F24AS00427 FY25 Experienced Services Program | F24AS00427

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY25 Experienced Services Program funding opportunity?

The FY25 Experienced Services Program (Funding Opportunity Number F24AS00427) is a discretionary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) funding opportunity to support the establishment and ongoing operation of an Experienced Services Program. The program is intended to connect older Americans with meaningful, skill-based service opportunities that advance USFWS mission needs in natural resources.

Who is the federal awarding agency?

The awarding agency is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service under a discretionary funding category.

What type of award will be made under this opportunity?

Awards are expected to be made through cooperative agreements (not standard grants). This means USFWS expects substantial involvement in program implementation, coordination, and oversight throughout the period of performance.

What is the primary goal of this program?

The goal is to support a workforce and public service model that recruits and places older individuals (age 55 and older) into skill-based service opportunities that help meet USFWS mission needs in natural resources.

What is meant by an "Experienced Services Program" in this notice?

Based on the description provided, an Experienced Services Program is a multi-year effort operated by selected nonprofit organizations that recruit older Americans (55+) and place them into meaningful, skill-based service roles that support USFWS work in natural resources.

Who can apply for this opportunity?

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that meet all of the following requirements: (1) IRS 501(c)(3) status, (2) not an institution of higher education, and (3) specifically designated by the Secretary of Labor as eligible to receive funds under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Is IRS 501(c)(3) status alone sufficient to be eligible?

No. The notice states that Title V designation by the Secretary of Labor is an additional statutory requirement. Being a 501(c)(3) does not imply Title V eligibility.

Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

No. The eligibility description explicitly states that applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and not institutions of higher education.

What is the Title V requirement mentioned in the eligibility criteria?

Applicants must be specifically designated by the Secretary of Labor as eligible to receive funds under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965. The notice emphasizes this is a strict eligibility gate and must be documented in the application package.

What documentation is required to prove eligibility?

The notice emphasizes that proof of (1) IRS 501(c)(3) status and (2) Title V designation by the Secretary of Labor must be included in the application package. Failure to meet or document these requirements will prevent USFWS from making an award.

What happens if an applicant does not include proof of eligibility?

The notice indicates that if eligibility requirements are not met or not documented, USFWS will be unable to make an award to that applicant.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The funding activity is listed under CFDA/Assistance Listing 15.682.

How many awards does USFWS intend to make?

USFWS intends to select three eligible nonprofit organizations to support the agency.

What is the total project period for the program?

The program is described as a multi-year effort over a total project period of five years.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The listing states an award ceiling of $500,000.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on August 26, 2024.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The listing provides an original closing date of September 30, 2024.

What kinds of activities can be supported through this program?

Program activities funded under these cooperative agreements may be carried out under multiple USFWS wildlife and conservation authorities. In practical terms, placements and services can support a wide range of USFWS conservation, habitat, species, and migratory bird-related functions, consistent with those authorities.

Which conservation and wildlife authorities are referenced in the notice?

The notice references several longstanding authorities that define USFWS work, including the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

What role do older Americans play in the program model?

Participating nonprofits will recruit and place older individuals aged 55 and older, leveraging their professional experience to assist with USFWS work through meaningful, skill-based service opportunities.

Does USFWS expect to be involved after an award is made?

Yes. Because the award instrument is a cooperative agreement, the notice indicates that applicants should expect substantial involvement by USFWS in program implementation, coordination, and oversight during the period of performance.

What is the statutory authorization for this opportunity?

The opportunity is authorized by Section 113 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (Public Law 116-6, Division E, Sec. 113).

Is this opportunity a discretionary or mandatory funding program?

It is described as a discretionary USFWS grant opportunity.