Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5
FY 2010 Science Support Partnership (SSP) and Quick Response (QRP) Request for Proposals

Proposals are now being accepted for the FY 2010 Science Support Partnership (SSP) and Quick Response Program (QRP) funds. SSP and QRP funds are held within the USGS budget for work on research and information needs "solely identified" by the USFWS. SSP proposals may request funds for multiple years not to exceed 3 years in total funding requested. QRP funding can only be used for one-year projects. For FY 2010, approximately $278,000 is available in Region 5 for new SSP projects and $50,000 is available for QRP projects. Ongoing and new SSP projects and QRP projects that received funding in FY 2009 are attached as background information.

The Northeast Region is soliciting SSP proposals that address the research needs that have been prioritized and scored against a set of objectives (see attached research needs document). QRP proposals are only being solicited to address research needs associated with White Nose Syndrome in bats. Please coordinate with the identified contact for a specific research need if you plan on submitting an SSP or QRP proposal for funding consideration.

Service Project Officers must submit completed proposals to the contact identified for each research need and to Rick Bennett, Regional Scientist, Northeast Region (rick_bennett@fws.gov) no later than COB June 15, 2009.

Proposals will be selected by the Regional Science Committee (see attached list) which will provide funding recommendations to the Regional Directorate Team. Proposal selection will utilize the criteria and selection process outlined in the SSP and QRP Proposal Format (attached). Final funding recommendation will be forwarded to USGS by August 17, 2009.

Please contact me (Rick Bennett) or a Regional Science Committee member with any questions about either the SSP or QRP process.