Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP17AC00246
This notice describes a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement action for Lake Superior monitoring and research at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS). Despite being presented in the format of a funding opportunity, it is explicitly labeled "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS," meaning it is not an open call for proposals. Instead, it documents a planned, single-award cooperative agreement under an existing Master Cooperative Agreement (P 12AC31164) between the Department of the Interior/NPS and the Regents of the University of Minnesota. The purpose of that master agreement is to support research, technical assistance, and education that help federal land and environmental managers address natural and cultural resource issues using interdisciplinary science (biological, physical, social, and cultural) and collaboration between federal agencies and universities.
The specific project is centered on nearshore monitoring in western Lake Superior, with a focus on fixed monitoring stations in and around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) Large Lakes Observatory is identified as the key partner that will assist NPS with ongoing nearshore monitoring and will also pursue related research on tributary-to-lake connections and recent ecological changes. A stated public purpose of the effort is to bring nationally recognized large-lakes expertise into nearshore management questions that affect the park and surrounding coastal communities. The expected outcome is better scientific understanding of nearshore conditions, improved interpretation of ecosystem changes in Lake Superior, and stronger public communication and outreach around those changes.
This action is structured as a cooperative agreement, which matters because NPS is expected to be "substantially involved" in the work rather than simply providing funds with minimal federal participation. The roles are divided but intentionally interdependent. On the university side, UMD agrees to provide field and technical assistance during nearshore monitoring at the fixed stations, collect and analyze water quality samples (including nutrients and chlorophyll-a), and, as time and funding allow, conduct modeling and experimental work aimed at understanding tributary-nearshore dynamics and nutrient-algal relationships. The university also agrees to connect this effort to other research streams at the Large Lakes Observatory, which is meant to expand the scientific value of the monitoring program beyond routine sampling.
On the NPS side, the agency commits direct operational support and scientific contributions. NPS will provide boat and dive support needed to conduct fieldwork at the fixed stations, analyze algal samples (including algal community composition and potential algal toxins), and provide access to continuous monitoring data already being collected at the stations (such as water quality and current measurements). NPS will also link the project to its outreach programs and partnerships so that findings can inform public education and stakeholder engagement. In addition, NPS will help build research capacity by arranging outside mentoring support for graduate students who participate in modeling and experimental studies, reinforcing the agreement's education and workforce-development component.
Both parties commit to an active, collaborative workflow rather than parallel efforts. They agree to communicate frequently during planning and implementation, share datasets as they are produced, and work jointly on analysis, interpretation, and reporting. They also plan to use the collaboration to generate ideas for future research relevant to Lake Superior and national parks more broadly, signaling that this is meant to be part of a longer-term science and management relationship rather than a one-off study.
Administratively, the notice ties the task agreement to federal assistance rules under 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance). It states that these regulations supersede older OMB circulars for this work and that, if there is any conflict between the master agreement terms and 2 CFR Part 200 as applied to this task, the Uniform Guidance controls. This clarifies the compliance framework for costs, financial management, reporting, and audit expectations under the award.
Key listing details included in the source record reinforce that this is a single, targeted action: the agency is the Department of the Interior, National Park Service; the instrument is a cooperative agreement; the opportunity number is NPS NOIP17AC00246; the CFDA (now commonly referred to under Assistance Listings) number is 15.945; the expected number of awards is 1; and the award ceiling is $110,000. The posting dates (created April 28, 2017, original closing date May 8, 2017) function more like administrative timestamps than a true competitive deadline, consistent with the repeated statement that it is not a request for applications and is tied to an existing partnership framework with the University of Minnesota.Apply for NPS NOIP17AC00246
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education, employment, labor and training, environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS-Lake Superior Monitoring and Research- APIS- THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 28, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 08, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $110,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this notice an open grant opportunity where anyone can apply?
No. The notice explicitly states "THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS." It is not an open call for proposals and is not seeking new applicants.
If it is not a request for applications, what is the notice for?
It documents a planned cooperative agreement action by the National Park Service (NPS) for Lake Superior monitoring and research at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS), structured as a single, targeted award under an existing partnership framework.
What type of federal funding instrument is being used?
The action is a cooperative agreement. This is important because it indicates NPS is expected to be substantially involved in the work, rather than simply providing funds with minimal federal participation.
Who is the federal agency associated with this action?
The agency is the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS).
Who is the planned partner/recipient for this cooperative agreement?
The planned partner is the Regents of the University of Minnesota under an existing Master Cooperative Agreement, with the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) Large Lakes Observatory identified as the key partner supporting the work.
Is this award being made under an existing agreement?
Yes. The notice states the action is a planned, single-award cooperative agreement under an existing Master Cooperative Agreement (P 12AC31164) between the Department of the Interior/NPS and the Regents of the University of Minnesota.
What is the overall purpose of the Master Cooperative Agreement referenced in the notice?
The master agreement is intended to support research, technical assistance, and education that help federal land and environmental managers address natural and cultural resource issues using interdisciplinary science (biological, physical, social, and cultural) and collaboration between federal agencies and universities.
What is the specific project described in this notice focused on?
The project centers on nearshore monitoring in western Lake Superior, focusing on fixed monitoring stations in and around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Where will the monitoring and research activities take place?
The work is associated with Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) and involves fixed monitoring stations located in and around the park in western Lake Superior.
Why is UMD's Large Lakes Observatory involved?
The Large Lakes Observatory is identified as the key partner to assist NPS with ongoing nearshore monitoring and to pursue related research on tributary-to-lake connections and recent ecological changes, bringing large-lakes expertise to nearshore management questions affecting the park and surrounding coastal communities.
What public purpose is stated for this cooperative agreement?
A stated public purpose is to bring nationally recognized large-lakes expertise into nearshore management questions that affect Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and surrounding coastal communities.
What outcomes are expected from the project?
Expected outcomes include better scientific understanding of nearshore conditions, improved interpretation of ecosystem changes in Lake Superior, and stronger public communication and outreach related to those changes.
What does "substantial involvement" by NPS mean in this context?
It means the work is designed to be collaborative and interdependent, with NPS providing operational support, scientific contributions, data access, and outreach linkages rather than acting only as a funder.
What responsibilities does UMD agree to perform under the project?
UMD agrees to provide field and technical assistance during nearshore monitoring at fixed stations; collect and analyze water quality samples (including nutrients and chlorophyll-a); and, as time and funding allow, conduct modeling and experimental work to understand tributary-nearshore dynamics and nutrient-algal relationships. UMD also agrees to connect the effort to other research streams at the Large Lakes Observatory to expand the scientific value beyond routine sampling.
What sample types or indicators are explicitly mentioned for UMD's water quality work?
The notice specifically mentions nutrients and chlorophyll-a as part of the water quality samples to be collected and analyzed by UMD.
What research topics may be pursued in addition to routine monitoring?
As time and funding allow, the project may include modeling and experimental work focused on tributary-to-nearshore dynamics and nutrient-algal relationships, as well as research related to recent ecological changes.
What responsibilities does NPS commit to under the project?
NPS commits to providing boat and dive support for fieldwork at fixed stations, analyzing algal samples (including algal community composition and potential algal toxins), providing access to continuous monitoring data already being collected (such as water quality and current measurements), and linking findings to outreach programs and partnerships for public education and stakeholder engagement.
What kinds of continuous monitoring data does NPS plan to provide access to?
The notice mentions continuous monitoring data such as water quality and current measurements already being collected at the fixed stations.
Who is responsible for algal analysis, and what does it include?
NPS is responsible for analyzing algal samples, including algal community composition and potential algal toxins.
Is there an education or workforce-development element included?
Yes. NPS plans to help build research capacity by arranging outside mentoring support for graduate students participating in modeling and experimental studies.
How will NPS and the university coordinate their work?
They plan an active collaborative workflow, including frequent communication during planning and implementation, sharing datasets as they are produced, and joint analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
Will the parties share data generated through the project?
Yes. The notice indicates both parties will share datasets as they are produced and collaborate on analysis and reporting.
Is this intended to be a one-time project or part of a longer collaboration?
The notice signals a longer-term relationship: the parties plan to use the collaboration to generate ideas for future research relevant to Lake Superior and national parks more broadly.
What are the compliance rules governing this award?
The notice ties the task agreement to federal assistance rules under 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance). It states these regulations supersede older OMB circulars for this work and that if there is a conflict between the master agreement terms and 2 CFR Part 200 as applied to this task, the Uniform Guidance controls.
What does it mean that 2 CFR Part 200 "controls" in the event of a conflict?
It means that for this task agreement, if any master agreement terms conflict with the applicable requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, the Uniform Guidance requirements take precedence for compliance expectations (including costs, financial management, reporting, and audit expectations).
What is the opportunity number for this notice?
The opportunity number is NPS NOIP17AC00246.
What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number associated with this action?
The CFDA (now commonly referred to as the Assistance Listing) number is 15.945.
How many awards are expected?
The expected number of awards is 1.
What is the maximum funding amount mentioned for the award?
The award ceiling listed in the record is $110,000.
Do the posted dates function like a competitive application deadline?
Not in the typical sense. While the record includes dates (created April 28, 2017, original closing date May 8, 2017), the notice repeatedly clarifies it is not a request for applications and is tied to an existing partnership, so the dates read more like administrative timestamps than a true competitive deadline.
What park unit is directly referenced in the work description?
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) is the park unit referenced for nearshore monitoring and related research activities.
What is the main environmental setting or system being monitored?
The work focuses on nearshore conditions in western Lake Superior, with monitoring conducted at fixed stations in and around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
How is public communication and outreach addressed in the project?
NPS plans to connect the project to its outreach programs and partnerships so findings can inform public education and stakeholder engagement, aligning scientific results with communication about ecosystem changes.
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| GLNF-CESU Lake Superior Monitoring and Research - APIS Apply for NPS NOIP17AC00246 04 Funding Number: NPS NOIP17AC00246 04 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| GLNF-CESU Conduct Deer Survey on NMI-SLBE Apply for NPS NOIP19AC00183 Funding Number: NPS NOIP19AC00183 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| GRRI CESU:Pilot Algal Assessment and Invasive Algae Detection at OZAR Apply for NPS NOIP19AC00266 Funding Number: NPS NOIP19AC00266 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| GP CESU: Survey Wintering and Migratory Birds at TAPR Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00283 Funding Number: NPS NOIP20AC00283 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| GLNF CESU: Evaluating the Relationship of Community Gravel Beds in Lake Huron and Erie- GLRI Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00302 Funding Number: NPS NOIP20AC00302 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $260,000 |
| GLNF CESU: Diatoms and Water Quality in Great Lakes National Parks- GLKN Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00364 Funding Number: NPS NOIP20AC00364 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $195,393 |
| GRPL CESU: Expand Missouri River Institute Internship Program for MNRR Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00365 Funding Number: NPS NOIP20AC00365 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $88,145 |
| GLNF-CESU: Forest Health Assessment for GLKN Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00367 Funding Number: NPS NOIP20AC00367 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,006 |
| GRPL CESU: Acoustic Monitoring of Bats in Northern Great Plains Parks Apply for NPS NOIP20AC00430 Funding Number: NPS NOIP20AC00430 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education, Employment, Labor and Training, Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $600,000 |
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