TEXASPARKSANDWILDLIFEDEPARTMENT

STATEWILDLIFEGRANTS

TexasParksandWildlifeDepartment’s(TPWD)Nongameand RareSpeciesProgramisoffering grantstosupportimplementationofthe2012TexasConservation Action Plan,toprevent theneedtolist,promoterecovery,and enableconservationof rarespecies andcommunitiesin greatestneed.

Proposalsfollowingtheguidelines belowwill beaccepted throughApril 15,2017.A 35% non-federalmatch is required.These funds maycoverwork fromNovember 1, 2017-August31,2019. Tobeconsidered forthe award,proposalsmust be received bythedeadlineelectronically to .

TCAPimplementation activitiesand theseconservation grantswill bepartof alargerefforttotrackourincrementalconservation progressandreportouttoourpartnersand thepublichowwearedoing.To thatend,thetoolkit inMeasuringthe EffectivenessofStateWildlifeGrantsisstronglyrecommendedtodefineconservation projects,targetaudiences andpartners,identifydesired step-wiseintermediateresults,and collectthe “right” data toreportconservation achievements.

Moreinformation:

GUIDELINES FORSUBMITTAL

Followformatandorganization below;proposalswhich donotprovidethisinformationmaybeconsideredincomplete.

No more than8 pages(ifyou includemaps,literaturecited,andvitae,thesedonot counttowardpagetotal).

•NOCOVERPAGE

  • 8 ½x11 page,withmargins 1inch,all sides
  • Font:Arial11pt
  • Spacing:single,withreturnbetweenmajorheadings(Summary,Proposal,Budget,and Compliance) andsubheadings
  • Footer(centered):Page xof y*BriefTitle*LastNameofPrincipalInvestigator

Entireemailedsubmittalwithattachments(MicrosoftWord documentor searchablePDF)maynotexceed10MB.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

  1. Thoroughness and clarity. Proposals should be detailed in terms of what activities will be conducted and where they will be conducted. The proposal should identify the nature of the data that will be collected and specify those data that subsequently will be provided in the Interim and Final reports for the project. Proposals for projects conducted on privately owned lands will be expected to provide some assurance that the project personnel will obtain landowner permission prior to beginning their work. The budget should be itemized, detailed and outlined in exactly a 65:35 match ratio. (30%)
  2. Priorities addressed. Proposals will be evaluated on how completely they address the priorities provided in this Request for Proposals and how they address the high priority species and habitats identified in the TCAP. (20%)
  3. Cost effectiveness of the proposal. How well does the proposed budget reflect the costs needed to carry out the proposal and how much of the funding will be directed toward field activities and data collection (proposals that direct more funding toward field or data collection activities will be ranked above proposals that use grant funding for administrative costs, salaries and equipment/supplies)? (20%)
  4. Likelihood of success/completeness. Proposals will be evaluated on their likelihood of success and, where applicable, the completeness of their post-action monitoring protocols. (15%)
  5. Qualifications of the Principal Investigator(s). What is the relevant experience of the applicant(s)? What is the history of success of the applicant in similar work? (15%)

I.SUMMARY:LESSTHAN 2 PAGES

Title and Abstract

ContactsTable(name,title,affiliation,email address,and primaryphone):

  • PrincipalInvestigators(PIs) –primarypointof contacttoreceivequestionsand/or notices relatedto thisproposal.
  • CoordinatingorConsultingTPWD WildlifeDivision Employee–allTPWD-fundedprojectsmustincludeaTPWD employeecontactwhowillserve asyourpointof contactand projectadvisor;youmustcoordinate.with thempriorto submittaland receivetheirapproval to functionas a pointofcontact
  • Subcontractors–if applicable.
  • GrantsAdministrator–foryourorganization, if applicable(thiswill help usexpeditecontracting, ifawarded).
  • Partnersor Collaborators–cooperatingindividuals(includecontributorsof funding,equipment,supplies,workorothersupportsuchas coordination,steering,review,qualitycontrol-qualityassurance).

Conservation TargetsTable(scientificname,common name,G rank,S rank,Statestatus,Federal statushabitat)

  • List targetSGCN,habitats/communitiesor ecologicalprocessesthat are thefocusofthisproject,will

benefitdirectlyfromthisproject,and forwhichresponsewill bemonitored.

RegulatedSpeciesTable(scientificname,common name,statestatus,federal status)

  • State or federal listed threatenedor endangered orfederal candidate specieswhich areintheproject/studyarea,butarenot afocus/targetofthiseffort,and whichmaybeaffectedbythiswork.

II.PROPOSAL

Conservation Action(s)

ChoosefromthelistinAttachment A and selectactionsdirectlyassociatedwithyour project.Thesecategoriesare required forthe USFWSTRACS reporting associated withallStateWildlifeGrants.TPWDwillbeusing theseforother granteffectivenesstracking purposesaswell.

Purpose and Need

Citespecificprioritiesidentified in 2012TexasConservation ActionPlan(ActionPlan)and/orfrom call forproposals.Placethepriorityyou haveselected to work onincontext(e.g.surveyshaveneverbeenconductedand theneedis imminentbecause…;species is afederalcandidateon theMultiDistrictLitigation workplan forFY and theproject is crucial in somespecificwayto understanding status;threat is imminent and actionswillpromoterecoveryor prevent the needtolistor contribute in some measurableway –importanceofyouraction).

Objective(s)and Conservation Benefits

Specifyexplicitlywhatis to beaccomplishedgiven thetime,money, andstaffing proposed. Thisprojectmaybepart ofa larger,longer-termproject;describebriefly,if that isthe case.Objectivesshould be specific,measurable,attainable,relevant,and time- and space-bounded;concise;anddirectlyrelatedtotheSGCNand/orrarecommunitieslisted in Conservation Targetstable.Why isyourprojectthe“rightaction,rightplace?”What arethepotentialconservation benefits(e.g.,threatsreduced/eliminated,futureconservationbenefits).Whatwill betheanticipatedmanagementand conservation implication of accomplishing theobjective(s)?

Methods

Identifytheresponsibleparty(ies),tools,materials,and methodsthatwill beemployedduring thisproject,sortedbyprojectsegmentand timeline. If you areusing subcontractor(s),explain howtheirexperiencewillcontributetoyourproject.Howwillobjective(s)beattained? If a pilotortrialphasewill beconducted,explainwhy. Includemethodsformeasuring successto meetyourobjectives.

Duration and Timeline

Timelineshould identifyproposedactivities,milestones,deadlines,reportsand deliverableschronologically.Timelineshould accommodateannualwrittenreportand/orfinalperformancereportwithin60 daysfollowingendofcontract.

Budget

SeeIII. Budgetbelow.

Attachments

Noneof theselisted attachments(first4 arerequired)counttowardpagetotal(SEEALSOCOMPLIANCESECTION):

  • LiteratureCited
  • Subcontractorsupporting credentials
  • List anyunexpiredvalid permits(e.g.federal rarespeciessurvey permit, StateScientificResearchPermit,…)youalreadyhavewhichwould help qualifyyou forthiswork(if permits arerequired)
  • List publicationsthatmayresult fromthiswork
  • Vitae andrelevantpublications list

III.BUDGET

In theBudgetForm,type incostsperTexasfiscalyear(September1–August31)required toattaintheObjective(s)using theproposedApproach/Methods.

  • Budgetshould beidentified in separatecolumnsasReimbursableExpenditures, ApplicantShare, and

PartnerContributions,if applicable.

  • If proposalis approved, Applicantmustsubmitlettersof commitment fromeachcontributing partnerpriortoexecutionof aContract
  • Applicantsshouldprovideand document anynonfederalmatch inthisproposal.Thecurrent non-federalmatchrequirementis 35%.
  • Theentirematchamountmustbe metorthePerforming Entityrisks a proportionatereduction in theamount offederalfundsawarded forthisproject.
  • Performing Entityunderstands andagreesthat byacceptingmoneyforservicesforthisProject,itwillcomplywith all federal laws andregulationsrelated to grantsoffederalfunds. Aspart ofthisagreement,Performing Entitywill berequired to makethenecessarycertifications.
  • Use thefollowingcostcategories,as applicable:

oPersonnel

  • TravelLodging,mileage,meals, perdiem (asappropriate)perindividual.Travel-relatedexpenseswillbereimbursed at theofficialrateauthorizedbytheStateof Texas.Ratescan befound at
  • EquipmentCapitalexpensesforequipmenttobeused for project.Applicant mustidentifyCapitalized andControlledequipmentto bepurchased for thisproject.Equipmentandsuppliespurchasedshall beused,managed and disposed of inaccordancewiththe TexasUniformGrantManagementStandards(UGMS).
  • SuppliesCostsforroutineitemsneeding replenishmentthroughout theproject.Costofmaterials andsupplieswillbereimbursed attheiractualprices.Properdocumentationwill berequired forreimbursement.
  • SubcontractedservicesExpensesforservicesundercontractwiththirdparties;list namesandcontactinformation.
  • MiscellaneousItemsnotlistedabove.Itemizeand includejustification.
  • TotalDirectCostThetotalof all itemsexceptadministrativeoverhead.
  • Indirect Costs If you will be claiming indirect costs for reimbursement or as match, you must attach a copy of the valid Indirect Cost rate agreement for your organization that was negotiated with the appropriate cognizant federal agency.
  • TotalCosts Sum ofRequestplusMatch

SubmitBUDGET FORM with Proposal.

IV.COMPLIANCE

Stateand FederalRegulations

Provide statements that explain whether or not the proposed grant activities are likely to affect water quality or wetlands (Clean Water Act), air quality (Clean Air Act), historic land marks, archaeological resources, ecologically important sites under federal ownership or management, and endangered species (Endangered Species Act). This Section must 1) identify all federally threatened or endangered species, including designated critical habitat, that occur in the counties in which grant activities will occur, and 2) provide a statement regarding how potential impacts to these species will be avoided. For information regarding potential impacts on federally threatened and endangered species in your proposed project area, please refer to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Information, Planning and Conservation System (IPaC) for the most current range maps and other information. The link can be found at:

If selected for a SWGaward,the recipientmaybeaskedto provideadditionalenvironmental,cultural,and socialclearances,permits,orassurancespursuant to severalstateand federal regulations(EndangeredSpeciesAct,NationalHistoricPreservation Act,various civil rightsacts,StateScientificResearchPermit,collection permit(s),etc.). Informationyou can provide in thisproposalregardingappropriatepermitsand/orclearancesalreadyobtainedforthisprojectwill expeditereview,contracting,and yourwork.Thisis notaselection criterion butyouwill beresponsibleforprovision priorto startinganybillablework.

LandownerPermission

Monetaryawardsare managedthroughstatecontractswithgranteesand/orsubgrantees. Anyworkto beperformedon privatelands in Texasusing thesefundsrequires that, as amatterofstatestatute(TPW12.103)and TPWDpolicy,granteessecurewrittenpermission fromthe privatelandowner(s)forthepurposes ofaccessto theland anduseof datacollected onthatland.

Clearlyindicate inyourproposalwhetheror notyourproject will involveprivatelandownercooperation. Ifprojectincludesreporting resultsfromspecificallyidentified privatelands,written permission fromapplicableprivatelandownerswill berequired before the contractis approved by TPWD.Provideas anattachment, ifapplicable,Form PWD 0153aLandownerPermission,signed and datedby thelandowner(s).Form(s)willnotbecountedtowardtheproposalpagetotal.

ATTACHMENT A: CONSERVATIONACTION DEFINITIONS

DirectManagementStewardshipof terrestrialand aquaticspecies,habitatsand/ornatural processestomaintain populationsor restoreecological functions.Includes the restorationofdegradedspecies andhabitatsthat areatthe sitebutnotthe reintroductionsof species orcreationof newhabitat.Examples:Rxfire,manageinvasivespecies,removedamsorotherbarriersto seasonalordailymovements.

SpeciesRestorationReintroduction,relocation,or stockingof nativeanimalsor plantsortranslocationofanimalstoanareawheretheyarenotcurrentlyfound.Examples:translocateor introducecaptive-bredBlack-footedFerretstoestablishnewpopulationsina suitablehabitat;restoremusselassemblagesto historicallyoccupied streamstretches.

Creation ofNew HabitatThecreationorestablishment ofnewhabitats,including necessarynaturalprocesses,habitatstructures, andbioticcomponents,tomitigatelossofecological functionselsewhere.Examples:establishprairiecommunitieswherecrop land currentlyexists;createnewbreeding habitat forGopherFrogreintroduction and dueto aclimateadaptation strategyand recoveryplan.

Acquisition/Easement/LeaseProtection ofland orwaterrealpropertyorrightsthrough feetitleacquisition,permanenteasement,lease,contract,or a relatedmeans.Examples:purchaseofland in a corridorconnectinga WildlifeManagementAreaand a NationalWildlifeRefuge;craft a perpetualeasementrestrictinglandconversion and development is placedon aremnanttall grassprairie;place a20-yeartermcontracton aprivately-ownedwetmeadowforprotection and recoveryofthe bog turtle.

ManagementPlanningDevelopmentofmanagementplans for species,habitats,andnatural processes.Examples:developing/writing management,conservation,recoveryplan forraremussels,longleafpinesavanna,seasonalordailymovementcorridors,whitenosesyndromesurveillanceand response.

Data Collection and AnalysisCollectingdataaboutspecies andhabitatsandthethreatsto themtofillinformation needs;includescompilation,management,synthesis,analysis,and reportingof spatialandnonspatialdata.Allprojectslikelyhave a datacollection and/oranalysiscomponent for thissubmittal.Examples:gatherfield,literature,collection orother sources’data ontheparticularspeciesto definecurrentdistribution,compareandassesssurveymethods,and understand habitat useand threats;Conductsurveysand genetic assessmentsofthreeNorthAmerican minnowSGCNsto determinebaselinepopulation data toassist inthe establishmentofconservation units.

TrainingTechnicalAssistanceOnly selectthiscategory if thisisthe primaryaction,crucial to thecore successofyourproject. If not acore,purposefulactivity inyourproject, itcan still bepartofbutnottracked foreffectivenessin thisproject.

Training–skillsdevelopmentforprofessionals,keystakeholders,orotherstofacilitateneededmanagementactivitiesandtechniques; includescertification orapprenticeshipmodels;is notthesameaseducationoroutreach. In training,you provideskillsandtraineeswillapplythem totheir issues–primarilycapacitybuilding. Some training mightrequire aformalor informal“apprenticeship”period in whichthere ismoredetaileddirecttraining andskillsdelivery(e.g.step-wiselearning process,seriesofclassesleading to practicaltesting).Examples:training foragencystaff inreptileand amphibian assessmenttechniquesdirectlyrelatedtotheir work;provideclassroomtraining forprescribedfirequalifications(e.g.planning,toolfamiliarity) toresourceprofessionalswhowilltake“nextsteps” to becomesite-basedFireLeaders(e.g.Burn Bosses);providequalified prescribedfireoperatorswith an“apprenticeship”in fieldskills(e.g.leading crews,ignition,firemanagement,safetyandemergencyresponse)leading towardFireLeader(BurnBoss) certification orqualification.

TechnicalAssistance(TA)–tangible,practicalsupport(skills, knowledge,recommendations)delivered byexpertstoprofessionalsorkeystakeholders,helping themimplement specificconservation actions.Specialcasewithin“training” where thetrainer/expertworksdirectlywithmanagers,stakeholders,etc.tosolvespecificproblems,oftenusing skills thatmightbehardertoteach ina group setting (e.g.,engineering,prescribedfire, monitoringmethods)orwhen delivering adviceor recommendationsforaddressing a specificconservation action.Examples:Conduct a practicalclassforprofessionals tolearn and apply techniques toassess(field surveys,boundarydocumentreading,conservationvaluerapid assessment),writesuccessfultermsand conditions,and monitor(timeframes,techniques,etc.)a conservation easement using a specificreal-siteexample;guideand overseeone-on-one or smallteams’engineering consultationfordamremovalwithdefinedmeasures.

OtherConservationActions(thesearesecondaryactionsassociated with thedeliveryoftheprimaryactions)

StakeholderInvolvement –Engaging state andfederalagencies,tribalentities, theNGOcommunity,and otherpartnerstoachievesharedobjectives andbroadercoordination acrossoverlapping areas,measureof success= buy-in andsupportfortheprimaryconservation action.Examples:establishdecision making processeswithstateagencies,identifyingpartiesto engageand doing so;outreach withtribalgovernmentsonspecificactions;convenean advisorycommittee to assistwithimplementation of aStateWildlifeAction Plan.

IncentiveDelivery–Development and deliveryof incentivesto privatelandowners to influenceresponsiblestewardshipof land/waterand specificspecies. Examples: wildlifevaluation fortaxbreaks(notthemanagementplan,buttheactual tax differenceitself);stewardshippaymentsto landowners(doingthe rightthing,continue to do therightthing,avoid doing something);infrastructurepracticesincentives($to build afence,infrastructure,delayhayfield);restoration incentives($ to restorewetland);regulatorystreamlining.