Undesirable/noxious Plant Species (15.652)

Program

15.652 Undesirable/noxious Plant Species

Federal Agency

Agency: Department of the Interior
Office: Fish and Wildlife Service

Authorization

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 742a-754; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, 16 U.S.C. 661-667(e); and National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd.

Program Number

15.652

Last Known Status

Active

Objectives

To encourage coordination and integration of efforts between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and interested parties to accomplish successful management of undesirable plant species. Projects must conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife and plants for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used for approved projects on Service lands that facilitate the identification, management and eradication of undesirable plant species.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants may be State and local governments, educational institutions, private and public nonprofit organizations, and institutions and private individuals which support the mission of the Service.

Beneficiary Eligibility

State and local governments; private and public nonprofit organizations; other private and public organizations; and private individuals who support the mission of the Service.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None. Currently this program is excluded from the E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review or Federal Programs' requirement, however it may be selected to participate at a later date.

Application Procedure

A Standard Form 424 and a written proposal should be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or via hardcopy to the project office and include: a title, justification (including relevance to the Fish and Wildlife Service's priorities as outlined above), objectives, time frame, and a budget breakdown. No State plan is required with this application. Note that the USFWS may circulate proposals to others for review.

Award Procedure

The Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or designee approves or disapproves submitted proposals. Criteria for selection are outlined in the funding announcement and application package posted to Grants.gov. Successful applicant(s) will be notified after selection and confirmation of available funding. An applicant(s) should not initiate a project in expectation of USFWS funding, nor should they purchase materials or begin work until such time as they receive the final award document signed by an authorized Service official.

Deadlines

Deadline varies depending on funding opportunity announcements.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Awards are anticipated within 90 days or less.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

None.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Project awards are generally from one to five years, depending on the complexity of the project and availability of funds. The five year restriction on the length of time is due to the period of availability of funds, which is limited to the five-year rule.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Recipients of funding are required to submit quarterly financial reports using form SF-269, and semi-annual performance reports 30 days following the end of each reporting period. All projects and activities are monitored for progress and compliance with the agreed upon scope of work. Final performance and financial reports are due 120 days after the end date of the grant performance reports.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend Financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular A-133.

Records

Records are required to be maintained for three years following submission of the final expenditure report.

Program Accomplishments

Fish and Wildlife Service has worked in conjunction with private, State, county and local governments to jointly address issues surrounding undesirable plant species.

Financial Information

Account Identification

14-1611-0-1-303.

Obligations

FY 07 not available; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$3,000 to $25,000; $5,500.

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

None.

Related Programs

None.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Contact: Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 670, Arlington, VA 22203. Telephone: (703) 358-1744; Fax: (703) 358-2248.

Web Site Address

http://www.fws.gov .

Examples of Funded Projects

Award to Jackson County Noxious Weed Management and Arapaho NWR ($3,300); awards to Ravalli County Weed District and Charles M. Russell NWR ($14,400).

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposals are evaluated on the basis of lasting effect on conservation, preservation, wildlife and their habitats.