Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration (PAWR)
ID: 356647Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Forest Service (USDA-FS)

Award Range

$0 - $0

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Other

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The USDA Forest Service is inviting proposals for the Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration (PAWR) program, aimed at fostering collaborative efforts to address aquatic and watershed restoration needs. This initiative seeks to empower local communities and partners to implement projects that enhance water quality, improve aquatic organism passage, and promote climate-resilient landscapes on USDA-managed lands. The program emphasizes the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals related to ecological integrity and community engagement, particularly focusing on historically underserved communities. Interested applicants, including for-profits, non-profits, educational institutions, and various government entities, must submit their proposals by February 7, 2025, through Grants.gov, and can reach out to Robin Taylor-Davenport at opega@usda.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the requirements for submitting a grant application through an attachment form. Applicants must adhere to specific guidelines provided by the relevant agency, ensuring that all files are formatted correctly and named appropriately. The form lists mandatory attachments, from Attachment 1 to Attachment 15, which must be submitted in sequential order as per the Agency Guidelines. Additionally, it allows users to add, delete, or view attachments as needed. This structured document emphasizes the critical importance of compliance with procedural requirements when applying for federal grants and state and local RFPs. Proper sequence and documentation management are essential for a successful application process, reflecting the government's intention to streamline application submissions while maintaining rigorous standards for documentation and evaluation.
    The Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration (PAWR) form serves as a narrative statement for applicants seeking collaboration with the USDA Forest Service on projects related to aquatic habitat and watershed restoration. The document outlines the submission requirements, including the project's title, applicant details, and organizational representation. It aims to address key aspects such as timelines for project implementation, geographical areas of operation, and alignment of the project with the Forest Service's mission and priorities. Applicants are prompted to describe their potential impact on historically underserved communities, past experiences managing field crews, and readiness to operate in challenging conditions. Critical areas of focus include improving aquatic organism passage, enhancing water quality, and fostering climate-resilient landscapes. The form emphasizes the need for collaboration, detailing how each project aligns with broader restoration goals and engages marginalized communities. Overall, the document seeks to encourage effective partnerships in fulfilling shared objectives that support local ecosystems and community engagement, underscoring the USDA's commitment to equitable and sustainable development in resource management.
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service issued an Outreach of Interest (OOI) for the Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration (PAWR) program. The OOI aims to foster connections with potential partners to explore projects addressing aquatic and watershed restoration needs, particularly in improving water quality and ecological integrity on USDA-managed lands. The deadline for responses is February 7, 2025. This announcement is non-funded and non-competitive, designed to gauge interest rather than provide direct funding. The Forest Service emphasizes collaborative partnerships to enhance watershed health, resilience against climate change, and support underserved communities. Key project priorities include improving aquatic organism passage, restoring climate-resilient landscapes, and engaging communities affected by poverty or inequality. Eligible responders range from for-profits and non-profits to governmental entities at various levels. Respondents will submit their proposals through Grants.gov, following required procedures for application submission, including registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). The Forest Service encourages a collaborative approach to maximize restoration efforts and achieve shared objectives for ecosystem health and community benefit. The announcement serves as a platform for constructive engagement in the future of watershed management efforts.
    The document provides essential guidance for organizations and individuals seeking to apply for federal grants through Grants.gov. Key steps include registering with SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is necessary for federal funding applications, and creating a Login.gov account for access to Grants.gov. Registration must be initiated well in advance of grant deadlines due to processing times. Users must have a profile to apply for grants and assign roles within their organization, ensuring that at least one person is designated as the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Grants.gov facilitates the grant application process by providing options for completing and submitting forms: online within their workspace, offline uploads, or reusing forms from previous applications. Applicants are advised to check for errors before submission and adhere to any specific file naming instructions from awarding agencies. The primary focus of the document is to streamline the grant application process by offering clear instructions, role management, and application completion guidelines. This resource is vital for maximizing the chances of successfully obtaining federal funding while adhering to the necessary procedural requirements.
    The document presents an accessibility issue for users attempting to view a specific file related to federal grants, RFPs, and state/local proposals. It indicates that the document requires Adobe Reader version 8 or higher for proper viewing. Users may face difficulties if they lack the required software or if their environment is not configured to support Adobe Reader. The text suggests visiting the Adobe website for installation instructions and configuration guidance. This serves as a preliminary notice, emphasizing the importance of proper software to ensure access to federal documents that may contain critical information regarding funding opportunities and project guidelines relevant to government entities and potential contractors.
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