Foa_Content_of_L25AS00310.pdf

Bureau of Land Management

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY25 Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services- Bureau wide

Funding Opportunity Number

L25AS00310

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

General Information

Summary

Award Information

Key Dates

Eligibility Information

Additional Information

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: L25AS00310

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.225

Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,200,000

Expected Number of Awards: 50

Award Ceiling: $70,000

Award Floor: $5,000

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due dates. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov.

Applications will be reviewed, rated, ranked and selected via merit review committee.

Open from June 23, 2025 through July 23, 2025.

Extensions to NOFO close dates will be unallowed, except in extenuating circumstances.

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.

Have Questions?

Applicants are also encouraged to contact the Grants Management Officer or Cory Roegner, HQ Recreation & Visitor Services Lead, at croegner@blm.gov.

BLM Idaho, NIFC and the NOC will not be accepting applications.

Executive Summary Public lands managed by the BLM provide exceptional and one-of-a kind recreational experiences and opportunities to the American public while supporting local communities and their economies. The Recreation and Visitor Services program is also prioritizing implementation of key legislation such as the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act); the Great American Outdoors Act; and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.

In fiscal year 2025, the BLM will focus on supporting projects that align with these laws. It is important to note that to be considered, all project submissions must specifically benefit recreation and visitor services on BLM-managed public lands and enhance the experience of 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/ mailto:croegner@blm.gov

BLM visitors. For more detailed information about the program and its objectives, please refer to the Program Description section.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.

This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II- Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under this authority. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

CESUs are partnerships with a purpose to promote, conduct, and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services. If a cooperative agreement is awarded to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement which is consistent with the CESU purpose, indirect costs are limited to a rate of no-more-than

17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicant’s should specify if their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program, and if so which CESU Network should be considered as host.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

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 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.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Foster collaborative stewardship of public lands by engaging with youth, Tribes, and local communities.

• Improve and enhance access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities.

• Identify and remove barriers to outdoor recreation, thereby expanding opportunities for all Americans.

Program Description The BLM’s Recreation and Visitor Services Program oversees recreation related programs that provide many opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and experiences on public lands. BLM programs are designed not only to enhance recreational experiences but also to support vibrant local economies and promote the multiple use of and sustained yield from public lands. At the BLM, we are committed to fostering strong partnerships and being good neighbors as we work to expand recreational opportunities.

Public lands managed by the BLM provide exceptional and one-of-kind recreational experiences that invite all to share in the enjoyment and stewardship of their public lands and waters. These lands are located near urban centers and rural communities, attracting over 80 million visitors annually. The BLM provides a range of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities that are https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration accessible to the public at low or no cost. The BLM manages approximately one out of every ten acres in the United States for multiple use, including Recreation Areas, Off-Highway Vehicle areas, and other management designations.

In addition, we take pride in managing over 38 million acres designated as National Conservation Lands, including National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic & Historic Trails.

Recreation and visitor services programs and materials also increase public understanding of affordable outdoor activities on public lands for families. They celebrate community, build community resilience, and encourage active lifestyles, helping to alleviate stress related to economic pressures.

Recreational use on public lands is increasing every year, as are the challenges from increased activity. New technologies and information sharing are constantly changing visitor use patterns.

To tackle these challenges head-on, the BLM has developed a new strategy called the “Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation.” The strategy is based on four key pillars that aim to transform recreation management across the agency: 1) Grow and Diversify Resources for BLM Recreation, 2) Prioritize and Embrace Partnerships, 3) Deliver Recreation and Tourism Benefits, and 4) Meet the Demand, Protect Resources, and Improve Access. These pillars will guide investments, partnerships, outreach, and program development to respond to current demand and chart a course to meet future needs.

The BLM’s Blueprint will help achieve these priorities by guiding investments, partnerships, outreach, and program development. The Blueprint is the first of many steps to solidifying the BLM as a premiere outdoor recreation agency.

BLM has an opportunity to work with partner organizations to assist with the following:

• Increase and enhance access to BLM public lands and waters.

• Reduce or remove transportation barriers for youth to access public lands.

• Increase and enhance recreational opportunities and visitor experiences on public lands.

• Enhance public satisfaction at BLM recreation sites and areas.

• Collect visitor and recreation resource data by conducting inventories and visitor assessments.

• Conduct inventory, monitoring, data management, assessment and planning on BLM public lands and waters.

• Locate, inventory, monitor, survey, and nominate significant caves on BLM public lands.

• Provide enriched visitor services, information, interpretation, and education, including related websites.

• Protect visitor health and safety.

• Improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.

• Improve motorized and non-motorized trails including trail construction and maintenance, comprehensive travel and transportation inventory and assessment, planning, management, and monitoring.

• Enhance community-supported partnerships in tourism, marketing, and conservation.

• Strengthen relationships with sovereign Tribal nations by elevating indigenous voices on our public lands through the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act.

• Engage with stakeholders to achieve a better understanding of how recreation contributes to their lives.

• Enhance and increase responsible recreation messaging.

• Develop and provide training and education, including workshops, webinars and public outreach.

• Advance responsible recreation values.

State Priority Projects: Projects submitted through this NOFO would assist offices engage with partners to:

HQ: Provide education and management assistance to BLM field offices on motorized recreation and trail development; provide messaging, resources, and training to educators to help promote responsible outdoor recreation; increase agency cooperation with Tribes and Tribal organizations to deliver expanded economic opportunities and participation in the travel industry; provide support implementing specific sections of the EXPLORE Act; increase cooperation with universities to provide students and faculty in recreation, tourism, or youth services the opportunity to engage with BLM staff while addressing bureau priorities; plan, organize, and provide trail-focused training and events, including interagency information on the National Trail System.

Alaska: Provide OHV and non-motorized trail maintenance, support youth recreation visits to public lands, engage in trade work related to recreation cabin building, support maintenance of shelter cabins and inventory work on the Iditarod National Historic Trail, support education associated with trail work techniques and trail restoration, and support transportation of supplies to remote field locations to promote recreation access and new infrastructure.

Arizona: Provide recreation site access, develop recreation site improvements, create accessible trail development, conduct trail maintenance, enhance visitor services, and improve recreation signage.

California: Provide recreation access, implement trail improvements, support and maintain campgrounds, ensure public safety, support education and interpretation programming, and restore natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Colorado: Provide trail maintenance, signage, construction, and rehabilitation; provide recreation access and monitoring; support and maintain campgrounds and other recreation facilities;

support education, interpretation, and visitor center operations (including bookstore operation and Artist in Residence programs); ensure public safety; restore natural, cultural, and historic resources; provide visitor use and access data collection support; and support volunteer program needs (event management, recruitment, training, etc.).

Montana/Dakotas: Provide trail maintenance, reroutes, construction, and design, including accessibility design; and facilitate volunteer coordination and event management.

Nevada: Provide trail maintenance, construction, and rehabilitation;support Visitor Center operations, including a bookstore; facilitate trail mapping; provide Wilderness education and interpretation; support outreach, education, and interpretation programming (including the Artist in Residence program); develop an Ethnographic Study to support development of new campground site and accompanying signage and education and interpretation programming;

develop interpretation materials and programs; and provide transportation to public lands recreation opportunities.

New Mexico: Provide recreation access; conduct trail maintenance, and construction; improve recreation sites; support and implement interpretation, education, and outreach programming.

Complete CDT trail gap tasks as directed by CDNST Completion Act, including trail reroutes, maintenance, and construction. Along NSHTs, grow gateway communities, install signs and pedestrian gates; manage data inventory, collection, and distribution for visitor safety, enriched recreation visitor information, interpretation, and education.

Oregon/Washington: Partner for joint maintenance of city park/BLM land and a boat ramp on the John Day WSR (Central OR FO ; conduct the Hands on the Lands Outdoor Educational Classroom, where 5th-7th graders participate in interactive natural science learning at BLM's Fishtrap Recreation Area, averaging 500 students annually since 2009 (Border FO; provide trail maintenance and rebuilding for a multi-user system accommodating equestrian, Class III motorized, mountain bike, and hiker use (Coos Bay DO); conduct trail maintenance, construction, education, and interpretation (Wenatchee FO); apply Tread Lightly education principles to the same trail system as mentioned above (Wenatchee FO); and construct and reroute Dollar Mountain Trail in partnership with the city of Grants Pass (intermixed lands)

Utah: Provide partnerships that enhance visitor interface, especially at visitor centers and contact stations, and partnerships that support trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

Wyoming: Improve public access and increase user safety at recreation sites and trails connected to the Old Quarry Trails System.

The following program legislation authority and BLM handbooks are applicable to this program:

1. Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (Public Law 118-234)

2. Great American Outdoors Act (Public Law 116-39)

3. John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, Title VII (Public

Law 116-9)

4. Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

5. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – BLM Handbook 1790-1

6. Planning for Recreation and Visitor Services – BLM Handbook 8320-1

7. Wild and Scenic Rivers – Policy and Program Direction for Identification, Evaluation, Planning, and Management (BLM Manual Section 6400)

8. Wilderness Resource Management (BLM Manual Sections 6340, 6330, 6320 and 6310)

9. National Monument, National Conservation Areas, and Similar Designations (BLM

Manual Section 6220)

10. National Scenic and Historic Trails (BLM Manual Sections 6250/6280)

All proposed projects submitted under this funding opportunity must state a benefit to the public.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

Legislative Authority Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 USC § 1737(b)

Take Pride in America Act, 16 USC Ch. 66 § 4605

Type of Award Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement).

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement may include, but not be limited to, such things as:

• Joint collaboration between the BLM and recipient in carrying out management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed work.

• Training of recipient personnel.

• Review and approval by the BLM of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage.

• Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award.

• Participation in selecting recipient project staff.

• Directing or redirecting of recipient work by the BLM because of relationships to other projects.

• Ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives; and

• Close monitoring and/or operational involvement in the proposed work.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format 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

Required from all applicants https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects

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.

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

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative Project Title: Must name the State where project is located.

(Suggested format, Attachment A Project Proposal template may be used when submitting your proposal.) The project proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).

Application narrative requirements may include:

• Project title

• Statement of need

• Goals and objectives

• Public benefit and program interest of the BLM

• Technical approach 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.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

• Timetable or milestones

• Information to support environmental compliance review requirements. (NOTE: Projects under aquatic and wildlife management, the native plant program, threatened and endangered species habitat conservation - the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973)

• Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement

• Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, including how you will measure project performance and assessment tools to be used

• Information on key project personnel

• Anticipated future funding needs

• Details and supporting documentation on the project location

• Other program or project-specific narrative requirements

All proposals are confidential.

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.

CESUs are partnerships with a purpose to promote, conduct, and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services. If a cooperative agreement is awarded to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement which is consistent with the CESU purpose, indirect costs are limited to a rate of no-more-than

17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicant’s should specify if their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program, and if so which CESU Network should be considered as host.

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

Data and Evaluation Costs: Applicant budgets may include costs related to data and evaluation as relevant per 2 CFR §200.455.

Applicant budgets may include costs related to data and evaluation as relevant per 2 CFR 200.455.

Refer to Budget Detail and Narrative, Attachment B as a suggested format.

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 Other documentation may include curriculum vitae or other biographical information for key personnel, project location maps, any documentation to support an eligibility determination (e.g., proof of certain tax status, authorizing tribal resolution), third-party references, letters of support, or letters of cost sharing or other commitments to the project, independent audit report, or negotiated indirect cost rate letter.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Contact Stephanie McBride at smcbride@blm.gov for any additional questions.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 07/23/2025

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due dates. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov.

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 mailto:smcbride@blm.gov

Applications will be reviewed, rated, ranked and selected via merit review committee.

Open from June 23, 2025 through July 23, 2025.

Extensions to NOFO close dates will be unallowed, except in extenuating circumstances.

Submission Instructions Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

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.

Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Depending on the specifics of the funding opportunity, screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Submission is timely;

• Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; and https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

• Complete and properly executed required application package documents are included.

Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.

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 Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated on strengths or weaknesses for each merit review criterion and rated “Exceeds” “Meets” or “Does not meet” expectations with highest importance on Technical Approach.

Each of these ratings is defined as follows:

Exceeds – The proposal exceeds the criteria factors without any deficiencies.

Meets – The proposal meets criteria factors with few, or only minor, deficiencies.

Does not meet – The proposal does not meet the criteria factors, or there are significant deficiencies identified.

APPLICANT STATEMENT OF NEED

• Mission and objectives, including what the project is expected to achieve and how it relates to Recreation and Visitor Services

• Objectives of the project

• DOI priorities met

APPLICANT TECHNICAL APPROACH

• Development and management plans

• Techniques, processes, and methodologies

• Data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation

• Significant anticipated accomplishments

• Clear milestones and measurement criteria 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

• Tasks to be performed by other partner organizations, subrecipients, contractors and/or consultants

• Environmental compliance plan

• Project monitoring and evaluation plan including monitoring of subrecipients, contractors, consultants, volunteers, etc.

• How project performance will be measured and assessment tools to be used

• Measurable expected outcomes

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND PROGRAM INTEREST OF THE BLM

• Direct Public Benefit

• Projects in which the BLM receive the indirect benefit of recreation activities.

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE

• Key project personnel experience and qualifications

• Stakeholder coordination or involvement

• Qualifications of any contractors, subrecipients and/or consultants

• Experience with federally funded assistance agreements within the last three to five years

• Similar successfully completed projects

• Unique qualifications

LEVERAGING OF RESOURCES

(Will be considered in the review process as a tiebreaker among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors)

A proposal that demonstrates effective partnerships to share resources and expertise.

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.

Budget review is based on the following:

• · Budget line items must be allowable, allocable, reasonable in price, and appropriate for the level of effort needed to accomplish the project.

• · Budget details and narrative must provide adequate explanation of, and justification for, each estimated cost.

• · Requested equipment must be justified and necessary for completion of the project.

• · Cost Sharing/Matching funds must not come from Federal sources.

Final Review of Selected Applicants:

Final review will be made by management to determine if the selected proposed project(s) are in line with DOI and BLM current priorities. This process may take a few months to finalize.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR

200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

Prior to award, the BLM will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR 200.206.

BLM programs document applicant risk evaluations using the DOI “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards, the BLM is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The BLM will consider this information when completing the risk review. The BLM uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized. If the BLM determines that a Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award.

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 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: 09/01/2025

Anticipated Project End Date: 08/30/2030

Proposals will have a start date in FY2025 and a maximum end date of 09/30/2030.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

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/part-200#p-200.206(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458

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.

BLM Standard Terms and Conditions

See the Award Term - Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured Products, and Construction Materials:

Geospatial Data

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

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 writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

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.blm.gov/services/financial-assistance-and-grants https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/blm-wo-800/blmfa/PREAWARD%20(Req%20Templates_FA%20New%20Award_Mod%20checklist/Pre-Award%20Templates/03%20NOFO%20IIJA%20BABA%20Terms%20Conditions.pdf https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/blm-wo-800/blmfa/PREAWARD%20(Req%20Templates_FA%20New%20Award_Mod%20checklist/Pre-Award%20Templates/03%20NOFO%20IIJA%20BABA%20Terms%20Conditions.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2019&path=%2Fprelim%40title43%2Fchapter46&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2019-title43-chapter46&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTQzL2NoYXB0ZXI0Ng%3D%3D%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0My1jaGFwdGVyNDY%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).

Other Information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.fsrs.gov/

Synopsis Page 18 of 20

Synopsis

L25AS00310

FY25 Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services- Bureau wide

General Information

Summary Bureau or Office Bureau of Land Management Announcement Type Initial Fiscal Year Opportunity Category D (Discretionary) Opportunity Category Explanation Assistance Listing Number(s) 15.225 Funding Instrument Type CA (Cooperative Agreement) Funding Activity Category NR (Natural Resources) Funding Category Explanation

Award Information

Cost Sharing Requirement No Expected Number of Awards Estimated Total Program Funding $3,200,000 Award Ceiling $70,000 Award Floor $5,000 Award Floor/Ceiling Explanation

Key Dates

Estimated Post Date 06/23/2025 Closing Date for Applications

Synopsis Page 19 of 20

07/23/2025 Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due dates. Applications must be submitted through grants.gov.

Applications will be reviewed, rated, ranked and selected via merit review committee.

Open from June 23, 2025 through July 23, 2025.

Extensions to NOFO close dates will be unallowed, except in extenuating circumstances.

Project Period | Expected Duration in Months Estimated Project Start Date September 01, 2025 Estimated Project End Date August 30, 2030 Archive Date 08/22/2025

Eligibility Information

Eligibility Category State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility (Grants.gov 4,000/GMM 2,500 character limit) Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.

This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II- Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under this authority. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

CESUs are partnerships with a purpose to promote, conduct, and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services. If a cooperative agreement is awarded to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement which is consistent with the CESU purpose, indirect costs are limited to a rate of no-more-than

Synopsis Page 20 of 20

17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicant’s should specify if their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program, and if so which CESU Network should be considered as host.

Additional Information

Executive Summary Public lands managed by the BLM provide exceptional and one-of-a kind recreational experiences and opportunities to the American public while supporting local communities and their economies. The Recreation and Visitor Services program is also prioritizing implementation of key legislation such as the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act); the Great American Outdoors Act; and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.

In fiscal year 2025, the BLM will focus on supporting projects that align with these laws. It is important to note that to be considered, all project submissions must specifically benefit recreation and visitor services on BLM-managed public lands and enhance the experience of BLM visitors. For more detailed information about the program and its objectives, please refer to the Program Description section.

Awarding Officer Contact Name Stephanie McBride Awarding Officer Contact Phone 303-236-4001 Awarding Officer Email Address smcbride@blm.gov Awarding Officer Email Description smcbride@blm.gov Link to Additional Information