FWS Region 8 - FY2009 Science Support (SSP) and Quick Response Program (QRP) - Request For Proposals (RFP)

Date:      March 19, 2008
To:          FWS Region 8 Project Leaders
From:     Diane Elam, Deputy Chief, Division of Recovery, Listing and HCPs, Region 8
Subject: CALL FOR PROPOSALS - FY09 Science Support Partnership and Quick Response Programs (Due: COB June 1, 2008)

Proposals are now being accepted for the FY 2009 Science Support Partnership (SSP) and Quick Response Programs (QRP).  SSP and QRP funds are held within the USGS budget for work on research and information needs "solely identified" by the FWS.  SSP funding can extend through multiple years and involve both experimental research and technical assistance.  QRP funding can only be used for short-term projects (less than 18 months) with a maximum budget of $25,000 or less. For both SSP and QRP, USGS scientists spend the money and lead the work, but the project proposals are submitted by FWS staff to meet FWS needs.  Note that in some cases, projects may be performed using researchers outside USGS, but advance approval from FWS and USGS is required before those proposals are submitted.  A brief summary describing the different FWS and USGS roles in carrying out SSP/QRP activities is attached.

For FY09, approximately $100,000 is available in Region 8 for new SSP projects, and $25,000 is available for QRP projects.  Questions can be directed to me at (916) 414-6464.  Please note that I (Diane Elam) should be indicated as the FWS Regional Research Coordinator in any proposals submitted to Region 8. 

Although there are no specific priorities this year for project topics, proposals should address high priority scientific information needs in Region 8 and attempt to make the best match of available resources to those needs.  There is not a budget ceiling for any individual project beyond the total funding available in Region 8.  However, we welcome projects that have an annual budget under $25,000 and are for only one year of funding.  To qualify for QRP, both of these criteria must be met.

Proposals must be submitted electronically to me (Diane Elam) no later than COB June 1, 2008.  Proposal development and format guidelines are attached.  Separate proposals for SSP vs. QRP are not required; any project meeting QRP criteria will be reviewed both for QRP and SSP funding.  Proposals should be developed jointly between the Service Project Officer and the selected USGS researcher or facility.  All proposals must identify a FWS Project officer.  Proposals should clearly articulate the resulting products and how those results can be applied to FWS management needs. The main proposal must be submitted as a Word document using the format described in the attached instructions. A budget must be submitted as a separate Excel file provided with sufficient detail to allow for discussions/decisions at the Region 8 level (e.g., separate line items for PI salary, technicians, supplies, travel, overhead, etc.).  Project officers are strongly encouraged to carefully review the budget details with USGS prior to submittal.  Incorrect application of overhead rates or other budget inaccuracies may jeopardize project selection and/or implementation.

Proposals will be reviewed by a team of Region 8 staff (including representatives of Endangered Species, Fisheries, Refuges and Partners for Fish and Wildlife), and funding recommendations will be forwarded to the Regional Director by July 31, 2008.  Proposal submitters will then be notified regarding the funding decisions.  Part of the subsequent USGS process will involve peer review of selected proposals that involve experimental research (technical assistance proposals do not require the same peer review process).  The ultimate goal is to have the final selections to USGS prior to October 1 to facilitate their development of work plans and hopefully allow the start of some projects in the fall (after USGS receives its FY09 budget allocation). 

Although there are typically not enough funds to support all proposals, this is still one of the most direct opportunities to focus USGS research and science support on FWS information needs in Region 8.  Please contact Diane Elam with any questions about either the SSP or QRP process.

Download this memo (MS Word)
Proposal Template
SSP Roles and Responsibilities