WY Plant Conservation and Restoration Management | L19AS00097

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): WY Plant Conservation and Restoration Management (BLM)

1) What is the WY Plant Conservation and Restoration Management opportunity?

It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The program focuses on plant conservation and improving restoration outcomes in Wyoming by working with partners to increase plant diversity in habitat restoration efforts.

2) Which federal agency is offering this grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

3) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is L19AS00097.

4) When was this funding opportunity released?

The opportunity was released on June 27, 2019.

5) What is the application deadline listed for this opportunity?

The original application closing date was August 31, 2019.

6) What type of funding instrument is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement funding instrument. That generally indicates substantial involvement from BLM during planning, coordination, and implementation, rather than the recipient operating with complete independence.

7) What does "substantial involvement" from BLM typically mean for an awardee?

Based on the description provided, awardees should expect BLM to be actively involved in planning, coordinating, and implementing the project. In other words, the work is meant to be collaborative, with BLM participating more directly than in a standard grant where the recipient operates more independently.

8) What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The core purpose is to strengthen plant conservation and improve restoration outcomes in Wyoming by increasing plant diversity in habitat restoration efforts. The overall aim is healthier, more resilient ecosystems and improved wildlife habitat quality.

9) What is the emphasis regarding plant materials used in restoration?

The emphasis is on using a broader mix of plant life in habitat restoration (increasing plant diversity), rather than relying on a narrow set of species. This approach is intended to support stronger ecosystem function and better wildlife habitat outcomes.

10) Is post-wildfire rehabilitation included as a target application area?

Yes. A key application area described is rehabilitation and recovery after wildfires, where reestablishing appropriate vegetation can support recovery and reduce secondary impacts.

11) How can restoration activities after wildfires help the landscape, according to the announcement summary?

The summary notes that reestablishing appropriate vegetation after wildfire can reduce erosion, suppress invasive species, stabilize soils, and accelerate the return of functional habitat for native wildlife.

12) What funding activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under the Natural Resources funding activity category.

13) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 15.245.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning the opportunity is open to any type of entity, provided the applicant meets any conditions or clarifications that may be included in the official "Additional Information on Eligibility" section of the full announcement.

15) Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean any organization can apply?

The information provided indicates the eligibility is unrestricted, which generally suggests a wide range of applicants may be eligible. However, the description also notes that applicants must meet any conditions or clarifications contained in the full announcement's "Additional Information on Eligibility" section.

16) What kinds of organizations are commonly able to apply under open/unrestricted eligibility?

The description indicates that open eligibility often allows proposals from entities such as state and local governments, tribes, universities, nonprofit organizations, and potentially private entities, depending on the specific constraints in the full notice.

17) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $200,000 per award.

18) How many awards did BLM expect to make?

BLM expected to make approximately three awards.

19) Is this opportunity focused on a specific state or region?

Yes. The opportunity is focused on Wyoming, with the goal of strengthening plant conservation and restoration outcomes within the state, including post-wildfire rehabilitation and wildlife habitat restoration across Wyoming.

20) What kinds of projects best fit this opportunity based on the summary?

Projects that align with collaborative, science-based restoration and plant conservation work in Wyoming, especially those that increase the diversity of vegetation used in habitat restoration and support post-wildfire rehabilitation outcomes (erosion reduction, invasive suppression, soil stabilization, and habitat recovery), are a strong thematic fit based on the provided information.

21) What broader outcomes is BLM trying to achieve through this funding?

The summary emphasizes improving restoration effectiveness by increasing plant diversity, which supports healthier and more resilient ecosystems and improves wildlife habitat quality.

22) Is this grant mandatory or discretionary?

It is described as a discretionary federal grant opportunity.

23) Where should applicants look for any additional eligibility conditions mentioned?

Applicants should review the "Additional Information on Eligibility" section of the full announcement for any conditions or clarifications that apply, since the summary notes that unrestricted eligibility is still subject to that section.