Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation (15.619)
Program
15.619 Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation
Federal Agency
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Authorization
Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, Public Law 103-391, 108 Stat. 4094 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq., as amended by the Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act of 1998, Public Law 105-312, 112 Stat. 2956 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.
Program Number
15.619
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To increase conservation of rhinoceros and tigers through strengthening habitat/ecosystem management; surveys and monitoring; conservation education; wildlife inspection, law enforcement and forensic skills; protected area/reserve management; sustainable development in buffer zones surrounding tiger/rhinoceros habitat; management of human behavior and livestock to decrease conflicts with tigers/rhinoceros; and the use of substitutes for tiger/rhinoceros products in oriental medicine. Projects which provide training to strengthen capabilities in these areas will receive priority.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used for approved rhinoceros and tiger conservation projects. Projects proposed should have the support of the local government(s) and have matching funds (cash) or in-kind support (salaries, equipment, etc.) provided by the organization receiving the grant or other partners. All non- governmental or private sector project proposals must contain evidence of support by local government entities of countries where the project is to be conducted.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants may be any Federal, State and local government agencies, public or private organizations, non- governmental nonprofit organizations, public an private institutions of higher education, or any other entity with experience in conservation. Projects must provide direct benefits to support research, conservation, management and protection of rhinoceroses and tigers.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Any Federal, State or local government agencies, public or private organizations, non-governmental nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, or any other entity.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Submit requests for proposal packages that contain specific information on the requirements and format to the Chief, Division of International Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, ARLSQ 730, Arlington, VA 22203-1622 USA. Telephone: (703) 358-1754; Fax: 703-358-2849.
Award Procedure
The Chief, Division of International Conservation (DIC), will select projects to be funded based on established criteria contained in 16 U.S.C. 5301. A grant agreement between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the grantee is drafted by DIC. The agreement is then submitted to the Office of Contracting and General Services (CGS) for processing. CGS then sends the grant agreement to the grantee for signature. Upon return to CGS, the grant agreement is signed by CGS, and is effective on the date of CGS signature.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
A grant agreement can be modified, extended, or renewed at the discretion of the Chief of Division of International Conservation and the CGS Contracting Officer.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. To the extent possible, grant funds are matched by nonfederal funds.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Award funds must be spent during the approved budget period and in accordance with DOI/FWS financial and reporting procedures.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Progress and final reports are due in accordance with terms and conditions of the award.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records for grants awarded to State and Local Governments will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments." Records for grants awarded to institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations."
Program Accomplishments
During 2001, the Service awarded 23 grants in 10 range countries.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-5199-0-2-303.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $970,000; FY 03 est $1,192,000; and FY 04 est $1,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Variable amounts. Due to the limited funding available and the desire to support diverse projects, preference will be given to proposals requesting $30,000 or less but higher amounts may be requested.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, Public Law 103-391, 108 Stat. 4094 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq., as amended by the Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act of 1998, Public Law 105-312, 112 Stat. 2956 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.
Related Programs
15.620, African Elephant Conservation; 15.621, Asian Elephant Conservation; 15.629, Great Apes Conservation.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Contact: Chief, Division of International Conservation, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, ARLSQ 730, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Telephone: (703) 358-1754, fax (703) 358-2849.
Web Site Address
http://international.fws.gov/grants/grants.html
Examples of Funded Projects
Projects generally strengthen habitat and ecosystem management, help create protected areas, assist local communities in buffer zones surrounding rhino and tiger habitat, and support monitoring and law enforcement activities. For example, a grant of $32,400 was awarded to the Asian Rhino Specialist Group to establish and operate three rhino protection units for one year in Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, for the protection of the Sumatran rhino population of the park.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for scope, significance to rhinoceros and tiger conservation, feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
