Brown Tree Snake Program | BTS 2017

Opportunity Information: Apply for BTS 2017

The Brown Tree Snake Program (Funding Opportunity Number: BTS 2017) is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior under CFDA 15.875. It is administered through the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) and is designed to address the serious ecological and economic threat posed by the invasive brown tree snake, particularly its established presence on Guam and the ongoing risk that it could spread to other islands or regions. The core purpose of the program is twofold: first, to prevent the snake from being transported off Guam into other geographic areas, and second, to support research and operational work that suppresses local snake populations with the long-term objective of eradication.

Funding under this opportunity is geared toward practical control and interdiction activities as well as research that strengthens suppression strategies. On the prevention side, projects commonly align with actions that reduce the likelihood of accidental spread through transportation pathways, including cargo movement, ports, airports, and other distribution channels that connect Guam to surrounding areas. On the suppression and eradication side, the program supports efforts that improve population control outcomes, including applied research that refines detection methods, develops or evaluates control tools, and enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of field operations. The emphasis on eradication signals that the program is not limited to short-term management; it prioritizes approaches that contribute to lasting reductions and, ultimately, complete removal where feasible.

The maximum award amount listed is $1,200,000, and the agency anticipated making approximately six awards under this funding round. While the opportunity is categorized under "Other" for both the funding instrument type and the funding activity category, the description makes clear that the intent is to fund a mix of control operations and research-based work that directly supports interdiction, suppression, and eradication goals. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," indicating that applicants are not limited to a single narrow category in the summary data provided, though the full solicitation would typically clarify which organizations qualify and what documentation or partnerships may be required.

Key dates associated with this opportunity include a creation date of November 14, 2016, and an original application closing date of March 31, 2017. Overall, the grant is structured to help contain the brown tree snake threat at its source on Guam while advancing the tools and tactics needed to reduce populations and move toward eradication, thereby protecting vulnerable ecosystems and preventing costly and potentially irreversible biological invasions in other locations.

• The Department of the Interior in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Brown Tree Snake Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.875.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 14, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 31, 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 $1,200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for BTS 2017

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