Bats for the Future Fund 2022 Request for Proposals

Full Proposal Due Date:   Thursday, April 28, 2022 by 11:59 PM ET
Applicant Webinar (Register Here): Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 1:30-3:00 PM ET


OVERVIEW

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is soliciting proposals to slow or halt the impacts of white-nose syndrome disease (WNS) in North America and promote the survival and recovery of WNS-affected bat populations and species. The Bats for the Future Fund (BFF) will award an estimated $1.5 million in grants in 2022. The USFWS, which leads the national response for combatting WNS, provides significant contributions for the BFF. Additional important funding is provided by the Bureau of Land Management, Southern Company, and Avangrid Foundation.

The objectives of the BFF are to: 

  • Advance field treatments and management tools that provide the greatest potential to improve bat survival by preventing exposure to Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungal pathogen that causes WNS, and/or enhancing bats’ ability to withstand the disease.
  • Implement field treatments, management tools, and habitat conservation strategies that help WNS-affected bat populations to recover from the impacts of WNS; and,
  • Support innovative and collaborative research leading directly to development and deployment of treatments and management tools or strategies for WNS that will perpetuate viable populations of bats.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FOCUS

The Bats for the Future Fund will award grants to projects that develop and deploy field treatments, management tools and conservation strategies for bat populations that are currently impacted or are likely to be in the future. Actions should be tailored to the disease status, species and habitat(s) in which they are proposed to be used. Project objectives should vary depending on epidemiological focus of the proposed work as it relates to the status of Pd and WNS in project areas

  • In areas where Pd has not been detected and is unlikely to already be present, tools and strategies that counter the invasion and establishment of pathogenic Pd are sought to avoid or stall impacts of WNS on vulnerable bat species. Strategies that will bolster the resilience of bats likely to be exposed to Pd in these areas are also eligible. 
  • On the leading edge of WNS, and/or in the vicinity of where Pd fungal pathogen has been detected and bats may be affected, projects should focus on field treatments and/or management strategies to minimize the impact of WNS. 
  • In the established or endemic area, where Pd and WNS have caused significant mortality and all hibernacula are assumed to be impacted, projects should focus on protecting and recovering significant remaining bat populations. 


PROGRAM PRIORITIES

The BFF seeks to support management actions that address the priorities enumerated below. The goal of the program is to implement strategies that will have a meaningful impact on survival of bat populations. Proposals should include adaptive implementation of conventional and/or experimental management actions with a sound study design to monitor and evaluate results. The most competitive proposals will aim to implement treatments and management solutions for WNS to minimize the short and long-term impacts of the disease and encourage recovery in persisting populations. Research and development of potential management tools in earlier stages of development are also eligible for funding. Applicants are encouraged to consider cross-disciplinary and innovative approaches to solving challenges associated with implementing management solutions. Collaborations (e.g.,  between institutions and agencies, across disciplines, etc.) that leverage the best thinking and resources are encouraged.

1. Deliver field treatments or implement management tools and strategies that prevent exposure of bats to infectious Pd or improve survival from WNS.

BFF is inviting proposals that focus on treating or managing the host, pathogen, and/or environment to limit spread and impacts of WNS. Proposed treatments may involve ecological, molecular, synthetic, biochemical, mechanical, and other strategies that reduce the impacts of WNS on bats; and/or may demonstrate new disinfection products or procedures to minimize reservoirs of Pd in the environment. Safety and feasibility at individual through ecosystem scales will be evaluated for all proposed actions. All applications must describe the benefits, risks and costs of the proposed management solutions, incorporating non-target effects to organisms and the environment and frequency of repeating the application for the intended benefits. Projects that propose work at earlier stages of research and development must provide a clear timeline of steps required to reach field readiness and include a phased study plan (if appropriate).

2. Deliver field treatments or implement management tools or habitat conservation strategies that help WNS-affected bat populations to recover from the impacts of WNS.

BFF is inviting proposals that seek to help bat populations and species that have been impacted by WNS to stabilize and recover. These actions may overlap with those identified in priority 1 above. The most competitive projects in this category should provide population-level benefits to impacted bat species and demonstrate how the actions bring progress toward recovery.

Projects may include, but are not limited to the following strategies: 

  • Genetic/genomic manipulations, or other molecular technologies, that reduce Pd’s ability to proliferate, survive, spread, and/or infect bats.
  • Development and implementation of habitat modification and enhancement strategies that result in guidance and/or direct action to improve survival of WNS-affected bats (e.g., restoring foraging habitats, improving maternity roosting habitats).
  • Biological or chemical controls, which include, but are not limited to antimicrobial or antifungal agents, antagonistic pathogens (mycoviruses), probiotics, bacteria or fungi that are capable of reducing, inhibiting or preventing the growth and/or establishment of Pd in the environment. 
  • Immune-modulating techniques to reduce host susceptibility to WNS.
  • Testing field efficacy and feasibility of treatments or strategies across relevant environmental and biological settings.
  • Testing combinations of treatment agents and/or management strategies to optimize benefits under varying conditions.
  • Completing situational testing of protocols and non-target effects needed to deploy a management tool or combination of tools in specific locations.

PROJECT METRICS  

To better gauge progress on individual grants and to ensure greater consistency of project data provided by multiple grants, the Bats for the Future Fund has a list of metrics in the Easygrants online application for applicants to choose from for future reporting. We ask that applicants select and report on all the most relevant metrics identified for each program priority. Applicants should also address the selected metrics and their anticipated outcomes in their project descriptions. If you do not believe an applicable metric has been provided below, please include it in your proposal narrative.

Project Metric Additional Guidance
Priority: Deliver field treatments or implement management tools and strategies that prevent exposure of bats to infectious Pd or improve survival from WNS.  
BFF - Disease control - # of sites protected Enter the number of sites being treated. In the notes, elaborate on the number of sites treated relative to overall population effect.
BFF – Disease control - # of sites that remain uncontaminated Enter the number of sites that remain uncontaminated by Pd within your study area as a result of the proposed actions. 
BFF – Disease control - # of sites with persistent populations Enter the number of sites that have persistent bat populations as a result of the proposed actions. In the notes, indicate % of these sites out of the total number of sites that received treatment from your project.
BFF - Disease control - # individuals protected Enter the number of individuals receiving treatment directly and the overall population effect (if applicable). In the notes, break out the number of individuals by species being affected/treated. Consider measurement of disease incidence and prevalence to determine success of disease control studies.
BFF – Disease control - # of species benefiting Enter the number of species that directly benefit from your project. In the notes, provide a list of the species affected.
BFF - Monitoring - # sites being monitored Enter the number of bat sites being monitored related to hibernacula, maternity colonies, captive colonies, treatment efficacy, or collateral effects, etc.
Priority: Deliver field treatments or implement management tools or habitat conservation strategies that help WNS-affected bat populations to recover from the impacts of WNS.
BFF - Disease control - # of sites protected Enter the number of sites being treated. In the notes, elaborate on the number of sites treated relative to overall population effect.
BFF – Improved management practices - # of acres under improved management Enter the number of acres treated with a conservation/restoration strategy or best management practice to improve the quality of bat habitat
BFF – Disease control - # of sites with persistent populations  Enter the number of sites that have persistent bat populations as a result of the proposed actions. In the notes, indicate % of these sites out of the total number of sites that received treatment from your project.
BFF - Survivorship – Mortality rate Enter the beginning mortality rate and the predicted change in mortality rate as a result of the proposed actions. In the Notes section describe the % decrease in mortality rate demonstrated by your study and the scale of impact (e.g. site, county, etc.).
BFF - Disease control - # individuals protected Enter the number of individuals receiving treatment directly and the overall population effect (if applicable). In the notes, break out the number of individuals by species being affected/treated. Consider measurement of disease incidence and prevalence to determine success of disease control studies.
BFF – Disease control - # of species benefiting  Enter the number of species that directly benefit from your project. In the notes, provide a list of the species affected.
BFF – Disease control – fungal load rate Enter the beginning prevalence of Pd rate and the predicted ending prevalence of Pd rate. In the Notes section describe the % decrease in prevalence of Pd rate demonstrated by your study and the scale of impact (e.g. site, county, etc.)
BFF - Monitoring - # sites being monitored Enter the number of bat sites being monitored related to hibernacula, maternity colonies, captive colonies, treatment efficacy, or collateral effects, etc.
Priority: Other
BFF - Research - # studies used to inform management Enter the number of studies completed whose findings lead to direct management recommendations. In the notes section discuss publication goals

 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible and Ineligible Entities

  • Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, U.S. Federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, research and educational institutions, and for-profit entities. For-profit applicants: please note that this is a request for grant proposals, not a procurement of goods and services; see the Budget section below for specific cost considerations.
  • Ineligible applicants include unincorporated individuals.

Ineligible Uses of Grant Funds 

  • The following types of proposals are not eligible for funding under the BFF:
    • Species composition, distribution, movement and habitat-use studies, unless directly tied to implementation of a management strategy
    • Monitoring studies unrelated to the development of field treatments or management tools for WNS
    • Development of Pd or WNS detection methods or tools, unless directly linked to deployment of a specified treatment
    • Outreach and education programs
  • Equipment: Applicants are encouraged to rent equipment where possible and cost-effective or use matching funds to make those purchases. NFWF acknowledges, however, that some projects may only be completed using NFWF funds to procure equipment. If this applies to your project, please contact the program staff listed in this RFP to discuss options.
  • Federal funds and matching contributions may not be used to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems (including entering into or renewing a contract) that uses telecommunications equipment or services produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities) as a substantial or essential component, or as critical technology of any system. Refer to Public Law 115-232, section 889 for additional information. NFWF funds and matching contributions may not be used to support political advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, litigation, terrorist activities or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
  • NFWF funds may not be used to support ongoing efforts to comply with legal requirements, including permit conditions, mitigation and settlement agreements. 

FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND MATCH

Grants requests must be greater than $50,000 and should be no more than $250,000; however, higher amounts may be considered for projects that enact lasting strategies within the grant period of performance to benefit impacted bat species on a widespread basis. Applicants contemplating requesting more than $250,000 should contact NFWF staff in advance for guidance.

Match: A match valued at 50 percent of the total grant amount requested from BFF (not the total project budget) is preferred but not required.

Grant Period: Projects must start within six months of award and be completed within no more than three years after notification of grant award. Projects that achieve proposed outcomes within two years are preferred. Notification of award is projected to be mid-August 2022.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness and compliance with NFWF and funding source policies. Proposals will then be evaluated based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria.

Program Goals and Priorities – Project contributes to the Program’s overall habitat and species conservation goals, and has specific, quantifiable performance metrics to evaluate project success. Project addresses one or more of the program priorities.

Technical Merit – Project is technically sound and feasible, and the proposal sets forth a clear, logical and achievable work plan and timeline. Project engages appropriate technical experts throughout project planning, design and implementation to ensure activities are technically-sound and feasible. Project consists of ready-to-go components that are not dependent on successful completion of other aspects of the current proposal. If a project involves tiered or sequential objectives, applicants should consider proposing a phased funding approach.

Cost-Effectiveness – Project includes a cost-effective budget that balances performance risk and efficient use of funds. Cost-effectiveness evaluation may include, but is not limited to, an assessment of either or both direct and indirect costs in the proposed budget. The federal government has determined that a de minimis 10% indirect rate is an acceptable minimum for organizations without a NICRA, as such NFWF reserves the right to scrutinize ALL proposals with indirect rates above 10% for cost-effectiveness. 

Qualifications –The applicant, organization, and partner experience is relevant to delivery of the project, and/or entity has a proven track record of success in implementing conservation projects with specific measurable results

Complementarity – Project has potential and a plan to transfer project results to real-world bat conservation and/or to be scaled-up (including providing cost estimates associated with scaling up) and integrated into government programs and policies. Project includes a plan to communicate information about the project to appropriate audiences.

Collaboration – The project leverages expertise, knowledge, talents and resources from multiple partners (e.g., across disciplines, countries, academic institutions, agencies, etc.) to strategically advance and accelerate implementation of treatments and management tools or strategies.

Transferability – Project has potential and plan to transfer lessons learned to other communities and/or to be integrated into government programs and policies.

Partnership and Community Impact – The applicant organization partners and engages collaboratively with diverse local community members, leaders, community-based organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement the proposed project. This ensures long-term sustainability and success of the project, integration into local programs and policies, and community acceptance of proposed restoration actions. Non-traditional partners or communities are enlisted to broaden the sustained impact from the project. Describe the community characteristics of the project area, identify any communities impacted, describe outreach and community engagement activities and how those will be monitored and measured. Use demographic data to support descriptions and submit letters of support from community partners and/or collaborators demonstrating their commitment to the project and engagement in project activities as proposed.

OTHER 

Applicant Demographic Information – In an effort to better understand diversity in our
grantmaking, NFWF is collecting basic information on applicants and their communities via a 
voluntary survey form (available in Easygrants). This information will not be shared externally or 
with reviewers. For more details, please see the tip sheet and the Uploads section of Easygrants.

Budget – Costs are allowable, reasonable and budgeted in accordance with NFWF’s Budget Instructions cost categories. Federally-funded projects must be in compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance as applicable. This funding opportunity will award grants of federal financial assistance funds; applicants must be able to comply with the OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). While for-profit entities are eligible applicants, charges to a potential award may include actual costs only; recipients may not apply loaded rates or realize profit from an award of federal financial assistance funds.

Matching Contributions – Matching Contributions consist of cash, contributed goods and services, volunteer hours, and/or property raised and spent for the Project during the Period of Performance. Larger match ratios and matching fund contributions from a diversity of partners are encouraged and will be more competitive during application review. However, matching contributions are not required to be eligible for funding.

Procurement – If the applicant chooses to specifically identify proposed Contractor(s) for Services, an award by NFWF to the applicant does not constitute NFWF’s express written authorization for the applicant to procure such specific services noncompetitively. When procuring goods and services, NFWF recipients must follow documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable laws and regulations. 

Publicity and Acknowledgement of Support – Award recipients will be required to grant NFWF the right and authority to publicize the project and NFWF’s financial support for the grant in press releases, publications and other public communications. Recipients may also be asked by NFWF to provide high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi) photographs depicting the project.

Receiving Award Funds – Award payments are primarily reimbursable. Projects may request funds for reimbursement at any time after completing a signed agreement with NFWF. A request of an advance of funds must be due to an imminent need of expenditure and must detail how the funds will be used and provide justification and a timeline for expected disbursement of these funds.

Regulatory Compliance Requirements – Projects selected for an award will likely include test materials that are subject to regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, pesticides), U.S. Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, drugs) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics (Virus, Serum and Toxin Act, vaccines). Proposals must demonstrate that the Principal Investigator understands the regulation of their test material and a present a plan for meeting regulatory requirements. Some information concerning some regulatory authorities can be found in the publication A Decision Support Tool for Determining Federal Regulatory Authority over Products for Vertebrate Animals.

Projects selected also will be subject to requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act (state and federal), and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating activities that disturb or alter habitat or other features of the project site(s). Applicants should budget time and resources to obtain the needed approvals. Follow the link to download the compliance evaluation templates that must be completed and submitted to FWS if your project is selected to receive a grant. These completed templates will be used by FWS to determine compliance with the above acts. 

As applicable, successful applicants may be required to comply with additional Federal, state or local requirements and obtain all necessary permits and clearances.

Permits – Successful applicants will be required to provide sufficient documentation that the project expects to receive or has received all necessary permits and clearances to comply with any Federal, state or local requirements and permission to work on land managed by public or private landowners or managers. In some cases, if a permit pre-application meeting has not been completed, NFWF may require successful applicants to complete such a meeting prior to grant award. Applicants will be required to provide specific information about study sites, species used, sample sizes, and other criteria needed to comply with regulations. NFWF encourages applicants to contact relevant authorities in advance of completing a proposal to ensure the support of proposed work. 

Animal Care - Principal Investigators will be expected to maintain compliance with the Animal 
Welfare Act and its regulations with satisfactory review and approval of animal activities in research protocols by a USDA-registered and/or PHS-assured Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Use of animal subjects must be appropriate for the current state of knowledge. Applicants must provide a clear description of how study animals will be selected and what their final disposition will be. Applicants must justify the need to use terminal sampling if that is the expected outcome.

Federal Funding –The availability of federal funds estimated in this solicitation is contingent upon the federal appropriations process. Funding decisions will be made based on level of funding and timing of when it is received by NFWF.


TIMELINE

Dates of activities are subject to change. Please check the program page of the NFWF website for the most current dates and information Bats for the Future Fund.

RFP Release Date February 15, 2022
Applicant Webinar  March 2, 2022, 1:30-3:00pm Eastern
Full Proposal Due Date  April 28, 2022, 11:59pm Eastern
Review Period May-June
Congressional Notification Period July 2022
Awards Announced Early August 2022


HOW TO APPLY

All application materials must be submitted online through National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation’s Easygrants system.

  1. Go to easygrants.nfwf.org to register in our Easygrants online system. New users to the system will be prompted to register before starting the application (if you already are a registered user, use your existing login). Enter your applicant information. Please disable the pop-up blocker on your internet browser prior to beginning the application process. 
  2. Once on your homepage, click the “Apply for Funding” button and select this RFP’s “Funding Opportunity” from the list of options.
  3. Follow the instructions in Easygrants to complete your application. Once an application has been started, it may be saved and returned to at a later time for completion and submission.


APPLICATION ASSISTANCE 

A Tip Sheet is available for quick reference while you are working through your application. This document can be downloaded here. 

Additional information to support the application process can be accessed on the NFWF website’s Applicant Information page.

For more information or questions about this RFP, please contact: 
John Wright
John.wright@nfwf.org
202-595-2478

For issues or assistance with our online Easygrants system, please contact:
Easygrants Helpdesk
Email:  Easygrants@nfwf.org
Voicemail:  202-595-2497
Hours:  9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday. 
Include:  your name, proposal ID #, e-mail address, phone number, program you are applying to, and a description of the issue.