FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington (ORWA) Plant Conservation and Restoration Management

The FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington (ORWA) Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Program offers funding to support initiatives that conserve native plant biodiversity and restore habitats. This program aligns with the National Seed Strategy and federal priorities, including addressing climate resilience, restoring public lands, advancing environmental justice, and engaging underrepresented communities. Projects may include habitat restoration, seed development, monitoring rare plant species, and public education to promote native plant conservation. The program offers an estimated total funding of $1,000,000, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $300,000. Approximately ten awards are expected, with no cost-sharing required. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; tribal organizations; nonprofit entities; and public and private institutions of higher education. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible. Applications must demonstrate alignment with federal goals and program priorities, emphasizing public benefits and the use of scientifically informed practices. Applicants are required to submit forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, a project narrative, and a budget narrative. The project narrative should outline the purpose, goals, methods, and expected outcomes of the proposal and include details on environmental compliance, public engagement, and monitoring plans. Applicants must be registered with SAM.gov and Grants.gov, with registration potentially taking several months. All documentation must adhere to format and content requirements specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The application deadline is February 19, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated based on their technical approach, alignment with program goals, public benefits, and the qualifications of the applicant and project personnel. Applications that demonstrate effective partnerships and resource leveraging may receive additional consideration. Review criteria include innovation, feasibility, and the ability to meet federal and BLM priorities. Awards are expected to begin by July 1, 2025, and projects must be completed by September 30, 2030. Awardees are required to comply with reporting obligations, including financial and performance reports, and adhere to federal regulations on data management and material use. Projects must use American-made materials and follow geospatial data standards where applicable. This program emphasizes restoring resilient ecosystems, advancing conservation science, and fostering community involvement in environmental stewardship.