Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Tribal Engagement in Regional Ocean Partnership Priorities

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Tribal Engagement in Regional Ocean Partnership (ROP) Priorities grant, managed by NOAA, funds projects that enhance tribal involvement in established Regional Ocean Partnerships. This program seeks to support tribal governments and organizations in activities that align with ROP priorities, including defining tribal ocean and coastal management priorities, improving tribal capacity to engage in ROPs, and integrating tribal knowledge into regional data resources. Tribes can use funds to participate in or build partnerships with ROPs for the collaborative management of ocean and coastal resources. Eligible applicants include U.S. federally recognized Native American tribes with interests in regions of the Gulf of Mexico, West Coast, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, as well as tribal organizations that apply on behalf of one or more tribes (with letters of support from each tribe). Awards range from $100,000 to $400,000, with an estimated total funding of $1.5 million. Applications are due by November 12, 2024. Applicants must register with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons to apply and are advised to initiate this process early due to the time required. Assistance is available from the NOAA Office for Coastal Management.