F25AS00218 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes - Fiscal Year 2025 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), utilizing appropriations from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), is offering funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants to the Great Lakes States and Tribes (Opportunity Number: F25AS00218). The goal of this program is to support the implementation of projects that span across state and tribal boundaries, focusing on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management plans. These grants are intended to promote action-oriented efforts that directly address the prevention, detection, and control of aquatic invasive species in and around the Great Lakes Basin. The program specifically supports projects that align with established Great Lakes Interstate Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Funded activities are expected to include pathway intervention, species detection, active prevention, and control measures. Work can take place within the Great Lakes Basin or in nearby locations that significantly impact AIS pathways into the Basin. Projects such as boat ramp inspections, outreach, law enforcement, or activities targeting species like hydrilla with high interbasin transfer risk are eligible. However, proposals that include invasive carp work are only considered if previously approved through the Invasive Carp Action Plan coordinated by the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ICRCC). Only one application per state or tribal natural resource agency is permitted, though these agencies may designate any entity to apply on their behalf. Applications are accepted only from Great Lakes states or tribes or their designees. This program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Awards are offered through grants or cooperative agreements, with the federal agency expected to be substantially involved in cooperative agreements. The total estimated program funding is $923,809, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to a maximum of $923,809. Approximately six awards are anticipated. The application process includes two phases: a pre-proposal and a full proposal. Pre-proposals, which must include a project narrative and budget narrative, are due within 60 days of the NOFO’s posting to Grants.gov and should be submitted via email to fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov. Upon review, applicants will be notified of their approved funding amount and invited to submit a full proposal through GrantSolutions within 60 days of notification. If combining with another AIS grant under a separate NOFO, the deadline is 60 days after both award notices are received. Applications must contain a detailed project narrative with sections on project justification, goals, specific activities and their costs, a quarterly timeline, environmental compliance, evaluation plans, personnel qualifications, and project location. Required forms include SF-424, SF-424A or SF-424C depending on construction status, SF-429 for real property, SF-LLL for lobbying disclosures (if applicable), and a plain language project abstract. All narratives are limited to 25 pages, excluding supporting documents. Evaluation of proposals will be based primarily on the level of support from multiple Great Lakes states and tribes. Secondary evaluation criteria assess the potential of the project to improve AIS prevention, detection, rapid response, and control, as well as long-term sustainability, scientific rigor, and team qualifications. Risk review and potential overlap with other projects will also be considered prior to award announcements. The closing date for this funding opportunity is December 31, 2025, with the anticipated start date for projects set at October 1, 2025, and end date at September 30, 2027. Questions regarding the grant may be directed to Nathan Evans at nathan_evans@fws.gov or by phone at 612-286-4212.

Avoid duplication with existing GLRI work and clearly distinguish interjurisdictional tasks from state/tribal ones.