Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program (2026-2029)

The Fisheries Resource Monitoring Program (FRMP) for 2026–2029 is a funding initiative under the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), administered through the Interior Business Center's Acquisition Services Directorate on behalf of the Office of Subsistence Management (OSM). This program supports data collection, monitoring, and collaborative projects to manage subsistence fisheries in Alaska’s federal public waters and lands. It prioritizes improving data quality, fostering partnerships, and building capacity among Alaska Native Organizations (ANOs), rural nonprofits, and Tribal Governments. The primary purpose of the FRMP is to support research that informs the management and sustainability of subsistence fisheries. This includes harvest monitoring, stock status and trends, and the incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Eligible projects must address Federal Priority Information Needs, which are listed on the program’s website, or provide strong justifications for alternative priorities. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and the inclusion of rural community partners in project activities. The program anticipates awarding approximately 25 cooperative agreements, with a total funding pool of $9,000,000. Individual awards can be up to $940,000 total over a four-year period, not to exceed $235,000 per year. Projects are expected to begin on April 1, 2026, and end by March 30, 2030. Matching funds are not required. Ineligible activities include habitat restoration, hatchery propagation, contaminant assessments, and standalone education/outreach efforts, which are supported under a separate OSM program. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as state, county, and city governments; independent school districts; tribal governments and organizations; nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status); higher education institutions; individuals; and small or large businesses. The key eligibility criterion is that the project must be directly linked to Federal subsistence fishery management in Alaska. Specifically, the subsistence fisheries or stocks must occur in or move through waters adjacent to federal lands such as National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, or Conservation Areas. To apply, applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov or GrantSolutions, and they may submit their applications by email if needed. Required application materials include the SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a project narrative, abstract summary, budget narrative and table, and if applicable, lobbying disclosures. The project narrative must detail objectives, methods, evaluation, and capacity-building strategies, while also including maps, letters of support, and other required documentation. Applications must be submitted by May 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM UTC-8. The anticipated award announcement date is March 30, 2026. The selection process involves eligibility screening and a merit review scored across five categories: Strategic Priority, Technical-Scientific Merit, Investigator Ability, Partnership and Capacity Building, and Cost Benefit. Final decisions will consider public comments and recommendations from the Federal Subsistence Board. For technical program assistance, applicants may contact Scott Ayers at 907-744-3824 or via email at scott_ayers@ios.doi.gov. For administrative support, inquiries can be sent to Michelle St. Peters at michelle_stpeters@ios.doi.gov.