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Adaptive Science

Program Information

Popular name

N/A

Program Number

15.670

Program objective

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) uses a science-based, adaptive framework for setting and achieving broad-scale conservation objectives that strategically address the problems fish and wildlife will face in the future. This framework, called Strategic Habitat Conservation, is based on the principles of adaptive management and uses population and habitat data, ecological models, and focused monitoring and assessment efforts to develop and implement strategies that result in measurable fish and wildlife population outcomes. This process uses the best available scientific information to predict how fish and wildlife populations will respond to changes in the environment, thus enabling the USFWS to focus habitat conservation and other management activities where they will be most effective. In addition, the USFWS needs focused, applied science directed at high impact questions surrounding threats to fish and wildlife resources for which management and/or mitigation is required to maintain species at healthy, sustainable, desired levels. USFWS must base its decisions on the best science available, in order to defend its regulatory decisions, biological opinions and species conservation recommendations to land managers.

Program expenditures, by FY (2023 - 2025)

This chart shows obligations for the program by fiscal year. All data for this chart was provided by the administering agency and sourced from SAM.gov, USASpending.gov, and Treasury.gov.

For more information on each of these data sources, please see the About the data page.

Additional program information

  1. 2017

    Program anticipates receiving 50 applications and issuing 20 awards. Program received 15 applications and issued 7 awards.

  2. 2018

    In FY18 the program received 19 applications and issued 12 awards.

  3. 2019

    In FY19 the program received 39 applications and issued 27 awards.

  4. 2020

    In FY20 the program received 37 applications and issued 29 awards.

  5. 2021

    The Adaptive Science program received 54 applications and funded 47 awards. The DWCF program received 57 applications and funded 31 awards.

  6. 2022

    Program received 67 applications and issued 23 awards.

  7. 2023

    Program anticipates receiving 75 applications and issuing 35 awards.

  8. 2024

    Program anticipates receiving 75 applications and issuing 35 awards.

  9. 2025

    Program anticipates receiving 75 applications and issuing 35 awards.

Single Audit Applies (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F):

For additional information on single audit requirements for this program, review the current Compliance Supplement.

OMB is working with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and agency offices of inspectors general to include links to relevant oversight reports. This section will be updated once this information is made available.

Acceptance of a Federal Financial award from the Department of the Interior carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Acceptance is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by the Department of the Interior and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated in to the Award either directly or by reference to the following: Program legislation/regulation, assurances, special conditions, the Code of Federal Regulations, and other regulatory requirements, as applicable.

  1. The Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C. §§742a-742j, not including §742 d-1; National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. §§668dd-ee; Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq.; Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act,16 U.S.C. §2901 et seq.; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§661-666; Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. §703 et seq.; Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act—Delaware River Basin Restoration, Pub. L. 114-322 [S.612], 130 STAT. 1774; America’s Conservation Enhancement Act—Chesapeake WILD, Pub. L. 116-188 [S.3051], 134 STAT. 923.

Program details

Program types

Eligible beneficiaries

  • Anyone/general public
  • Federal
  • Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments
  • Individual/Family
  • Interstate
  • Land/Property Owner
  • Local
  • Private nonprofit institution/organization
  • Profit organization
  • Public nonprofit institution/organization
  • State

Additional resources