Assessment and Revision of Karst Fauna Regions for Karst Invertebrates in Travis and Williamson Counties, Texas | F18AS00134

Opportunity Information: Apply for F18AS00134

The grant opportunity titled "Assessment and Revision of Karst Fauna Regions for Karst Invertebrates in Travis and Williamson Counties, Texas" (Funding Opportunity Number F18AS00134) is a discretionary, science and technology research-focused cooperative agreement offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (CFDA 15.678). It was created on May 10, 2018, with an application closing date of June 11, 2018. The agency expected to make a single award, with a maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $38,161.

The core purpose of the award is to support New Mexico Tech University, specifically through its administration of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI), in carrying out original research that reexamines and updates the mapped "karst fauna regions" in Travis and Williamson counties in Texas. In practical terms, this means taking a fresh look at how biological regions associated with karst landscapes (areas defined by soluble rock, caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage) are delineated, and then revising those boundaries or classifications if the evidence suggests changes are needed.

The work is explicitly data-driven and is meant to rely on current, best-available information across three major domains: geology, hydrology, and species distributions. Geology data helps identify the rock units and structural features that create and constrain karst habitat. Hydrology data informs how water moves through the landscape and subsurface, which is critical in karst systems where underground connectivity can determine whether populations are isolated or linked. Species distribution data, especially for karst invertebrates that may be highly localized and sensitive to habitat fragmentation, is used to test whether existing mapped fauna regions still match the biological reality on the ground. The intent is to bring these datasets together to reassess the regional framework used to understand and manage karst-dependent invertebrate biodiversity in these two rapidly developing Central Texas counties.

Although the eligibility field is listed as "unrestricted" (open to any entity type), the description indicates the agreement is designed to provide support and assistance to New Mexico Tech University via NCKRI, which signals a targeted cooperative arrangement rather than a broadly competitive program. As a cooperative agreement, the opportunity also implies an active partnership element between the recipient and the Fish and Wildlife Service compared to a standard grant, typically meaning the agency may be more directly involved in technical coordination, data-sharing, or oversight of the research approach and deliverables.

Overall, the opportunity funds a focused scientific reassessment aimed at improving the accuracy and usefulness of karst fauna region maps for Travis and Williamson counties by incorporating updated geological and hydrological understanding along with the most current information on where karst invertebrate species occur. This kind of revised regional mapping can be foundational for conservation planning, impact assessment, and prioritizing research or protection efforts in karst environments, where many species can be endemic to small areas and dependent on specific subsurface conditions.

• 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 "Assessment and Revision of Karst Fauna Regions for Karst Invertebrates in Travis and Williamson Counties, 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 May 10, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 11, 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 $38,161.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 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.

Apply for F18AS00134

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