Foa_Content_of_L26AS00045 Wildlife.pdf

Bureau of Land Management

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY26 Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Resource Management Program - Bureau wide

Funding Opportunity Number

L26AS00045

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: L26AS00045

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.247

Estimated Total Program Funding: $8,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 70

Award Ceiling: $2,000,000

Award Floor: $10,000

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 August 11, 2026, through September 11, 2026.

Extensions to NOFO close date will be unallowed.

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 encouraged to contact the Grants Management Officer, Chanda Brown at chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov or the National Wildlife Resource Management Lead, Bradley Jost, bjost@blm.gov with any questions.

Idaho, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and the National Operating Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity

(NOFO).

Executive Summary The BLM Wildlife Program, including the Sage-Grouse Conservation Program, implements statutory authorities to address the management of wildlife resources on the public lands for the social and economic well-being of all Americans. Specific BLM Wildlife Program priorities include:

• 1. protection, maintenance, and development of wildlife habitat;

• 2. wildlife reintroduction and propagation;

• 3. field study programs involving wildlife;

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf mailto:chandabrown@blm.gov mailto:bjost@blm.gov

• 4. law enforcement;

• 5. educational programs;

• 6. toxicity/mortality investigations and monitoring;

• 7. wildlife damage management;

• 8. management activities affecting wildlife and their habitat.

The BLM Wildlife Program works with partner organizations to meet the goals above on national, regional, or state-scales by:

• Implementing management actions such as the implementation of grassland, shrubland, forest, riparian, and other plant community treatments that fulfill statutory and legal requirements, align with approved land use plans, and support habitat objectives for priority wildlife species, including upland game, waterfowl, big game, non-game, and watchable wildlife.

• Collaborating with state fish and wildlife agencies, and other partners, on efforts that conserve and restore habitats in priority winter ranges and migration corridors for elk, deer, and pronghorn on BLM-managed lands, in support of Secretary's Order 3362 “Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors.”

• Collecting and analyzing monitoring and inventory data on priority species and habitats including terrestrial and aquatic plant communities, to assess status and trends, inform plan implementation, improve management effectiveness, and support Administration priorities.

• Enhancing efficiency by integrating and sharing coordinated wildlife and habitat monitoring data to streamline decision-making and management actions.

• Coordinating with state agencies and other partners to support recovery and augmentation of species identified in State Wildlife Action Plans through proactive, voluntary, on-the-ground collaborative conservation efforts.

• Collaborating with state agencies and other partners under the Sikes Act to develop and implement fish and wildlife conservation and habitat improvement projects, including grassland, shrubland, forest, riparian, and other plant community treatments.

• Developing and implementing activity plans and Habitat Management Plans (HMPs) in partnership with state agencies and other partners to address habitat needs for regionally important species, including big game, waterfowl, upland game, and non-game species.

• Providing wildlife habitat management training opportunities to support effective plan implementation, meet legal mandates, and advance agency and Administration priorities.

The following Administration priorities are applicable to this program:

• Executive Order (EO) 13443, Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation

• EO 14192 - Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation

• EO 14303 - Restoring Gold Standard Science

• EO 14225 - Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production

• EO 14313 - Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission

• SO 3356 - Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation

Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070817.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-expansion-of-american-timber-production/

• SO 3362 - Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors

• SO 3421 - Achieving Prosperity through Deregulation

• SO 3447 - Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and

Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters

• One Big Beautiful Act, H.R. 1, 119th Cong. (2025)

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district 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.

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.

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.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Supporting wildlife habitat enhancement projects that improve priority habitats and maintain or improve migration and habitat connectivity areas for priority wildlife species.

• Support projects with state and Tribal wildlife agencies to provide information about the status and trends of wildlife on BLM-managed lands by addressing data gaps and implementing coordinated regional monitoring.

• Support projects that will assist the BLM with using existing assessments or data to understand how to better achieve short- and long-term management objectives in priority habitats and ecosystems. For example, this might include new information about water availability during extended droughts or new findings about impacts of invasive species.

Program Description Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Applicants MUST include the state names in their application in the Grants.gov title.

The Wildlife Program fulfills the Department of the Interior’s statutory responsibilities for the management of wildlife and their habitats. The Wildlife Program is responsible for:

1. maintaining functioning wildlife habitats, 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

2. developing and implementing habitat restoration projects,

3. the inventory and monitoring of priority habitats and species by tracking trends and use on public lands.

BLM-managed lands are vital to thousands of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. To provide for the long-term conservation of wildlife and their habitats, the Wildlife Program uses a science-based approach to manage public lands. The program identifies projects that support meeting desired resource objectives for priority species and habitats, as outlined in land use plans. The program is focused on maintaining or enhancing sustainable habitats and populations of native and other desirable wildlife species, including the abundance and distribution of species hunted for subsistence or recreation; and maintaining and/or improving habitat quality and connectivity, including appropriate avoidance or protection of migration corridors and important movement areas.

The Wildlife Program uses a multi-scale approach to accomplish projects and coordinated management. This involves coordination with BLM offices and other programs; Federal, state, and tribal governments; and non-governmental partners. The BLM’s primary partners in wildlife habitat conservation include the state fish and wildlife agencies, tribal governments, and the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service. The Wildlife Program also collaborates with other agencies and conservation partners to leverage resources and maximize the benefits for wildlife habitat. To work more efficiently, BLM uses the latest geospatial data technologies to share wildlife and wildlife data within BLM and with partners.

State Priority Projects:

HQ: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Alaska: In addition to Wildlife Program priorities; 1) Alaska marmot habitat modeling and species inventory to better understand species status and trends, 2) Indigenous knowledge carnivore surveys.

Arizona: In addition to Wildlife Program priorities; 1) implementing actions that minimize hazards to wildlife from abandoned mine lands, with a focus on the Sonoran Desert Tortoise.

California: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Colorado: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Eastern States: Same as Wildlife Program priorities.

Montana/Dakotas: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Nevada: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

New Mexico: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Oregon/Washington: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Utah: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Wyoming: Same as Wildlife Program priorities

Idaho, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and the National Operating Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity

(NOFO).

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.

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) Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements, 16 USC § 1011(b)

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 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.

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.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/43/1737#b https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1011 http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1011

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-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 in the Grants.gov title.

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

(Suggested format, Attachment A Project Proposal template, in the “related documents” tab on grants.gov, 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) or DOI Research and Development related attachments. Application narrative requirements may include:

• Project title

• Statement of need

• Goals and objectives

• Public benefit and program interest of the BLM

• Technical approach

• 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).

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

• 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 CESU Cooperative and Joint Venture 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). Applicants should specify if their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program, and if so, which CESU Network should be considered as host.

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.

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

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 Chanda Brown at chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov for any additional questions.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/11/2026

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 August 11, 2026, through September 11, 2026.

Extensions to NOFO close date will be unallowed.

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.

mailto:chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

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:

(1) the applicant is eligible for an award

(2) the application was submitted on time

(3) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted

(4) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied

(5) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination)

(6) 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 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 non-responsive and eliminated from further review. \

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.

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

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 the highest importance on Public Benefit and Leveraging of Resources.

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.

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

APPLICANT STATEMENT OF NEED

• Mission and objectives, including achievable project goals and how they relate to Wildlife Resource Management

• Objectives of the project

• DOI priorities met

APPLICANT TECHNICAL APPROACH AND MONITORING

• Development and management plans

• Techniques, processes, and methodologies

• Data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation

• Significant anticipated accomplishments

• Clear milestone measurement criteria

• Tasks to be performed by other partner’s 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 conservation activities

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE

• Key project personnel experience and qualifications.

• 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.

• Licenses and/or certifications held.

LEVERAGING OF RESOURCES (Voluntary Cost Share):

A proposal should clearly demonstrate how partnerships contribute to the effective sharing of resources and expertise. Although cost sharing is not required by the program authority, it may be considered a significant factor during the application review process. If cost share is included, applicants must specify the amount, source, and type of contribution (cash or in-kind) and ensure that all contributions are allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306.

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.

Cost Share Commitment Clause (per 2 CFR § 200.306)

The proposed cost share shall be evaluated as part of the application review process, in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.306 and any applicable program-specific requirements. Upon finalization of the budget and issuance of the Federal award, the cost share amount becomes a binding commitment by the recipient.

The recipient shall ensure that all cost share contributions:

• Are verifiable in the recipient’s records;

• Are not used to meet cost sharing requirements of any other Federal award;

• Are necessary and reasonable for achieving the objectives of the Federal award;

• Are allowable under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Cost Principles);

• Are not funded by the Federal Government under another award unless specifically authorized;

• Are included in the approved budget when required by the awarding agency;

• Conform to all other applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 200.

Once the award is issued, the recipient may not reduce or reallocate the committed cost share without prior written approval from the awarding agency. Unauthorized reductions or failure to meet the cost share obligation may constitute noncompliance and may result in enforcement actions under 2 CFR § 200.339, including suspension or termination of the award.

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 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.

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: 12/31/2026 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458

Anticipated Project End Date: 12/30/2031

Proposals will have a start date in FY2026 and a maximum end date of 09/30/2031.

Prior to issuing an award, selected recipient organizations will be required to obtain an account with the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP.gov) system for BLM awards. In addition, the Administrative Official/Authorized Representative and Project Director/Principal Investigator for recipient organizations will be required to establish GrantSolutions (grantsolutions.gov) accounts to access award documents and submit reporting.

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.

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, 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://www.doi.gov/grants/buyamerica https://www.doi.gov/grants/buyamerica 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

• 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.

• 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) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Other Information 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 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

Synopsis Page 18 of 21

Synopsis

L26AS00045

FY26 Bureau of Land Management Wildlife Resource Management Program - 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) 15.247 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 $8,000,000 Award Ceiling $2,000,000 Award Floor $10,000 Award Floor/Ceiling Explanation

Key Dates

Estimated Post Date 08/11/2026

Synopsis Page 19 of 21

Closing Date for Applications 09/11/2026 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 August 11, 2026, through September 11, 2026.

Extensions to NOFO close date will be unallowed.

Project Period | Expected Duration in Months Estimated Project Start Date December 31, 2026 Estimated Project End Date December 30, 2031 Archive Date 10/12/2026

Eligibility Information

Eligibility Category State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district 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.

Synopsis Page 20 of 21

Additional Information

Executive Summary The BLM Wildlife Program, including the Sage-Grouse Conservation Program, implements statutory authorities to address the management of wildlife resources on the public lands for the social and economic well-being of all Americans. Specific BLM Wildlife Program priorities include:

• 1. protection, maintenance, and development of wildlife habitat;

• 2. wildlife reintroduction and propagation;

• 3. field study programs involving wildlife;

• 4. law enforcement;

• 5. educational programs;

• 6. toxicity/mortality investigations and monitoring;

• 7. wildlife damage management;

• 8. management activities affecting wildlife and their habitat.

The BLM Wildlife Program works with partner organizations to meet the goals above on national, regional, or state-scales by:

• Implementing management actions such as the implementation of grassland, shrubland, forest, riparian, and other plant community treatments that fulfill statutory and legal requirements, align with approved land use plans, and support habitat objectives for priority wildlife species, including upland game, waterfowl, big game, non-game, and watchable wildlife.

• Collaborating with state fish and wildlife agencies, and other partners, on efforts that conserve and restore habitats in priority winter ranges and migration corridors for elk, deer, and pronghorn on BLM-managed lands, in support of Secretary's Order 3362 “Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors.”

• Collecting and analyzing monitoring and inventory data on priority species and habitats including terrestrial and aquatic plant communities, to assess status and trends, inform plan implementation, improve management effectiveness, and support Administration priorities.

• Enhancing efficiency by integrating and sharing coordinated wildlife and habitat monitoring data to streamline decision-making and management actions.

• Coordinating with state agencies and other partners to support recovery and augmentation of species identified in State Wildlife Action Plans through proactive, voluntary, on-the-ground collaborative conservation efforts.

• Collaborating with state agencies and other partners under the Sikes Act to develop and implement fish and wildlife conservation and habitat improvement projects, including grassland, shrubland, forest, riparian, and other plant community treatments.

• Developing and implementing activity plans and Habitat Management Plans (HMPs) in partnership with state agencies and other partners to address habitat needs for regionally important species, including big game, waterfowl, upland game, and non-game species.

Synopsis Page 21 of 21

• Providing wildlife habitat management training opportunities to support effective plan implementation, meet legal mandates, and advance agency and Administration priorities.

The following Administration priorities are applicable to this program:

• Executive Order (EO) 13443, Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation

• EO 14192 - Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation

• EO 14303 - Restoring Gold Standard Science

• EO 14225 - Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production

• EO 14313 - Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission

• SO 3356 - Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation

Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories

• SO 3362 - Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration

Corridors

• SO 3421 - Achieving Prosperity through Deregulation

• SO 3447 - Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and

Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters

• One Big Beautiful Act, H.R. 1, 119th Cong. (2025)

Awarding Officer Contact Name Chanda Brown Awarding Officer Contact Phone

(414) 309-5663 Awarding Officer Email Address chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov Awarding Officer Email Description chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov Link to Additional Information https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070817.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-expansion-of-american-timber-production/