PKG00293771.pdf

Bureau of Land Management

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management - Bureau wide

Funding Opportunity Number

L26AS00057

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: L26AS00057

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.230

Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 40

Award Ceiling: $400,000

Award Floor: $20,000

Cost Sharing Required?

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

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

Open from July 27, 2026, through September 25, 2026.

Extensions to NOFO close date will be unallowed.

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

Have Questions?

Applicants are also encouraged to contact the Grants Management Officer, Stephanie Lund, at melissa_gribble@ios.doi.gov or the HQ Invasive and Noxious Plant Lead Seth Flanigan at sflanigan@blm.gov with questions.

Arizona, California, Eastern States, Idaho, Montana/Dakotas, Utah, The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the National Operations Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Executive Summary BLM Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Programs work to prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands.

• Invasive species cost the public millions of dollars in control and management each year and many invasive plants and noxious weeds are highly competitive and have the ability to permanently degrade our public lands.

• Noxious weeds and invasive species expansion are recognized as the single greatest threat to our native plant communities and the values they provide us.

• These native plant communities are essential for supporting wildlife habitat, watershed function, recreation opportunities, rural economies and working landscapes.

• Invasive plants and noxious weeds affect plant and animal communities on farms and ranches, and in parks, waters, forests, natural areas, and backyards in negative ways.

• Human activity such as trade, travel, and tourism have all increased substantially, escalating the speed and volume of species movement to unprecedented levels.

• Increased site vulnerability from wildfires that are more frequent and other disturbances is an ongoing challenge to maintaining the integrity of our native plant communities.

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 melissa_gribble@ios.doi.gov mailto:sflanigan@blm.gov

• Noxious weeds are particularly aggressive plants legally designated by states as being injurious to public health, the environment or the economy.

• Invasive species and noxious weeds adversely affect overall recreational opportunities on public land i.e., hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, watershed health and ecosystem function, which result in economic losses in rural and urban communities.

• Invasive species and noxious weeds affect adjacent private lands, both rural and urban, causing widespread economic losses to the agricultural industry as well as to other resources.

• Advance early detection rapid response.

• Enhance emergency stabilization and burned area rehabilitation.

• Advance education, awareness, and citizen science relative to invasive species.

• Conduct invasive species treatments to protect resource values on public lands.

• Support classical biological control agent development.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

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

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

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

Private institutions of higher education

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

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

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

GRANTS.GOV

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

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Prevention, detection, and eradication of noxious weeds and invasive plant species.

• Development of outreach materials to engage the public in the detection of and to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and invasive plants species.

• Development of methods or modeling to increase the detection and mapping of noxious weeds and invasive plant species.

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

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

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

One of the BLM's highest priorities is to promote ecosystem health and one of the greatest obstacles to achieving this goal is the rapid expansion of weeds across public lands. These invasive plants can dominate and often cause permanent damage to natural plant communities.

If not eradicated or controlled, noxious weeds will continue to jeopardize the health of public lands and to constrain the myriad activities that occur on them. Project Title: Must name the State where project is located.

BLM Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Programs work to prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands.

BLM has an opportunity to work with partner organizations to collaboratively manage and coordinate treatments, inventories, monitoring, education and outreach, and prevention activities to control new infestations and treatment to remove existing infestations of noxious weeds and invasive species to gain efficiencies across multiple jurisdictions.

Priority Projects should strive to:

• Prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands

• Prevent point source spread from public plants onto economically vulnerable lands

• Conduct invasive species treatment to protect the resource values on public lands

• Advance Early Detection Rapid Response

• Enhance emergency stabilization and burned area rehabilitation

• Advance education, awareness, and citizen science relative to invasive species

• Support classical biological control agent development

Program Strategic Goals:

A successful noxious weed control program is essential to maintaining the health of our native landscapes and consists of the following goals:

• Inventorying and documenting locations of noxious weeds and other invasive species.

• Using an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) approach to determine the most effective method of weed control (herbicides, grazing, mechanical removal etc.).

• Selecting the most effective and targeted herbicide for treatment.

• Stabilization and rehabilitation of disturbed areas.

• Implementation and monitoring of weed control and site rehabilitation measures.

• Conducting post treatment monitoring to determine effectiveness.

• Prioritization and treatment of target undesirable plant species or groups of species to be controlled or contained within a specific geographic area.

• Monitoring and evaluation of treatments, site rehabilitation, outreach activities, and integrated weed management strategies to determine rate of success and to inform future efforts.

• Development and dissemination of public education and outreach activities and materials.

• Promoting public engagement and learning opportunities, through resources education and outreach programs, events, and products.

• Adaptive management for controlling new weed species and use of new and approved treatments.

All proposed projects submitted under this funding opportunity must state a benefit to the public and how the proposed project will support and comply with the following program legislation authority, BLM Manuals, etc. are applicable to this program:

1. Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA)

2. Public Rangelands Improvement Act

3. Plant Protection Act of 2000

4. Integrated Pest Management Manual BLM MS-9015

5. Integrated Vegetative Management Handbook HB-1740-2

6. Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements, 16 USC § 1011

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

Law 116-9)

State and Center Priority Projects that will be accepting applications under this Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):

HQ: HQ applications will be considered for National Scale proposals to:

• Prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands;

• Advance Early Detection Rapid Response;

• Advance education, awareness, and citizen science relative to invasive species; or

• Support classical biological control agent development.

Alaska:

• Prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands

• Conduct invasive species treatment to protect the resource values on public lands

• Advance Early Detection Rapid Response and *Advance education, awareness, and citizen science relative to invasive species

Colorado:

• Conduct invasive species treatments to protect the resource values on public lands;

Nevada:

• Prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands;

New Mexico:

• Prevent, detect, inventory, control, and monitor weed populations on public lands;

Oregon/Washington:

• Conduct invasive species treatments to protect the resource values on public lands;

• Enhance emergency stabilization and burned area rehabilitation;

Wyoming:

• Conduct invasive species treatments to protect the resource values on public lands;

• Enhance emergency stabilization and burned area rehabilitation;

Arizona, California, Eastern States, Idaho, Montana/Dakotas, Utah, The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the National Operations Center (NOC) will not be accepting applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

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

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

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

Plant Protection Act of 2000, 7 USC, Chapter 61 Noxious Weeds § 2814 (limited to State agencies)

Additional Information

7 USC Chapter 61 Noxious Weeds § 2814 -Management of undesirable plants on Federal lands Federal agencies, as appropriate. Federal Agencies shall enter into cooperative agreements with State agencies to coordinate the management of undesirable plant species on Federal lands. (The term “State agency” means a State department of agriculture, or other State agency or political subdivision thereof, responsible for the administration or implementation of undesirable plants laws of a State.)

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

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

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

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

Training of recipient personnel.

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

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

Participation in selecting recipient project staff.

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

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

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

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

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.

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 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 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 conservation - the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973)

• Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement

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

• Information on key project personnel

• Anticipated future funding needs

• Details and supporting documentation on the project location

• Other program or project-specific narrative requirements

All proposals are confidential.

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

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

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

CESUs are partnerships with a purpose to promote, conduct, and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services. If a cooperative agreement is awarded to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated CESU Cooperative and Joint Venture Agreement which is consistent with the CESU purpose, indirect costs are limited to a rate of no-more-than 17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicants should specify if their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program, and if so, which CESU Network should be considered as host.

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

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

Refer to Budget Detail and Narrative, Attachment B 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:

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

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

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

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

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

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

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/25/2026

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 July 27, 2026, through September 25, 2026.

Extensions to NOFO close date will be unallowed.

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

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

mailto:melissa_gribble@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.

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

(1) the applicant is eligible for an award

(2) the application was submitted on time

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

(4) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied

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

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

If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

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

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

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

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

APPLICANT STATEMENT OF NEED:

• Project meets broad objective of developing cooperative relationships for multi jurisdictional strategic integrated invasive plant management.

• Objectives of the project

• DOI priorities met

APPLICANT TECHNICAL APPROACH

• Development and management plans

• Prioritization process for targeted invasive species

• Data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation

• Specialized equipment use

• Project goals and expected outcomes

• Project effectiveness measurement and evaluation plan 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

• Integrated pest management approach and implementation plan

• Investigations, development activities, and outreach and public awareness efforts to address invasive species control and management needs.

• Tasks and relationships of any partners and or stakeholders

PUBLIC BENEFIT AND PROGRAM INTEREST OF THE BLM

• Direct Public Benefit

• Public engagement, learning opportunities, invasive and noxious plant management education and outreach programs, events, and products

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

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE

• Key project personnel experience and qualifications

• Qualifications of any contractors, subrecipients and/or consultants

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

• Similar successfully completed projects

• Unique qualifications.

• Licenses and/or certifications held

LEVERAGING OF RESOURCES (Voluntary Cost Share):

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

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

• figures are correct

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

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

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

BUDGET REVIEW IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

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

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

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

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

COST SHARE COMMITMENT CLAUSE (PER 2 CFR § 200.306)

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

The recipient shall ensure that all cost share contributions:

• Are verifiable in the recipient’s records;

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINAL REVIEW OF SELECTED APPLICANTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: 12/30/2031

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

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

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

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

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

Geospatial Data

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

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

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

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

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