FUNDING ALERT

REQUEST FOR WHITEBARK PINE RESTORATION
PROJECT PROPOSALS 
FY 2009

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RELEASE DATE:   July 31, 2009

 

CLOSING DATE:    Proposals must be e-mailed to the address below no later than COB September 4, 2009

 

CONTACT PERSON:  John Schwandt, Program Coordinator
                                         USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection

                                         (208) 765-7415
                                         Email: jschwandt@fs.fed.us

 

INTRODUCTION

The whitebark pine restoration program is entering its fourth year of providing seed money for restoration projects throughout the whitebark pine range.  We expect that at least $150,000 will be available for allocation on a competitive basis in FY 2010.  Funds will need to be spent or obligated prior to September 30, 2010.

 

State, non-governmental organizations, and universities as well as federal agencies may apply for funding but may need to meet specific cost share requirements (Contact the Program Coordinator if you have questions 208-765-7415).

 

NEW RFP Procedures – DUE September 4, 2009

We have been told that we need to have the project selection process completed NLT the end of September.  We realize this comes during an extremely busy field season; therefore, we will only be conducting a single, very short RFP process.

 

At this time we are requesting brief proposals describing projects that will help enhance or restore whitebark anywhere throughout its range in the U.S.  Proposals must fit into one of six focus areas and will be evaluated on scope, outcomes or products, likelihood of success, technical merit, cost efficiency, level of matching funds, and sunk costs by an interdisciplinary team.

 

Proposals must be submitted using the attached form and are limited to 3 pages in length. Proposals will need to include a brief description of the project, its geographic location, basic purpose, and scope as well as what specific results are expected. It must also include the amount of funding requested, how funds will be used, and what matching funds are available. Proposals showing matching funds and broad geographic and ecological application will receive higher priority.

 

Selected projects may need to submit more details later in the fall. (This will  give us an opportunity to get more information on projects if additional funding becomes available)

 

Project Focus Areas and Restoration Objectives

 

A. Assessing Health: Survey and Monitoring

Projects that will help determine the forest health conditions of whitebark pine in areas with little or no data, or help monitor changes in whitebark pine abundance or health over time. (There will need to be a long term commitment to re-measure permanent plots).

B. Conserving Genetic Diversity (i.e. operational cone collections) in high risk whitebark pine populations

Projects that will aid in conserving isolated whitebark populations at risk.

C. Harnessing Rust Resistance (i.e. plus tree selection, cone collections, and rust screening)

Projects that will help identify rust resistance in different whitebark pine seed zones.

D. Enhancing Regeneration and Reducing Competing Vegetation

Projects that will enhance the vigor and survival of existing whitebark pine, encourage natural regeneration, or involve growing and outplanting seed or seedlings. (NOTE: projects requesting verbenone treatments for MPB should be submitted to the appropriate FHP Region as P/S/R proposals)

E. Special Projects:

Projects that will provide information about whitebark pine ecology, blister rust epidemiology in whitebark pine, or other issues related to whitebark pine restoration

F. Education/outreach/technology transfer

Projects specifically designed to increase awareness of whitebark pine issues and restoration needs or disseminate technology to improve restoration methods.

 

 

Project Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated with emphasis on the criteria listed below (where applicable). Entities receiving funds through this process will have specific monitoring and reporting requirements.

 

Scope of project (Objectives and Scope): Is there clear justification for this project?  Does this request address local, landscape, or range-wide needs/questions, etc?  How is the project linked to restoring whitebark pine?  Has there been previous progress on the project?  Describe any urgency for this project (i.e. does it tie to other work in progress, have a unique opportunity, etc?)

 

Technical Merit (Approach/Methods): Describe the activities to be accomplished and the methods to be used. Are the methods clear, realistic, and appropriate? Does it indicate awareness of similar work and data collection methods? Does data collection follow standardized methods? If applicable, how will data be analyzed? What will be needed to get the project initiated (Planning, NEPA, contracts, etc)?

 

Measures of success (Time line and results/outcomes/products) - Is the time line clear and realistic?  Will the project be implemented or the funds committed in FY 2010?  Are the project’s expected results/outcomes/products clearly identified? What will be learned from results and how this information will be used or shared? What is the likelihood for overall success of the project?

 

Budget and Cost Efficiency. Provide a budget that identifies all costs funded by this request. Please include the amount and source of in-kind or contributed funds for FY 2010 and describe what they will accomplish. Is the budget clear and describe what funds are being used for? Is the budget realistic? Can it be accomplished for this amount? Does it take advantage of cooperators and partners? Does it take advantage of previous expenditures (sunk costs)?

PROPOSAL FOR WHITEBARK PINE

FY 2010 RESTORATION PROJECT FUNDS

Due September 4, 2009

 

Using the following format, briefly describe the proposed project (do not exceed 3 pages). Submit electronically to John Schwandt (jschwandt@fs.fed.us)

 

Project Title:           

 

Focus Area: (from cover letter)

 

Location:

 

Size of treated Area (Ac, trees, etc/NA)

 

Project Contact: (Name, Affiliation, Address, Phone number, e-mail)

 

Objective(s):

 

Scope: (applicability to broad restoration goals)

 

Approach/Methods: (brief outline of methods)

 

Basic Timeline of Activities:

 

Expected Results/Products/Outcomes:

 

Cooperators: (Name and affiliation of others taking an active role in project)

 

Funding Requested: (estimate: Salary, Travel, Supplies, Other)

Estimate Other Contributed or Matching Funds: (List amount and source; include in-kind contributions)

 

Item	$ Requested	Other Source $	Description
Salary
Travel
Supplies/Equipment
Contracting
Other (specify)
Total