Tortoise Surveys for Natural Resource Protection, Mojave National Preserve | P18AS00057

Opportunity Information: Apply for P18AS00057

The Tortoise Surveys for Natural Resource Protection, Mojave National Preserve opportunity is a National Park Service (Department of the Interior) project set up as a cooperative agreement to support pre-construction biological compliance work tied to soils mapping efforts in Mojave National Preserve. The basic goal is to place an early-career scientist (described as a Research Associate) into a hands-on field role where they gain practical training while helping the Preserve reduce the risk of harm to the federally protected desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). The work is framed as supporting Interior Department priorities around using science to guide land and water management and improving the efficiency of environmental review while still meeting environmental standards.

The need driving the project comes from a large, area-wide soils survey being conducted with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Creating a third-order soils map requires digging many trenches and pits across the Preserve so soil series can be identified and mapped accurately. Those excavations can inadvertently expose desert tortoises to "take" as defined under the Endangered Species Act, which creates both conservation risk and regulatory risk. To prevent that, the project funds tortoise presence surveys at proposed excavation locations so that, if tortoises or signs of their use are found, protective measures can be put in place before digging occurs.

Fieldwork is based on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey guidance for small projects and linear projects (USFWS 2017). A key point in the description is that these surveys focus on detecting tortoises indirectly by finding sign such as burrows, scat, tracks, and other indicators of tortoise activity, rather than requiring a visual encounter with an animal. Because sign can be assessed year-round, the work is not limited to a narrow seasonal window. The project emphasizes the skill required to notice subtle evidence in a complex desert landscape and to interpret what that evidence means, including whether an area is used frequently or only occasionally.

The professional development component is central to the opportunity. The Research Associate is expected to build competence in standardized tortoise survey methods, making macro- and microhabitat observations, navigating to remote and rugged sites, and using GPS and mobile GIS tools to document survey routes and findings. Just as importantly, the role includes careful data recording, organization, and data management so results can be reviewed, reported, and used to guide on-the-ground decisions associated with the soils excavation program. The description also notes that surveyors will likely encounter other wildlife and wildlife sign during fieldwork and are expected to document those observations as well, with potential opportunities to assist on additional natural resource projects beyond tortoise-related surveys.

Administratively, the announcement is listed under funding opportunity number P18AS00057, categorized as a discretionary opportunity using a cooperative agreement funding instrument, and tied to the Natural Resources funding activity category (CFDA 15.931). Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The posting is explicitly a Notice of Intent to Award rather than an open call for applications, stating that it is not a request for applications and that funding will be provided under an existing cooperative agreement with GBI. The award ceiling shown is $32,629, and the opportunity dates indicate it was created March 14, 2018, with an original closing date of April 1, 2018, even though no competitive awards were anticipated because the intent was to fund the identified project through the existing agreement.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Tortoise Surveys for Natural Resource Protection, Mojave National Preserve" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.931.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 14, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 01, 2018 NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD. This is NOT a request for application. This funding announcement is to provide public notice that the National Park Service will fund the following project under an existing Cooperative Agreement with GBI.. (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 $32,629.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

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