National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- NOAA-NOS-OCM-2026-33239
- Agency
-
Department of Commerce
- Applications due
- Award size
- $500,000 to $3,000,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Categories
-
- Environment
- Natural Resources
- Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
- Points of contact
-
- Matthew Chasse matt.chasse@noaa.gov (240) 628-5417
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
NOAA's Office for Coastal Management is soliciting applications for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 18, 2026. Acquisition or construction projects face a $3 million federal funding cap; stand-alone planning and design projects are capped at $500,000. Applicants must provide matching funds of 15 percent for construction, planning and design, or vehicle and vessel projects, and 25 percent for land acquisition projects.
Eligible applicants are lead state agencies or universities designated to receive NERRS operations funding through a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA in coastal states and territories. Federal agencies cannot be direct recipients but may serve as collaborative partners.
NOAA anticipates approximately $8.5 million in federal funding available to support between 5 and 20 construction, acquisition, and planning and design projects. Project periods typically range from 12 to 36 months, with complex construction projects permitted to request extended periods not exceeding 60 months cumulatively. Up to 10 percent of Fiscal Year 2026 funds will be reserved at NOAA's discretion for critical reserve vehicle or vessel needs, awarded noncompetitively to stand-alone vehicle or vessel projects.
Funding supports land acquisitions, facility planning and design, construction (new or retrofit), vehicle and vessel acquisition, and small-scale projects incorporating sustainable or resilient features. Priority is given to projects that protect habitats, increase infrastructure resilience and sustainability, provide species migration pathways, support ecosystem resilience to climate events, or facilitate managed retreat of core facilities.
Evaluation criteria are importance and relevance to program goals (35 points), technical and scientific merit (30 points), applicant qualifications (10 points), and realistic project costs (25 points). The anticipated award start date is February 1, 2027, pending funding availability and completion of environmental compliance requirements. CFDA 11.420.
Synopsis
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) consists of estuarine areas of the United States and its territories designated and managed for research and educational purposes (Reserve) as specified in 15 C.F.R. Part 921. By funding Reserve lead agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction activities that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible. Each Reserve was designated to ensure its effectiveness as a conservation unit and as a site for long-term research and monitoring. In maintaining their effectiveness, the Reserves may find it necessary to expand their boundaries through strategically planned land acquisitions and/or to develop or enhance their reserve facilities, including their in-situ monitoring infrastructure, to meet the demands of research, monitoring, and education program objectives.
NOAA anticipates approximately $8.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 will be available to designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states. NOAA anticipates funding between 5-20 construction, acquisition, and/or planning & design projects. Project periods are expected to range from 12-36 months. Complex construction projects may request extended project periods, but the cumulative must not exceed 60 months. Final project selections are subject to availability of funds and negotiation with NOAA.
Acquisition or construction projects have a $3,000,000 federal funding cap . Stand-alone planning and design projects have a $500,000 federal funding cap.
At the discretion of NOAA's Office for Coastal Management, up to 10% of the Fiscal Year 2026 funds will be reserved for critical reserve vehicle or vessel needs. These funds will be awarded noncompetitively to stand-alone vehicle or vessel project applications that address a critical reserve need.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are lead state agencies or universities designated to receive NERRS operations funding through a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA in coastal states and territories.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Foa_Content_of_NOAA-NOS-OCM-2026-33239 (1).pdf | ||
| Foa_Content_of_NOAA-NOS-OCM-2026-33239 (2).pdf |
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