BLM-NM Archaeological Museum Collections Management | L17AS00223

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): BLM-NM Archaeological Museum Collections Management (L17AS00223)

What is the BLM-NM Archaeological Museum Collections Management opportunity?

It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), through the New Mexico State Office (NMSO). The opportunity focuses on the long-term management and accessibility of archaeological museum collections that originate from BLM-managed public lands in New Mexico.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is L17AS00223.

Which federal agency and office are offering this grant?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), specifically through its New Mexico State Office (NMSO).

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

It is structured as a cooperative agreement. This generally means the recipient should expect meaningful involvement from the federal agency during the project, rather than a hands-off, pass-through award.

What funding category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity sits within the natural resources funding category and is associated with CFDA 15.224.

What is the primary purpose of the funding?

The primary purpose is to support practical, long-term management and accessibility of archaeological museum collections originating from BLM-managed public lands in New Mexico, including stewardship and public benefit through research and educational use.

What kinds of collections does this program focus on?

The program focuses on archaeological museum collections that originate from BLM-managed public lands in New Mexico and that are held as BLM museum property in non-federal repositories under formal curation agreements.

Who is this opportunity intended to support?

It is designed to support the ongoing relationship between the BLM NMSO and non-federal repositories that hold BLM museum property, such as museums, universities, and other curation facilities.

What types of organizations are mentioned as potential repositories?

The description specifically mentions non-federal repositories such as museums, universities, and other curation facilities that hold BLM museum property.

Why does BLM emphasize partnerships with non-federal repositories?

The opportunity recognizes that these repositories already curate substantial quantities of archaeological materials under formal curation agreements tied to Cultural Resources Use permits issued by the BLM, and that strong partnerships help ensure collections are maintained appropriately and remain accessible for research and public education.

How do repositories typically come to hold these BLM collections?

According to the description, repositories hold substantial quantities of archaeological materials under formal curation agreements tied to Cultural Resources Use permits issued by the BLM.

What does the opportunity say about the use of collections once they are in a qualified repository?

Once collections are placed in a qualified repository, they become available for multiple legitimate uses, including research access for scholars and other qualified users, as well as public-facing access through museum exhibitions and loans to other venues.

Does the program support research use of collections?

Yes. The description notes that collections can be made available for research access by scholars and other qualified users.

Does the program support public education and museum programming?

Yes. The opportunity highlights public access and learning through educational use and museum programming, including exhibitions and loans.

What public-facing activities are explicitly mentioned?

The description mentions exhibitions at the host museum and loans to other venues as examples of public-facing access.

Is the program only about storage?

No. While professional stewardship and proper curation are central, the opportunity also emphasizes responsible public benefit, including education, interpretation, exhibition, and broader accessibility.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to many types of applicants, assuming they meet any additional eligibility details that may be included in the full notice.

What does "unrestricted eligibility" mean in this context?

It indicates that the opportunity is broadly open to many applicant types. However, applicants should still review the full notice for any additional eligibility details that may apply.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $100,000.

How many awards were expected?

BLM anticipated making approximately two awards.

When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on July 25, 2017.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was August 25, 2017.

What is the overall goal of this grant opportunity?

It is a targeted investment in stewardship and use of archaeological collections from BLM public lands in New Mexico, leveraging partnerships with capable non-federal repositories to maintain collections to appropriate standards while keeping them available for research and public education.