PKG00293274.pdf

Bureau of Land Management

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY26 Bureau of Land Management Youth Conservation Corps - Bureau wide

Funding Opportunity Number

L26AS00064

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: L26AS00064

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.243

Estimated Total Program Funding: $900,000

Expected Number of Awards: 8

Award Ceiling: $220,000

Award Floor: $30,000

Cost Sharing Required?

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

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

Open from June 12, 2026, through October 16, 2026.

Round One Applications Due: August 14, 2026 Round Two Applications Due: October 16, 2026

Refer to “Related Documents” tab for individual project details and closing dates.

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.

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions?

Applicants are also encouraged to contact the Grants Management Officer, Chanda Brown at chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov or the BLM National Youth Programs Lead, Michael Brown at m55brown@blm.gov with any questions.

Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Eastern States, Idaho, Montana/Dakotas, Nevada, Wyoming, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and the National Operations Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications during Round 1 under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This NOFO may be updated/revised in the future to include additional projects from one or more of these states. Please review the “Key Dates” section for further information.

Executive Summary The Headquarters Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices have collaborated with Qualified Youth Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish natural and cultural resource-focused projects for numerous years. This program’s projects provide opportunities to gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management.

Through their BLM experience, youth gain an appreciation for public lands, learn about natural resource management careers, and become the next generation of public lands stewards. The BLM Youth Program helps the agency accomplish projects across all program areas in support https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SPOC-list-as-of-August-2024.pdf mailto:chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov mailto:m55brown@blm.gov of the BLM’s multiple-use mission. The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth corps through the Public Lands Corp (PLC) Program to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive), including tribal members. The PLC program mandates employing youth who are interested in working on natural and cultural resource projects that protect public lands.

Projects available under the PLC Program are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Office project coordinators. The projects emphasize hands-on engagement in on-the-ground projects, skill development training, and mentorship opportunities for participants. These projects create jobs that strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with youth corps organizations striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

Proposed projects within this funding opportunity notice will support the goals of the PLC Program and may also incorporate the goals of the Indian Youth Service Corps Program through outreach to Indian tribes and tribal-serving youth corps organizations. Projects will include the following:

• Enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration, and other improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g. kiosks, campgrounds, signage etc.).

• Monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data as well as timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health.

• Habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration, etc.

• Development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational materials for visitors.

• Studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological excavation or stabilization, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys, etc.

• Preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures.

• Seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disasters

• Reduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds, and other public land ecosystems.

• Production of materials and programs on natural, cultural, and/or paleontological resources, communication, education, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.

• In-house projects, such as cartography, records management, realty or wildland fire support, must demonstrate a clear benefit to natural or cultural resources and include a field component of at least 120 hours.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

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

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

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

Private institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.

This program NOFO does support entities hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under this authority. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes A required 25% match for all 15.243 Youth Conservation Corps Agreements by statute.

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.

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

GRANTS.GOV

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

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Youth Employment: Engage young people to job opportunities in multiple-use public lands management.

• Environmental Stewardship: Engage participants in activities that support the BLM's management of natural and cultural resources on public lands.

• Skill Development: Equip participants with valuable skills and experience in natural resource management, which can lead to future employment opportunities in related fields.

• Community Engagement: Foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards public lands within communities, encouraging volunteerism and public involvement in land management efforts.

• Economic Benefits: Stimulate local economies through job creation and increased investment in public lands projects.

• Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities to maximize the impact of natural resources management efforts.

Program Description 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 in the Grants.gov title.

The BLM Youth Program supports the agency’s workforce while exposing participants to complex cultural and natural resource issues. This program supports the projects available under this program are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Offices to connect youth to natural and cultural resources on public lands through multiple-use land management projects, recreational experiences, natural resource-based employment and education opportunities. These projects create jobs that strengthen America's economy and foster relationships with youth corps striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

Projects developed for this fiscal year will be identified in Grants.gov on the “Related Documents” tab.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

The projects may be organized as crews where participants work collectively together under supervision of trained and experienced crew leaders or natural resources professionals. Projects may also be organized as individuals or small teams working on specific individual tasks requiring dedicated attention. Projects may be organized in both of these formats. Regardless of the format, trained and experienced crew leaders or staff from partner organizations shall directly supervise participants. While BLM professionals will provide project guidance and mentoring, they cannot serve as direct supervisors. Individuals/crews must be paid either a stipend or wage to offset living costs e.g., food and housing.

BLM has determined that individual stipends of $800 a week, equal to $20.00 per hour, are reasonable. Higher stipends must be justified in the budget justification in Attachment B. Crew based work will be evaluated based on how many crew members and weeks are needed and must be justified in Attachment B.

While there is no maximum number of hours that a PLC participant may serve, an individual may not be assigned to the same PLC project for more than two years for part-time work, and no more than one year for full-time work.

Expected Program Outcomes:

• Projects may vary in length, but none should last longer than three years. Projects may be located in different geographic locations on BLM administered lands. The BLM project coordinator will track project success using various criteria including whether the project:

• Exposes young people to public service, furthering their understanding and appreciation of the nation’s natural and cultural resources, while implementing Secretary's Orders and priorities.

• Stimulates interest in natural resources and multiple-use land management careers by working with BLM professionals and providing qualified projects that will allow corps members to be certified for two-year noncompetitive hiring status upon completion of the projects and 640 hours.

• Promotes job creation to strengthen America’s economy and fosters relationships with organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

• Promotes public purposes by providing education, job training, development of responsible citizenship, and productive community involvement in the care and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

• Assists qualified youth corps to enhance public lands and waters by engaging youth in management of natural and cultural resources.

• Engages young people within local communities and stimulates interest in resource management activities.

See the related attachments for state-specific projects.

States and Centers that will be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

• California

• New Mexico

• Oregon / Washington

• Utah

• Headquarters

Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Eastern States, Idaho, Montana/Dakotas, Nevada, Wyoming, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), and the National Operations Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications during Round 1 under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This NOFO may be updated/revised in the future to include additional projects from one or more of these states. Please review the “Key Dates” section for further information.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

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

Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

Legislative Authority Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, Section 1721-1729, excluding Section 1725a Direct Hire Authority.

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

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

BLM’s substantial involvement may include:

• Coordinate with the partner to ensure that the number of participants needed for all planned projects are recruited on time for the projects to begin.

• Ensure that participants obtain proper safety orientations and training in relation to the specific project, e.g., Defensive Driving, Off Highway Vehicle safety, etc. The PO will be responsible for obtaining copies of all training certifications.

• Ensure that participants are clearly representing their organization and are not being identified as BLM employees.

• Ensure participants meet the age requirement.

• Ensure they do not supervise participants, but rather mentor and provide guidance to them. Supervision is the responsibility of the partner organizations.

• Educate participants about BLM’s mission

• Provide guidance on finding and applying for Federal jobs on www.usajobs.gov, the

Federal government’s official employment website.

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

• Assist with training of recipient personnel, crew leads, and crews/participants.

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

• BLM review and approval of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award.

• BLM participation in selecting recipient project staff.

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

• BLM directing or redirecting of recipient work because of relationships to other BLM projects.

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

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Required from all applicants

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

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

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

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

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

Required from all applicants

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

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

(Suggested format, Attachment A Project Proposal template, in the “related documents" tab in 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 restoration - 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 https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

• 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).

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

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

Refer to Budget Detail and Narrative, Attachment B in the “related documents” tab on grants.gov as a suggested format.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

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

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

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

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

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

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

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Contact Chanda Brown at chanda_brown@ios.doi.gov for any additional questions.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 10/16/2026

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 June 12, 2026, through October 16, 2026.

Round One Applications Due: August 14, 2026 Round Two Applications Due: October 16, 2026

Refer to “Related Documents” tab for individual project details and closing dates.

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

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

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

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

• 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.

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 nonresponsive and eliminated from 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 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 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 The Merit Review process will be conducted at the State where the project is proposed.

Proposals will be evaluated on strengths or weaknesses for each merit review criterion and rated “Exceeds” “Meets” or “Does not meet” expectations with highest importance on Statement of Need and Leveraging of Resources.

Each of these ratings is defined as follows:

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

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

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

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

APPLICANT STATEMENT OF NEED

• Mission and objectives

• Youth programs offered

• DOI priorities met

RECRUITMENT PLAN/STRATEGIES

• Recruitment plan targeting participants where the project will occur

• Youth candidate application and screening processes

• Assessment of recruitment successes

• Technology or other innovative tools to be used in recruitment

APPLICANT TECHNICAL APPROACH AND MONITORING

• Training of supervisors and crew leaders

• Oversight of interns, crews, crew leaders

• Corrective action plans regarding any youth conduct issues

• Provisioning of youth crews

• Established protocols for reporting safety incidents/accidents, worksite concerns 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

• Significant anticipated accomplishments

• Clear milestones and measurement criteria

• Project monitoring and evaluation plan

• On and off boarding procedures

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND PROGRAM INTEREST OF THE BLM

• Direct Public Benefit

• Projects in which the BLM receives the indirect benefit of natural resources management activities

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE

• Key project personnel experience and qualifications

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

• Similar successfully completed projects

• Unique qualifications

• Experience in governance of youth initiative internship programs

OFFERED COST SHARE or MATCH

Meets 25% requirements of the Public Lands Corps Act

LEVERAGING OF RESOURCES

A proposal should clearly demonstrate how partnerships contribute to the effective sharing of resources and expertise. Cost sharing is required by the program authority, it will be considered a significant factor during the application review process. The cost share included, applicants must specify the amount, source, and type of contribution (cash or in-kind) and ensure that all contributions are allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306.

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

• figures are correct

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

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

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

BUDGET REVIEW IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

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

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

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

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

COST SHARE COMMITMENT CLAUSE (PER 2 CFR § 200.306)

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

The recipient shall ensure that all cost share contributions:

• Are verifiable in the recipient’s records;

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINAL REVIEW OF SELECTED APPLICANTS:

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

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

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

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

BLM programs document applicant risk evaluations using the DOI “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards, the BLM is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The BLM will consider this information when completing the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.206(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.206(a) risk review. The BLM uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

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

AWARD NOTICES

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

Anticipated Project Start Date: 12/31/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 12/30/2027

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

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

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

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

BLM Standard Terms and Conditions See the Award Term - Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured Products, and Construction Materials

Geospatial Data

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

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.blm.gov/services/financial-assistance-and-grants https://www.doi.gov/grants/buyamerica https://www.doi.gov/grants/buyamerica https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2019&path=%2Fprelim%40title43%2Fchapter46&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2019-title43-chapter46&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTQzL2NoYXB0ZXI0Ng%3D%3D%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0My1jaGFwdGVyNDY%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim

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

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

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

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

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

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

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

• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

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

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

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

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

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

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Other Information https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18