The National Geospatial Program Office of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a Cooperative Agreement to one member university of the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) Program. The project is titled “Cartographic enhancement for new generation topographic map graphics”. . The USGS took over responsibility for mapping the country in 1879 and has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States ever since. The best known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also known as 7.5-minute quadrangles. More than 55,000 7.5-minute maps were made to cover the 48 conterminous States. This is the only uniform map series that covers the entire area of the United States in considerable detail. The 7.5-minute map series was officially completed in 1992, and the program was replaced by digital The National Map in 2001. Subsequently, the new digital topo maps should take advantage of new cartographic techniques to ensure business areas whether recreation, emergency operations, planning, and many others can optimally utilize these new graphic products. Research is needed to investigate procedures, and product designs for the new generation of graphic maps.The objective of this project is to research and optimize use of shading, symbology, colors, line weights and other cartographic elements that will allow business areas to discover and optimize maps information for many purposes and projects. Elements to be accomplished through this cooperative agreement:Research into modification of topographic maps leading to new generation map graphics products that will: 1.make it easier for customers to meet their programmatic needs/requirements 2.provide unique business area specific map products 3. Manipulation of map scale, change color schemes, fonts, shading, symbology and other map attributes to optimize the usability of the map for specific uses such recreation, emergency response, ecosystem/natural resource research and other scientific purposes, or general use. 4.optimize graphics changes as needed to accommodate the media of release such as over the web, on paper, use on mobile devices.Specific deliverables/product from this study will include: sample printed maps, digital output that illustrate the four above focuses of this research. At end of the study presentation to NGPO staff on products and methods to achieve graphic products developed in the study.Quarterly reviews will occur as to progress and allow input from NGPO to input on, modify or in a minor way adjust focus of study and the deliverables. 4.Budget breakdown (salary, overhead, travel, equipment, office expenses, etc) $25,000 The USGS will provide the access to digital files of topographic map products and new digital databases containing the The National Map digitial national data filesThis project will supplement and add perspective to the USGS mission of providing the nation with data that can be used to better manage the nation’s lands. Assistance to resource managers and the public relates directly to this goal and the creation and maintenance of effective partnerships among federal agencies and universities to share resources and expertise is inherent in the process. Funding Opportunity Number: 07HQPA0047. Assistance Listing: 15.808. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: ST. Award Amount: Up to $25K per award.

The Office of Global Educational Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for the Greek Teacher Professional Development Project. U.S. public and private universities with schools of education and that meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to administer an eight-week professional development program to start in August 2009, for approximately twenty teachers in the humanities from Greece at at early point in their careers as educators. The program will focus on teaching methodology as well as the use of technology in the classroom and should include both an academic component of seminars at a U.S. university's school of education and a practical component of practice teaching with guidance from experienced mentor teachers in local schools. Interested universities should demonstrate strong contacts with local U.S. school districts to facilitate the practical internship component, as well as the faculty resources to conduct a substantive academic program. Host schools for internships may be public, private, magnet or charter schools, and should exemplify educational best practices. Funding Opportunity Number: ECA-A-S-X-08-06. Assistance Listing: 00.000. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: O. Award Amount: Up to $200K per award.

DARPA seeks innovative proposals that address development of long wave infrared (LWIR) focal plane arrays and signal processing to improve imaging in degraded atmospheric transmission, especially conditions encountered in helicopter brownout. The scope includes two tasks: 1) Detector and focal plane array development and demonstration; and 2) Signal and imaging processing to enhance imaging in low transmission and brownout conditions. The objective of Task 1 is the demonstration of focal plane arrays with the individual detector element size of 5 um x 5um, interconnected to a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) that integrates sufficient charge to achieve a noise equivalent temperature difference of 30 mk with F/1 optics , as seen in Table I. Task 2 is the development of novel signal processing concepts addressing imaging in brownout conditions, with the objective of achieving target recognition at range of 500 meters when the transmission is 1.8%, as seen in Table II. Proposals should address Task 1 or Task 2. Proposers may submit proposals to both tasks; however they must be addressed in two separate proposals. All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation, including requests for information on how to submit a full proposal to this BAA, should be directed to BAA08-54@darpa.mil. See attached full DARPA-BAA-08-54. Funding Opportunity Number: DARPA-BAA-08-54. Assistance Listing: 12.910. Funding Instrument: CA,G,O,PC. Category: ST.

•Note: Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs, increase the commercial application of the U.S. Department of Education (Department) supported research results, and improve the return on investment from federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133S-1. If you choose to submit your application electronically, you must use the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at http://www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. You may access the electronic grant application for the SBIR Program at: http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search (e.g. , search for 84.133, not 84.133S). The telephone number for the Grants.gov Helpdesk is 1-800-518-4726 or e-mail: support@grants.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-090908-001. Assistance Listing: 84.133. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED. Award Amount: Up to $75K per award.

NNH08ZDA001N, entitled "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences - 2008 (ROSES-2008)," will be available on or about February 15, 2008, by opening the NASA Research Opportunities homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and then linking through the menu listings "Solicitations" to "Open Solicitations." This NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicits proposals for supporting basic and applied research and technology across a broad range of Earth and space science program elements relevant to one or more of the following NASA Research Programs: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. This ROSES NRA covers all aspects of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences, including, but not limited to: theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; aircraft, stratospheric balloon, and suborbital rocket investigations; development of experiment techniques suitable for future SMD space missions; development of concepts for future SMD space missions; development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions; development of techniques for and the laboratory analysis of both extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples that support or otherwise help verify observations from SMD Earth system science missions; determination of atomic and composition parameters needed to analyze space data, as well as returned samples from the Earth or space; Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD science missions; development of integrated Earth system models; development of systems for applying Earth science research data to societal needs; and development of applied information systems applicable to SMD objectives and data. Awards range from under $100K per year for focused, limited efforts (e.g., data analysis) to more than $1M per year for extensive activities (e.g., development of science experiment hardware). The funds available for awards in each program element offered in this NRA range from less than one to several million dollars, which allow selection from a few to as many as several dozen proposals depending on the program objectives and the submission of proposals of merit. Awards will be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and inter- or intra-agency transfers depending on the nature of the proposing organization and/or program requirements. The typical period of performance for an award is four years, although a few programs may specify shorter or longer periods. Participation is open to all categories of organizations, foreign and domestic, including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other Government agencies, without restriction on number or teaming arrangements. Note that it is NASA policy that all investigations involving non-U.S. organizations will be conducted on the basis of no exchange of funds. Proposal due dates are scheduled starting on May 9, 2008, and continue through March 27, 2009. Electronically submitted Notices of Intent to propose are requested for most program elements, with the first such due date being March 14, 2008. Electronic submission of proposals is required by the respective due dates for each program element and must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Electronic proposals may be submitted via the NASA proposal data system NSPIRES or via Grants.gov. Every organization that intends to submit a proposal in response to this NRA must be registered with NSPIRES; organizations that intend to submit proposals via Grants.gov must also be registered with Grants.gov. Such registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit the electronic proposal. All principal investigators and other participants (e.g. co-investigators) must be registered in NSPIRES. Potential proposers and proposing organizations are urged to access the system(s) well in advance of the proposal due date(s) of interest to familiarize themselves with its structure and enter the requested information. Individual program elements under this solicitation may be found by using the Advanced Search method in Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/search/advanced.do). In the "Search by Funding Opportunity Number" box, enter the ROSES solicitation number of NNH08ZDA001N followed by an * (i.e., NNH08ZDA001N*). This will result in a list of all posted program elements. Use the funding number associated with the program element you wish to apply for to download the application package. Further information about specific program elements may be obtained from the individual Program Officers listed in the Summary of Key Information for each program element in this NRA, while questions concerning general NRA policies and procedures may be directed to Dr. Max Bernstein, Senior Advisor for Research and Analysis, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001; E-mail: sara@nasa.gov; Telephone: 202-358-1182. Funding Opportunity Number: NNH08ZDA001N-OPR. Assistance Listing: 00.000. Funding Instrument: CA,G. Category: ST.

Department of State Public Notice Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Proposals: Media Initiatives in Russia SUMMARY The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Proposals from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law for Russia. PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly urges applicants to access immediately www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. It may take up to a week to register with grants.gov. Please see the section entitled, “DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS” below for specific instructions. REQUESTED PROPOSAL PROGRAM OBJECTIVES DRL invites organizations to submit proposals outlining program concepts and capacity to manage projects targeting the following issues: DRL seeks proposals that focus on media initiatives, including those that provide training in ethics and rights of journalists; training in new media technologies; and/or training and support that reduces isolation among the independent journalism community. Funding Opportunity Number: DRL-08-RUSSIA-102408. Assistance Listing: 00.000. Funding Instrument: G. Category: O. Award Amount: $250K – $700K per award.

The MURI program supports basic science and/or engineering research at U.S. institutions of higher education (hereafter referred to as "universities") that is of critical importance to national defense. The program is focused on multidisciplinary research efforts that intersect more than one traditional science and engineering discipline to address issues of critical concern to the DoD. The FY 2009 MURI competition is for the 32 topics listed below. Detailed descriptions of the topics can be found in Section VIII entitled, “Specific MURI Topics”, of this BAA. The detailed descriptions are intended to provide the proposer a frame of reference and are not meant to be restrictive to the possible approaches to achieving the goals of the topic and the program. Innovative ideas addressing these research topics are highly encouraged. Please see the attached full announcement. Funding Opportunity Number: ONRBAA08-019. Assistance Listing: 12.300. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ST.

Purpose.This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), solicits Exploratory/Developmental Phased Innovation (R21/R33) grant applications from institutions or organizations that propose to generate and characterize induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from human control and/or patient populations with cognitive, affective, social, sleep and developmental brain disorders. This can, but does not need to, include disorders in which a genetic linkage has already been inferred. Applications that combine expertise in stem cell biology, cortical development and the clinical study or treatment of mental disorders are strongly encouraged. Responsive applications will place an emphasis on appropriate validation of iPS cells and their derivatives, evaluating the hetero/homogeneity of any cell populations to be screened and use of cellular assays relevant to brain function and mental disorders. Studies involving the acquisition of tissue from new subjects should include provisions to archive and distribute non-induced (e.g., primary) cells. Since studies likely require several areas of expertise, applicants are encouraged to include multiple PIs on the application. Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-MH-09-130. Assistance Listing: 93.242. Funding Instrument: G. Category: HL. Award Amount: Up to $200K per award.

The Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (HSPTAP) is a capabilities-based program that is structured to build and sustain State and local capacity in preparedness activities. Under this vision, HSPTAP supports the efforts of State and local homeland security personnel to address the full spectrum of mission areas, national priorities, and target capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Guidelines. As capability gaps are identified, the HSPTAP addresses those needs and builds priority capabilities in the most critical areas. The HSPTAP is designed to be an agile program that addresses present day areas of greatest State and local need; is committed to transferring and institutionalizing knowledge at the State and local level; provides a dynamic program that is responsive to national priorities; is performance based; and that effectively leverages limited resources. HSPTAP provides direct assistance to State, regional, local, and Tribal jurisdictions, as well as other homeland security organizations, to improve their ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from major events, including threats or acts of terrorism. HSPTAP is driven by several core tenets:• Grantee assistance must support the National Preparedness Guidelines, National Priorities, and national strategies and doctrine related to homeland security;• Grantee assistance must be flexible and adaptable to fully address current national trends or risks and the present day needs of homeland security personnel; • Grantee must provide for or incorporate involvement of States, regions, Urban Areas, local and Tribal jurisdictions, as well as private interests with a role in homeland security.A. Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council (GHSAC),In July of 2006, The National Governor’s Association (NGA) , in consult with DHS, formally organized The Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council (GHSAC) from one of its existing work groups, The Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), as the Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council to provide a forum for homeland security officials from each state and territory to analyze and discuss federal policies, share best practices, and provide expert advice and counsel to the nation’s governors and the NGA on the impact of federal policy on the states. Thereby, in performing such functions, GHSAC is performing a highly unique and important function for DHS. NGA Center’s Homeland Security and Technology Division directly supports the activities of the Council and, during the past several years, also has on behalf of the GHSAC conducted research and published issue briefs, governors guides, fact sheets and other documents on a number of salient policy issues, including: intelligence sharing; state homeland security organization, structures and governance; communications interoperability; regional planning and coordination; critical infrastructure protection; the integration of public health into homeland security plans and procedures; pandemic influenza preparedness, and the interpretation and implementation of homeland security grant funding initiatives. Also on behalf of GHSAC, NGA Center provides direct technical assistance in a variety of policy areas to individual Governors offices and serve on a number of national policy committees, including the Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative Federal Advisory Committee, the FEMA Administrator’s Task Force on NIMS Credentialing, and the Emergency Management Accreditation Program Commission. As such, all of functions served by GHSAC and its administrative and facilitative body, NGS Center, are unique and vital to DHS preparedness efforts. Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-09-NPD-007-2107. Assistance Listing: 97.007. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: DPR. Award Amount: $250K total program funding.

5-Year Reviews for 56 Plant Species Scope of Work Background A total of 279 plant species are listed as endangered or threatened in the Pacific Islands under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The status of each species listed under the Act must be reviewed at least once every five years, which averages out to 56 plant species every year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the Federal agency mandated to conduct the 5-year review. Completion of these 5-year reviews will satisfy this requirement. Product Deliverables The Contractor will provide, using the template in APPENDIX 1, per instructions embedded in the review form, the review will include the following information: Section 2.4., synthesis of all information from the previous sections or that would have been provided in Section 2.3. Section 4.0, Recommendations for Future Actions, making use of the information collected during the review to recommend next steps to address the species’ recovery needs. Section 5.0 References. Copies of references (reports, journal articles, personal communications, etc.) not provided initially by the Service will be provided either as hard copy or in electronic format. The status reviews will be completed using existing knowledge, and no additional field work is required. The contractor will provide the reports to the Service in digital format. Species Island distribution Abutilon menziesii Multi-island Abutilon sandwicense Oahu Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum Maui Bidens micrantha subsp. kalealaha Lanai, Maui Bidens wiebkei Molokai Canavalia molokaiensis Molokai Chamaesyce kuwaleana Oahu Chamaesyce rockii Oahu Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. brevipes Molokai Clermontia oblongifolia subsp. mauiensis Maui Clermontia samuelii (both subspecies) Maui Colubrina oppositifolia Oahu, multi-island Cyanea copelandii subsp. haleakalaensis Maui Cyanea glabra Maui Cyanea grimesiana subsp. grimesiana (including C. magnicalyx, C. mauiensis, C. munroi) Oahu Cyanea humboldtiana Oahu Cyanea lobata (both subspecies) Lanai, Maui Cyanea mannii Molokai Cyrtandra crenata Oahu Cyrtandra munroi Lanai, Maui Diellia falcata Oahu Diellia unisora Oahu Eragrostis fosbergii Oahu Geranium arboreum Maui Geranium multiflorum Maui Gouania hillebrandii Maui Hedyotis mannii Lanai, Maui, Molokai Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. immaculatus Molokai Huperzia mannii Oahu Isodendrion longifolium Kauai, Oahu Lipochaeta lobata subsp. leptophylla Oahu Lobelia niihauensis Multi-island Lobelia oahuensis Oahu Lysimachia lydgatei Maui Marsilea villosa Oahu, Molokai Melanthera tenuifolia (listed as Lipochaeta tenuifolia) Oahu Melicope balloui Maui Melicope ovalis Maui Melicope reflexa Molokai Melicope saint-johnii Oahu Panicum fauriei var. carteri (listed as Panicum carteri) Multi-island Phyllostegia mannii Maui, Molokai Pritchardia aylmer-robinsonii Niihau Pritchardia munroi Molokai Sanicula purpurea Oahu, Maui Santalum freycinetianum var. lanaiense Maui, Lanai Schiedea haleakalensis Maui Schiedea hookeri Oahu Schiedea lydgatei Molokai Schiedea sarmentosa Molokai Tetramolopium remyi Maui Tetramolopium rockii (both varieties) Molokai Tetraplasandra gymnocarpa Oahu Urera kaalae Oahu Vigna o-wahuensis Multi-island Viola oahuensis Oahu APPENDIX 1 TEMPLATES 5-Year Review Template With Notes *Contractor only needs to complete asterisked sections INTRODUCTION The following template is designed to guide a reviewer through the analysis and documentation steps of the 5-year review process, and to record available information and a deliberative process during the review of the species. The use of summary documents (past reviews, etc.) may streamline the process; however, you should have confidence that these documents contain valid information and any questionable information should be verified. The result should not be an exhaustive report; rather, the review should be a concise document that summarizes and cites sufficient information to reflect the rationale and thought process used to arrive at the results. If, in the 5-year review, a change in classification is recommended, the recommended change will be further considered in a separate rule-making process. TEMPLATE SEQUENCE The template is provided as a general guide to conducting a 5-year review. Section 1.0 addresses general information about how the review was conducted, who conducted the review, what species was reviewed, and its history under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Section 2.0 is the Review Analysis. Section 2.1., Application of the 1996 Distinct Population Segment (DPS) policy, pertains only to vertebrate species and is only required if it was listed as a DPS prior to 1996, or if new information leads the agency to re-consider its DPS status. It reviews whether a DPS is a listable entity under the ESA (meets the discreteness and significance criteria of the DPS policy). This section appears first because a determination that the species is not a valid DPS (does not meet the discreteness or significance criteria) could lead to a recommendation to delist the species without the need to analyze the species conservation status (review of recovery criteria in section 2.2. or status and threats in section 2.3.). Section 2.2., Recovery Criteria, assesses whether recovery criteria are up-to-date and adequately address threats to the species. Section 2.3 should be completed for all species. All the information from the previous sections is then summarized in section 2.4., Synthesis. This synthesis provides the rationale for the recommendations regarding whether or not to change a species’ classification in section 3.0, Results. Section 3.0, Results also recommends a new recovery priority number for the species and a reclassification or delisting priority number, if applicable. Section 4.0, Recommendations for Future Actions, makes use of the information collected during the review to recommend next steps to address the species’ recovery needs. The reviewer is strongly encouraged to make recommendations that can guide future conservation actions for the species in this section of the 5-year review. Guidance on how to complete each section of the template is provided in section 2.2 of the guidance, Completion of the Template. A cover page and table of contents are included to facilitate producing a document ready for posting on the web. The template introduction and italicized explanatory text may be deleted upon completion of the 5-year Review. Note any sections that are not applicable. Scientific name (Common Name) 5-Year Review Summary and Evaluation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office Name City, State 5-YEAR REVIEW Species reviewed: scientific name (common name) TABLE OF CONTENTS (a table of contents may be useful for longer 5-year reviews or any 5-year reviews that provide figures or appendices as attachments) 5-YEAR REVIEW scientific name/ common name 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 Reviewers (list primary reviewers of species information below) Lead Regional or Headquarters Office (Contact name(s), Office, and phone numbers): Lead Field Office (Contact name(s), Office, and phone numbers): Cooperating Field Office(s) (Contact name(s), Office, and phone numbers): Cooperating Regional Office(s) (Contact name(s), Office, and phone numbers): Cooperating Science Center(s) (NMFS only) (Contact name(s), Office, and phone numbers): 1.2 Methodology used to complete the review: Briefly provide information that describes the method or process used in conducting this 5-year review; for example, whether the review was a team or individual effort, whether some or all of the review was contracted out, whether certain documents and data were relied on more heavily than others, whether a structured decision-making process was used, and other pertinent information. If all or portions of the review were peer reviewed, provide information on peer review methods or processes used or, if done in accordance with the OMB Peer Review Bulletin, give the weblink to the peer review information. 1.3 Background: The background section of the template asks the reviewer to provide general information and identify previous documentation regarding the species (e.g. listing documents, status reviews, associated actions, recovery plans). This provides the backdrop for the incorporation and analysis of new information when reviewing the species’ status and classification. 1.3.1 FR Notice citation announcing initiation of this review: 1.3.2 Listing history Original Listing FR notice (Federal Register Volume and page number): Date listed: Entity listed (species, subspecies, DPS; exactly as listed in 50 CFR 17.11 or 17.22): Classification (threatened or endangered): Revised Listing, if applicable FR notice (Federal Register Volume and page number): Date listed: Entity listed (species, subspecies, DPS): Classification (threatened or endangered): 1.3.3 Associated rulemakings (if applicable, identify any critical habitat, 4(d) rules, experimental populations, or similarity of appearance cases and provide FR citations): 1.3.4 Review History (List, in chronological order, agency status review(s), 5-year review(s) or other relevant reviews/documents. Include dates, and results, if applicable): 1.3.5 Species’ Recovery Priority Number at start of this 5-year review (For FWS, information is available from TESS): 1.3.6 Current Recovery Plan or Outline Name of plan or outline: Date issued: Dates of previous revisions, if applicable: 2.0 REVIEW ANALYSIS 2.1 Application of the 1996 Distinct Population Segment (DPS) policy Using section 1.3 of the 5-year Review Guidance, Consideration of the DPS Policy during the 5-year review, and the DPS Policy (61 FR 4722) to guide you, respond to the questions below. Note that only a vertebrate can be listed as a DPS under the ESA (see guidance for more information). 2.1.1 Is the species under review a vertebrate? _____Yes, go to section 2.1.2. _____No, go to section 2.2. 2.1.2 Is the species under review listed as a DPS? ____ Yes, go to section 2.1.3. ____ No, go to section 2.1.4 2.1.3 Was the DPS listed prior to 1996? ____ Yes, give date and go to section 2.1.3.1. ____ No, go to section 2.1.4. 2.1.3.1 Prior to this 5-year review, was the DPS classification reviewed to ensure it meets the 1996 policy standards? ____ Yes, provide citation and go to section 2.1.4. ____ No, go to section 2.1.3.2. 2.1.3.2 Does the DPS listing meet the discreteness and significance elements of the 1996 DPS policy? ____ Yes, discuss how it meets the DPS policy, and go to section 2.1.4. ____ No, discuss how it is not consistent with the DPS policy and consider the 5-year review completed. Go to section 2.4., Synthesis. 2.1.4 Is there relevant new information for this species regarding the application of the DPS policy? ____ Yes, provide citation(s) and a brief summary of the new information; explain how this new information affects our understanding of the species and/or the need to list as DPSs. This may be reflected in section 4.0, Recommendations for Future Actions. If the DPS listing remains valid, go to section 2.2, Recovery Criteria. If the new information indicates the DPS listing is no longer valid, consider the 5-year review completed, and go to section 2.4, Synthesis. ____ No, go to section 2.2., Recovery Criteria. 2.2 Recovery Criteria Recovery plans contain downlisting and delisting criteria which, if up-to-date with regard to both the species’ status and threats, should simplify the 5-year review process. If current, a recommendation on whether or not to change the species status may be made based on evaluating whether recovery criteria have been achieved, and briefly completing section 2.3 as appropriate. 2.2.1 Does the species have a final, approved recovery plan containing objective, measurable criteria? (Note: Some plans may not contain recovery criteria, either because they are older plans, or because criteria could not be determined due to lack of information. These plans may still contain goals or other objectives that provide a benchmark for measuring progress toward recovery and may warrant discussion in this section. If you discuss them here, be sure to distinguish them from formal recovery criteria.) ____ Yes, continue to section 2.2.2. ____ No, consider recommending development of a recovery plan or recovery criteria in section IV, Recommendations for Future Actions, and go to section 2.3., Updated Information and Current Species Status. 2.2.2 Adequacy of recovery criteria. Recovery criteria should reflect the best available and most up-to-date information on the species and its habitat and address threats to the species relative to the five factor analysis. If criteria are current, the status of the species and its threats should be discussed briefly under each criterion in section 2.2.3., which will help serve as the updated information on which the 5-year review results are based. 2.2.2.1 Do the recovery criteria reflect the best available and most up-to date information on the biology of the species and its habitat? ____ Yes, go to section 2.2.2.2. ____ No, go to section 2.2.3, and note why these criteria do not reflect the best available information. Consider developing recommendations for revising recovery criteria in section 4.0. 2.2.2.2 Are all of the 5 listing factors that are relevant to the species addressed in the recovery criteria? ____ Yes, go to section 2.2.3. ____ No, go to section 2.2.3, and note which factors do not have corresponding criteria. Consider developing recommendations for revising recovery criteria in section 4.0. 2.2.3 List the recovery criteria as they appear in the recovery plan, and discuss how each criterion has or has not been met, citing information (for threats-related recovery criteria, please note which of the 5 listing factors are addressed by that criterion. If any of the 5-listing factors are not relevant to this species, please note that here): 2.3 Updated Information and Current Species Status Briefly summarize new information, citing detailed information and analyses. Each summary of information below should indicate whether there is a change in species status or change in magnitude or imminence of threats since the last status review. 2.3.1 Biology and Habitat Provide an updated status of the species, citing new information about the species and its habitat; then go to 2.3.2. For species that are presumed extinct, note whether surveys have been completed or any other information that could be relevant to the species. The following provides a checklist of possible information to consider. 2.3.1.1 New information on the species’ biology and life history: 2.3.1.2 Abundance, population trends (e.g. increasing, decreasing, stable), demographic features (e.g., age structure, sex ratio, family size, birth rate, age at mortality, mortality rate, etc.), or demographic trends: 2.3.1.3 Genetics, genetic variation, or trends in genetic variation (e.g., loss of genetic variation, genetic drift, inbreeding, etc.): 2.3.1.4 Taxonomic classification or changes in nomenclature: 2.3.1.5 Spatial distribution, trends in spatial distribution (e.g. increasingly fragmented, increased numbers of corridors, etc.), or historic range (e.g. corrections to the historical range, change in distribution of the species’ within its historic range, etc.): 2.3.1.6 Habitat or ecosystem conditions (e.g., amount, distribution, and suitability of the habitat or ecosystem): 2.3.1.7 Other: 2.3.2 Five-Factor Analysis (threats, conservation measures, and regulatory mechanisms) - For each of the five listing factors outlined below, provide a brief summary and citation(s) of any relevant new information, including conservation measures, regarding the magnitude (scope and severity) and imminence of previously identified threats to the species or new threats to the species. Note if any of the factors are not relevant to the species. Upon completion, go to 2.4., Synthesis. 2.3.2.1 Present or threatened destruction, modification or curtailment of its habitat or range: 2.3.2.2 Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes: 2.3.2.3 Disease or predation: 2.3.2.4 Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms: 2.3.2.5 Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence: *2.4 Synthesis - Provide a synthesis of the information discussed in sections 2.1., 2.2., and that would have been discussed in section 2.3, to provide an updated assessment of the status of the species and its threats. Please note any significant changes in the species’ status or its associated threats since the last review, and explain why the species meets the definition of threatened or endangered, as appropriate. This section should conclude with a recommended classification (downlist, uplist, delist, remain the same). See guidance and 50 CFR 424.11 (the factors considered for delisting are the same factors considered for listing; species may be delisted due to extinction, recovery, and/or data error). This synthesis will provide a basis for the results provided in section 3.0, Results, and the baseline by which to measure changes in status for the next review. 3.0 RESULTS 3.1 Recommended Classification: Given your responses to previous sections, particularly section 2.4. Synthesis, make a recommendation with regard to the listing classification of the species ____ Downlist to Threatened ____ Uplist to Endangered ____ Delist (Indicate reasons Funding Opportunity Number: FWSPIO2. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ENV. Award Amount: Up to $60K per award.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) expects to have approximately $500,000 in fiscal year (FY) 2009 funds available for Special Project Grants to WIC State agencies. Grant funds will be available only to the 90 WIC State agencies responsible for administering WIC in the States, Territories, and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). There are two types of WIC Special Project Grants: Full Grants and Concept Paper Development Grants. This RFA (Application A) is for Full Grants only. A separate RFA (Application B) is available for States planning to submit a proposal for developing a concept paper as a basis for applying for a Full Grant using FY 2010 funds, pending availability of funds. FNS anticipates making one to two Full Grant awards in FY 2009, ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 each, depending on the number and quality of applications and requested budget amounts. FNS reserves the right to reduce, increase, or revise proposal budgets in accordance with the availability of funds. FNS also reserves the right to cancel this RFA in whole or in part if funds are not available.FY 2009 WIC Special Project Full Grants are open for consideration from all WIC- related program areas and may focus on either the general WIC population or specific segments of the WIC population. Grants should be used to help States develop, implement and evaluate new or innovative methods of service delivery to meet the changing needs of WIC participants. In previous years WIC Special Project Grants have focused on specific subject areas. The first grant was awarded to Wyoming in 1995 to help with the development of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Since 2000 Special Project Grants focus areas have fallen under the category of Revitalizing Quality Nutrition Services. (See Focus Area for Full Grants in Attachment 1 and abstracts of grants awarded from 1995 to 2008 at http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/benefitsandservices/specialprojects.htm for additional information). Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FNS-WICSP-09. Assistance Listing: 10.578. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: FN. Award Amount: $500K total program funding.

Purpose. Under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism requests Research Project Grant (R01) applications: 1) to test innovative single and combined pharmacologic therapies for alcohol use disorders in HIV+ populations for the purpose of improving adherence to antiretroviral medications, reducing the rate of viral mutation and toxicity related to alcohol-ARV interactions, and reducing sexual risk-taking; and 2) to assess the potential usefulness of medications for alcohol use disorders in preventing secondary HIV infections in targeted high risk populations of gay men and minority women. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the R01 grant mechanism and runs in parallel with a FOA of identical scientific scope, RFA-AA-09-008, that solicits applications under the expanded R03 grant mechanism to do initial studies of the safety and feasibility of pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorders in HIV-infected populations. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. A total of $3.0 M will be awarded and 4-6 awards are anticipated. Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-AA-09-007. Assistance Listing: 93.273. Funding Instrument: G. Category: HL. Award Amount: $3M total program funding.

Note: Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. Purpose of Program: The Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access (TICFIA) Program provides grants to support projects that will develop innovative techniques or programs using electronic technologies to collect information from foreign sources. The projects access, collect, organize, preserve, and widely disseminate information on world regions and countries other than the United States that address our Nation's teaching and research needs in international education and foreign languages. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.337A. Applications for grants under the Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access (TICFIA) Program, CFDA number 84.337A, must be submitted electronically using the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site at http://www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload and submit your application. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. You may access the electronic grant application for the TICFIA Program at http://www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application package for this competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.337, not 84.337A). the telephone number for the Grants.gov Helpdesk is 1-800-518-4726 or e-Mail: support@grants.gov. Funding Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-031709-001. Assistance Listing: 84.337. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED. Award Amount: Up to $190K per award.

The purpose of the Field Initiated Demonstration Program is to foster innovations and advancements in juvenile justice-related practice at the local, state, and tribal government levels. The program’s goal is to demonstrate the practical implications for policy and practice of innovative programs that enhance juvenile justice and delinquency prevention. Authorization for this program may be found in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002, 42 U.S.C. 5665-5667. Funding Opportunity Number: OJJDP-2009-2180. Assistance Listing: 16.541. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: LJL. Award Amount: Up to $300K per award.

CIG was authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) [16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8] under Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985, as added by section 2509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246). The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of EQIP and CIG to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who is vice president of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). EQIP is administered by NRCS under the authorities of the CCC. The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals, guides, and references or to the private sector. CIG does not fund research projects. It is a vehicle to stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success and to be candidates for eventual technology transfer or institutionalization. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2009 will be approximately $150,000.00. Grants to eligible entities and individuals may not exceed a maximum of $50,000.00 each. Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. NRCS will accept applications for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, submitted to NRCS from eligible entities, including Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, State and local governments, and non¬governmental organizations and individuals. Applications will only be accepted for projects that will take place in Washington State. The full announcement sets forth the applicant and project eligibility requirements, application procedures, and grant award criteria for proposed projects. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-WA-09-01. Assistance Listing: 10.912. Funding Instrument: G. Category: AG. Award Amount: $10K – $50K per award.

Special Needs Program is a competitive grants program to State Extension Services at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions to support innovative, education-based approaches to addressing emergency preparedness and specific responses related to natural and man-made disasters. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-CSREES-SLBCD-002134. Assistance Listing: 10.500. Funding Instrument: G. Category: AG,DPR,ED,ELT,ENV,FN,HL,HO,NR. Award Amount: Up to $460K per award.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is interested in receiving proposals for efforts that aim to develop and demonstrate science and technology for the next generation (2010 - 2013) electronics devices under the following focus area: Wideband, Low Noise, Interference-Tolerant Receiver Component and Chain Development for Dense Signal Environments Funding Opportunity Number: ONRBAA09-020. Assistance Listing: 12.300. Funding Instrument: G,PC. Category: ST.

Approximately $600,000 will be available in fiscal year 2009 to fund 3 awards. The purpose of this FOA is to develop “best practices” for monitoring school (kindergarten) vaccination coverage, entry requirements, and exemption rates, using innovative approaches. Funding Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-IP08-80304ARRA09. Assistance Listing: 93.712. Funding Instrument: O. Category: RA. Award Amount: $150K – $300K per award.

Note: Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. Purpose of Program: The Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) supports innovative grants and cooperative agreements to improve postsecondary education. It supports reforms, innovations, and significant improvements of postsecondary education that respond to problems of national significance and serve as national models. Under the FIPSE Program, the Secretary may make grants for special projects concerning areas of national need. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.116V. Applications for grants under this FIPSE Special Focus Competition--CFDA number 84.116V must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible through the Department's e-Grants portal page at: http://e-grants.ed.gov. While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. Funding Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-061809-002. Assistance Listing: 84.116. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED. Award Amount: Up to $150K per award.

Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that propose to develop, enhance and validate translational tools to facilitate rigorous study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches that are in wide use by the public. Recent data from the National Health Interview Survey [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm] establish that Americans are utilizing CAM approaches to promote health and well-being, to treat or prevent disease, and for symptom relief. CAM approaches being widely used include massage and manipulative therapies, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. Health conditions, particularly chronic pain, back pain and musculoskeletal pain, are the most commonly cited reasons for their use. This FOA focuses on encouraging the development of improved tools to study safety, efficacy, and clinical effectiveness of widely used CAM approaches, such as: mind-body interventions, manual therapies, yoga, and acupuncture. This FOA is not focused on tools for the study of natural products, such as herbal therapies. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the SBIR (R43/R44) grant mechanisms for Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track applications and runs in parallel with a FOA of identical scientific scope, RFA-AT-09-002, which solicits applications under the R01 grant mechanism. Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. The estimated amount of funds available for support of 5 projects awarded as a result of this announcement is $1.25 million for fiscal year 2010. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations. Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-AT-09-004. Assistance Listing: 93.213. Funding Instrument: G. Category: HL. Award Amount: $1.3M total program funding.

Note: Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by conducting advanced engineering research and development on innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities. Additional information on the RERC program can be found at: http:// www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RERC. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133E-1. Applications for grants under these RERCs competitions--CFDA Numbers 84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, and 84.133E-4--must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible through the Department's e-Grants Web site at: http://e-grants.ed.gov. While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. Funding Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-072809-001. Assistance Listing: 84.133. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED. Award Amount: Up to $950K per award.

Note: Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by conducting advanced engineering research and development on innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities. Additional information on the RERC program can be found at: http:// www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RERC. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133E-1. Applications for grants under these RERCs competitions--CFDA Numbers 84.133E-1, 84.133E-3, and 84.133E-4--must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible through the Department's e-Grants Web site at: http://e-grants.ed.gov. While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us. Funding Opportunity Number: ED-GRANTS-072809-002. Assistance Listing: 84.133. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED. Award Amount: Up to $950K per award.

Program Announcement No. OSBDC-2010-02. Note: Program Announcements No. OSBDC-2010-01 (for FY applicants) and No. OSBDC-2010-02 (for CY applicants) are identical in content. U.S. Small Business Administration / Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC) OPENING DATE: June 1, 2009 CLOSING DATE: August 27, 2009 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plans to issue Program Announcement No.OSBDC-2010-02 to invite applications to renew funding for existing recipient organizations currently funded under the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program as authorized by Section 21 of the Small Business Act, (15 USC Section 648). Applicants will provide business management and technical assistance, including short and long-term counseling, training to clients who want to start or expand a small business. The SBDC program is the SBA’s largest matching grant-funded service delivery network providing high quality business and economic development assistance to small businesses and nascent entrepreneurs in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity and management improvement. The SBDCs, in partnership with SBA’s Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC) and SBA District Offices, develop programs and provide business management and other services that enhance the economic development goals and objectives of SBA and their other respective state and local funding partners. The SBDC program is a broad-based system of assistance for the small business community that links the resources of Federal, state, and local governments with those of the educational community and the private sector. Although SBA is responsible for the general management and oversight of the SBDC program, a partnership exists between SBA and the recipient organization to effectuate the delivery of assistance to the small business community. Award recipients must provide non-Federal matching funds at the rate of one non-Federal dollar for each Federal dollar. Up to one-half of the non-Federal match funds may be in the form of in-kind contributions but at least 50% of match must be in cash. Questions about this program announcement should be directed to the Office of Small Business Development Centers at the SBA, at (202)205-6766. Note: Program Announcements No. OSBDC-2010-01 (for FY applicants) and No. OSBDC-2010-02 (for CY applicants) are identical in content. Funding Opportunity Number: OSBDC-2010-02. Assistance Listing: 59.037. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: BC. Award Amount: $611K – $6.6M per award.

-This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications from small business concerns (SBCs) for the modification or development of new screening technologies that are better able to consistently detect mild hearing loss (i.e., less than 40 dB Hearing Level or 40 dB HL) in one or both ears in infants and young children without significantly increasing the number of false positives (i.e., those who fail the screen but do not have hearing loss). -The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program within the National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), NIH, are working to ensure infants and children with mild forms of hearing loss are identified as soon as possible. Part of this effort involves having screening technology available that can reliably detect these hearing losses. -This FOA will utilize the SBIR (R43/R44) grant mechanisms for Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track applications and runs in parallel with a FOA of identical scientific scope, PA-06-547, that solicits applications under the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR [R41/R42]) grant mechanisms. Note,that CDC does not accept STTR applications so is participating only in PA-06-546. Funding Opportunity Number: PA-06-546. Assistance Listing: 93.173,93.283. Funding Instrument: G. Category: HL.

-Purpose. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications from small business concerns (SBCs) that propose to develop, standardize, and validate new and innovative assays, integrated strategies, or batteries of assays that determine or predict specific organ toxicities (e.g., ocular, dermal, hematotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, olfactory loss, bladder toxicity, neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, endocrine toxicity, and pancreatic beta cell toxicity), resulting from both acute and chronic exposures to various chemicals, environmental pollutants, biologics and therapeutic molecules or drugs. In addition, this FOA encourages the development, standardization, and validation of new models of arthritis, convulsion, infection and shock. New approaches for high throughput toxicity screening that involves the use of molecular endpoints, computer modeling, proteomics, genomics and epigenomics and the development of virtual tissues are also encouraged as are development of 3-dimensional organ models for toxicity evaluation. -Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the SBIR (R43/R44) grant mechanisms for Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track applications and runs in parallel with a FOA of identical scientific scope, PA-09-007, which encourages applications under the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) (R41/R42) grant mechanisms. Funding Opportunity Number: PA-09-006. Assistance Listing: 93.113,93.173,93.361,93.389,93.837,93.846,93.847,93.848,93.849,93.859,93.867. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED,ENV,FN,HL.

Department of State Public Notice Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Proposals: Elections, Political Participation and Consensus Building for countries in Africa, the Near East, and South Asia. SUMMARY The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Proposals from organizations interested in submitting proposals for projects that support elections, promote political participation and consensus building for countries in Africa (Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, and Uganda), the Near East (Lebanon and Tunisia), and South Asia (Afghanistan). PLEASE NOTE: DRL strongly urges applicants to access immediately www.grants.gov in order to obtain a username and password. It may take up to a week to register with grants.gov. Please see the section entitled, “DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS” below for specific instructions. REQUESTED PROPOSAL PROGRAM OBJECTIVES DRL invites organizations to submit proposals outlining program concepts and capacity to manage projects targeting the following issues: Africa: Central African Republic (approximately $750,000 available): DRL seeks proposals to develop and build the capacity of human rights NGOs and to use radio, the most effective medium in the CAR, as a tool to build civil society capacity. Radio should be used to increase sustainable links between citizens, civil society, and elected representatives in an informative and interactive dialogue on issues regarding human rights—including impunity and endemic corruption—as well as democracy and civic participation, including in the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for 2010. This dialogue, the reach of which should extend beyond the capital to other urban centers and rural areas throughout the country, should directly involve and help build the capacity of local human rights NGOs focusing on issues such as impunity, arbitrary arrest and detention, corruption, torture, judicial independence, women’s and children’s rights, press freedom, and electoral integrity. The dialogue should aim to increase citizens’ understanding of human rights and their engagement in the political process, and it should incorporate the participation of elected representatives and other government officials. Cote d’Ivoire (approximately $750,000 available): DRL seeks proposals to monitor the elections preparations process and the conduct of elections in Cote d'Ivoire, including the training of local election observers. Togo (approximately $800,000 available): DRL seeks proposals to build the capacity of civil society organizations to participate in the 2010 presidential election process through collaboration with the Electoral Commission on one or more of the following election-related activities: voter registration, election observation, and/or adjudication of post-election disputes. Activities that specifically include a youth component are encouraged. Applicants interested in applying for a grant in Togo must currently be operating in the region and have the ability to immediately initiate program activities upon receipt of funding. Uganda (approximately $550,000 available): DRL seeks proposals that provide voter civic education in the lead up to and during the 2011 elections. Near East: Lebanon (approximately $700,000 available): DRL seeks to fund programs that provide support for media organizations to develop media coverage and monitoring of the 2010 municipal elections and electoral process; public awareness campaigns on citizen rights and responsibilities during the elections; and initiatives that empower youth participation in the elections. DRL welcomes proposals that focus on organizations outside the capital, on youth media groups, and that include training and/or small grants components. Tunisia (approximately $400,000 available): DRL seeks to fund programs that promote the participation of women in political processes and promote the empowerment of women to become a part of political dialogue by educating them on innovative methods of engagement and participation. South Asia: Afghanistan (approximately $600,000 available): DRL seeks proposals that support civic education by local civil society groups in preparation for the 2010 parliamentary and district elections. Applicants are encouraged to work with organizations such as Afghan Women’s Network and Afghan Civil Society Forum. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS Proposals should conform to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI), available at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/c26119.htm. (For this solicitation, applicants must use the Revised PSI dated June 2008.) An organization may submit no more than three (3) proposals. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of the announcement and PSI may not be considered. Proposals that combine target countries and/or themes may be deemed technically ineligible. Proposals that request less than the award floor or more than the award ceiling will be deemed technically ineligible. Funding Opportunity Number: DRL-09-ELECTIONS-081309. Funding Instrument: G. Category: O. Award Amount: $300K – $800K per award.

-Purpose.This funding opportunity announcement (FOA), issued by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), solicits innovative applications for the development of new or improved instrumentation for biomedical research. Projects should propose tools that can be used by a wide range of biomedical or clinical researchers, and not limited to a specific organ or disease. -Mechanism of Support. This FOA will utilize the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) grant mechanism. -Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. NCRR intends to commit approximately $1 million to this program to award five to eight new grants in FY2010. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-RR-09-001. Assistance Listing: 93.389. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED,HL. Award Amount: Up to $125K per award.

Computational neuroscience provides a theoretical foundation and a rich set of technical approaches for understanding the functions of complex neurobiological systems, building on the theory, methods, and findings of computer science, neuroscience, and numerous other disciplines. Through the CRCNS program, participating NSF Directorates and NIH Institutes support innovative interdisciplinary collaborative research to make significant advances in the understanding of nervous system function, mechanisms underlying nervous system disorders, and computational strategies used by the nervous system.Two classes of proposals will be considered in response to this solicitation:Research proposals describing new collaborative research projects, andData sharing proposals to enable sharing of data and other resources.As detailed in the solicitation, appropriate scientific areas of investigations may be related to any of the participating funding organizations. Questions concerning a particular project’s focus, direction and relevance to a participating funding organization should be addressed to the appropriate person in the list of agency contacts found in section VIII of the solicitation. Funding Opportunity Number: 08-514. Assistance Listing: 47.049,47.070,47.074,47.075,93.173,93.242,93.273,93.279,93.286,93.853,93.867. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ST. Award Amount: $5M total program funding.

This document solicits grant proposals to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. This grant program provides financial support for innovative projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques as described in this notice. Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-EE-10-02. Assistance Listing: 66.951. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ENV. Award Amount: $3M total program funding.

Purpose. The purpose of the NIMH Research Education Program is to foster the development of mental health researchers via creative and innovative research educational programs. The NIMH encourages educational programs that will attract, train, and advance the career development of scientists committed to research careers relevant to the mission of the NIMH. These programs may be designed as institutional, regional or national programs. Mechanism of Support. This FOA will use the NIH Research Education (R25) grant mechanism. Awards issued under this FOA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research education program will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received. Budget and Project Period: The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may not exceed five years. Direct costs are limited to $250,000 annually. Personnel costs may not exceed 25% of the total direct costs in any year of the project period. Eligible Institutions/Organizations. Institutions/organizations listed in Section III, 1.A. are eligible to apply. Eligible Project Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs): Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research education program are invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted who is capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed research education program. Number of PDs/PIs: More than one PD/PI, or multiple PDs/PIs, may be designated on the application. Number of Applications. Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each application is scientifically distinct. Research education programs may not be transferred from one institution to another. Renewals and Resubmissions. Renewal applications are allowed (see Section II.1). Up to two resubmissions (formerly revisions/amendments ) of a previously reviewed research education grant application may be submitted. See NOT-OD-07-015, November 13, 2006. Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-08-079. Assistance Listing: 93.242. Funding Instrument: G. Category: HL. Award Amount: $1.9M total program funding.