FY2025 Golden Mussel Prevention and Control in the Western United States

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released the FY2025 Golden Mussel Prevention and Control in the Western United States funding opportunity (Opportunity Number: F25AS00320), as part of its ongoing response to the recent discovery of the invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in North America. First detected in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024, this invasive freshwater and brackish bivalve species likely arrived through international ballast water and now poses a significant ecological and economic threat to Western U.S. waters. This funding opportunity seeks proposals that align with the prevention and containment priorities set forth in California’s Golden Mussel Response Framework (April 14, 2025). The overall goal of the program is to prevent further spread of golden mussels and protect vulnerable ecosystems across the region. Eligible applicants include all legal entities, as the opportunity is categorized as “unrestricted,” but the program does not support land acquisition projects. Proposed projects must align with at least one of the program’s priorities: establishing or supporting prevention programs at high-risk control points, improving compliance with applicable laws, enhancing outreach and education, increasing early detection and rapid response capacity, and conducting research relevant to prevention or control strategies, including on potential impacts of treatment methods on non-target species. The Service will allocate approximately $500,000 in total program funding, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Around seven awards are anticipated. Cost sharing is not required. Applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions.gov and not through Grants.gov. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), although under certain conditions, entities may apply while SAM.gov registration is in progress with prior approval. The grant requires completion and submission of various standard federal forms depending on the nature of the project (e.g., construction vs. non-construction), including SF-424, SF-424A or SF-424C, SF-429 if applicable, SF-LLL if lobbying is involved, and others like the DOI R&D Current and Pending Support and Biographical Sketches for research efforts. All proposals must include a detailed project narrative with measurable objectives, methodology, milestones, timeline, personnel bios, project location data, stakeholder involvement, evaluation and monitoring plans, and a comprehensive budget narrative. The evaluation process includes three key steps: eligibility review, merit review, and a risk review. Technical acceptability is assessed through alignment with 2025 priorities and California’s response framework. Projects prioritized by the Department of the Interior or Congress may be awarded single-source funding. Otherwise, applications undergo a point-based review (0–100 scale) based on project scope, feasibility, geographic relevance, budget justification, partnerships, outreach components, and contribution to broader regional prevention strategies. Additional evaluation occurs on cost allowability, indirect costs, and duplication of effort. Risk assessments are performed for each applicant receiving funding above $250,000. Applications opened with the posting of the opportunity and will close on September 17, 2025. Awards are expected to be issued by November 17, 2025, with a performance period of no more than 18 months, concluding by approximately November 16, 2026. Applicants will be notified via GrantSolutions once awards are finalized. For technical questions, applicants may contact barak_shemai@fws.gov at (505) 366-9565 or cesar_blanco@fws.gov at (916) 414-6725. Administrative questions should be directed to trishaeve_verdugo@fws.gov at (858) 723-4328.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully match project objectives to the 2025 Golden Mussel prevention priorities and California’s Response Framework. Use of matching funds and partnerships is not required but may strengthen proposals.