Foa_Content_of_L26AS00058 Cultural.docx

Bureau of Land Management Notice of Funding Opportunity FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management - Bureau wide Funding Opportunity Number

L26AS00058

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

* Linked Field. Auto populated with user selection in the “Announcement Type” field on the Synopsis>General Information screen.

Announcement Type: Initial

* Linked Field. Auto populated with autogenerated number from “FON” field, Key Attributes tab.

Funding Opportunity Number: L26AS00058

* Linked Field. Auto populated with user selection(s) in “Assistance Listing Number(s)” field, Key Attributes tab.

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.224

* Linked Field. Auto populated from the “Estimated Total Program Funding” field within the Publication Setup tab.

Estimated Total Program Funding: $830,000

* Linked Field. Auto populated with user entry in “Expected Number of Awards” field, Publication Setup tab.

Expected Number of Awards: 40

* Linked Field. Auto populated with user entry in “Award Ceiling” field, Publication Setup tab.

Award Ceiling: $75,000

* Linked Field. Auto populated with user entry in the “Award Floor” field, Publication Setup tab.

Award Floor: $30,000

* Linked field. Auto populated with user entry in the “Award Floor/Ceiling explanation" field with the Publication Setup tab.

Cost Sharing Required?

This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, select Yes or No to indicate if cost sharing is required based on statute or regulation. When you select ‘Yes’, you must enter further information in the “Cost Sharing Explanation” field on the Announcement, Eligibility screen.Explain how cost sharing is calculated (e.g. percentage of total, ration to Federal share). In section “Application Contents and Format” you must state pre-award requirements for letters or other documentation verifying commitments to meet cost sharing requirements if an award is made. Required cost sharing is waived for awards to insular areas per 48 U.S.C. §1469a(d). Per E.O. 14112 (vi) Enhance accessibility by identifying any cost-sharing requirements that may make it difficult for Tribal Nations to access resources and remove these burdens when possible. Cost sharing not required by statute is strongly discourage for Tribal applicants. Any restrictions on the types of cost, such as in-kind contributions, acceptable as cost sharing should be addressed When you select ‘No’, you may enter any further explanation in the text field as needed.

No Closing Date Explanation For Grants.gov and GrantSolutions applicants, please enter “Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.” in the Closing Date Explanation Field. If dates and times are different for electronic and paper submissions, be clear about those differences. Include details on submission deadline(s) for full applications and, any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre-applications.

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 May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.

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?

Provide contact information for at least one point of contact to answer questions from the public. If needed, provide different points of contact for distinct types of help, such as a contact for programmatic or technical questions and a second contact for administrative questions. If the program has multiple points of contact, you may insert a link to a publicly available list of those. Provide multiple ways to contact the point(s) of contact or include an email address that multiple people monitor.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact the Grants Management Officer, Patricia Glass, at pglass@blm.gov or HQ National Cultural and Paleontological Resource Lead, George Herbst at gherbst@blm.gov with questions.

Headquarters (for projects national in scope), Eastern States, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and the National Operations Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Executive Summary This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, enter a summary (may be bulleted list) in plain language of program goals and objectives, target audience, and eligible recipients. Point to references for more information, as applicable. This field has a 500-word limit (4000 characters). This also populates the Grants.gov description.

Broadly, the objective is to develop partnerships to improve access to, and use of, heritage resources, and promote their educational, scientific, cultural, and recreational values in a manner that meets U.S. Department of the Interior priorities and Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Program goals. Individual projects shall meet one or more of the following objectives.

· Conduct studies, including inventory, excavation, records research, and collections-based research to improve the understanding of America’s natural and cultural history;

· Monitor at-risk heritage resources to track trends in condition and project effectiveness;

· Stabilize at-risk heritage resources;

· Train future cultural resource management practitioners and paleontologists through research projects, field schools and internships that highlight BLM resources;

· Assist with cultural heritage data and records management activities such as organizing, maintaining, and scanning site and survey records; creating, digitizing and maintaining geospatial data; and performing data entry;

· Preserve existing collections at recognized curation facilities through such activities as archival housing, stabilization or conservation;

· Broaden public access to museum collections;

· Promote engagement with Native American communities and foster partnerships with tribal governments and programs;

· Promote public engagement, learning opportunities, and conservation/preservation ethics through heritage resources education and outreach programs, events, and products;

· Develop and maintain historic sites with interpretive and educational potential.

· Partner to support BLM’s Tribal consultation efforts

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants This checkbox list appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, select all entity types eligible to apply. If your program is open to all nonprofits regardless of tax status, be sure to select both nonprofit options. Programs should avoid inadvertently excluding organizations that could otherwise be applicable.

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 This Text Field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If you selected “Others” or “Unrestricted” above, provide further clarification. For any specifically targeted applicant types (e.g., Native American tribal organizations), we encourage you to explicitly state that they are eligible in the text box. While they may be part of the general eligibility entity types listed above, specifically identifying them as eligible may reduce potential confusion for such applicants. Describe any eligibility factors for principal investigator or project director. Detail any criteria that makes any project ineligible. Refer to any funding restriction describe elsewhere in this Funding Opportunity that could affect eligibility (e.g., program does not fund land acquisition). Refer or link to any other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application (e.g., Eligibility Review criteria). Specify any limit on number of applications an applicant may submit, including clarification if that limit applies to the submitting entity or the individual investigator or program director (or both).

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 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.

Author Instructions: Select the checkbox if the program will fund projects outside the United States.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, select Yes or No to indicate if cost sharing is required based on statute or regulation. When you select ‘Yes’, you must enter further information in the “Cost Sharing Explanation” field on the Announcement, Eligibility screen.Explain how cost sharing is calculated (e.g. percentage of total, ration to Federal share). In section “Application Contents and Format” you must state pre-award requirements for letters or other documentation verifying commitments to meet cost sharing requirements if an award is made. Required cost sharing is waived for awards to insular areas per 48 U.S.C. §1469a(d). Per E.O. 14112 (vi) Enhance accessibility by identifying any cost-sharing requirements that may make it difficult for Tribal Nations to access resources and remove these burdens when possible. Cost sharing not required by statute is strongly discourage for Tribal applicants. Any restrictions on the types of cost, such as in-kind contributions, acceptable as cost sharing should be addressed When you select ‘No’, you may enter any further explanation in the text field as needed.

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.

If you select option 4, “Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips”, upload document to application kit.

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 Briefly summarize in plain language the expected performance goals/outcomes the Federal agency expects to be advanced or achieved through the funding awarded under this Funding Opportunity. Also summarize the inputs and activities that will be used to achieve those goals/outcomes, along with outputs that will be measured. Include the indicators that will be used to measure those outputs and outcomes, along with the data that will be collected to support those indicators. Include baseline data and targets if applicable. These goals are transmitted to USASpending.gov with each award made under this Funding Opportunity. This field is limited to 4,000 characters, including spaces and punctuation. This field does not support bulleted, numbered, or indented text. This field does not support non-ASCII characters (will be rejected by USASpending.gov). Refer to PAN-0016 USASpending Award Description for further instructions.

· Inventory cultural resources to provide historic contexts necessary for identification and evaluation of historic properties on public lands.

· Repatriate Native American human remains and cultural items to culturally affiliated Indian tribes and ensure that required inventories, summaries, and notices are completed.

· Manage archaeological and paleontological museum collections to provide public access for research and education.

Program Description Describe in plain language the general purpose of the funding and what it is expected to achieve for the public good. Identify any agency funding priorities or focus areas supported by the funding. Describe how awards will contribute to achieving program goals and objectives. Describe how performance will be measured and outcomes evaluated. Describe any program-specific unallowable costs (e.g., construction, land acquisition, foreign travel, equipment not allowed, pre-award costs limited or not allowed, legal cap on or OMB-approved deviation from indirect or other costs). Describe any program-specific eligibility criteria for beneficiaries or program participants other than award recipients. 100,000 character limit, includes spaces and punctuation.

Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (Freedom 250). 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 Grants.gov title.

BLM manages archaeological and historic sites, artifact collections, places of traditional cultural importance to Native Americans and other communities, and paleontological resources that occur on federal lands. Collectively, these “heritage resources” represent thousands of years of human occupation, and millions of years of the earth’s natural history. BLM Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Programs coordinate management, preservation, education and outreach efforts, economic opportunities, and public uses of a fragile, nonrenewable scientific record that represents an important component of America’s heritage.

The BLM Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Programs seek to establish partnerships that collaboratively encourage the public to learn about and engage with heritage resources, with the goals of building a meaningful conservation stewardship legacy through expanding recreation opportunities on public lands, working to ensure meaningful consultation and self-determination for Tribes, enhancing visitor experience on public lands by better meeting our infrastructure and maintenance needs, and eliminating unnecessary steps and duplicative reviews while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. The Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Programs achieve these goals by:

· Protecting and preserving cultural heritage and paleontological resources for the benefit of future generations;

· Improving professional and/or public understanding of the nation’s cultural and natural history;

· Providing educational, recreational, and economic opportunities for local communities and the public;

· Increasing Native American access to locations and natural resources important to traditional cultural practices and beliefs; and

· Managing heritage resource collections and associated records to appropriate standards, and providing access to the public and Native Americans.

· Identify opportunities for repatriation of ancestors and objects in museum collections to descendant Native American tribes;

Broadly, the objective is to develop partnerships to improve access to, and use of, heritage resources, and promote their educational, scientific, cultural, and recreational values in a manner that meets U.S. Department of the Interior priorities and Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Program goals. Individual projects shall meet one or more of the following objectives.

· Conduct studies, including inventory, excavation, records research, and collections-based research to improve the understanding of America’s natural and cultural history;

· Monitor at-risk heritage resources to track trends in condition and project effectiveness;

· Stabilize at-risk heritage resources;

· Train future cultural resource management practitioners and paleontologists through research projects, field schools and internships that highlight BLM resources;

· Assist with cultural heritage data and records management activities such as organizing, maintaining, and scanning site and survey records; creating, digitizing and maintaining geospatial data; and performing data entry;

· Preserve existing collections at recognized curation facilities through such activities as archival housing, stabilization or conservation;

· Broaden public access to museum collections;

· Promote engagement with Native American communities and foster partnerships with tribal governments and programs;

· Promote public engagement, learning opportunities, and conservation/preservation ethics through heritage resources education and outreach programs, events, and products;

· Develop and maintain historic sites with interpretive and educational potential.

· Partner to support BLM’s Tribal consultation efforts State Priority Projects that will be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity:

California: Develop and implement the Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC).

Colorado: 1) Cultural resource restoration, education and outreach, and Tribal engagement; 2) Paleontological inventory, museum collections management, and PFYC implementation.

Montana/Dakotas: 1) Restoration and stabilization of cultural resources; 2) Paleontological inventory, museum collections management, and PFYC implementation.

New Mexico: Paleontological inventory, museum collections management, and PFYC implementation.

Oregon/Washington: 1) Museum collections and NAGPRA management through agreements with curation facilities and Tribes to ensure timely repatriation and proper care of BLM collections; 2) Burns Trout Creek School restoration and public education to protect prior investments and enhance public understanding and enjoyment of the historic site; 3) Field school at Escure Ranch with Eastern Washington University to strengthen Tribal relationships and expand knowledge of heritage resources within the Rock Creek Grazing Allotment; 4) Heritage data management and enhancement to support efficient compliance with NHPA and related statutes while facilitating authorized public land uses; 5) Paleontological inventory, museum collections management, and PFYC implementation; 6) Cataloging, preparation, and rehousing of legacy BLM fossil collections, particularly at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, to support public education and scientific research; 7) Intern to assist with processing cultural resource permits and data and collections management Utah: 1) Cultural site stewardship, education and outreach, archaeological research, and field schools; 2) Paleontological inventory, museum collections management, and PFYC implementation.

Headquarters (for projects national in scope), Eastern States, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and the National Operations Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

The following program legislation authority, BLM Manuals, etc. are applicable to this program:

1. Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa-470mm; Public Law 96-95 and amendments to it)

2. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665: 54 U.S.C. 300101) and 36 CFR 800

3. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 – (25 USC 3001 Et. Seq.; Public Law 101-601; Statute 3048)

4. Paleontological Resources Preservation Act of 2009, Section 6312 (16 U.S.C. 470aaa-11)

5. BLM Manual 1780, “Tribal Relations”

6. BLM Manual 8110, “Identifying and Evaluating Cultural Resources”

7. BLM Manual 8140, “Protecting Cultural Resources”

8. BLM Manual 8150, “Permitting Uses of Cultural Resources

9. BLM Manual 8170, “Interpreting Cultural Resources for the Public”

10. BLM Manual 8270, “Paleontological Resource Management”

11. 2017 National Park Service, “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties”

12. National Register Bulletin, “How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation

13. National Register Bulletin 21 & 22, “Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties” The BLM Heritage Program supports the Department of the Interior’s priorities to strengthen American energy independence, streamline permitting, and ensure the responsible use of public lands to support economic growth and national security. The program advances these priorities by facilitating efficient compliance with cultural resource requirements, supporting timely project delivery, and providing clear, consistent processes that reduce delays for energy and infrastructure development.

Specific BLM Heritage Program focuses include, but are not limited to, actions that: preserve and manage Heritage resources in accordance with applicable law; support efficient and predictable National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 compliance for energy, infrastructure, and land use authorizations; reduce duplicative review and administrative burden through programmatic approaches and standardized procedures; improve coordination with Federal, State, Tribal, and local partners to facilitate timely decision-making; and ensure continued public access to and understanding of cultural heritage resources.

All proposed projects submitted under this funding opportunity must demonstrate a clear public benefit and, where applicable, support timely permitting and project delivery. Special consideration will be given to projects that directly support implementation of Secretary’s Orders, including SO-3417 (National Energy Emergency) and SO-3418 (Unleashing American Energy), particularly those that enhance permitting efficiency, improve interagency coordination, or remove barriers to responsible energy and infrastructure development.

Legislative Authority Insert the program’s primary legislative authority citation(s) for the statute(s) that authorize the program to issue financial assistance awards for the purpose and activities described in this NOFO. The statues listed here must also appear in the program’s SAM.gov Assistance Listing. If your program has a new authorizing statute that does not appear in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing, please contact the Bureau’s Assistance Listing Coordinator. Examples: The Yukon River Salmon Act (16 U.S.C. §55701 et seq.), Good Neighbor Authority (16 USC §2113a).

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 USC § 1737(b) Type of Award The Award Type is generated from the “Funding Instrument Type” in the dropdown menu under “General Information” on the Publication Setup Tab. If it is not already populated, please go back to the Publication Setup to make your selection. When you select “Cooperative Agreement,” the sentence “Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project” will automatically populate. You will need to provide additional information in the related text field below this automated sentence. If you select “Other,” you must provide further explanation in the required text field below your selection.

Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement).

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

Expand in plain language on the substantial involvement the bureau expects to have and keep it brief. Example substantial involvement may include, but not limited to, such things as: Training of recipient personnel, review, and approval of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage, review and approval of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award, directing or redirecting of recipient work, ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives.

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 Specify pre-application requirements (e.g., consultation with regional contact before applying, pre-applications, letters of intent, white papers). Address content and form or format 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.

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.

Use the table below to select all applicable forms. To remove a row/form, click into the cell and select the row icon from the pop-up. Once you click on the row icon you will have the ability to delete the row you are currently in. You will also have the ability to add additional rows for any other applicable forms.

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

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 Specify project narrative requirements, which may include (as applicable to the program):

· Content and form or format requirements and limitations (e.g., length, paper size, file type).

· Overview information:

· project title,

· location details,

· description of entity(ies) undertaking the project,

· Information on key project personnel, including details on their expertise, skill, or significance to the project.

· needs statement,

· description of how project meets the program goals and objectives,

· activities,

· timeline,

· description of stakeholder coordination or involvement

· Monitoring and evaluation information:

· objectives,

· methods for data collection (performance monitoring, evaluation, and other reporting),

· expected outcomes,

· any expected deliverables beyond required financial and performance reporting

· Other:

· description of applicant needs for Federal substantial involvement or technical assistance,

· any information needed to support environmental compliance review requirements,

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

Project Title: Must name the State where project is located in the Grant.gov title.

(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).

· 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).

Use this checkbox when the program has a mandated cap on indirect costs or approved rate deviation (e.g., CESU, CRUs).

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

Use the text box to describe how recipients must charge indirect costs under the program.

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.

Include the data and evaluation section for all programs except where there is a specific statutory or regulatory prohibition on using program funds for these purposes.

Data and Evaluation Costs: 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 in the “related documents” tab on grants.gov as a suggested format.

Describe any program-specific budget narrative requirements. Address content and form or format requirements and limitations (e.g., length, paper size, file type). If the program has any cost restrictions or caps, point to the Program Description section above where they should be detailed. If the program requires prior approval for how recipients can use program income according to 2 CFR 200.307, please explain those requirements clearly for applicants. Add any program-specific instructions for items of cost requiring prior approval per 2 CFR 200.407.

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 Specify all other application requirements and documentation. Address content and form or format requirements and limitations. 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.

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 Describe pre-application procedures, including how and when applicants will know when they can submit a full application. How to get application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply. Specifically, include: (1) An Internet address where the materials can be accessed. (2) An email address. (3) A U.S. Postal Service mailing address. (4) Telephone number. (5) Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD), Text Telephone (TTY) number, or other appropriate telecommunication relay service.

This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Contact Patricia Glass at pglass@blm.gov for any additional questions.

Submission Dates and Times

* Linked Fields. Auto populated with user entry in the “Closing Date for Applications” and “Closing Date Explanation” fields on the Synopsis>Key Dates screen.

Closing Date for Applications: 06/30/2026 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 May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.

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

Submission Instructions Check what method(s) for application and if applicants have an option to submit hard copies or other means electronically outside of Grants.gov and GrantSolutions. Provide additional instructions in the text box below your selection.

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.

List the program’s eligibility review criteria and any disqualifying factors to be reviewed. Provide enough detail for applicants to understand them. Provide reference to any regulation or other source describing restrictions. This section must include a brief understanding of the agency’s responsiveness review process.

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.

Merit Review Describe the criteria used to evaluate merit. Fully describe them or provide a link to a detailed reference. Describe each criterion and sub-criterion used. If criteria vary in importance, describe the relative percentages, weights, or other method used to distinguish between them. Explain any statutory, regulatory, evidence, or other preferences and their effect (e.g., additional points). If cost sharing is not an eligibility criterion, explain how voluntary cost sharing will be considered (e.g., additional points, tiebreaker). Do not encourage cost sharing without clarifying what it means. If cost sharing is not considered in the evaluation, clearly state that in this section.

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 Technical Approach and Leveraging 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.

APPLICANT STATEMENT OF NEED

· Mission and objectives, including achievable project goals and how they relate Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management

· Objectives of the project

· DOI priorities met

APPLICANT TECHNICAL APPROACH

· Development and management plans;

· Techniques, processes, and methodologies;

· Stabilization and/or protection plans for at-risk heritage resources;

· Public engagement, learning opportunities, archaeological and/or paleontological education and outreach programs, events, and/or products;

· Resource data management plans;

· How studies will assist with determining impacts to cultural or paleontological resources caused by activities such as prescribed fire, vegetation treatments, ecological restoration, or any land disturbing activity;

· How studies will assist in future management and stewardship of cultural or paleontological resources;

· How projects will assist in making museum collections discoverable and accessible;

· 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.; and Measurable expected outcomes

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND PROGRAM INTEREST OF THE BLM

· Direct Public Benefit

· Projects that expand the knowledge of cultural, historical, and/or paleontological resources.

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE

· Key project personnel experience and qualifications

· Previous studies performed, including inventory, excavation, intensive recoordation or evaluation and collections-based studies;

· Previous engagements or partnerships with tribal communities, tribal governments and programs

· Previous experience in preservation of existing collections at federally-recognized curation facilities and in compliance with 36 CFR 79 requirements;

· BLM permits currently or previously held;

· Unique qualifications;

· Qualifications of any contractors, subrecipients, and/or consultants;

· A list of federally-funded assistance agreements (not contracts) that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than 5, and preferably BLM agreements), and describe how you documented and/or reported on whether you were making progress toward achieving the expected results (e.g., outputs and outcomes) under those agreements;

· Similar successfully completed projects; and

· Describe similar successful projects completed in the past and any unique qualifications your organization may possess (e.g. continuation of an existing project).

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…