Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Grants
Notice
TPWD has extended the deadline for submitting habitat proposals funded with Game Bird Stamp funds to July 14, 2013.Recent Legislative Actions have provided $2 million of Upland Game Bird Stamp funds for each of the next two fiscal years ($4 million total) to fund quail habitat projects with a priority for Bobwhite quail. In an effort to provide a better opportunity for applicants to submit proposals to address this level of funding, TPWD has extended the original June 30th deadline. There will be no cap on the amount of funding or number of proposals that can be requested by individual applicants; however, consideration will be given to scalable proposals (e.g. a proposal for $300,000 that can be adjusted up or down based on acres treated). Two year proposals are encouraged, but no more than $2 million will be awarded in FY14 (September 1, 2013 – August 31, 2014).
In addition, contracts will not be extended beyond August 31, 2015. All projects must be completed and invoices submitted to TPWD contracting no later than August 31, 2015.
This process is for Habitat Proposals only. Submission of research projects has a separate timeline and those guidelines and RFPs will be available after September 1, 2013.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has prioritized funds to develop habitat enhancement projects for both migratory and upland game birds. The Upland Game Bird Stamp fund (UGBSF) and Migratory Game Bird Stamp fund (MGBSF) may be used only for management, research, or acquisition, lease, or development of game bird habitats. This grant process is intended to sponsor smaller-scale habitat projects designed to restore, manage, and conserve prairie, savannah, and riparian habitats with the express purpose of benefiting upland game bird species, and breeding and wintering waterfowl habitat with the express purpose of benefiting migratory game bird species. TPWD has established an application process for the recruitment of projects and disposition of the grants.
Call for Proposals
TPWD will post Request for Proposals (RFPs) on the agency's website each year by May 1. Applicants are encouraged to contact local TPWD biologists or Small Game Program staff to discuss proposals. In the absence of a formal RFP, applicants are encouraged to use the Game Bird Strategic Plans to guide proposal development (Upland, Waterfowl, and Webless Migratory Birds). Deadline for submission of proposals is June 30 for projects that start in the following fiscal year (FY) (September 1 – August 31). TPWD will contact successful applicants by mid-September.
TPWD anticipates that successful proposals during this cycle will have funds available through August 31, of the FY for which the grant is awarded. Total funds available will determine the number and/or size of grants awarded each year. RFPs may not be published annually if sufficient funds are not available. If funds are insufficient to fund the highest ranked proposal, the applicant will be provided an opportunity to revise the proposed budget. If revised budgets do not match the available funds, consideration will be given to the next highest-ranked proposal.
Habitat proposals are encouraged from non-government organizations, governmental agencies outside of TPWD (city, county, state, or federal), and higher education institutions. Applicants must be in good standing with the Texas Comptroller and TPWD Accounting regarding business and contracting practices. Applicants that are delinquent or deficient in providing deliverables or an approved final report from any previously awarded contract are not eligible for consideration. TPWD has statutory, fiduciary, and ethical responsibilities to the people of the State of Texas for efficient use of limited public resources. The requirements in these guidelines must be consistent with relevant laws, policies, and customary accounting procedures.
Proposals submitted on or prior to the June 30 deadline will undergo a TPWD internal review process. Small Game Program staff and the TPWD Game Bird Technical Committees ensure each proposal meets the minimum criteria, has technical merit, and rank all proposals. Applicants with missing or incomplete information or proposals outside of the scope of the RFPs will be provided an opportunity to revise their proposals. Department staff will present the list of proposals recommended for funding to the respective Game Bird Advisory Committees for comment. Upon completion of this process, TPWD will contact the successful applicants and prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).