Bureau of Land Management Alaska IIJA/IRA Good Neighbor Authority | L24AS00188

FAQs: BLM Alaska IIJA/IRA Good Neighbor Authority (Funding Opportunity Number L24AS00188)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska IIJA/IRA Good Neighbor Authority grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L24AS00188). It is a discretionary federal funding program administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior through BLM, in the natural resources funding category, associated with CFDA 15.015.

Is this a standard grant or a cooperative agreement?

It is offered as a cooperative agreement. That means BLM expects to have substantial involvement in the project during implementation, rather than issuing an award and having minimal involvement afterward.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to the following applicant types only: state governments, county governments, and tribal governments or tribal organizations. The notice explicitly states that all other applicant types are ineligible.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible to apply?

No, nonprofits are ineligible unless they qualify as eligible tribal organizations. The notice is explicit that applicant types other than state, county, and tribal governments/tribal organizations are not eligible.

Are universities or colleges eligible to apply on their own?

No. Universities applying on their own are listed among the ineligible applicant types for this opportunity.

Are for-profit businesses eligible to apply?

No. For-profit entities are explicitly excluded by the notice because only state governments, county governments, and tribal governments or tribal organizations are eligible.

Can other non-governmental organizations apply (community groups, associations, etc.)?

No. The notice indicates that all other applicant types outside the listed eligible governments and tribal organizations are ineligible.

What geographic focus does this opportunity target?

The opportunity is framed as a BLM Alaska tool intended to accomplish land and resource objectives in Alaska under the Good Neighbor Authority framework.

What is the maximum federal award amount?

The maximum federal award amount listed in the notice is $800,000.

When were applications due?

Applications were originally due by May 31, 2024.

What kinds of projects is this opportunity meant to support?

Based on the description provided, it is meant to support projects where eligible government partners and BLM can work together under the Good Neighbor Authority framework to implement projects connected to natural resource priorities and land/resource objectives in Alaska.

Does this NOFO support youth hiring, internships, or crew programs under the Public Lands Corps Act?

No. This NOFO does not support applicants hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The notice explains that the Public Lands Corps Act is the legislative authority that allows BLM to hire interns under that authority, and this Good Neighbor Authority NOFO is not the mechanism for doing so.

If our project relies on Youth Conservation Corps-style staffing, should we apply under this opportunity?

No. The notice flags that Youth Conservation Corps or similar youth-focused entities should not use this opportunity for intern/crew hiring projects because it cannot fund that approach under this NOFO's legal authority.

If we want funding for youth conservation opportunities on public lands, what is the alternative NOFO mentioned?

The notice directs applicants interested in youth intern/crew hiring approaches to a separate BLM funding announcement: NOFO 15.243, titled "BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands."

What are CESUs, and how do they relate to this opportunity?

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs) are described as partnerships designed to support research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and education services. This opportunity notes how participation through a CESU partner may be handled if an award is made under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement aligned with CESU purposes.

Is there a special indirect cost rule if an award is made through a CESU partner?

Yes. If an award is made to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement that aligns with CESU purposes, indirect cost recovery is capped. Indirect costs are limited to no more than 17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's federally approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

What does the notice ask applicants to say regarding CESU alignment?

Applicants are asked to state whether their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program. If it does, applicants should identify which CESU Network should be considered as the host.

Does every applicant have to apply through a CESU?

The information provided does not say that CESU participation is required. It describes how indirect costs and proposal framing work if an award is made through a CESU partner structure.

What is the key takeaway about BLM involvement in funded projects?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, BLM expects substantial involvement as the project is carried out. Applicants should anticipate an active partnership dynamic with BLM during implementation, not a hands-off grant relationship.

What are the most important "do not" boundaries called out in the notice?

The most prominent boundaries described are: (1) only state, county, and tribal governments or tribal organizations can apply; all other applicant types are ineligible; and (2) proposals centered on hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 are not supported under this NOFO and should instead look to NOFO 15.243.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.015.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is L24AS00188.