Opportunity Information: Apply for L17AS00206
This grant opportunity is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperative agreement focused on launching new, on-the-ground research for Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) in a high-priority Sagebrush Focal Area (SFA) in north central Montana, specifically within Valley County under the Glasgow Field Office and the North Central Montana District. The need for the project stems from the HiLine Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision signed in September 2015, which formally designated this SFA because it contains especially high-quality sagebrush habitat. The Glasgow Field Office manages more than half of this SFA footprint, accounting for about 994,398 surface acres out of roughly 1.87 million acres total, yet this portion of the landscape has not previously benefited from dedicated sage-grouse research. The area includes more than 40 active leks and represents an important part of Montanas statewide sage-grouse population, so BLM is emphasizing that sound implementation of the RMP depends on having baseline and applied data on habitat use, seasonal movements, and population performance in this specific area.
The central purpose of the project is to gather practical, management-relevant information on what factors are influencing GRSG populations and how birds are using habitat across seasons, so that BLM can better target and prioritize RMP actions intended to conserve sage-grouse and other species that depend on sagebrush ecosystems. The initial research priorities are framed as foundational: document key habitat and population parameters that can guide near-term land management decisions, then build additional research questions as results emerge. In other words, this is meant to establish a first robust data set for the southern Valley County portion of the SFA, where a research gap currently exists, and then potentially expand into follow-on sage-grouse studies if new needs are identified.
Methodologically, the project is expected to rely on GPS collaring of sage-grouse to generate detailed location and movement data. Using those GPS data, the work would identify crucial seasonal habitats (such as breeding, nesting, brood-rearing, and wintering areas), quantify key population metrics (for example, survival or movement patterns that can be linked to demographic outcomes), and evaluate how surface water features and geographic conditions relate to habitat use and risk factors. A specific emphasis is placed on understanding West Nile Virus (WNV), described in the opportunity as one of the major threats to GRSG within the SFA. The project is designed to complement ongoing WNV surveillance already taking place in the area, meaning the research is not happening in isolation but is intended to integrate with existing disease monitoring and improve understanding of when and where landscape conditions might elevate disease exposure risk.
The public benefit case centers on how the results will translate into better land management and more transparent, accessible science. BLM highlights that improved knowledge of population dynamics, habitat needs, and disease-related factors should directly strengthen management decisions affecting sage-grouse and other wildlife in the region. The opportunity also anticipates tangible public-facing products, such as graduate student theses or dissertations and peer-reviewed journal publications, which would be available through university library systems and scientific journals. In addition, the project is positioned as a training and collaboration vehicle: graduate students and university faculty would work alongside federal partners, gaining experience in how land managers define scientific information needs and how research can inform federal actions that may affect sage-grouse and their habitats.
Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, offered as a cooperative agreement under CFDA number 15.231 (Natural Resources). The opportunity number is L17AS00206, originally posted July 11, 2017, with an original closing date of September 8, 2017. BLM expected to make one award, with an award ceiling of $230,000. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to a wide range of entity types, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may be included in the full announcement.Apply for L17AS00206
- The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Title: BLM-MT, Greater Sage Grouse Habitat Research in the Sagebrush Focal Area of North Central Montana, Glasgow Field Office, North Central Montana District" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.231.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 11, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 08, 2017. (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 $230,000.00 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant opportunity about?
This opportunity is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cooperative agreement to launch new, on-the-ground research for Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) in a high-priority Sagebrush Focal Area (SFA) in north central Montana. The work is intended to generate practical, management-relevant information that BLM can use to implement actions in the HiLine Resource Management Plan (RMP).
Which agency is offering this funding?
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering the funding.
What type of award is being offered?
The funding is offered as a cooperative agreement, which indicates BLM expects to have substantial involvement in the project compared with a standard grant.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 15.231 (Natural Resources).
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is L17AS00206.
Where will the research take place?
The project is focused in north central Montana within Valley County, specifically under the Glasgow Field Office and the North Central Montana District, in a designated Sagebrush Focal Area (SFA).
Why is this research needed in this area?
The HiLine Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision signed in September 2015 formally designated the SFA due to its especially high-quality sagebrush habitat. Although the Glasgow Field Office manages more than half of the SFA footprint (about 994,398 surface acres out of roughly 1.87 million acres total), that portion has not previously benefited from dedicated sage-grouse research. BLM is seeking baseline and applied data to support sound implementation of the RMP in this specific landscape.
How large is the BLM-managed portion of the SFA mentioned in the announcement?
The Glasgow Field Office manages about 994,398 surface acres within the SFA, out of approximately 1.87 million acres total.
What makes this SFA important for sage-grouse?
The area contains especially high-quality sagebrush habitat, includes more than 40 active leks, and represents an important part of Montana's statewide sage-grouse population.
What are the primary goals of the project?
The central purpose is to gather management-relevant information on factors influencing GRSG populations and how birds use habitat across seasons. The intent is to help BLM better target and prioritize RMP actions to conserve sage-grouse and other sagebrush-dependent species.
Is this meant to be baseline research, applied research, or both?
Both. The initial priorities are framed as foundational (establishing key habitat and population parameters for near-term management decisions), with an expectation that additional research questions could be developed as results emerge.
What research gap is this project intended to address?
The opportunity is intended to establish the first robust data set for the southern Valley County portion of the SFA, where a dedicated sage-grouse research gap currently exists.
What methods are expected to be used for tracking sage-grouse?
The project is expected to rely on GPS collaring of sage-grouse to generate detailed location and movement data.
What kinds of habitat use will the GPS data help identify?
Using GPS data, the research would identify crucial seasonal habitats such as breeding, nesting, brood-rearing, and wintering areas.
What population metrics does the opportunity mention?
The opportunity indicates the project would quantify key population metrics, with examples including survival and movement patterns that can be linked to demographic outcomes.
What environmental or landscape factors are specifically mentioned as topics of analysis?
The opportunity specifically calls for evaluating how surface water features and geographic conditions relate to habitat use and risk factors.
How does West Nile Virus (WNV) fit into the scope of work?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is described as one of the major threats to GRSG within the SFA. The project emphasizes understanding WNV in relation to landscape conditions and habitat use, and it is designed to complement ongoing WNV surveillance already occurring in the area.
Is this project supposed to work with existing monitoring efforts?
Yes. The announcement states the research is intended to complement ongoing WNV surveillance in the area, integrating with existing disease monitoring rather than operating in isolation.
How will the results be used by BLM?
The results are intended to strengthen land management decisions by improving knowledge of habitat needs, seasonal movements, population dynamics, and disease-related risk factors, helping BLM target and prioritize RMP actions.
What public benefits or public-facing products are expected?
The opportunity anticipates products such as graduate student theses or dissertations and peer-reviewed journal publications, which would be available through university library systems and scientific journals. It also emphasizes transparent, accessible science that informs management affecting sage-grouse and other wildlife.
Does the opportunity include a training or collaboration component?
Yes. The project is positioned as a training and collaboration vehicle where graduate students and university faculty work alongside federal partners and gain experience with management-driven research needs and how research informs federal actions.
How many awards does BLM expect to make?
BLM expected to make one award.
What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed is $230,000.
Is this a discretionary funding opportunity?
Yes. The announcement describes it as a discretionary funding opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to a wide range of entity types, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications that may be included in the full announcement.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was originally posted on July 11, 2017, and the original closing date was September 8, 2017.
Which BLM offices are associated with the project area?
The project area is within Valley County under the Glasgow Field Office and the North Central Montana District.
What is the broader conservation context described in the opportunity?
The work is framed around conserving Greater Sage-Grouse and other species that depend on sagebrush ecosystems, with the research intended to inform and improve BLM implementation of the HiLine RMP in a particularly high-quality habitat area.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Notice of Intent
Previous opportunity: Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
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 L17AS00206
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (L17AS00206) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Trail maintenance Cosby and Big Creek trails system Apply for P17AS00488 Funding Number: P17AS00488 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $31,043 |
| Mid Klamath River Fall Chinook Spawner Survey Apply for F17AS00310 Funding Number: F17AS00310 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $28,113 |
| BLM CA Rock Art and the Public CASO Applegate Bakersfileld Field Offices Apply for L17AS00210 Funding Number: L17AS00210 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Manage Forest Gaps at Morristown National Historical Park Apply for NPS 17 NERO 0089 Funding Number: NPS 17 NERO 0089 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $37,000 |
| Notice of Intent: Surficial Mapping Sister and Sumnerville Quads, Cass Co MI, Coalition Program Apply for USGS FA 17 0278 Funding Number: USGS FA 17 0278 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,462 |
| Connecting Youth to Parks through Conservation Apply for NPSNOIGLCA1701079 Funding Number: NPSNOIGLCA1701079 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development of Technical Reference Materials Apply for P17AS00490 Funding Number: P17AS00490 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $99,981 |
| Cooperative GIS Research and Support for Cultural Resource condition Assessment and Cultural GIS Data Management Apply for P17AS00493 Funding Number: P17AS00493 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $69,699 |
| Mississippi River Basin 2017 Asian Carp Partnership Projects for USFWS Funding Apply for F17AS00311 Funding Number: F17AS00311 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $424,693 |
| Notice of Intent: Local Youth Employment in Southern Arizona, aka Next Generation Ranger Corps Program (NextGen) Apply for P17AS00497 Funding Number: P17AS00497 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM-(MT), Fish Impediment Inventory Along Montanaâ¿¿s HiLine, North Central Montana District Apply for L17AS00208 Funding Number: L17AS00208 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Resilient Landscapes: Watershed Restoration on the Valles Caldera NP Apply for NPSNOIVALL1701088 Funding Number: NPSNOIVALL1701088 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multi-Element Chemical Analysis of Slave Village Soils at Cumberland Island National Seashore Apply for P17AS00500 Funding Number: P17AS00500 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NPSNOIBRCA1701097 Apply for NPSNOIBRCA1701097 Funding Number: NPSNOIBRCA1701097 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Trail Repair & Restoration of Landscapes Apply for NPSNOIGUMO1701021 Funding Number: NPSNOIGUMO1701021 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cabo Rojo NWR VISTA Apply for F17AS00315 Funding Number: F17AS00315 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Trail Repair and Restoration Apply for NPSNOIGUMO1701025 Funding Number: NPSNOIGUMO1701025 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent: Glacial Mapping of Western Waushara County Wisconsin Apply for USGS FA 17 0279 Funding Number: USGS FA 17 0279 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $53,857 |
| Notice of Intent - Three-Dimensional Geologic Mapping in Cayuga County, New York Apply for USGS FA 17 0312 Funding Number: USGS FA 17 0312 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $47,857 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 17 FA 0098 Funding Number: USGS 17 FA 0098 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $170,195 |
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 "L17AS00206", 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.