are needed, the organizer must coordinate with the Fish and Wildlife Service to confirm the survey approach.

Field surveys must be timed for the best chance of detecting the plant, with the opportunity specifying an optimal survey window of late April through mid-June. The project places strong emphasis on collecting reliable spatial data and following established protocols. Each survey team must have access to GPS units (which may be borrowed from the Service or other agencies), and the organizer must ensure the units are functional, properly configured, and capable of capturing the required data. Just as importantly, the organizer must ensure team members understand how to use the GPS equipment correctly. Survey methods must follow the Colorado Natural Heritage Program survey protocols in full, and all required siting forms must be completed thoroughly. In addition to documenting occurrences, teams are expected to record information on existing and potential threats, supporting conservation planning and future management decisions.

Deliverables are largely data and reporting focused. After field work, the organizer compiles all GPS data and converts it into GIS-ready products by creating shapefiles. The collected threat information must be summarized in a way that is useful to resource managers. Reporting requirements include interim annual reports and a final report, with drafts provided to the Fish and Wildlife Service for review before submission. The final reporting package is submitted to both the Fish and Wildlife Service and CNHP, ensuring the results feed into state and federal conservation data systems.

Administratively, the opportunity was issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service under CFDA 15.650 and uses a grant funding instrument. The award ceiling is $20,000, with an expectation of up to 5 awards. Eligible applicants are broad and include state, county, and local governments; federally recognized tribal governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; and 501(c)(3) nonprofits (excluding institutions of higher education). The opportunity was created on March 7, 2017, with an original closing date of March 14, 2017.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the information and statistics sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Skiff Milkvetch Data Collection Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.650.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 07, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 14, 2017 Not applicable. (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 $20,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for F17AS00150

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