BLM-(MT)- Paleontology Resource Management | L17AS00220

Opportunity Information: Apply for L17AS00220

The BLM-(MT)- Paleontology Resource Management opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L17AS00220) is a discretionary Bureau of Land Management grant issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior to support professional, science-based stewardship of paleontological resources on BLM-managed lands in Montana. The program reflects BLM's legal mandate to manage fossils and related data using appropriate scientific principles and technical expertise, not only in the field but also through long-term museum curation and public-facing access where appropriate. Rather than focusing on a single excavation or exhibit, the opportunity is aimed at strengthening the full chain of paleontological resource management, from discovery and documentation through preparation, storage, cataloging, and controlled information sharing.

Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, meaning the work is typically carried out in partnership with BLM and may involve substantial federal involvement such as coordination on priorities, standards, reporting, or integration with BLM management needs. The funding activity category is Natural Resources under CFDA 15.224. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of applicant), subject to any clarifications that may appear in the official eligibility language. In practical terms, this structure is well-suited to museums, universities, research groups, nonprofit organizations, and other entities that can demonstrate professional paleontological and curatorial capacity.

The core purpose is to ensure that non-renewable fossil resources are handled to professional standards and managed for long-term scientific and public value. The opportunity highlights several concrete objectives. First, it supports professional fieldwork to collect and thoroughly document paleontological specimens when collection is warranted, emphasizing proper scientific recording rather than casual or ad hoc collecting. Second, it targets the preparation of previously collected specimens that have not yet been prepped, helping reduce backlogs so specimens become usable for research, exhibit, and education. Third, it calls for professional oversight of staff and volunteers, ensuring that any work performed meets high museum and curatorial standards and is completed consistently and correctly.

A major component involves improving the museum-side infrastructure and records associated with BLM specimens. The opportunity specifically includes entering curation data into the museum's curatorial system, which is essential for specimen tracking, research access, compliance, and long-term management. It also supports purchasing curatorial-grade specimen storage containers and furniture, underscoring that proper conservation storage is part of responsible resource management, not an optional add-on. In addition, the scope allows for other professional services that advance paleontological resource management, providing flexibility for applicants to propose needed technical tasks that fit within the overall mission.

Another emphasized outcome is responsible access to information. The program aims to make records of BLM specimens available to BLM, qualified researchers, and the public, while still protecting sensitive information as required under federal laws and regulations. This point recognizes a common tension in paleontology and cultural/natural resource management: public and scientific access is valuable, but precise locality data and other sensitive details sometimes must be restricted to prevent theft, vandalism, or resource damage.

From a public benefit perspective, the opportunity frames fossils as non-renewable resources held in trust for the American people. By funding professional collection, preparation, cataloging, and conservation storage, BLM is investing in long-term stewardship that supports research, exhibitions, and public education. The intended result is that fossils and associated records are not only preserved but also made meaningfully usable over time, maximizing their value for scientific discovery and public understanding while maintaining compliance and safeguarding sensitive site information.

Administratively, the opportunity was created July 21, 2017, with an original closing date of September 18, 2017. The award ceiling was $44,500, and BLM anticipated making two awards.

• The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BLM-(MT)- Paleontology Resource Management" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.224.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 21, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 18, 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 $44,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for L17AS00220

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