U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offering 2011 Sea Duck Joint Venture Research Grants

A twin posting of this request for proposal FWS # 70181-A-R053 is simultaneously being announced on www.grants.gov, www.seaduckjv.org, and http://filedownloads.fws.gov/ftp_vandenc

A full text of this solicitation announcement is being posted on the following websites: www.seaduckjv.org and http://filedownloads.fws.gov/ftp_vandenc which includes proposal submission guidelines, proposal evaluation criteria and weights for each evaluation area, Government points of contact, and other pertinent information. The Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) is a partnership-based conservation program under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan that promotes the conservation of sea ducks by providing greater knowledge for effective management. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a partner in the SDJV, administers financial assistance agreements on a competitive basis for projects/studies that advance both our and the general scientific community’s understanding of sea duck biology and ecology and is seeking proposals from interested parties.

For 2011, priorities fall into three categories: 1) population delineation of scoters and long-tailed ducks in the Atlantic Flyway, 2) monitoring, and 3) other high priority sea duck research as noted in the SDJV Implementation Plan 2010-2013. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the SDJV Implementation Plan 2010-2013, available for downloading or viewing at http://seaduckjv.org and http://filedownloads.fws.gov/ftp_vandenc

The SDJV is receptive to funding annual projects as well as a limited number of multiple-year (up to 3 years) projects. Successful multiple-year projects will be funded in 1-year increments, subject to annual review, demonstration of suitable progress, and funds availability. After 3 years of consecutive funding, those projects may reapply and compete for SDJV funds in one-year increments only and they will be re-evaluated based on their continued merit. Examples of previously funded projects may also be found at http://seaduckjv.org/fund/sdjvfundedstudies10.pdf.

Note: Mulitple-year projects have special reporting requirements that must be addressed in both the proposal and in annual summary reports. For example, in the proposal, submitters need to clearly define the results that will be attained annually and at the conclusion of the project (e.g., sample sizes, progress of analyses, reports and publications); in the annual summary report, the researcher must address their progress toward meeting annual and overall objectives. Because multiple-year projects commit SDJV funds for extended periods and thus limit the number of other projects which can be funded in subsequent years, they must ensure a good return on investment. Projects with proven methodology and a high likelihood of success will likely score higher than projects with untested methodology and high risk factors (unsecured funding, weather dependent, etc.).

To be competitive for funding, proposals should provide at least a 1:1 match for SDJV funds. Currently the only source of general funding is U.S. Congress-appropriated funds directed to USFWS for SDJV use — we are expected to demonstrate effective leveraging of these funds, preferably with non-U.S.-federal resources.