Copy of OIA Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program 2025 - reposted July 2, 2025

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is soliciting applications for its 2025 Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program under the funding opportunity number OIA-CRNR-2025-V2. The program is focused on safeguarding coral reef ecosystems and other natural resources in the U.S. insular areas for long-term ecological, social, and economic benefit. With a total funding pool of $2,625,000, the CRNR program provides grants to combat invasive species, support coral reef restoration, and enhance resilience to environmental threats in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau). The initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of invasive species and restore native ecosystems, with a priority on projects that cannot access other federal funding sources. Fundable project activities include eradication and suppression of invasive marine, terrestrial, and aquatic species; biosecurity and rapid response strategies; coral disease mitigation and bleaching interventions; native species restoration; and watershed management. Capacity building in natural resource management, indigenous knowledge integration, and multi-jurisdictional coordination are also encouraged. Projects aligning with strategic regional documents such as the Regional Biosecurity Plan or local coral reef conservation plans may receive priority consideration. Applicants must be non-federal entities located in or directly serving the eligible insular areas. These include local government agencies, hospitals or health centers, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. However, judicial or legislative branches of local governments are not eligible under 2 CFR 200.444. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to submit via Grants.gov. The opportunity does not require cost-sharing, and award amounts range from an undefined floor (award floor is listed as $0 but should be treated as unspecified) to a maximum of $300,000 per project. The deadline for submitting applications is August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. While there is no pre-application or LOI requirement, applicants are strongly advised to begin registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov well in advance. Applications should include key documents such as SF-424, SF-424A/C, SF-LLL (if applicable), project narrative (no longer than 10 pages), abstract summary, cover letter, budget breakdown, indirect cost rate agreements, and optional letters of support. Each application must also provide specific performance measures, outputs, and outcomes aligned with project goals. Narrative reports and financial reports are required semi-annually, with final reports due 120 days after the award end date. The review process involves eligibility screening, merit review, and a final selection by the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs. Scoring is based on project clarity, alignment with program priorities, budget soundness, timeline feasibility, past performance, stakeholder support, and compliance history. Applicants must demonstrate sound financial capability and transparency, including any audit findings or overlaps with other federal programs. The anticipated project period is from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. Questions about the CRNR program should be directed to Merriam Porter at Merriam_Porter@ios.doi.gov.

Ensure forms are fully completed; begin registration early; provide detailed budget and clear narrative; address all checklist items