2026 REPI Challenge

The Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program has announced the 2026 REPI Challenge, offering up to $20 million in funding to support projects that enhance military readiness and resilience by addressing land use conflicts, preserving habitat, and preventing unwanted foreign investments near Department of Defense (DOD) installations and ranges. Established in 2002, the REPI Program fosters partnerships between the Military Services, private organizations, and state and local governments to mitigate encroachment and environmental constraints affecting military operations. Since its inception, the program has leveraged over $512 million in partner contributions across 69 locations. The primary objective of the 2026 REPI Challenge is to safeguard strategic military missions by preserving readiness and defense capabilities, maintaining open testing and training areas, and reducing risks to critical infrastructure. Projects should align with key mission capabilities, such as hypersonics, next-generation aircraft development, nuclear modernization, space launch, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, intelligence and reconnaissance, missile defense, advanced autonomous systems, and Pacific region missions. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects will support these priorities and are invited to leverage multiple statutory authorities, including 10 U.S.C. § 2684a, 10 U.S.C. § 2679, and 16 U.S.C. § 670c-1, to maximize project impact. Eligibility extends to state and local governments, political subdivisions, and private entities focused on conservation, restoration, or preservation of land and natural resources. Specific eligibility varies depending on the authority leveraged. Notably, entities new to the REPI Program must negotiate a cooperative agreement or similar arrangement with the relevant Military Service if invited to submit a full proposal. All projects must feature a minimum 50 percent partner cost share, with higher partner contributions enhancing competitiveness. Funds may support activities such as land acquisitions, habitat restoration, invasive species management, and planning for installation resilience. The application process begins with a required pre-proposal submission via the REPI Challenge Online Portal (https://repi.osd.mil) by July 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. Pre-proposals should include coordination with the appropriate Military Service contact and provide geospatial data for targeted land parcels. Selected applicants will be notified by July 28, 2025, and invited to submit full proposals by September 1, 2025. Final funding decisions will be communicated in December 2025 through January 2026, with public announcements and fund obligations beginning in February to March 2026. The DOD expects selected projects to commence within six months of fund obligation and to be completed within two to three years. Evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with key mission capabilities, partner cost share, innovation, partnerships, coordination across government levels, financial sustainability, and leveraging other conservation programs. Preference is given to projects addressing land protection in Sentinel Landscapes and efforts preventing foreign acquisition of land near sensitive DOD facilities. The DOD also requires compliance with applicable environmental, cultural, and historic preservation laws. For proposal assistance, applicants can attend office hours with the REPI Contract Support staff or contact key personnel, including Andy Porth (andrew.m.porth.civ@mail.mil) or the general REPI inbox (osd.repi@mail.mil). Installation-specific inquiries should be directed to designated Military Service contacts listed in the RFP. Comprehensive resources, including user guides and FAQs, are available through the REPI Challenge Online Portal. This well-structured and transparent process aims to attract high-impact projects that bolster national security while fostering environmental stewardship.

Resources such as a user guide and frequently asked questions are available to assist applicants. Additionally, applicants can request office hours for proposal questions and technical issues by emailing osd.repi@mail.mil with their details and the nature of their request. The REPI Challenge offers opportunities for applicants to engage with the REPI Contract Support staff during designated office hours on specific dates between May 27 and June 12, 2025. These sessions are intended to provide guidance on substantive proposal questions and technical issues related to the Online Portal.