ISLAND-WIDE BLACK ABALONE SURVEYS AND HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION AT SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND (SCI), CA | N62473 24 2 0009

Opportunity Information: Apply for N62473 24 2 0009

This funding opportunity, titled "Island-Wide Black Abalone Surveys and Habitat Characterization at San Clemente Island (SCI), CA," is a discretionary cooperative agreement offered by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC Southwest). The project focuses on conducting island-wide population assessments and habitat characterization for black abalone in the rocky intertidal zones of San Clemente Island. The core purpose is to generate updated, defensible estimates of black abalone population size and density and to improve understanding of where the species occurs, how abundant it is, and what habitat conditions are most suitable for it on the island.

The work is framed as both a conservation and compliance effort. It directly supports implementation of the San Clemente Island Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), which sets a clear management objective for black abalone: to continue monitoring and supporting recovery of the species in appropriate rocky intertidal habitat, and to keep refining knowledge of population status and density at SCI over time. Because black abalone are listed as endangered, the surveys also provide a conservation benefit aligned with the Endangered Species Act, specifically the requirement referenced under ESA section 4(a)(3)(B). In practical terms, the Navy needs current, credible data on the species to demonstrate responsible stewardship while also maintaining the conditions necessary for ongoing and future military operations on the island.

A key driver highlighted in the announcement is that endangered black abalone are currently present at SCI and are managed under the INRMP, and that maintaining a critical habitat exemption remains important to supporting the Navy mission on the installation. That makes it especially important for natural resource managers to have up-to-date information on current population size, density patterns, distribution around the shoreline, and habitat suitability. The resulting data are intended to inform conservation decisions, guide recovery-oriented management actions on SCI, and help ensure that operational planning is supported by accurate biological and habitat information.

Administratively, the opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number N62473 24 2 0009 and falls under CFDA 12.300 (Natural Resources). The award instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically implies substantial involvement by the federal agency during project execution (for example, coordination on methods, access, deliverables, and reporting), rather than a standard grant with minimal agency participation. The total maximum funding per award is capped at $71,960, and the Navy anticipates making up to two awards. The posting date is April 25, 2024, and the original closing date for applications is May 28, 2024.

Eligibility is limited to Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Californian cooperative partners that meet the applicable federal assistance requirements under DoDGARS Part 34 or 2 CFR 200. The notice also points applicants to a separate Statement of Objectives for the full technical scope and to attached terms and conditions for the governing administrative requirements, which suggests that the detailed survey design, habitat assessment approach, data standards, deliverables, and coordination expectations are defined in those companion documents.

• The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "ISLAND-WIDE BLACK ABALONE SURVEYS AND HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION AT SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND (SCI), CA" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.300.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-28. (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 $71,960.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for N62473 24 2 0009

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