ISGP 1 Aquatic Species Prevent or Boat Decon.

The Department of Environmental Conservation administers the Invasive Species Grant Program (ISGP) to support projects aimed at preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through education, prevention, and control activities. The ISGP 1 Aquatic Species Prevention or Boat Decontamination opportunity focuses on helping state, local, tribal, and nonprofit organizations implement measures to reduce the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species in New York State’s water bodies. These grants are part of a larger state effort to preserve ecosystem integrity, protect recreational water uses, and support community-based environmental stewardship. Funding under this opportunity supports activities such as watercraft inspection, boat decontamination station development and operations, and public outreach aimed at encouraging proper cleaning and maintenance practices to prevent invasive species transmission. Eligible uses of funds may include infrastructure development, training, educational campaigns, staffing, monitoring, and equipment purchase related to prevention or decontamination. The total program funding available is $750,000, distributed competitively among awarded applicants based on project need, effectiveness, and alignment with state goals. There is no indication of a matching funds requirement, but applicants should review cost-share expectations within the application materials. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, not-for-profit organizations, and tribal organizations. The solicitation does not explicitly list for-profit entities or higher education institutions as eligible. Projects must operate within the environmental or aquatic management sectors and focus on New York State’s lakes, rivers, and boating access points. Applicants are expected to demonstrate technical competence, experience managing environmental projects, and capacity to maintain facilities or programs post-award. Applications are due by December 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. A bidder’s conference will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to assist applicants with questions about the application process and requirements. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by Monday, December 15, 2025, to the Department at dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov. Responses will be posted in the Grants Management System by December 16, 2025. Applications are submitted through the New York State Grants Management system and must comply with all bid and contractual requirements. Evaluation criteria will likely include alignment with prevention goals, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and the potential for measurable ecological benefits. Awards are expected to be announced following the review process, although the specific award date is not listed. The program advances New York’s commitment to invasive species prevention and is likely to recur annually, supporting ongoing aquatic ecosystem protection through sustainable community and institutional partnerships.

Attend bidder’s conference and submit questions before December 15 to clarify bid and technical submission requirements.