IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Alaska Invasive and Noxious Plant Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program supports projects aimed at combating the spread of invasive species and noxious weeds on public lands. These species pose significant threats to native plant communities, wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and rural economies. The program's goals include preventing, detecting, inventorying, controlling, and monitoring these harmful plants, using integrated pest management techniques and fostering public education and engagement. The program is funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, aligning with federal priorities such as ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and racial equity. The program provides a total funding pool of $100,000, with award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. A maximum of three awards is expected, and no cost-sharing is required. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, Native American tribal organizations, nonprofit entities, and public or private institutions of higher education. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Projects must benefit the public and demonstrate how they align with federal priorities and the program’s goals. Applications must include forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, a project abstract, and a detailed project narrative. The narrative should include a statement of need, goals, methods, and plans for environmental compliance, monitoring, and evaluation. Budgets must be justified and reasonable, with a description of costs and any indirect rates applied. Applicants must also register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov, a process that can take several months. The application deadline is March 17, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed for eligibility and merit based on factors like alignment with program goals, technical approach, public benefit, and applicant qualifications. Priority will be given to projects that promote public engagement, education, and effective resource leveraging. Final reviews will assess budget accuracy and compliance with program requirements. Award notices are expected to be issued electronically via GrantSolutions. The anticipated project start date is September 1, 2025, with an end date of September 30, 2030. Post-award requirements include submitting financial and performance reports, complying with federal policies, and adhering to Buy America provisions for infrastructure projects. Projects must follow geospatial data standards and include metadata for any collected data. Public education, outreach activities, and the adoption of adaptive management strategies are integral components of this program.