FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Recreation and Visitor Services

The FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Recreation and Visitor Services Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on enhancing outdoor recreation experiences while aligning with various federal priorities, including environmental justice, climate resiliency, and equitable access. This grant aims to support projects that connect with youth, tribes, and underserved communities, enhance recreation access and infrastructure, and promote public land stewardship. Specific emphasis is placed on aligning with initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and other conservation acts. The estimated total program funding is $300,000, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $200,000. A total of five awards are expected. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city governments, special district governments, federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations, as well as non-profits with and without 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. The program does not support entities hiring interns under the Public Lands Corps Act but may involve cooperative agreements with CESU partnerships, which include a cost rate limitation of 17.5%. Applications must address several goals, such as increasing public access to BLM lands, reducing transportation barriers, and improving trail systems and visitor facilities. Proposals must include activities like collecting visitor data, developing sustainable recreation infrastructure, and engaging diverse communities. The grant also emphasizes compliance with federal policies, such as the use of American-made materials for infrastructure projects. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov before submitting their proposals. The submission window is from December 4, 2024, to February 3, 2025, with an anticipated project start date of August 1, 2025. Applications should include standard forms, detailed project narratives, and budget justifications. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals, technical feasibility, public benefit, qualifications of the applicants, and leveraging of resources. Merit reviews will evaluate projects on their objectives, methodologies, public benefits, and applicant qualifications. Risk assessments and compliance checks will be conducted before awards are finalized. Reporting requirements will include financial and performance reports in alignment with 2 CFR regulations. Award notices will specify the terms, and selected projects must comply with federal geospatial data and Buy America requirements.