Torch/Platform Irene Oil Spill Restoration | F19AS00025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Torch/Platform Irene Oil Spill Restoration grant opportunity?

The Torch/Platform Irene Oil Spill Restoration grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F19AS00025) is a discretionary federal funding program offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. It supports restoration actions associated with oil spill impacts and related environmental recovery priorities.

Which federal agency administers this grant?

This opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Is this a discretionary grant or a formula/entitlement program?

It is a discretionary federal funding program, meaning funding decisions are made through a competitive or selective award process rather than by formula.

What type of award instrument is used?

The award is structured as a cooperative agreement. This generally means the selected recipient should expect to work closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service during planning and implementation, rather than operating completely independently.

What does a cooperative agreement imply for how the project is managed?

Because the funding is a cooperative agreement, the recipient should anticipate substantial involvement by the Fish and Wildlife Service during planning and implementation, including coordination and collaboration throughout the project period.

What is the CFDA number and funding category for this program?

The funding is categorized under Disaster Prevention and Relief, CFDA 15.658, reflecting that the work supports restoration actions tied to oil spill impacts and environmental recovery priorities.

What is the primary project focus funded by this opportunity?

The funded project focuses on European beach grass removal on the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge to restore or improve natural dune conditions.

Where will the restoration work take place?

The work will take place on the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.

What is European beach grass and why is it being targeted?

European beach grass is a non-native invasive plant that can radically alter dune ecosystems by trapping sand and stabilizing dunes that would otherwise remain more open and dynamic. This stabilization can reduce the broad, sparsely vegetated sandy areas needed by certain coastal wildlife species.

How can invasive dune grass affect habitat conditions in coastal dunes?

Invasive dune grasses can change dune topography, increase vegetation density, and alter open sand conditions. This can reduce suitable nesting and foraging habitat and may affect predator access and visibility in ways that make habitat less suitable for sensitive coastal species.

Which wildlife species are expected to benefit from the project?

The opportunity is designed to benefit two sensitive coastal bird species: the western snowy plover and the least tern.

Why are western snowy plovers and least terns highlighted in this opportunity?

Both species rely on open sand and low vegetation structure for nesting, foraging, and movement. Invasive European beach grass can make these areas less suitable by stabilizing dunes and increasing vegetation density.

How much funding is available?

The award ceiling is $109,000.

How many awards does the agency expect to make?

Funding is limited to a single expected award.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations with IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status.

Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

No. Institutions of higher education are excluded from eligibility for this opportunity.

What kinds of organizational capabilities does this opportunity appear to expect from an applicant?

Based on the project description and cooperative agreement structure, the opportunity appears intended for an on-the-ground conservation nonprofit capable of implementing habitat restoration activities, coordinating field crews, and meeting federal coordination and reporting requirements.

Does the notice indicate anything about the application timeline?

Yes. The notice was created on November 7, 2018, and had an original closing date of November 12, 2018, indicating a very short application window.

What might a short application window suggest about the solicitation?

A short window can indicate a targeted solicitation aimed at a specific type of partner, a time-sensitive restoration need, or a project that had already been scoped and required quick deployment.

What experience would likely be important for an applicant to demonstrate?

The notice suggests an applicant would ideally be familiar with the refuge setting and able to demonstrate experience with invasive plant management in sensitive coastal dune habitats, including methods that minimize disturbance during nesting seasons and protect the habitat features the project is meant to restore.

How is this opportunity connected to oil spill restoration?

This project is part of Torch/Platform Irene oil spill restoration efforts, and the funded work supports restoration actions associated with oil spill impacts and related environmental recovery priorities.

What is the overall conservation goal of the project?

The overall goal is to restore or improve natural dune conditions by reducing or removing invasive European beach grass, thereby improving habitat quality for western snowy plovers and least terns.