PKG00293011.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00062: Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2026

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00062

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Modification

Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00062

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.688

Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,500,000

Expected Number of Awards: 15

Award Ceiling: $500,000

Award Floor: $2,000

The award ceiling of $500,000 applies only to Regional Project full proposals. Restoration and research full proposal recommended award ceiling is $250,000. If you have further questions, contact Justin Chiotti, 248-891-0087 or justin_chiotti@fws.gov.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation Restoration and research full proposals in Word or pdf format must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Tuesday, October 13, 2026, before 11:59 PM ET. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Justin Chiotti

(248) 891-0087 justin_chiotti@fws.gov

Executive Summary The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) requests interested entities to submit research, restoration, and Regional Project proposals for the restoration of the Great Lakes Basin fish and wildlife resources, as authorized under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (16U.S.C. 941c). The purpose of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) is to provide assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration, research, and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes Basin. Supported in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we expect approximately $3.5 million to support proposals this fiscal year.

Available funding and proposal awards are subject to final Congressional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026. Up to 33 and one-third percent of the total Congressional appropriation to the GLFWRA is eligible to fund Regional Project proposals.

Expected award funding for Regional Project proposals is between $200,000 to $500,000.

Successful restoration and research proposals have ranged from $2,000 to $500,000 with the average proposal at $217,843. Expected award funding for restoration and research proposals is between $10,000 and $250,000. Selected restoration and research proposals and Regional Project proposals will be awarded funding for the duration of the proposal via a grant or cooperative agreement between the recipient and the Service. Funding will be made available once the official award letter has been received by the successful applicant and the performance period has started. Continuation of proposals funded in previous fiscal years are eligible but will be considered and reviewed as a new proposal. Restoration and research proposals will be awarded a grant agreement and Regional Project proposals will be awarded a cooperative agreement https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 under this announcement. Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network partners that submit Regional Project proposals that qualify as CESU proposals will be subject to the CESU indirect cost rate cap. Regional Projects are authorized activities of the Service related to fish and wildlife resource protection, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement impacting the resources of multiple States or Indian Tribes with fish and wildlife management authority in the Great Lakes Basin.

The two-page restoration and research pre-proposals and Regional Project proposals are submitted to the Service to determine eligibility and the Proposal Review Committee (PRC) scores and ranks the proposals using GLFWRA Review Criteria (Review Criteria). Successful restoration and research pre-proposal applicants are invited to submit full proposals, which are scored and ranked by the PRC using the Review Criteria. The PRC recommends the restoration and research full proposals and Regional Project proposals for funding to the Service’s Midwest Region 3 Regional Director for approval. Successful restoration and research and Regional Project proposal applicants can anticipate receiving an official grant or cooperative agreement award letter between January and March 2027.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Independent school districts

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

Individuals

Small businesses

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

Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Information on Eligibility The proposal activities (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) must be within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research, assessment) present in the Great Lakes Basin to be eligible for funding.

Restrictions and Requirements for Non-U.S. Entities or Projects

• We do not fund countries supporting terrorism subject to U.S. sanctions.

• We do not fund countries under U.S. Treasury sanctions without licenses.

• You must get all required approvals for work outside the U.S. We are not responsible for your compliance with local rules.

• For projects over $500,000, you may need to comply with 2 CFR 175.105(b) before we make an award.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Restoration and Research Proposals: All proposals require a 25% non-federal match. Not less than 25% of the total cost of implementing a proposal shall be paid in cash or in-kind contributions by non-Federal sources. Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable unrecovered indirect costs as cost-share/match, however recipients may only charge to the Federal award the indirect costs calculated against the allowable direct costs charged to the Federal award. Recipients may not charge to the Federal award indirect costs calculated against:

1) any portion of the recipient’s direct costs; or 2) any portion of the direct costs charged to any other Federal or non-Federal partner.

The required non-federal match is 25% of the total proposal costs (funding request + non-federal match). For example, if the request for federal funding is $75,000, the minimum required non-federal match is $25,000, and the total proposal costs would be $100,000. ($75,000 / 0.75 = $100,000 - $75,000.00 = $25,000).

Restoration and research pre-proposals without a 25% non-federal match will not be considered.

Required non-federal match or cost sharing above the 25% of the total cost of implementing the proposal is not a criterion (see Review Criteria) to evaluate your proposal. You will not receive extra points by exceeding the 25% required non-federal match.

Non-Federal Match Details

Time Period for Providing Non-Federal Match: The non-federal share of the cost of implementing a proposal may be provided at any time during the 2 year period preceding January 1 of the year in which the Service receives the restoration and/or research pre-proposal or Regional Project proposal.

Sources of Non-Federal Match: To be accepted as match it must be in compliance with §200.306 Cost sharing or matching.

• The appraised value of land or a conservation easement connected with the proposal.

• The costs associated with securing a conservation easement; and restoration or enhancement of the conservation easement.

• Appraisal of conservation easement. The value of a conservation easement may be used to meet the non-federal share of the cost of implementing a proposal, as long as it meets the following:

• Within the 2-year time period for allowable match;

https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/ http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-175 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

• Is acquired before the end of the proposal grant period;

• Is held in perpetuity for conservation purposes of Service programs, related to the Great

Lakes Basin, and a) by an accredited land trust or conservancy or a Federal, State, or tribal agency; b) is connected either physically or through a conservation planning process to the proposal; and c) the appraisal valuation date shall not be later than 1 year after the price of the conservation easement was set under a contract.

• The appraisal shall conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and completed by a Federal or State certified appraiser.

• All costs associated with securing a conservation easement and restoration or enhancement of that conservation easement may be used to meet the non-federal match of implementing a proposal. The costs may include cash, in-kind contributions, and indirect costs. The costs may not be associated with mitigation or litigation (other than costs associated with the Natural Resource Damage Assessment program).

Regional Projects: Regional Project proposals selected for funding shall be exempt from cost sharing or partner match if the Service’s Midwest Region 3 Regional Director determines the authorization for the proposal does not require a non-federal cost-share. Please contact the GLFWRA Coordinator if you have questions.

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.

This program may allow an applicant to apply while their SAM.gov registration is in progress, with prior approval. For more information, refer to the point of contact identified in the Basic Information section above.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help

GRANTSOLUTIONS

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• All submitted proposals must address one or more of the following goals:

1. Proposal will restore and maintain self-sustaining fish and wildlife resources.

2. Proposal will minimize the impacts of contaminants on fishery and wildlife resources.

3. Proposal will protect, maintain and, where degraded and destroyed, restore fish and wildlife habitat, including the enhancement and creation of wetlands that result in a net gain in the amount of those habitats.

4. Proposal will stop illegal activities adversely impacting fishery and wildlife resources.

5. Proposal will restore threatened and endangered species to viable, self-sustaining levels.

6. Proposal will protect, manage, and conserve migratory birds.

Program Description The purpose of the GLFWRA is to provide assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration, research, and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes Basin. All proposals should focus on the restoration and or research of fish and/or wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin and should be consistent with the goals of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2022 and the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration’s “Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes.” When appropriate, all proposals should be consistent with:

• The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV;

• The goals of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement;

• The Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act as reauthorized by the

National Invasive Species Act;

• The fish community objectives identified by the lake committees and the Council of Lake

Committees;

• The Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries;

• The Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries;

• The North American Waterfowl Management Plan;

• Addresses research and/or monitoring priorities of the Upper Mississippi River and Great

Lakes Region Joint Venture 2007 Implementation Plan;

• Applicable State Wildlife Action Plans; and

• Additional step down plans that further specify the implementation of the goals and objectives of the above plans at the state, tribal, watershed or local level.

https://www.fws.gov/service/great-lakes-fish-and-wildlife-restoration-act-grant-program https://www.fws.gov/service/great-lakes-fish-and-wildlife-restoration-act-grant-program https://gsgp.org/media/sz0jd3ft/glrc_strategy.pdf https://glri.us/documents https://www.epa.gov/glwqa/what-glwqa https://www.fws.gov/law/nonindigenous-aquatic-nuisance-prevention-and-control-act-1990#:~:text=Collections-,Nonindigenous%20Aquatic%20Nuisance%20Prevention%20and%20Control%20Act%20of%201990,Program%2C%20and%20for%20other%20purposes.

https://www.glfc.org/search.php?sa.x=0&sa.y=0&q=fish+community+objectives&cx=003205183134142302835%3Alrscvcbrh5c&cof=FORID%3A11 https://www.glfc.org/search.php?q=Lake+committees&x=0&y=0 https://www.glfc.org/pubs/conv.htm https://www.glfc.org/pubs/misc/jsp97.pdf https://www.fws.gov/partner/north-american-waterfowl-management-plan https://umgljv.org/science/ https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/ https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/ https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/state-wildlife-action-plans

The proposal activities (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) must be within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research, assessment) present in the Great Lakes Basin to be eligible for funding.

Supported in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we expect approximately $3,500,000 to support proposals this fiscal year. Available funding and proposal awards are subject to final Congressional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026. Up to 33 and one-third percent of the total Congressional appropriation to the GLFWRA is eligible to fund Regional Project proposals.

Expected award funding for Regional Project proposals is between $200,000 to $500,000.

Successful restoration and research proposals have ranged from $2,000 to $500,000 with the average proposal at $217,843. Expected award funding for restoration and research proposals is between $10,000 and $250,000.

Selected restoration and research proposals and Regional Project proposals will be awarded funding for the duration of the proposal via a grant or cooperative agreement between the recipient and the Service. Funding will be made available once the official award letter has been received and the performance period has started. Continuation of proposals funded in previous fiscal years are eligible but will be considered and reviewed as a new proposal.

Sponsorship: During the development of the restoration or research pre-proposal make sure you discuss your proposal with the natural resource agency (e.g., local staff) in the Great Lakes Basin that has management authority (State and/or Tribal natural resource agencies) where your proposal will take place on the ground or will potentially benefit. This is the first step in obtaining sponsorship for your full proposal. Proof of sponsorship is not required at the pre-proposal stage. If you get invited to submit a restoration and research full proposal, the GLFWRA Coordinator will provide contact information for a PRC member, so you can discuss your full proposal, and obtain required sponsorship to be eligible to receive funding.

Regional Projects: Regional Project proposals must be submitted by a State Director and/or Tribal Chair (or a joint submission from the supervisors of the agency’s fish and wildlife programs on behalf of the Director or Tribal Chair). Regional Project proposals should impact multiple Great Lakes, States and/or Tribes and consequently must include the signature or other written documentation of all State Directors and Tribal Chairs who support the proposal (or joint signatures or letter of support from the supervisors of the agency’s fish and wildlife programs on behalf of the State Director or Tribal Chair). Regional Project proposals selected for funding shall be exempt from cost sharing or partner match if the Service’s Midwest Region 3 Regional Director determines the authorization for the proposal does not require a non-federal cost-share.

Please contact the GLFWRA Coordinator if you have questions.

Restoration and Research Pre-proposals: Restoration and research pre-proposals are limited to two pages and must include the following information:

• proposal title;

• proposal applicant(s);

• brief proposal description;

• management implication or application;

• GLFWRA funds requested;

• non-federal partner match;

• total proposal cost;

• proposal dates;

• GPS coordinates and watershed name;

• rationale and objectives;

• methods;

• deliverables/products;

• relevance; and

• a one-page only resume or curriculum vitae or for each person involved in the proposal

Restoration and Research Full Proposals: Those applicants invited to submit full proposals (notified in September 2026) will be required to submit the same information as included in the pre-proposals, but with more detail that may include providing a response to comments/suggestions from the PRC that will be sent via email. The following information must be included:

• cover page;

• sponsor;

• proposal title;

• proposal applicant(s);

• brief proposal description;

• management implication or application;

• GLFWRA funds requested;

• non-federal partner match;

• total proposal cost;

• non-federal partner match percentage;

• proposal dates;

• GPS coordinates and watershed name;

• rationale and objectives;

• methods;

• deliverables/products;

• relevance;

• schedule for completion;

• budget justification;

• past GLFWRA funded proposals;

• identify other funding sources;

• references;

• information on how each of the nine review criteria are addressed;

• one-page resume or curriculum vitae for each person involved in the proposal;

• source of the non-federal match and budget sheet(s); and

• funding requested budget sheet(s) including direct and indirect costs

Letters of support are encouraged.

There is no limit on the number of restoration or research pre-proposals or Regional Project proposals an applicant may submit.

Restoration and research proposals will be awarded as a grant agreement and Regional Project proposals will be awarded as a cooperative agreement under this announcement.

The Proposal Review Committee has established the following guidelines and restrictions for funding provided through the Act.

• Not less than 25% of the total cost of implementing a proposal shall be paid in cash or in-kind contributions by non-Federal sources.

• Construction and engineering costs are allowed for restoration proposals that directly benefit fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin.

• Equipment purchases are allowable for those items necessary to meet the stated proposal objectives and shall follow the requirements within 2 CFR 200, including but not limited to 2 CFR 200.12, 2 CFR 200.313, and 200.407.

• Regional Project proposals selected for funding, will be issued a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument. Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network partners that submit Regional Project proposals that qualify as CESU proposals will be subject to the CESU indirect cost rate cap (currently 17.5%).

• Funding is not available for salaries of permanent or tenured staff; however, tenured staff on less than 12-month appointments are eligible for funding (e.g., 9-month tenured staff would be eligible for up to 3 months funding). Staff on soft money or with annual contracts are eligible for funding.

• The development of management plans is not eligible for funding; however, gathering important information for the development of management plans and implementing actions listed in management plans are eligible for funding.

• Travel funds to attend and present results at conferences is limited to $1,000 per person, up to a maximum of $2,000 per award.

• All funded proposals are required to document compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Pursuant to this, successful applicants must complete a series of environmental checks and/or documents to ensure compliance. Depending on the scope and scale of the proposal this may be as simple as a NEPA checklist or as complex as the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. Service funds cannot be used to complete on the ground activities until NEPA compliance has been documented.

• Grant funds may be used for proposal activities after January 1, 2027, however, costs must be authorized and approved by the Service per 2 CFR 200 and costs will NOT be reimbursed if the proposal is not approved for funding. Activities before January 1, 2027, are ineligible as a grant activity and will not be reimbursed with grant funds.

• If your proposal is selected for funding, pre-federal award costs will be allowed, if deemed necessary by the GLFWRA Coordinator.

Recipients are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

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.

Barrier removal proposals will be subject to the Buy America Preference.

Legislative Authority Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. §941 et seq.)

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

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

Regional Project proposals will be issued as a cooperative agreement that requires substantial involvement by Service employee(s). Substantial involvement includes performing one or more of the following activities:

• Participating and working closely with the recipient in carrying out the scope of work, including training recipient personnel or detailing Federal personnel to work on the proposal effort.

• Reviewing and approving one stage of work before the next stage can begin.

• Prior to award, reviewing and approving proposed modifications or sub-awards.

• Helping select proposal staff or trainees.

• Directing or redirecting the work because of interrelationships with other proposals.

• Reserving the right to immediately halt an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met.

• Limiting recipient discretion with respect to scope of work, organizational structure, staffing, mode of operations and other management processes, coupled with close monitoring or operational involvement during performance under the award.

• Research and restoration proposals will be awarded a grant agreement. Grant agreements can’t use the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) or the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit program agreements for the indirect cost rate.

• Regional Project full proposals selected for funding, will be issued a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument. CESU Network partners that submit Regional Project proposals that qualify as CESU proposals will be subject to the CESU indirect cost rate cap.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Note - there are two types of proposals being requested 1) Restoration and Research Pre- Proposal and 2) Regional Project Proposal. Please be sure to use the appropriate application template for your proposal.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

Restoration and Research Pre-proposals: Restoration and research pre-proposals are limited to two pages and must include the following information:

• proposal title;

• proposal applicant(s);

• brief proposal description;

• management implication or application;

• GLFWRA funds requested;

• non-federal partner match;

• total proposal cost;

• proposal dates;

• GPS coordinates and watershed name;

• rationale and objectives;

• methods;

• deliverables/products;

• relevance; and

• a one-page only resume or curriculum vitae or for each person involved in the proposal

See Pre-proposal application template for more details and instructions.

Regional Projects Proposals: There are no pre-application requirements for Regional Project proposals. The Application Documents below are for Regional Project proposals only.

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.

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

Required for Regional Project applicants only.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Required for non-construction projects for Regional Project applicants only.

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects for Regional Project applicants only.

Budget Justification Narrative

Required for Regional Project applicants only (contact GLFWRA Coordinator for examples).

Proposal Narrative For Regional Project applicants only. Use Regional Project full proposal template.

Required Statements Letter

For Regional Project applicants only. The letter includes: overlap/duplication, conflict of interest, pre-award, and single audit statements.

Contact GLFWRA Coordinator for example letter.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) - if applicable should be described in the Budget Justification Narrative

If applicable, required for Regional Project applicants only.

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. Required for Regional project applicants only.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes, Required for Regional Project applicants only.

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

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

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

Project Narrative Note - there are two types of proposals being requested: 1) Restoration and Research Pre- Proposals and Full Proposals and 2) Regional Project Proposals. Please be sure to use the appropriate application template for your proposal.

Proposal Narrative for Restoration and Research Pre-Proposal and Full Proposal Application

• Title;

• Proposal Applicant(s);

• Brief Proposal Description;

• Management Implication or Application;

• GLFWRA Funds Requested;

• Non-Federal Partner Match;

• Total Proposal Cost;

• Proposal Dates;

• GPS Coordinates and Watershed Name;

• Rationale and Objectives;

• Methods;

• Deliverables/Products;

• Relevance;

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae;

• Excel Funding Requested Budget Sheet for Full Proposal only;

• Excel Non-Federal Match Budget Sheet for Full Proposal only; and

• See application template for more details and instructions

Proposal Narrative for Regional Project Proposal Application

• Cover Page;

• Title;

• Proposal Applicant(s) and USFWS Proposal Manager(s);

• GLFWRA Funds Requested;

• Non-Federal Partner Match;

• Total Proposal Cost;

• Proposal Dates;

• Management Implication or Application;

• GPS Coordinates and Watershed Name;

• Rationale and Objectives;

• Methods;

• Deliverables/Products;

• Relevance;

• Schedule for Completion;

• Budget Justification;

• Optional Non-Federal Match;

• Past GLFWRA Funded Proposals;

• Identify Other Funding Sources;

• References;

• Excel Funding Requested Budget Sheet;

• Excel Non-Federal Match Budget Sheet; and

• See application template for more details and instructions

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).

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.

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 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

• 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

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Restoration and research pre-proposals and Regional Project proposals in Word or pdf format must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Monday, August 3, 2026, before 11:59 PM ET. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

If your restoration and research pre-proposal is selected for full proposal submission, your full proposal must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Tuesday, October 13, 2026, before 11:59 PM ET. Full proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

If you have trouble getting the restoration and research pre-proposal and Regional Project proposal application templates, please contact Justin Chiotti via email at justin_chiotti@fws.gov or call 248-891-0087.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 10/13/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Restoration and research full proposals in Word or pdf format must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Tuesday, October 13, 2026, before 11:59 PM ET. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

Submission Instructions Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system. You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply:

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the

FWS, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for construction-related activities except culvert replacements and dam removals, AND

Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except projects supporting Service-specific initiatives), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/

$10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years)

If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below. Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below.

If your restoration and research full proposal or Regional Project proposal is selected for funding, the GLFWRA Coordinator will discuss if your organization and proposal are eligible to use the Simplified Application Procedure (Small Grants) outlined above.

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

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

• Subject: New Organization Request

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

• Entity type

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

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

• Address

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

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

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

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

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link. Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

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

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

If you can't get your proposal submitted in GrantSolutions before the October 13, 2026, deadline, please contact Justin Chiotti at 248-891-0087 or via email at justin_chiotti@fws.gov to discuss other submittal options.

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

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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

The GLFWRA Coordinator is responsible for determining if the proposal is eligible using the following screening process:

1. Are the proposed activities or work (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research, assessment) present in the Great Lakes Basin?

2. Has the 25% non-federal match requirement been met?

3. Is the proposal in Microsoft Word or pdf format, did they adhere to the instructions (number of pages, one-page limit for resumes and curriculum vitae, do they follow the number of word limitations for several sections?

• If an applicant’s proposal is not eligible because of # 1 above, the GLFWRA Coordinator contacts the applicant via email or by phone to make sure the proposal is outside the Great Lakes Basin.

• When an applicant’s proposal is not eligible because of # 2 or #3 above, the GLFWRA Coordinator contacts the applicant via email or by phone call to discuss the issue and allows time for the applicant to make revisions, so it can be accepted.

• If an application is incomplete, the GLFWRA Coordinator contacts the applicant and gives them the opportunity to submit the missing or required documents.

Proposal Review Committee: The Proposal Review Committee (PRC) is comprised of two representatives of each of the State Directors (New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania) and Indian Tribes (Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Seneca Nation, and Oneida Nation) in the Great Lakes Basin. The two representatives (one fishery expert and one wildlife expert) are appointed by the State Director or Indian Tribe to serve on the PRC. The PRC is responsible for scoring and ranking research, restoration, and Regional Project proposals and provides recommendations to the Midwest Region 3 Regional Director on which proposals should be funded and implemented. The PRC operates under the guidance of the Service.

Pre-Proposals and Full Proposals Restoration and Research: Restoration and research pre-proposals are scored and ranked by the PRC using the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act Review Criteria (Review Criteria). Successful applicants are invited to submit full proposals based on the merit of the pre-proposal. Full proposals have a minimum of two peer reviewers and each peer reviewer completes an evaluation form and signs a conflict of interest form. Peer reviewers are selected by the GLFWRA Coordinator based on their technical expertise.

Applicants are not required to provide a list of peer reviewers for their proposal. The PRC receives a peer reviewer summary for each proposal for use during their scoring and ranking process. The PRC recommends full proposals to be funded to the Midwest Region 3 Regional Director for approval.

Regional Projects: The PRC scores and ranks the Regional Project proposals using the Review Criteria. Each proposal is scored and ranked by the PRC. Applicants will be invited to give a presentation on their proposal to the PRC between September 21 - 25, 2026. The PRC makes recommendations to the Midwest Region 3 Regional Director on how much of the annual appropriations should be allocated to Regional Project proposals and which proposals should be developed into final Service work plans for funding.

All Proposals: Prior to participating in any review or evaluation process, all staff and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must sign and return to the program office point of contact the “Department of the Interior Conflict of Interest Certification” form. For a copy of this form, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

The PRC may negotiate selected proposals scopes of work and budgets prior to making a recommendation for funding to the Midwest Region 3 Regional Director for approval.

Applicants may indicate a range for funding requested from the Act (e.g. $100,000 to $250,000) for restoration and research pre-proposals and full proposals, and Regional Project proposals, which will indicate to the PRC that the proposals scope of work and budget is negotiable or scalable.

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 Restoration and research pre-proposals, full proposals, and Regional Project proposals will be scored and ranked using the Review Criteria below.

Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act Review Criteria

Management Significance and Relevancy to the Act:

• Importance of Problem or Opportunity

• Management Implications

• Proposal Impact and Scale

• Target Species/Habitats 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

• Impacts both Fish and Wildlife

Proposal Characteristics:

• Objective and Methods

• Cost or Value

• Likelihood of Success

• Potential for Negative Impacts

For more details see the Review Criteria in the attachments or in the Related Documents Section of the Grants.gov announcement.

Required non-federal match or cost sharing above the 25% of the total cost of implementing the proposal is not a criterion to score and rank your proposal. You will not receive extra points by exceeding the 25% required non-federal match.

If you have any questions about the Review Criteria, please contact Justin Chiotti at 248-891- 0087 or via email justin_chiotti@fws.gov.

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.

Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination);

and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the executive order and Secretary 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.

The tentative Fiscal Year 2026 GLFWRA schedule showing important dates is presented below:

Restoration and Research Pre- Proposals and Regional Project Proposals Due

August 3, 2026

Restoration and Research Pre- Proposals Selected for Full Proposal Development

September 8-11, 2026 (tentative)

Applicants Notified to Submit Restoration and Research Full Proposals

September 14-18, 2026 (tentative)

Applicants Regional Project Proposal Presentation to the PRC September 21-25, 2026 (tentative)

Restoration and Research Full Proposals Due October 13, 2026

Restoration and Research Full Proposals sent to Peer Reviewers and

PRC

October 16, 2026 (tentative)

Restoration and Research Full Proposal Peer Reviewer Evaluation Due

November 9, 2026 (tentative)

Peer Reviewer Evaluation Summary to PRC November 13, 2026 (tentative)

Restoration and Research Full Proposals Selected for Funding by the

PRC

December 14-18, 2026 (tentative)

Service Approves Funds for Regional Project Proposals and Restoration and Research Full Proposals

January 11-15, 2027 (tentative)

Successful and Unsuccessful Restoration and Research Full Proposal and Regional Project Proposal Applicants Notified via Email

January 18-22, 2027 (tentative)

Successful Restoration and Research Full Proposal and Regional Project Proposal Applicants Receive Financial Agreement Award Letter

January-March 2027 (tentative)

Depending on approval by the Midwest Region 3 Regional Director and funding availability, successful restoration and research and Regional Project proposal applicants can anticipate receiving an…