Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Assistance
ID: 353373Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$25K - $250K

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is offering a funding opportunity titled "Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Assistance" for Fiscal Year 2024. This initiative aims to allocate up to $500,000 to support partnerships that enhance outreach and technical assistance related to conservation efforts in Maine, specifically targeting projects that benefit underserved communities across various sectors such as forestry, urban agriculture, and wildlife habitat enhancement. Eligible applicants, including small businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, are invited to submit proposals with funding requests ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, with applications due by June 2, 2024. Successful applicants will be required to provide a 50% non-federal match of total project costs, and the selection process will focus on eligibility, merit review, and adherence to federal guidelines. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Neosha Jones at neosha.jones@usda.gov or by phone at 803-881-7020.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) for Fiscal Year 2024 titled "Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Assistance." The initiative seeks to allocate up to $500,000 to support partnerships that enhance outreach and technical assistance related to conservation efforts in Maine. Eligible entities, including local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions, are invited to submit proposals focused on conservation planning and implementation across various sectors like forestry, urban agriculture, and wildlife habitat enhancement, particularly benefitting underserved communities. The estimated funding range per project is $25,000 to $250,000, with applications due by June 2, 2024. Successful awardees will receive a contribution agreement and must provide a 50% non-federal match of the total project costs unless a waiver is requested. The selection process includes screening for eligibility and merit review by peer experts, with a focus on past performance and organizational capacity. Projects must adhere to federal guidelines and compliance standards, including environmental assessments when necessary, ensuring that funds support sustainable conservation practices in Maine.
    Similar Opportunities
    F24AS00298 Cooperative Agriculture
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity titled "F24AS00298 Cooperative Agriculture," aimed at facilitating agricultural practices on National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) lands. The primary objectives of this program include the production or modification of specific cover types to support wildlife species, as well as the maintenance and rehabilitation of natural habitats. This initiative is crucial for aligning agricultural activities with conservation goals, allowing for substantial collaboration between the Service and participating entities. Interested small businesses and private individuals must submit their applications electronically by 11:59 PM ET on March 7, 2029, and can reach out to Christian Myers at christianmyers@fws.gov for further information. Notably, this program does not involve federal funding, as it operates under a non-financial assistance framework.
    FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants
    Active
    DOC NOAA - ERA Production
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting applications for the FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants, aimed at supporting the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. The initiative focuses on habitat restoration actions as outlined in the 2019 Recovery Plan, emphasizing the enhancement of fish passage and connectivity, as well as the use of proven restoration techniques to remove barriers to salmon movement. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profits, and state and local governments, with funding amounts ranging from $100,000 to $700,000 over a three-year period. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2024, for consideration in the current fiscal year, with subsequent deadlines on March 31 for the following two years. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Amanda Cousart at amanda.cousart@noaa.gov or by phone at 301-337-9447.
    UMRS Forest Resources Inventory and Analysis
    Active
    Engineer Research and Development Center
    The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is offering a funding opportunity for the "UMRS Forest Resources Inventory and Analysis" project, aimed at conducting forest resource inventories and analyses within the Upper Mississippi River System. The primary objectives include assessing forest community composition, managing invasive species, and enhancing wildlife habitat requirements, with a focus on improving forest management decisions and ecosystem health over a five-year period. This initiative is crucial for sustainable natural resource management in impacted floodplain areas, contributing to the quality of public lands for local recreation and biodiversity. The estimated total funding for this project is $550,000, with a ceiling of $50,000 for the first year, and interested applicants must submit a Statement of Interest by January 2, 2025, followed by a full proposal due by January 31, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Phoebe V. Fuller at phoebe.v.fuller@usace.army.mil or by phone at 601-634-3793.
    Revegetation with Native Plants
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is seeking partnerships for a federal grant opportunity titled "Revegetation with Native Plants," aimed at enhancing the collection, mapping, development, monitoring, and restoration of native plant materials, particularly in areas affected by wildfire, drought, and invasive species. This initiative encourages collaboration with various organizations, including for-profits, non-profits, educational institutions, and governmental bodies, to foster community engagement and education, particularly among underserved populations and youth. The program emphasizes the importance of native plants in ecological restoration and aims to establish sustainable practices for developing native plant materials, thereby benefiting both the environment and local communities. Interested parties must submit their responses by February 7, 2025, and can reach out to Robin Taylor-Davenport at opega@usda.gov for further information. Additional details can be found at the USDA Forest Service's Native Plant Materials webpage.
    2025 Forest Service Eastern Region Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy NOFO
    Active
    Forest Service
    The U.S. Forest Service is offering grants through the 2025 Eastern Region Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy to enhance resilience against wildfires across the Midwestern and Northeastern States. This initiative aims to support projects that restore landscapes and create fire-adapted communities, aligning with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy's goals. Eligible applicants include state forestry agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and tribes, with funding amounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000, requiring a 1:1 cost-sharing match. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by January 15, 2025, with preliminary drafts due to the relevant State Forester by December 16, 2024. For further information, interested parties can contact Ray Parrish at raymond.j.parrish@usda.gov or (414) 323-0859.
    National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2025
    Active
    DOC NOAA - ERA Production
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering a funding opportunity through the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2025, with an estimated total funding of approximately $8.5 million. This program aims to support designated state agencies and universities in coastal states and territories in executing projects focused on land acquisition, construction, and planning that enhance habitat protection and research capabilities aligned with ecosystem sustainability. Eligible projects should prioritize maintaining key habitats, improving existing infrastructure, and planning for future sustainable construction, with specific matching requirements of 15% for construction/planning and 25% for land acquisition. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by February 7, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Matthew Chasse at Matt.Chasse@noaa.gov or via phone at 240-628-5417 for further assistance.
    USGS Non-Competitive Assistance FY 2025 - National Grants Branch
    Active
    Geological Survey
    The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a non-competitive assistance opportunity for the fiscal year 2025 through its National Grants Branch, aimed at supporting research that complements USGS program efforts in the classification of public lands and the examination of geological, water, mineral, and biological resources. This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, with no cost-sharing or matching requirements, and is open to a broad range of eligible applicants, including federal, state, and academic partners. The total estimated program funding is $2 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $2 million, and applications must be submitted electronically by September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Nikolas Lushenko at nlushenko@usgs.gov.
    2025 Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Program
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is offering the 2025 Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Program, which provides $20 million in grants to support facilities that purchase and process byproducts from ecosystem restoration projects in areas at risk of severe wildfire or pest infestations. The program aims to reduce the costs associated with restoration projects on federal and Tribal lands by financially assisting entities that establish, reopen, retrofit, expand, or improve wood-processing facilities utilizing these byproducts. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, school districts, communities, not-for-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Interested parties should contact Adam Smith at adam.smith5@usda.gov or by phone at 531-289-8147, and note that applications are due by December 18, 2024.
    2025 Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Tribes
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is inviting proposals for the 2025 Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program, aimed specifically at Federally Recognized Native American Tribal Governments and Alaska Native Corporations/Villages. This competitive grant program seeks to fund collaborative, science-based restoration projects that enhance forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and improve water quality and wildlife habitats, with a focus on measurable outcomes and alignment with existing restoration strategies. Eligible applicants can secure funding ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, with the potential for up to $600,000 for cross-boundary projects involving multiple tribes. Applications are due by December 16, 2024, with an optional preliminary review available by October 30, 2024. For further information, interested parties can contact Margaret Haines at 202-384-7192 or via email at SM.FS.LSR@usda.gov, and additional details can be found on the USDA Forest Service website.
    F25AS00035 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants
    Active
    Fish and Wildlife Service
    The Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the F25AS00035 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Habitat Conservation Plan Land Acquisition Grants to support land acquisition projects aimed at conserving habitats for federally listed, candidate, and at-risk species under the Endangered Species Act. Eligible applicants include state governments that have entered into a Cooperative Agreement and have met specific criteria, with a requirement for a non-Federal cost share of at least 25% for single-State projects and 10% for multi-State projects. This funding, which has an estimated total program funding of $26 million and an award ceiling of $26 million, is intended to enhance conservation efforts beyond federal obligations and promote species recovery. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically by January 8, 2025, and can contact Kelly Niland at KellyNiland@fws.gov for further information.