Vegetation Classification of Selected Alaska Interior National Wildlife Refuges | F17AS00317

Opportunity Information: Apply for F17AS00317

The grant opportunity titled "Vegetation Classification of Selected Alaska Interior National Wildlife Refuges" is a US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 7 funding action intended to support analysis of existing vegetation and flora data from national wildlife refuges in interior Alaska. The main purpose is to take previously collected Inventory and Monitoring (IM) data and use it to help build or strengthen a vegetation classification approach for Alaska refuge lands, where a comprehensive, standardized vegetation classification system is described as still undeveloped. By turning raw or field-collected plant and vegetation observations into an organized classification framework, the project is meant to improve how refuge biodiversity is described and how vegetation resources are understood in their broader ecological and landscape context.

This is a discretionary financial assistance award using a cooperative agreement, which typically means USFWS expects to be substantially involved in the project rather than simply providing funds and receiving a final report. The notice explicitly states it is a single-source intended award to the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), specifically the Alaska Center for Conservation, under an authority cited as 505 DM 2.14 (B). It is also issued through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Network, a partnership framework that connects federal land and resource management agencies with universities and other partners to deliver research, technical assistance, and education across a wide range of disciplines. In practical terms, CESU provides a contracting and collaboration pathway that supports applied science work for land management needs, often emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and management-relevant products.

The total funding amount available is up to $70,000, with an expected single award (ExpectedAwards: 1) and an award ceiling of $70,000. Because it is a single-source announcement, the government is not seeking competing proposals and does not intend to accept proposals from other applicants; the announcement functions as a public notice rather than an open competition. Eligibility is listed as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, which aligns with the named recipient, UAA. The assistance listing (CFDA) number associated with the opportunity is 15.678, and the activity categories tied to the work span environment, natural resources, science and technology, and related research and development fields.

From a deliverables standpoint, the project centers on analyzing already-collected botanical and vegetation data rather than funding new extensive field campaigns. The expected outcome is information products that refuge managers can use, such as clearer descriptions of plant communities, vegetation types, and how those vegetation resources fit into larger landscape patterns and ecological processes. The underlying management value is that consistent vegetation classification supports better planning and decision-making, including habitat management, conservation prioritization, tracking ecological change over time, and communicating refuge conditions in a standardized way across sites.

Key administrative details include the funding opportunity number F17AS00317, a posting/creation date of July 17, 2017, and an original closing date of July 28, 2017. Even though a closing date is listed, the content makes clear the action is not open for competitive submission, and the intent is to finalize an award to the pre-identified partner.

• The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the environment, information and statistics, natural resources, regional development, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Vegetation Classification of Selected Alaska Interior National Wildlife Refuges" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.678.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 17, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 28, 2017. (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 $70,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Apply for F17AS00317

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