Opportunity Information: Apply for F18AS00212
The funding opportunity titled "Science Priorities - Investigating genetic diversity and the effects of hydrologic alteration on freshwater mussels in Texas" (Funding Opportunity Number F18AS00212) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research-focused grant under the Department of the Interior. It is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement, meaning the agency expects to have an active role in the supported work rather than simply issuing funds and stepping back. The program sits in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category (CFDA 15.678) and is aimed at generating practical scientific results that can be used in on-the-ground species conservation planning in Texas.
At its core, the opportunity supports original research on selected species of Texas freshwater mussels. The main purpose is to strengthen and refine ongoing captive propagation efforts and to provide better scientific footing for potential future reintroduction projects. In practice, that means the research is expected to answer questions that directly affect how mussels are collected for broodstock, how genetic diversity is maintained in captivity, and how managers decide where and how reintroductions might succeed. A central theme is genetic diversity: applicants are expected to investigate genetic structure and variation in priority mussel species so conservation programs can avoid problems like inbreeding, loss of locally adapted lineages, or mixing populations in ways that could reduce long-term resilience.
A second major emphasis is understanding the effects of hydrologic alteration in priority Texas watersheds. Hydrologic alteration can include changes in the timing, magnitude, and variability of streamflows caused by reservoirs, diversions, groundwater pumping, urbanization, drought management, and other watershed modifications. The grant is framed around assessing hydrologic trends and linking them to habitat changes that matter for mussels and other aquatic species of conservation concern. Because freshwater mussels depend on stable substrates, suitable flow conditions, water quality, and host fish interactions, shifts in flow regime can affect survival, reproduction, recruitment, and the ability of mussel beds to persist over time. The opportunity is therefore positioned to support studies that connect altered flow patterns to physical habitat changes (like sedimentation, channel instability, or loss of refugia) and to biological outcomes for sensitive aquatic communities.
Funding is relatively small and targeted: the award ceiling is $125,000, and the agency anticipated making about two awards. The timing was also tight in the original announcement, with a creation date of June 29, 2018 and an original closing date of July 5, 2018, indicating a short application window and a focused, priority-driven solicitation. Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of entities could apply (such as universities, nonprofits, state or local agencies, or other organizations), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may have been included in the full notice.
Overall, this opportunity is best understood as a conservation science investment designed to produce actionable information for Texas freshwater mussel recovery work. It prioritizes research that can directly inform captive breeding and reintroduction decision-making through genetic analyses, while also improving understanding of how human-driven changes to hydrology and habitat in key watersheds influence mussels and other aquatic species that are already under conservation pressure.Apply for F18AS00212
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Science Priorities - Investigating genetic diversity and the effects of hydrologic alteration on freshwater mussels in Texas" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.678.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 29, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 05, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $125,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Science Priorities - Investigating genetic diversity and the effects of hydrologic alteration on freshwater mussels in Texas."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F18AS00212.
Which federal agency is offering this grant?
This is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding opportunity under the Department of the Interior.
What type of award is this?
It is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement, meaning the agency expects to have an active role in the supported work rather than only providing funds.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
Based on the description provided, a cooperative agreement indicates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service anticipates being actively involved in the project during the period of performance (for example, through collaboration or coordination), rather than simply issuing the award and stepping back.
Is this a research-focused opportunity or an implementation-focused opportunity?
It is research-focused, aimed at generating practical scientific results that can be used in on-the-ground species conservation planning in Texas.
What program category does this opportunity fall under?
The opportunity is in the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.
What is the CFDA number listed for this program?
The CFDA number listed is 15.678.
What is the main purpose of the funded research?
The core purpose is to support original research on selected species of Texas freshwater mussels to strengthen and refine ongoing captive propagation efforts and to provide stronger scientific support for potential future reintroduction projects.
Which geographic area is the focus of this work?
The focus is Texas, including priority Texas watersheds relevant to freshwater mussels and associated aquatic species of conservation concern.
Which organisms are the focus of the proposed studies?
The studies are focused on selected species of Texas freshwater mussels, with attention to how hydrologic alteration may also affect other aquatic species of conservation concern.
What research theme related to genetics is emphasized?
A central theme is genetic diversity. Applicants are expected to investigate genetic structure and variation in priority mussel species so conservation programs can make better decisions about broodstock collection, genetic management in captivity, and possible future reintroductions.
Why is genetic diversity a priority in this grant?
The opportunity highlights that genetic research can help conservation programs avoid issues such as inbreeding, loss of locally adapted lineages, or mixing populations in ways that could reduce long-term resilience.
How are the genetic results expected to be used in conservation practice?
The information is intended to directly inform decisions about how mussels are collected for broodstock, how genetic diversity is maintained during captive propagation, and how managers evaluate the prospects for successful reintroductions.
What is the second major emphasis of the opportunity besides genetics?
The second major emphasis is understanding the effects of hydrologic alteration in priority Texas watersheds and linking hydrologic trends to habitat changes that matter for mussels and other sensitive aquatic communities.
What does "hydrologic alteration" mean in the context of this opportunity?
Hydrologic alteration is described as changes in the timing, magnitude, and variability of streamflows. Examples listed include impacts from reservoirs, diversions, groundwater pumping, urbanization, drought management, and other watershed modifications.
Why does hydrologic alteration matter for freshwater mussels?
Freshwater mussels depend on stable substrates, suitable flow conditions, water quality, and host fish interactions. Changes in flow regimes can affect survival, reproduction, recruitment, and whether mussel beds persist over time.
What types of habitat changes are mentioned as being relevant to mussels?
The opportunity mentions physical habitat changes that can result from altered flow patterns, including sedimentation, channel instability, and loss of refugia.
What kinds of outcomes should hydrology-related studies aim to connect?
The opportunity is positioned to support studies that connect altered flow patterns to physical habitat changes and to biological outcomes for mussels and other sensitive aquatic communities.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $125,000.
How many awards were anticipated?
The agency anticipated making about two awards.
How competitive might this opportunity be based on the information provided?
Only about two awards were anticipated, and the funding is described as relatively small and targeted. This suggests a focused solicitation that may be competitive among proposals aligned with the stated priorities.
When was the funding opportunity created?
The creation date listed is June 29, 2018.
What was the original closing date for applications?
The original closing date listed is July 5, 2018.
What does the short application window suggest about the solicitation?
The creation and closing dates indicate a tight application window, consistent with a focused, priority-driven solicitation.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, indicating a wide range of entities could apply (such as universities, nonprofits, state or local agencies, or other organizations), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may have been included in the full notice.
Is the opportunity limited to a specific type of institution?
No specific limitation is stated in the information provided. The eligibility category is described as unrestricted.
What kinds of projects are most aligned with this funding opportunity?
Projects most aligned are those that generate actionable conservation science for Texas freshwater mussel recovery work, especially research that (1) produces genetic analyses relevant to captive propagation and potential reintroduction decisions and/or (2) evaluates hydrologic alteration trends and links them to habitat and biological outcomes important for mussels and other aquatic species of conservation concern.
What conservation actions is the science intended to support?
The opportunity emphasizes practical scientific results that can be used for on-the-ground conservation planning, particularly strengthening captive propagation efforts and providing a stronger basis for potential future reintroduction projects.
Does the opportunity specify particular mussel species?
The information provided refers to "selected" and "priority" Texas freshwater mussel species but does not name specific species.
Does the opportunity mention captive propagation?
Yes. A key purpose is to strengthen and refine ongoing captive propagation efforts, including research that supports broodstock collection decisions and maintaining genetic diversity in captivity.
Does the opportunity mention reintroduction?
Yes. The research is intended to provide better scientific footing for potential future reintroduction projects and inform how managers decide where and how reintroductions might succeed.
What is the overall goal of this funding opportunity in plain terms?
It is a conservation science investment meant to produce usable, decision-relevant information for Texas freshwater mussel recovery, with a strong emphasis on genetics for propagation and reintroduction planning and on understanding how human-driven hydrologic changes impact mussel habitats and persistence.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: BLM-CO Strengthening Partnerships for Invasive Vegetation Management, Southwest District
Previous opportunity: Monitoring and outplanting of salt marsh bird's beak
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F18AS00212
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F18AS00212) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Predictive Science Academic Allance Program III Apply for DE FOA 0001955 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001955 Agency: Department of Energy, NNSA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU Apply for G18AS00077 Funding Number: G18AS00077 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G18AS00076 Funding Number: G18AS00076 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $498,068 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountian CESU Apply for G18AS00074 Funding Number: G18AS00074 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF): Core Programs Apply for 18 568 Funding Number: 18 568 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (OAC): Research Core Program Apply for 18 567 Funding Number: 18 567 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS): Core Programs Apply for 18 570 Funding Number: 18 570 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Computer and Network Systems (CNS): Core Programs Apply for 18 569 Funding Number: 18 569 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences Apply for 18 566 Funding Number: 18 566 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| TriService Nursing Research Program "A Call" Apply for HU0001 19 TSNRP 0001 Funding Number: HU0001 19 TSNRP 0001 Agency: Department of Defense, Uniformed Services Univ. of the Health Sciences Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| DC Small Park Reservations Cultural Landscape Inventory Apply for P18AS00401 Funding Number: P18AS00401 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Implementing Conservation Measures to Recover Pacific Lamprey Apply for F18AS00229 Funding Number: F18AS00229 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD Apply for P18AS00408 Funding Number: P18AS00408 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $74,966 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD Apply for P18AS00416 Funding Number: P18AS00416 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $26,800 |
| DoD Reconstructive Transplant Concept Award Apply for W81XWH 18 RTRP CA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 RTRP CA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Reconstructive Transplant Investigator- Initiated Research Award Apply for W81XWH 18 RTRP IIRA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 RTRP IIRA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Vehicle Inspection for Early Warning (VIEW) Apply for ST FRG 18 003 Funding Number: ST FRG 18 003 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| DoD Reconstructive Transplant Qualitative Research Award Apply for W81XWH 18 RTRP QRA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 RTRP QRA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Economic Impact Research and Assessment of Federal Laboratory Contributions to Standards Development Apply for 2018 NIST TPO 01 Funding Number: 2018 NIST TPO 01 Agency: Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Rivers CESU Apply for G18AS00059 Funding Number: G18AS00059 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $14,100 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F18AS00212", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.