FWS Region 7 - FY2009 Science Support (SSP) and Quick Response Program (QRP) - Request For Proposals (RFP)

This constitutes the annual call for proposals for the SSP and QRP.

About the Science Support Program:
Through the Science Support Partnership (SSP) Program, the U.S. Geological Survey partners with the Fish and Wildlife Service to understand and provide the critical science information required to effectively manage our nation’s resources. Each year we allocate USGS funds through a competitive proposal process.

Whenever possible, proposals should be developed jointly between a Service Project Officer and a USGS researcher. All proposals must identify a Project Officer, contain a budget (including the mandatory overhead rate of ), and clearly articulate a set of products that meet the identified FWS need. Where applicable, products must include recommendations on how the research will be applied to our management needs. Multi-year proposals must include interim deliverables that can be used in the required project evaluation.

This year, projects should focus on one or more of the following Regional priorities:

1) Species of concern, including listed or candidate species, especially projects that address upcoming critical management decisions
2) Projects that address research for implementation of the Strategic Habitat Conservation approach, particularly in the Region's Focal Areas
3) Projects that contribute significantly to FWS's ability to manage its trust resources in response to climate change

Projects will be ranked on how well they address these priorities, and the soundness and efficiency of the research design. A review team will be selected by the Regional Director to rank proposals for his consideration.

About the Quick Response Program:
The QRP is very similar to the SSP but the funding level is lower, projects must address immediate research and technical needs, and projects must be completed in a single year.

Approximate amounts available for Region 7 new starts in FY-2009 (subject to USGS assessments and rescissions):
SSP: $400,000
QRP: $50,000

Due Dates: Proposals for both SSP and QRP are due to Janet Hohn, ARD for International Conservation (also serving as Regional Research Coordinator) on or before June 15, 2008

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use the attached format and instructions for developing proposals for the FY-2009 Science Support Program and the FY-2009 Quick Response Program.

For more information about the SSP go to http://biology.usgs.gov/ssp/

(Issued May 2, 2008)