Research Grants (Generic)

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THERE IS NO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE. This is a Notice of Intent to Award a Cooperative Agreement, in accordance with DM 2, 2.14B(4), between The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Georgia College and State University under authority of CFDA 15.650 and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-j), and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531-44). The Service will provide the Recipient with the necessary funding to conduct comprehensive, conservation status review of 14 Georgia crayfish species to include: 1) literature review of life history and distribution information; 2) subsequent field surveys of under-studied species with poorly delineated ranges; 3) identification of near- and long-term threats; 4) identification of additional data needs; 5) suggested conservation actions. The second major objective of this proposal is to improve the FWS’s capacity to survey and identify crayfish. Because Dr. Skelton at Georgia College & State University is the expert on crayfish taxonomy and status in Georgia, his assistance is required. Recently, a multi-species listing petition was submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service covering nearly 400 southeastern aquatic species. The list includes over 80 crayfish species of which 14 occur in Georgia. As with the majority of crayfishes, many of these species are poorly known in terms of their life history traits, distribution, and conservation statuses. Thus, a need exists to assess the state of knowledge of these species so that informed decisions can be made regarding actions needed for listing related decisions and their conservation. In recent years, much attention has been given to the imperilment of freshwater fishes and mussels, while crayfish study has lagged behind. Although nearly 50% of all North American crayfishes as imperiled, only four species are federally listed (<2%), and there are no federal candidate species. This is in stark contrast to the number of listed southeastern fishes (>40; ~8.5%) and freshwater mussels (>65; ~25%). The lack of attention that crayfish receive is partly a reflection of the limited number of taxonomic experts in the region. The Georgia College and State University will: (a) Provide a performance schedule to the Service’s Project Manager which shows each major planned milestone for the project and an estimated completion date within 45 days of the Service’s signature date on this agreement. (b) Coordinate closely with the Service’s Project Manager during the development and implementation of proposed activities. Receive written concurrence from the Service for any deviation of planned milestone activities. (c) The Recipient will strive to meet a goal of providing non-federal support, including cash and in-kind services, to this program through its own resources and resources of other contributors. Failure to meet the goal will not be cause for funding reduction or other adverse action. Georgia College will not be required to track and document in-kind contributions. (d) Ensure appropriate Federal, State and Local permits and authorizations are obtained prior to beginning work, and that the project is in compliance with all applicable state, local and federal laws. (e) Document each milestone activity related to this project and provide the Service with periodic progress reports of accomplishments. (Photos, written report etc.) (f) Purchase any equipment necessary for conducting the studies. (See Administrative Requirements 43CFR 12.72 or 12.934 as applicable) (g) Present results at scientific meetings, conferences, and to the Service. (h) Produce the following deliverables according to the performance schedule cited previously 1) Historic and current distribution map of each species listed below 2) Identification of threats to each species 3) Recommended conservation actions 4) Identification of additional data needs 5) Two day crayfish identification workshop for USFWS personnel 6) During field surveys, the PI will make an effort to include USFWS personnel in order to train them on proper crayfish sampling techniques and field identification necessary for future status surveys. Species Involved: Chauga crayfish (Cambarus chaugaensis) No Status Coosawattee Crayfish (Cambarus coosawattae) GA State Endangered Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish (Cambarus cryptodytes) GA State Threatened Conasauga Blue Burrower (Cambarus cymatilis) GA, TN State Endangered Chickamauga Crayfish (Cambarus extraneus) GA, TN State Threatened Etowah Crayfish (Cambarus fasciatus) GA State Threatened Little Tennessee Crayfish (Cambarus georgiae) GA State Endangered Piedmont Blue Burrower (Cambarus harti) GA State Endangered Hiwassee Headwater Crayfish (Cambarus parrishi) GA State Endangered Chattooga Crayfish (Cambarus scotti) GA State Threatened Beautiful Crayfish (Cambarus speciosus) GA State Endangered Lean Crayfish (Cambarus strigosus) GA State Threatened Blackbarred Crayfish (Cambarus unestami) GA State Threatened Broad River Burrowing Crayfish (Distocambarus devexus) GA State Threatened Period of performance is from date of the award to December 31 2013. Estimated award date is to be on or about September 20, 2012. The Single Source Award is being made in accordance with Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2, paragraph 2.14 (B) (4) , which allows for award to a applicant who is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based on technical expertise. Substantial involvement on part of the Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed assistance is solely within the discretion of the awarding agency. This Notice of Intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Questions concerning this announcement should be directed to Dr. Will Duncan, who may be reached at (706) 613-9493, X 227 or Janice McNeill, Contract Specialist at (404) 679-4056 or via email at janice_mcneill@fws.gov.

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