Foa_Content_of_F26AS00104.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00104

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00104

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.608

Estimated Total Program Funding: $4,084,000

Expected Number of Awards: 47

Award Ceiling: $150,000

Award Floor: $5,000

Based on a decision of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force approximately 20 years ago, the funding for the State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan grant program is distributed as evenly as possible among the states that successfully apply. There is no set award ceiling or floor; the award floor and ceiling amounts listed above are estimated based on previous program information regarding the number of States that apply and the estimated minimum amount needed to implement an ANS Management Plan.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation

Pre-proposals are due on July 29, 2026, and are submitted outside GrantSolutions.

Important note: The Closing Date for this funding opportunity is December 16, 2026.

However, that is the date that the funding opportunity closes and applications can no longer be accepted. To give applicants the time for the "back and forth" necessary to fix issues and complete their applications, the actual due date for Application Submission in GrantSolutions is October 14, 2026.

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Donald MacLean

USFWS, Fish and Aquatic Conservation, Aquatic Invasive Species Program

Email: don_maclean@fws.gov

For specific questions about your State’s ANS Management Plan, the pre-proposal, or your GrantSolutions submission, seek out the appropriate “Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator” from the following contact list:

Fish and Aquatic Conservation AIS Contacts

For technical assistance with GrantSolutions, find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

For technical assistance with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 mailto:don_maclean@fws.gov https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-invasive-species/contact-us https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation file://ifw-hqskyfs1.fws.doi.net/afhc-shared/AIS/2_ANSTF/Coordination/State%20Management%20Plans/2025%20SMP%20Process/NOFO/Support@grants.gov

Executive Summary This Notice of Funding Opportunity requests pre-proposals, and then later full applications, for the implementation of State and Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans (SIANSMP) that have been approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) as per Section 4724 (b)(3)(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as amended (16 U.S.C. 4701-4741). These plans identify activities needed to prevent introductions and spread, and eliminate or reduce the risks associated with, aquatic nuisance species, as part of the broader objective of moving towards a nationally coordinated aquatic invasive species program.

The grant process includes a pre-proposal review that occurs outside GrantSolutions. After receiving approval of pre-proposals, eligible applicants can complete the full application process within GrantSolutions. The grant program includes a 25% cost-share (of total project costs) and a 5% limit on administrative costs.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible applicants are ONLY the States, Territories, or Indian tribes involved together with States and/or Territories in an interstate organization, that have an approved ANS Management Plan. For eligibility questions, please contact the appropriate Service Regional AIS Coordinator. Unless the hosting entity of one of the 47 approved plans has an unforeseen change, the currently eligible applicants are:

Approved State or Interstate Plan

State Entity That Applies for Funding

Alabama AL Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Alaska AK Department of Fish and Game

Arizona AZ Game and Fish Department

Arkansas AR Game and Fish Commission

California CA Department of Fish and Game

Colorado CO Parks and Wildlife

Connecticut CT State Department of Environmental Protection

Delaware DE Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Georgia GA Department of Natural Resources

Hawaii HI Department of Land and Natural Resources https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title16-section4724&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-invasive-species/contact-us

Idaho ID Department of Agriculture

Illinois IL Department of Natural Resources

Indiana IN Department of Natural Resources

Iowa IA Department of Natural Resources

Kansas KS Department of Wildlife & Parks

Kentucky KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Lake Champlain Basin VT Department of Environmental Conservation

Lake Tahoe Region NV Department of Wildlife

Louisiana LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Maine ME Department of Environmental Protection

Maryland MD Department of Natural Resources

Massachusetts MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Lakes and Ponds Program

Michigan MI Department of Environmental Quality

Minnesota MN Department of Natural Resources

Mississippi MS Department of Environmental Quality

Missouri MO Department of Conservation

Montana MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

Nebraska NE Game and Parks Commission

New Jersey NJ Department of Environmental Protection

Nevada NV Department of Wildlife

New Mexico NM Department of Game and Fish

New York NY DEC via The State University of New York

Ohio OH Department of Natural Resources

Oklahoma OK Department of Wildlife Conservation

Oregon OR Center for Lakes and Reservoirs

Pennsylvania PA Fish and Boat Commission

Rhode Island RI Department of Environmental Management

South Carolina SC Department of Natural Resources

South Dakota SD Department of Game, Fish, and Parks

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

MN Department of Natural Resources, or WI Department of Natural Resources

Tennessee TN Wildlife Resources Agency

Texas TX Parks and Wildlife Department

Utah UT Department of Natural Resources

Virginia VA Department of Conservation and Recreation

Washington WA Department of Fish and Wildlife

Wisconsin WI Department of Natural Resources

Wyoming WY Game and Fish Department

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Section 4724 (b)(3)(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as amended (16 U.S.C. 4701-4741), requires those entities applying for funds under this Program to provide a 25% cost share (25% of total project costs). Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost-share or match.

Another program restriction is a limit of 5% on administrative costs – please see the indirect costs information in the budget narrative section.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title16-section4724&num=0&edition=prelim https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The goal of the State and Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan

Grant Program is to provide financial support to States to implement their ANS Task Force-approved ANS Management Plans, and the goals, objectives, and strategies therein, as per Section 4724 (b)(3)(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as amended (16 U.S.C. 4701-4741). These plans identify activities needed to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species, and reduce their risks and impacts to public health, property, and the environment as the part of the broader framework of a nationally coordinated aquatic invasive species program.

Program Description The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial support for the implementation of State and Interstate ANS Management Plans that have been approved by the ANS Task Force. The approved plans identify prevention and management activities needed to eliminate or reduce the risks (introduction, impacts and further spread) associated with aquatic nuisance species (also called aquatic invasive species). The funding contributes to program goals and objectives by providing financial support to State AIS/ANS programs thus helping them contribute to the shared goals of the USFWS AIS Program and the ANS Task Force of a nationally coordinated aquatic invasive species program. While not mandatory, States are encouraged to include early detection actions and rapid response planning as part of the National Early Detection and Rapid Response Framework. Success is achieved by working towards the components outlined in each State’s approved plan. The grant program includes a 25% cost-share (of total project costs) and a 5% limit on administrative costs (See sections on cost-share requirements and the info on indirect costs in the budget narrative section).

Additional Information

Recipients are also encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act—State Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans (16 U.S.C. §4724).

https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title16/pdf/USCODE-2018-title16-chap67-subchapIII.pdf

Type of Award Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:

https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By applying in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently effective and applicable Executive Orders and Secretary’s Orders, including but not limited to the Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s Order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

Stage One Application Requirements - Preliminary National Review For 2026, pre-proposals are due July 29, 2026.

This Program has a two-stage application process (see “Review and Selection Process” below, for more details).

• Stage One - the “Preliminary National Review” - is managed by the Service Headquarters office. For this stage, each State entity prepares a pre-proposal (see below). The pre-proposal process occurs outside of Grant Solutions as it has done in the past; for 2026, pre-proposals are due July 29, 2026.

• Stage Two - the “Regional Office Review and Grant Processing” - is managed by the Service Regional Offices. This is the standard application submission process that occurs within GrantSolutions.

After the Funding Opportunity is posted within GrantSolutions (and posted on Grants.gov), Stage One, the pre-proposal stage, of the grant process is managed outside of GrantSolutions.

Eligible entities must submit an approximately pre-proposal (maximum 6-8 pages) that contains:

• Funding opportunity number (F26AS00104);

• Program narrative that outlines the ANS Management Plan activities to be conducted with the requested funding, including:

o Narrative description of each activity pertaining to zebra and/or quagga mussels or other aquatic invasive species and the amount of funding requested;

o A linkage of each activity to its designated action within the SIANSMP implementation table;

o A prioritization of all the proposed activities; and o A timeline for the performance of each activity in the pre-proposal.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order

• A Budget in tabular form: Budget must show individual entries for each proposed activity as well as Federal and non-Federal cost share (25% of total project costs - see sections on cost-share requirements) and acknowledge that administrative costs will not exceed 5% of the total budget. Note: For Stage 2 – You will be required to provide more detailed information to support our determination that your proposed costs conform to the 5% limit on admin costs (See the information on indirect costs in the budget narrative section below).

• Budget narrative: Brief narrative describing how the budget numbers were derived.

Note: More details will be needed for the Stage 2 budget narrative to clearly connect the budget to the actual proposed work.

Pre-proposals are submitted outside the GrantSolutions system to the Program Technical Contacts (see the “Basic Information” section above).

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Required for non-construction projects

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property

Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative

• Overview information:

o Project title, o Location details (including maps of all proposed work areas when appropriate), o Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project, o Information on key project personnel, including details on their expertise, skill, or significance to the project, o Needs statement, o Description of how project meets the State or Interstate ANS Management Plan goals and objectives,

• Summary of proposed actions organized by specific proposal objective. A program narrative that outlines the ANS Management Plan activities to be conducted with the requested funding, including:

o Narrative description of each activity pertaining to zebra and/or quagga mussels or other aquatic invasive species and the funding requested.

▪ Specific Proposal Objective(s) - This should include one or more measurable Specific Proposal Objective(s) – a brief statement that summarizes what your annual objective(s) are, so that it is clear what you will be reporting on that year.

▪ Rapid Response Actions - To satisfy the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 requirement for grant approval, we cannot approve the generic act of “rapid response.” Grantees wishing to conduct rapid response actions must provide detailed descriptions (locations, methods, and timing) of the proposed actions. If details cannot be provided because the response actions are not yet known, then the following statement should be added to the application submission:

▪ “Before any rapid response actions occur, detailed descriptions of our proposed removal actions (methods, locations, and timing) will be submitted to our grant manager (Grant Specialist or Regional AIS Coordinator) as a scope change amendment with an updated project narrative. No work will begin until the amendment is approved and the NGA has been issued."

o A linkage of each activity to its designated action within the SIANSMP implementation table;

o A prioritization of all the proposed activities o Estimated timeline(s). – Grantees are expected to start spending down their award within the year they are awarded unless unexpected circumstances occur. See Efficient and Effective Administration of Awards heading within the Post Award Requirements And Administration section below.

• Monitoring and evaluation information:

o Methods for data collection (performance monitoring, evaluation, and other reporting), o Expected outcomes, o Any expected deliverables beyond required financial and performance reporting.

• Other:

o A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Statement.

o Any information needed to support environmental compliance review requirements, including NEPA, Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7, and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 Compliance.

▪ See new information above, but in this section, under summary of proposed actions to help prevent delays in the grant submission process for applications that wish to include rapid response activities.

If any requirement also requires submission of separate supporting documentation, describe those in the Other Documentation section below and cross-reference them here.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

This program has a mandated cap on indirect costs or approved rate deviation.

5% Limit on Administrative Costs

Per Section 4724 (b)(3)(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as amended (16 USC 4724 (b)(4)), states that “administrative costs for activities and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 programs carried out with a grant in any fiscal year shall not exceed 5% of the amount of the grant in that year.” This limit applies to all administrative costs under the award, including the Federal share and any non-Federal shared costs or matching funds (see 2 CFR §200.1 -- Project Costs), and subawards to subrecipients (see 2 CFR §200.101(b)(2))). As part of the budget narrative in Stage 2, you must provide the following details to support our determination that your proposed costs conform to this restriction:

• Categorize all proposed costs (direct and indirect; Federal and non-Federal) within two categories: “Program or Project” and “Administrative”. “Program or project costs” are costs directly attributable to the funded program or project activities. “Administrative costs” are general award management or administration costs. Administrative costs may be for personnel or non-personnel costs and may be direct or indirect costs. For more information, see 2 CFR §200.414.

• Calculate the percentage of total proposed costs categorized as “Administrative”. Provide your calculation and describe any adjustments made to your budget to reduce your proposed administrative costs to conform to the program’s cap.

Recipients under this program are responsible for ensuring the total allowable administrative costs charged to their award does not exceed this program’s administrative cost cap.

Additional Budget Narrative Requirements:

Project Pre-proposals (Stage 1)

Project pre-proposals must clearly acknowledge that the 25% cost-share (25% of total project costs), and the 5% limit on administrative costs, are both understood and must be shown within the draft budgets. Details on both the 25% cost-share and the 5% limit on admin costs must be provided during Stage 2, the full application process in GrantSolutions.

Full Application in GrantSolutions (Stage 2)

Budget Narrative

In a separate narrative titled “Budget Narrative,” explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. The applicant should organize the narrative by cost categories outlined in the SF424-A (for Non-Construction Projects) and be sure to consider all Federal and State/match dollars for each category. Detail how the SF 424 Budget Object Class Category totals were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. The justification for each cost category should include a description of the costs that make up each category and provide enough detail to demonstrate that the applicant has a financial plan for implementation of the proposed objectives. For example, under personnel, include the staff and job titles (classifications) anticipated to be charging to the project and the percent of time each staff member will be dedicating to the award. Describe any item under the applicable Federal cost principles in 2 CFR 200.407 that requires the Service’s prior approval and estimate its cost (e.g., equipment purchases, travel, etc.).

Important Note: Because travel is one of the items requiring prior approval, it is strongly advised that all potential travel be listed in the grant application. If the travel is listed in the budget narrative as a possible meeting, then it is considered approved once the notice of award is released.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.101 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.407

Purchase of Supplies and Equipment

Purchase of supplies and equipment using award dollars must explicitly link to a grant-funded activity as described in the project narrative to comply with 2 CFR 200.453(a) which states “Costs incurred for materials, supplies, and fabricated parts necessary for the performance of a Federal award are allowable” and 2 CFR 200.403(a) which states “[Costs must] be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information Overlap of Annual Project Implementation

Due to inconsistent timing of federal budgets, sometimes the following year’s grant will be awarded before the funding from the previous year can be fully spent. In these cases, if the grantee has an existing/ongoing grant to implement their State ANS Management Plan, the grantee must clearly clarify how the new award will differ from the ongoing project, even if it is to fund the same basic activity, to make it clear there is no potential or perceived overlap.

Interstate Plan Duplication Statement

An overlap/duplication of effort statement is required of the States with approved ANS Management Plans that also have Interstate ANS Management Plans being implemented partially within their borders. These include:

• Lake Champlain Basin - Funding for the New York State ANS Management Plan should not be used on areas covered by the Lake Champlain Basin ANS plan, and vice versa.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.453#p-200.453(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.403#p-200.403(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

• St. Croix Scenic Waterway - Funding for the Minnesota and Wisconsin State ANS Management Plans should not be used on areas covered by the St. Croix Scenic Waterway Plan, and vice versa.

• Lake Tahoe - Funding for the California and Nevada State ANS Management Plans should not be used on areas covered by the Lake Tahoe Interstate Plan and vice versa.

In these cases, States must include an Overlap/Duplication of Effort Statement within both their State and Interstate proposals that there is no overlap between the implementation of the two plans or, if there is overlap, explains why such overlap is necessary. This statement must include the information listed in the bullets above. There have been special cases where Interstate and State Plans have worked together towards a common cause such as a specific media blitz where the activity occurred across the geographic borders of both a State and Interstate plan and where funding from both plans contributed to the project. In these cases, the overlap will need to be approved on a case-by-case basis by the grant program manager.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Request Application Package:

After the pre-proposal process (Stage 1), the Service uses the GrantSolutions system to manage financial assistance applications and awards. Applicants must register in and conduct any subsequent award business with the Service in GrantSolutions (Stage 2). To apply, your organization and organization officials must be established in GrantSolutions. To register your organization in GrantSolutions, send an email to help@grantsolutions.gov with the following information:

Subject: New Organization Request:

• Organization/Individual Name

• Point of Contact first and last name, email, and phone number

• Organization Type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals or Service-waived entities)

• Organization Employer Identification Number (Applicants that are INDIVIDUALS DO

NOT include your social security number)

• Address

Organizational details should match those in the organization’s SAM.gov registration. To establish organization official accounts and user role(s), complete a Recipient User Account Request Form for each official and email it to help@grantsolutions.gov. The GrantSolutions entity user roles are: Authorizing Official (ADO); Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD); Support Specialist (GSS); Financial Officer (FO); and Financial Support Staff (FSS).

All roles can do the following: enter applications, amendments, and reports, view awards, and view and create notes. The ADO and the PI/PD roles can also submit applications, amendments, and reports. The FO role can also submit reports. At a minimum, registered organizations must assign someone to the ADO and PI/PD roles. For more information, see the GrantSolutions

Recipient Training and FAQs web page. For GrantSolutions registration, submission, and other assistance contact their Customer Support by telephone at 1-866-577-0771 or by email at help@grantsolutions.gov.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 12/16/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Pre-proposals are due on July 29, 2026, and are submitted outside GrantSolutions.

Important note: The Closing Date for this funding opportunity is December 16, 2026.

However, that is the date that the funding opportunity closes and applications can no longer be accepted. To give applicants the time for the "back and forth" necessary to fix issues and complete their applications, the actual due date for Application Submission in GrantSolutions is October 14, 2026.

Submission Instructions Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions, follow these steps:

1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:

• Subject: New Organization Request

• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)

• Entity type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)

• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)

• Address

• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone)

This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.

3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.

Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

6. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://login.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

To be considered for funding, applicants must have previously worked directly with the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program and have one of the currently 47 ANS Task Force approved State or Interstate ANS Management Plans. Section 1204 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 restricts the award to States with ANSTF-approved State or Interstate ANS Management Plans. The purpose of the State and Interstate ANS Management Plans is listed in the authorizing legislation and aligns with the priorities of the Department of the Interior’s Invasive Species Task Force. If there is any question about the eligibility for funding, please contact the appropriate Service Regional AIS Coordinator. Eligible applicants compete for the available pot of funding by their having met the pre-award requirements through the intensive, collaborative, multi-stage plan development process with their plan ultimately approval by the ANS Task Force, and also by meeting the 25% cost-share (25% of total project costs) and 5% limitation on administrative costs. See section in this document on cost-share requirements and the information on indirect costs in the budget narrative section.)

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review During Stage One of the Grant Process, the pre-proposals are screened to make sure they meet the application requirements. The pre-proposals are not evaluated through a merit review process because the “merit” of a project (the approved plan) is considered prior to applications being received by the Service during a plan’s rigorous, multi-stage development and review process and their ultimate approval by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; thus no criteria or scores are used to evaluate the pre-proposals. See the next section for more details on the preliminary national review.

https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-invasive-species/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-invasive-species/contact-us https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

After Stage 1 (Preliminary National Review), but before to awards are determined, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable Executive and Secretary Orders, including the President’s Executive Order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary's Order on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.

Additional Program Specific Information

The funding available under this grant program will be distributed based on requested funding amounts and the number of ANS Task Force approved plans. All eligible applicants must meet the pre-award review and application requirements.

Stage One Process – Preliminary National Review

During this stage, the pre-proposals are screened to make sure they meet the application requirements. The pre-proposals are not evaluated through a merit review process because the “merit” of a project is considered prior to applications being received by the Service during a plan’s rigorous, multi-stage development and review process; thus no criteria or scores are used to evaluate the pre-proposals.

To be considered for funding, the pre-proposals must include all the requirements for Stage One, detailed in the earlier section of this funding opportunity called “pre-application requirement.” In addition, pre-proposals from eligible applicants will be reviewed to determine:

• Do the activities outlined in the pre-proposal align with/support the goals, objectives, strategies, and actions of their respective plans?

• Does the pre-proposal show any progress from the previous year’s proposal (i.e. that the proposal is not an exact copy of the previous year’s proposal).

• Does the pre-proposal acknowledge the 25% cost-share? (25% of total project costs) and have the correct calculations in the estimated budget?

• Does the pre-proposal acknowledge the 5% limitation on administrative costs?

If an eligible applicant is found to be missing any part of the pre-proposal requirements, the Grant Program Manager for Stage One will work with the applicant to acquire any missing information. Ineligible applicants will be contacted and given an explanation on why they are considered ineligible.

Once all pre-proposals have been received and reviewed, those determined acceptable will move to Stage Two of the process. The Service’s Headquarters AIS office will notify each successful applicant by email of the funding amount they are eligible to apply for in the Stage Two of the grant process.

Stage Two Process – Regional Office Review and Grant Processing

In this stage, successful applicants are notified that they are now eligible to submit a complete application for a specified funding amount within GrantSolutions; this notification is not the final award letter but instead indicates that the applicant has successfully passed Stage One. No merit review is conducted at this stage; the merit review for the State ANS Management Plans is incorporated earlier during the rigorous, multi-stage plan development process. The Service’s Regional AIS Coordinators (see the link provided in the “Basic Information” section at the beginning of the document), along with the Regional Contracting staff, will then assist applicants with the remaining part of the grant process before any funding is awarded. Please note that the grant process procedures may vary depending on the Service Region managing your award.

For specific questions about your State’s ANS Management Plan, the pre-proposal, or your GrantSolutions submission, seek out your appropriate Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR

200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-invasive-species/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-invasive-species/contact-us https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 01/01/2027

Anticipated Project End Date: 12/31/2028

Applications are accepted once a year on a specific schedule. Eligible applicants will be notified when the NOFO has been posted, and the pre-proposal submission process begins. After pre-proposal review, funding announcement letters (NOT award letters) will be sent to each applicant. This alerts applicants that they may begin the official GrantSolutions application development and submission process. After applications are processed, formal award notices will be sent after the Grant Solutions application is received, reviewed, and approved.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

See the FWS General Award Terms and Conditions for national policy requirements for FWS awards. Special terms and conditions will be detailed in award notices.

Specific Terms and Conditions:

Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive an e-mail from GrantSolutions when their award is issued and should review their Notice of Award Letter. Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the Notice of Award either by direct citation or by reference to the following:

Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions.

Recipient acceptance of a Federal award from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with all terms and conditions applicable to the award. Recipients indicate their acceptance of the Federal award by starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

Efficient and Effective Administration of Awards

Grant recipients are responsible for efficient and effective administration of federal awards consistent with the program objectives (see program description above) and the terms of the award (see above and 2CFR200.400 (a)). All grantees also need to follow the Cost Principals, outlined in 2CFR200.400 Policy Guide which states: “The application of these cost principles is based on the fundamental premises that: (a) The recipient and subrecipient are responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the Federal award through sound management practices;

(b) The recipient and subrecipient are responsible for administering Federal funds in a manner consistent with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award;

(c) The recipient and subrecipient, in recognition of their unique combination of staff, facilities, and experience, are responsible for employing organization and management techniques necessary to ensure the proper and efficient administration of the Federal award.”

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions file://ifw-hqskyfs1.fws.doi.net/afhc-shared/AIS/2_ANSTF/Coordination/State%20Management%20Plans/2026%20SMP%20Process/NOFO/Draft%20GrantSolutions%20FOA/%20/l https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR1f52baf5ea70fff/section-200.400

If the grant recipient is not in compliance with the terms of the award, the awarding agency may issue remedies for non-compliance (2 CFR 200.339) or, in rare circumstances, terminate the award (2 CFR 200.340). Before applying for this award, applicants should consider that failure to administer this ANS award effectively and efficiently could impact the recipients’ ability to receive future funding under this program.

Reporting The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

• Promptly notify the awarding program in…