Opportunity Information: Apply for P18AS00030
The Department of the Interior, National Park Service announced a discretionary funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number P18AS00030) to support a cooperative agreement focused on wildlife observation data collection at White Sands National Monument. The central purpose of the project is to establish baseline information on wildlife species living in the worlds largest gypsum dune field, and to use that information to strengthen and inform a future citizen science observation program at the monument. Rather than being a one-time survey, the work is framed as foundational: it is meant to create a starting point for tracking what species are present, where they occur, and how frequently they are observed in different parts of the dune system.
A major deliverable is the development of a photo-based database of wildlife observations. The project emphasizes compiling photographic documentation of animals, particularly species that visitors rarely see, and pairing those images with observation information that can be used for interpretation, education, and ongoing monitoring. In addition to building this media library, the work is expected to estimate the distribution and abundance of key wildlife species, producing practical outputs that help park staff and the public better understand which animals are found in the dunes and where they are most likely to be encountered.
The opportunity is rooted in the ecological importance of gypsum landscapes. The description notes that gypsum soils worldwide are known to support high levels of biodiversity, including endemic plants and animals adapted to these unusual conditions. White Sands is described as an "incredible gypsum island," highlighting the idea that the dune field functions like an isolated habitat where distinctive environmental conditions have shaped the community of life. By documenting species, describing them, and analyzing observation data, the project aims to provide information that helps explain how this environment formed and how it continues to preserve a unique set of natural resources.
The results are intended to feed directly into public-facing products and citizen engagement. Specifically, the information gathered will be used to support the monuments development of a citizen science observation program, create a simplified wildlife distribution map tailored to the dune drive (a key visitor corridor), and provide new interpretive media that can improve public understanding. In practice, that means the grant supports both scientific documentation and communication tools that make the science accessible and usable for visitors, volunteers, and park interpreters.
Administratively, the award is offered as a cooperative agreement, indicating an expectation of active involvement or collaboration with the National Park Service during the project rather than a hands-off grant. The funding activity category is Natural Resources, with CFDA number 15.945. Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, aligning the project with university-led research and documentation capacity. The opportunity was created on December 6, 2017, with an original closing date of December 15, 2017. The award ceiling is $99,947, and the agency anticipated making one award.Apply for P18AS00030
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Collection of wildlife observation data in support of a citizen science program at White Sands National Monument" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 06, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 15, 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 $99,947.00 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, to support a cooperative agreement focused on wildlife observation data collection at White Sands National Monument.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is P18AS00030.
What type of award is being offered?
The award is offered as a cooperative agreement, which signals that the National Park Service is expected to be actively involved or collaborate during the project rather than taking a hands-off approach.
What is the main goal of the project?
The central purpose is to establish baseline information on wildlife species living in the world's largest gypsum dune field and use that baseline to strengthen and inform a future citizen science observation program at White Sands National Monument.
Is the project intended to be a one-time wildlife survey?
No. The work is described as foundational rather than a one-time survey. It is meant to create a starting point for tracking what species are present, where they occur, and how frequently they are observed across different parts of the dune system.
What deliverable is emphasized in the opportunity description?
A major deliverable is the development of a photo-based database of wildlife observations, compiling photographic documentation of animals and pairing images with observation information.
What kinds of wildlife observations are especially important for the database?
The project emphasizes photographic documentation of animals, particularly species that visitors rarely see, along with observation details that can support interpretation, education, and ongoing monitoring.
What kinds of outputs are expected beyond the photo-based database?
In addition to the media library, the project is expected to estimate the distribution and abundance of key wildlife species and produce practical outputs that help park staff and the public understand what animals are found in the dunes and where they are most likely to be encountered.
How will the collected information be used by White Sands National Monument?
The results are intended to feed into public-facing products and citizen engagement, including supporting the monument's development of a citizen science observation program, creating a simplified wildlife distribution map tailored to the dune drive, and providing new interpretive media to improve public understanding.
What is meant by a "simplified wildlife distribution map tailored to the dune drive"?
The opportunity specifies a simplified distribution map designed for the dune drive, described as a key visitor corridor. The intent is to provide an accessible way for visitors and staff to understand where wildlife is most likely to be encountered along that route.
Why does the opportunity highlight gypsum landscapes?
The description notes that gypsum soils worldwide are known to support high levels of biodiversity, including endemic plants and animals adapted to unusual conditions. White Sands is described as an "incredible gypsum island," emphasizing the dune field as an isolated habitat with distinctive environmental conditions shaping its biological community.
What scientific or interpretive questions does the project support?
By documenting species, describing them, and analyzing observation data, the project aims to provide information that helps explain how the gypsum dune environment formed and how it continues to preserve a unique set of natural resources.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is Natural Resources.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 15.945.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
Does the opportunity indicate how many awards are expected?
Yes. The agency anticipated making one award.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $99,947.
When was the opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on December 6, 2017, and the original closing date was December 15, 2017.
What location does the project focus on?
The project focuses on White Sands National Monument and specifically the world's largest gypsum dune field within that landscape.
How does this project connect to citizen science?
The baseline wildlife information and photo-based observation database are intended to strengthen and inform a future citizen science observation program at the monument, helping shape what participants observe, how observations are recorded, and how results can be interpreted and shared.
What is the practical value of estimating distribution and abundance in this project?
The opportunity frames these estimates as practical outputs to help park staff and the public understand which animals are found in the dunes and where they are most likely to be encountered, supporting both monitoring and visitor-facing interpretation.
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