OIA Brown Treesnake Program 2022 funding announcement | OIAOIA BTS2200039

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the OIA Brown Treesnake Program 2022 funding announcement?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior under CFDA 15.875. The funding supports efforts to prevent the spread of the brown treesnake (BTS) beyond areas where it is already established.

What problem is this grant opportunity trying to address?

The opportunity is focused on reducing the risk of new brown treesnake infestations by supporting prevention and response work that can stop BTS from becoming established in new locations, especially on islands and jurisdictions vulnerable to accidental introduction.

What is the overall goal of the program?

The overarching goal is to reduce the risk of BTS spreading to new areas by strengthening practical, on-the-ground prevention and response efforts, including readiness to act quickly after a credible detection.

What kinds of projects does the funding support?

The announcement supports practical prevention and response work, including interdiction activities, early detection and rapid response, and outreach/public education related to preventing the spread of brown treesnakes.

What does "interdiction" mean in this funding announcement?

Interdiction refers to projects designed to intercept and prevent brown treesnakes from being transported to other islands through pathways such as cargo, aircraft, ships, or other transport routes.

What types of pathways are specifically mentioned for interdiction work?

The opportunity notes cargo, aircraft, ships, and other pathways as routes through which snakes could be accidentally transported to other islands or jurisdictions.

What is considered "early detection and rapid response" under this program?

Early detection and rapid response generally includes surveillance and monitoring activities, reporting systems, and the ability to respond quickly when a potential BTS sighting or incursion is reported or otherwise identified.

Are surveillance and monitoring activities eligible for funding?

Yes. The announcement explicitly includes surveillance and monitoring as part of early detection and rapid response work.

Are reporting systems eligible for funding?

Yes. The description of early detection and rapid response includes reporting systems intended to help identify and act on potential BTS sightings or incursions.

Is outreach and public education an allowable use of funds?

Yes. Outreach and public education are highlighted as eligible and important, with the announcement noting that community awareness and reporting can play a key role in detecting and preventing spread.

Why does the announcement emphasize outreach and public education?

The announcement recognizes that informed communities can improve prevention outcomes by increasing awareness and encouraging reporting, which can support earlier detection and faster response to credible threats.

Where is the program trying to prevent brown treesnakes from spreading to?

The focus is on preventing spread beyond areas where BTS is established, with particular emphasis on protecting other islands and jurisdictions that are vulnerable to accidental introduction.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility is restricted to members of the Brown Treesnake Technical Working Group. The group includes, but is not limited to, representatives from the governments of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the State of Hawaii, and relevant U.S. federal agencies.

Is eligibility open to any organization or the general public?

No. The opportunity states that eligibility is restricted and applicants must be members of the Brown Treesnake Technical Working Group.

What is the Brown Treesnake Technical Working Group?

Based on the announcement, it is a defined group whose membership includes (but is not limited to) representatives from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the State of Hawaii, and relevant U.S. federal agencies. Eligibility for this funding is tied to being a member of this group.

Which agency is offering the funding?

The grant opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.875.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category for this grant listing?

The activity category is listed as "Other," reflecting that the funded work spans multiple practical prevention and response functions rather than one narrow service area.

When was this opportunity posted?

The listing shows a creation date of January 7, 2022.

What was the application closing date?

The original closing date shown in the listing is April 1, 2022.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listing shows the award ceiling as 0. In summarized grant listings, this typically means the maximum award amount was not specified in the summary data or may be determined based on available funds, project scope, or other program decisions.

What federal grant rules apply to this opportunity?

The announcement notes that eligibility and administration align with 2 CFR 200, which sets federal standards for grants management, including financial management, allowable costs, reporting, and oversight requirements.

What does it mean that the grant aligns with 2 CFR 200?

It means the grant is expected to follow the federal standards in 2 CFR 200, including requirements related to how funds are managed, which costs may be allowable, what reporting is required, and how oversight is conducted.

What are the main outcomes the funded work is intended to improve?

The funded work is intended to strengthen the prevention network, reduce transport risks, and improve readiness to respond immediately to credible detections, with the aim of stopping BTS before it becomes established in new locations.