Nome Community Archaeology Expedition | P17AS00404

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Nome Community Archaeology Expedition (P17AS00404)

What is the Nome Community Archaeology Expedition funding opportunity?

The Nome Community Archaeology Expedition (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00404) is a National Park Service funding opportunity under the U.S. Department of the Interior. It supports a community-based archaeology expedition in Alaska's Bering Strait region with a focus on education and cultural resource protection.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the National Park Service (NPS), which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What is the main goal of this project?

The project aims to connect local residents, especially students, with the purpose and methods of archaeology and to demonstrate how archaeological research can deepen understanding of Alaska Native traditions and history. It is designed to build local awareness and strengthen stewardship of cultural and archaeological resources.

Where is the project focused geographically?

The work is focused on Alaska's Bering Strait region, an area described as containing some of the most significant cultural and archaeological resources in the world.

Why is there urgency around archaeology and cultural resource protection in this region?

The announcement highlights urgent threats to sites, including rapid coastal erosion that can destroy sites outright and widespread looting that removes artifacts and damages the contextual information archaeologists rely on to interpret the past.

What specific risks to cultural and archaeological sites are identified in the announcement?

Two primary risks are identified: (1) rapid coastal erosion and (2) widespread looting that removes artifacts and disrupts archaeological context.

How does the project plan to address the threats of erosion and looting?

By building local awareness and enthusiasm for archaeology, the project is intended to strengthen stewardship so communities can better recognize the value of protecting cultural places before they are lost to environmental change or human disturbance.

How does this opportunity relate to National Park Service units?

Many of the region's cultural and archaeological resources fall within or relate closely to National Park Service units, including Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

What type of award instrument is being used?

This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the National Park Service expects to be actively involved in the project rather than only providing funding with minimal interaction.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

Based on the notice, a cooperative agreement indicates substantial involvement by the National Park Service in carrying out the project activities, not just issuing funds.

What activity categories are associated with this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with education, environment, and humanities (noted under cultural affairs). This reflects an approach intended to be scientifically grounded and culturally meaningful, with direct public and youth engagement rather than purely academic research.

Is this intended to be purely academic archaeological research?

No. The announcement emphasizes community-based work with direct public and youth engagement, framed around education and stewardship as well as cultural meaning.

How many awards are expected under this opportunity?

The notice indicates this is a single-award action with an expected award count of one.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The funding ceiling listed in the announcement is $140,000.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). However, the notice is explicitly a notice of intent to award to Alaska Geographic, and it states that applications will not be accepted from any other applicant.

Can organizations other than Alaska Geographic submit an application?

No. The notice states it is a notice of intent to award to Alaska Geographic and that applications will not be accepted from any other applicant.

Is this an open, competitive funding opportunity?

No. The information provided describes it as an intent-to-award notice rather than an open competitive solicitation, including a statement that applications will not be accepted from any other applicant.

Who is the intended award recipient?

The notice is explicitly a notice of intent to award to Alaska Geographic.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on June 20, 2017.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date listed is June 26, 2017.

What does the short timeline suggest about the nature of the notice?

Based on the details provided (creation date of June 20, 2017 and closing date of June 26, 2017), the short timeline is consistent with an intent-to-award notice rather than a typical open solicitation with a longer application period.

What is the CFDA number (Assistance Listing) for this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 15.945, which corresponds to National Park Service assistance listings.

What broader outcomes does the project aim to support?

The project is intended to increase local understanding of archaeology, encourage protection of cultural resources, and help communities recognize the importance of safeguarding cultural places that may be threatened by erosion or looting.