The Archeological Inventory Survey of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (FLFO), Phase 2 is a cooperative agreement funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS). This initiative supports archaeological fieldwork and educational opportunities while helping the FLFO meet its compliance requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The program continues the work of previous inventory efforts, addressing gaps in documentation and site evaluation across approximately 1,500 acres of FLFO terrain.
This project builds on foundational archaeological work done in 1974 and more recent surveys that only covered a portion of the park. Many of FLFO’s archaeological resources remain inadequately documented, which limits both preservation planning and interpretive development. The current initiative seeks to modernize resource data using up-to-date methods and tools, including GPS/GNSS technology capable of submeter accuracy, and to ensure fieldwork aligns with the standards of the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
The cooperative agreement enables partnerships with qualified organizations to conduct surveys, develop research reports, and catalog findings for inclusion in the Park Atlas and GIS databases maintained by the Intermountain Regional Office (IMRO). Additionally, the project will support educational objectives by fostering hands-on learning experiences for youth and students in cultural resource management and preservation.
Eligible applicants include county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and both public and private institutions of higher education. Cost sharing is not required. The opportunity is offered as a stand-alone cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from NPS staff in developing the project scope and providing technical and logistical support.
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by January 20, 2026, at 5 PM Mountain Time. Required documents include SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, a project narrative addressing merit review criteria, a detailed budget, and, if applicable, an SF-LLL disclosure. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Evaluation will be based equally on personnel qualifications and budget effectiveness.
Awards are anticipated by May 2026, with a performance period extending to May 2027. While this opportunity is listed as a one-time offering, the agency notes it may recur. Any questions must be directed to Katie Gaertner via email. Projects under this agreement will comply with NPS policies and federal reporting requirements, and deliverables will be made accessible to relevant stakeholders, including affiliated tribes and educational institutions.
Emphasize project manager qualifications and clearly link budget to outcomes to meet review criteria.
