Applying Sound Science to Identify, Inform, Implement, and Track Climate Change Adaptation in the National Park Service with the NPS Climate Change Response Program. | P17AS00269

Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00269

This grant opportunity, titled "Applying Sound Science to Identify, Inform, Implement, and Track Climate Change Adaptation in the National Park Service with the NPS Climate Change Response Program," is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement designed to strengthen how the agency plans for and responds to climate change across the national park system. The core purpose is to transfer funds to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University so it can help the NPS Climate Change Response Program (CCRP) build and apply practical, science-based tools that make climate adaptation easier to identify, carry out, and evaluate. Rather than funding a broad pool of applicants, the notice is essentially an intent to continue partnering under an existing relationship, and it states that no applications will be accepted.

The work centers on a common problem in climate adaptation: parks and programs often have scattered information about what adaptation projects have been attempted, which ones worked, which ones did not, and why. On top of that, decision-makers need climate information that is both credible and usable, including historical conditions and projected trends, and they need ways to translate that science into materials that can support planning and training. This agreement is meant to provide that connective tissue by combining scientific synthesis, data infrastructure, and communication products into a more coherent support system for NPS adaptation work.

A major emphasis of the scope is data and information management. The partner is expected to bring expertise in gathering and synthesizing scientific information, managing databases, and handling climate datasets from acquisition through analysis and communication. The described tasks include database management, data analysis, and the creation of visualizations and presentations that help staff and partners understand climate signals and adaptation options. Supporting tasks include literature searches, reviews, and syntheses, along with assistance preparing briefings and other science-based products that CCRP can reuse in different contexts.

The opportunity is structured in phases, with this specific agreement funding Phase 1. Phase 1 focuses on the design, development, and initial implementation of a core suite of tools and products that CCRP can use to support climate adaptation across parks. Key deliverables mentioned include the NP Adapt database (intended to organize and make accessible information on adaptation actions and projects), processes for evaluating climate data (so parks can more consistently interpret and apply climate information), syntheses of information on climate impacts (to connect scientific findings with management concerns), and a structured set of materials that can be adapted for many different CCRP needs. Those needs include presentations for Resource Stewardship Strategies, adaptation workshops, educational classes, and direct technical support to parks.

Phase 2, which is described but not funded under this initial award, would move from initial development into evaluation and refinement, aiming to turn the Phase 1 outputs into more polished, production-quality products. Phase 2 would also expand the effort to explicitly support climate vulnerability assessments for parks, which typically require organized climate exposure data, sensitivity information, and decision-relevant summaries. A potential Phase 3 is anticipated as well, aimed at full implementation and operational use of the mature tools and products, but it is noted that Phase 3 would depend on what is learned and produced in the first two phases. The notice indicates the agreement may be modified later to support Phases 2 and 3.

From an administrative standpoint, the award is a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, tied to CFDA 15.945 and categorized under education-related activity. The funding is capped at $99,914, with one expected award. The opportunity number is P17AS00269, created May 17, 2017, and the closing information clarifies that this is a non-competitive intent to partner with Colorado State University under an existing cooperative agreement, meaning it is not an open solicitation for new proposals.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Applying Sound Science to Identify, Inform, Implement, and Track Climate Change Adaptation in the National Park Service with the NPS Climate Change Response Program." 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 May 17, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Notice of intent to partner with Colorado State University under Cooperative Agreement P14AC00728 without additional competition. No applications will be accepted.. (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 $99,914.00 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).

Apply for P17AS00269

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: