Arkansas Federal Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Native American tribes and tribal organizations to develop and implement community health aide programs tailored to their specific healthcare needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states and U.S. territories with high seismic risk to improve earthquake safety through mitigation, preparedness, and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity is designed for non-federal partners focused on conservation research and monitoring of the Interior Least Tern along the Arkansas River, supporting efforts to track and protect this bird species and its habitat.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports doctoral-granting institutions in underfunded regions to establish and expand research centers that enhance STEM education and workforce development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state transportation departments in rural U.S. states for the replacement and rehabilitation of multiple highway bridges to improve safety and efficiency.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

This program provides funding to local organizations in Arkansas to help reduce poverty and support low-income individuals through services like employment, education, housing, nutrition, and health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver high-quality early childhood education and family services to low-income children and families across multiple states in the U.S.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 - Arkansas Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-AR-CIG-24-NOFO0001409 Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.912, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home. The System for Award Management (SAM) is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes. Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Arkansas A total of up to $300,000 is available for the Arkansas CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $100,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Monday August 5, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. A webinar for CIG applicants is scheduled for June 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. CST Standard Time. Information on how to participate in the webinar will be posted to the https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86163563163?pwd=tnK9zjCgTahBoafsgddhcaMJaQaK9q.1. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Arkansas State CIG website to learn more about the CIG program. The agency anticipates making selections by 9-15-2024 and expects to execute awards by 09-30-2024.These dates are estimates and are subject to change. Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $25,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $100,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period. Federal Financial Assistance Training The funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/. It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mississippi Valley Memphis District (USACE-MVM) environmental program, part of the Regional Planning and Environment Division, South (RPEDS), ensures U.S. Army civil works activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies. 1.2 The purpose of this project is to determine the presence or likely absence of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), proposed endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, at the two project areas. If other threatened or endangered (TE) bat species (i.e., Indiana Bat [Myotis sodalis] and northern long-eared bat [Myotis septentrionalis]) are detected during capture efforts, however, they will be subject to the appropriate similar guidance and deliverables as is outlined in in Sections 3.3 and 9.3 of this Statement of Objectives (SOO). 1.3 This work requires an onsite support person located at USACE-MVM. The work at the project areas shall be conducted by a Cooperator and will involve strategies to determine if tricolored bats (TCB) are present or likely absent, and whether roost trees are likely to be impacted due to planned tree clearing activities. This work includes mist net surveys, and if TCB or other TE bats are captured, the Cooperator will affix a radio transmitter on up to 3 of each species per survey site. The Cooperator will then conduct the radio-tracking surveys to locate likely roost trees within the project areas. Sampling methodologies will be in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern LongEared Bat Survey Guidelines (2023), using northern long-eared bat level of effort, and the requirements set forth in the Description of Objectives. The Cooperator shall begin the survey on or as soon as possible after May 15, 2024, and end no later than August 15, 2024 (weather delays may require a modification of this timeframe). Cooperators will reside at lodging located near to the project areas and commute daily to the survey sites. 2 2.0 AUTHORITY This study is being conducted to fulfill regulatory requirements stipulated under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and associated regulations. Sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the ESA requires Federal agencies to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species. In addition, the ESA of 1973 establishes as Federal policy that “all Federal departments and agencies shall seek to conserve endangered species and threatened species.” 2.1 This cooperative agreement will be awarded using the following authority: • 33 USC § 2339(a) Conservation and recreation management. Delegation of Authority under Section 213a of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, dated 10 March 2015. In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement activities to support the USACE’s commitment toward environmental stewardship to manage natural and cultural resources in a responsible way that has the least impact on civil works and is beneficial to the region. In addition, the activities performed by the recipient must be completed in a manner conducive to guidelines outlined in the ESA (16 USC 1531 et seq.). USACE-MVM agrees to provide substantial involvement to include, but not limited to, the following: • USACE-MVM is involved in development of the Performance Work Statement/Scope of Work, and/or reviewing products provided by the Cooperator. • USACE-MVM actively participates and collaborates in carrying out the project plan of work, reviews and approves activities, and coordinates accordingly with the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) office. • USACE-MVM incurs in-kind or direct expenditures in carrying out the activities specified in the project agreement. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:  Providing per diem for Cooperators  Providing staff time to work on the project. 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES 3.1 Task 1: Field Work Coordination The Cooperator will contact USACE MVM point of contact, Jennifer Hiltonsmith (901-579-7473) as soon as the Cooperator has selected the sampling days but no later than 2 weeks prior to any field work. This coordination will help in assessing field conditions, water levels, and site access. 3.1.1 Additional Personnel The Cooperator should anticipate 1-2 USFWS and/or USACE-MVM employees 3 to participate in the field work as observers. The Cooperator should not expect the observers to handle any live bats or be asked to carry out any duties outlined in this Statement of Objectives. Observers may place acoustic equipment to assist in building data sets. The Cooperator will not be responsible for set up or retrieval of Government equipment at any time. 3.2 Task 2: Habitat Assessment (Day 1) Suitable summer bat habitat has been determined to be present at several sites within each proposed project area. Survey sites have been designated by USACEMVM biologists based on habitat, accessibility, and USFWS survey guidelines (Exhibits 1 & 2). The Cooperator shall visually survey the preselected survey sites to confirm they are appropriate for mist netting. The Belle Fountain area project totals approximately 9 linear kilometers of potential habitat. The 15-Mile Bayou project totals approximately 6.3 linear kilometers of potential habitat. Suitable TCB summer habitat consists of a wide variety of forested/wooded areas where they roost, forage, and travel and may include some adjacent and interspersed non-forested areas such as emergent wetlands and adjacent edges of agricultural fields, old fields, and pastures. This includes forests and woodlots containing trees with potential roost substrate (i.e., live, and dead leaf clusters of live and recently dead deciduous trees, Spanish moss [Tillandsia usneoides], and beard lichen [Usnea trichodea]), as well as linear features such as fencerows, riparian forests, and other wooded corridors. TCB will roost in a variety of tree species, especially oaks (Quercus spp.), and often select roosts in tall, large diameter trees, but will roost in smaller diameter trees (e.g., 4-inch [10- centimeter] diameter at breast height [DBH]) when potential roost substrate is present. TCB commonly roost in the mid- to upper canopy of trees although males will occasionally roost in dead leaves at lower heights (e.g., <16 feet [5 meters] from the ground) and females will occasionally roost in Spanish moss of understory trees. TCB seem to prefer foraging along forested edges of larger forest openings, along edges of riparian areas, and over water and avoid foraging in dense, unbroken forests, and narrow road cuts through forests. TCB may roost and forage in forested areas near anthropogenic structures and buildings (e.g., suburban neighborhoods, parks, etc.) (USFWS 2023). Information gained in the habitat assessments shall assist the Cooperator to determine sites for mist netting surveys (Section 3.3). The Cooperator shall include a description of the areas and their potential TCB habitat in the final reports. The Cooperator shall use professional judgment to determine if an area has suitable habitat for mist netting sites. 3.3 Task 3: Mist netting for presence/absence determination Immediately following each habitat assessment, the Cooperator shall confirm survey sites for netting locations or contact the Technical Manager (Jennifer Hiltonsmith) to discuss altering net placement. The Cooperator will follow the northern long-eared bat recovery unit-based protocols for the amount of time (i.e., 4 netting nights) deemed appropriate from habitat surveys for TCB. Mist net surveys should be conducted in the best suitable habitat possible in each kilometer. 3.3.1 Equipment - Mist nets to be used for TCB surveys should be the finest, lowest visibility mesh commercially available. Currently, the finest net on the market is 75 denier, 2 ply, denoted 75/2 (Arndt and Schaetz 2009); however, the 50 denier nets are still acceptable for use. The finest mesh size available is approximately 38 millimeter (~1 1/2 inch). Nets should be cleaned and disinfected following approved protocols (http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/) and any additional federal or state requirements to minimize disease transmission (USFWS 2023). 3.3.2 Minimum Effort – An effective mist-netting effort should be used at locations best suited for capturing TCB. A minimum of 4 net nights per kilometer of suitable habitat is required by USFWS. Therefore, it is recommended that sites are placed approximately 1 kilometer apart, but selection of the best mist-net habitat is the priority. Once the Cooperator determines the appropriate sample site locations, each sample site shall be photographed (during daylight hours) and recorded using a global positioning system (GPS) unit. The Cooperator shall record all GPS data in Universal Transverse Mercator, North American Datum - 1983, Zone 16N. Recorded GPS and color photographs shall be included in the report. 3.3.3 Net Placement – Potential travel corridors (e.g., streams) typically are the most effective places to net (although other sites may also be productive; see Carroll et al. 2002). Place nets approximately perpendicular across the corridor. Nets should fill the corridor from side to side and from stream (or ground) level up to the overhanging canopy. Nets of varying widths and heights may be used as the situation dictates. If netting over water, ensure there is enough space between the net and the water so that the bat will not get wet upon capture. Mist netting shall begin at sunset and end 6 hours after the nets are in place. See Kunz and Kurta (1988) for additional discussion of net placement. 3.3.4 Checking Nets – Each net should be checked approximately every 10 minutes, never exceeding 15 minutes between checks. Capture and handling are stressful for bats. Emphasis should be on minimizing handling and holding bats for as short a time as possible to achieve research objectives. TCB, or any other TE bat should be they captured, should not be held for more than 30 minutes after capture. Federal and state permits usually specify maximum holding times (e.g., Recovery Permits issued by Regions 3 and 4 of the USFWS specify a maximum holding time of 30 minutes for most projects). 5 3.3.5 Weather and Light Conditions - Severe weather adversely affects capture of bats. Negative results combined with any of the following weather conditions throughout all or most of a sampling period is likely to need additional netting effort: (a) temperatures that fall below 10°C (50°F); (b) precipitation, including rain and/or fog, that exceeds 30 minutes or continues intermittently during the survey period; and (c) sustained wind speeds greater than 4 meters/second (9 miles/hour). It is typically best to set nets under the canopy where they are out of moonlight, particularly when the moon is ½-full or greater. 3.3.6 If, at the conclusion of each mist netting, no TCB or any other TE bats, have been captured, fieldwork is complete and that particular survey is finished. At each project area (Belle Fountain and 15 Mile Bayou), if one or more TCB or other TE bats are captured (up to 3 TCB, northern long-eared bat, or Indiana bat per site), Phase II radio-tracking surveys will be conducted by the Cooperator. The emergence survey protocol should not be used for radio-tracked TCB given the variability in roosting locations typically used by the species (e.g., roosting in dead leaf clusters in the canopy of live trees) and difficulty observing bats emerging. An emergence count may be attempted on the rare occasion that the surveyor is able to discover the exact roosting location of a transmitted TCB and believes he/she can observe the bat(s) emerging. Transmitter Attachment - A qualified and permitted biologist who is experienced in handling TCB and other TE bats and attaching radio transmitters must perform transmitter attachments. Attachment guidelines and protocols are outlined in the 2024 USFWS Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines. For each captured TCB (or other threatened or endangered bats should they be captured), the Cooperator shall attach radio transmitters to all female, juvenile, and adult male TCB or others captured at each site. Surveyors should be prepared to place transmitters on bats when they are captured to minimize holding times. The radio transmitter, adhesive, and any other markings ideally should weigh less than 5% of the bat’s pre-attachment body weight but must not weigh more than 10% of its total body weight (Kurta and Murray 2002). In all cases, the lightest transmitters capable of the required task should be used, particularly with pregnant females and volant juveniles. Bats carrying transmitters must be monitored daily for at least seven days, or until the transmitter falls off, whichever occurs first. 6 The purpose of radio tracking TCB and other TE bats is to determine their roosting locations. If radio tracking determines specific summer roosting or maternal colony sites (trees or other structures), the Cooperator shall use a GPS unit to record the specific locations. The Cooperator shall describe the sites and nearby surroundings in each survey report. 3.3.7 Radio Telemetry Equipment - Proposed radio telemetry equipment (e.g., receivers, antennas, and transmitters) and frequencies should be coordinated with the appropriate state natural resource agency and the USFWS – Missouri Ecological Services Field Office, Columbia, MO (Kris Budd, 573-507-8924 when conducting surveys in Missouri), or Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office, Conway, AR (Pedro Ardapple-Kindberg, 501-513-4470 when conducting surveys in Arkansas) after any night a bat is fitted with a transmitter. 3.4 Task 4: Post-Fieldwork Coordination with USACE-MVM The cooperator shall call the Technical Manager of this project (Jennifer Hiltonsmith, 901-579-7473) within 24 hours of the conclusion of field work conducted at each project location (Belle Fountain and 15 Mile Bayou) with all netting and transmitter information. Each project area will have its own draft report. Each draft report will document all capture results, photographs, maps, etc. performed at each location; and each draft report will be provided to the Technical Manager no later than one month after field work has been concluded at that specific area. More information about report submittals are provided in Section 9.2. 4.0 QUALIFICATIONS 4.1 The Cooperator shall possess a current USFWS threatened or endangered species recovery permit and both a State of Missouri collector’s permit and a State of Arkansas collector’s permit prior to starting the field work at each specific site. The Principal Investigator (PI) conducting the surveys should have a thorough understanding of the USFWS Range-Wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines, should be familiar with the 2024 updates and the inclusion of Tricolored bat efforts. The Cooperator should have at least 3 years’ experience with mist-netting, handling, and identifying bat species including threatened and endangered species. Survey experience, academic background, and examples of prior reports should be submitted with your proposal.

The primary objective of the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program is the development of viable Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons of low-and moderate-incomes. See the ICDBG regulations at 24 CFR 1003.2, the full text of which is available at 24 CFR part 1003.a. Single Purpose Grants. Projects funded by the ICDBG program must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons (24 CFR 1003.208). These are competitive grants and are the subject of this NOFO.b. Imminent Threat Grants. Projects funded with Imminent Threat grant funds are to address issues that have an immediate negative impact on public health or safety of tribal residents.You do not have to apply for an Imminent Threat grant by the deadline established in this NOFO. These funds are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis until the amount set aside for this purpose is expended. The Imminent Threat request must be submitted to the Area Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) for your region in accordance with ONAP Program Guidance 2018-04, Imminent Threat Grants and the requirements in 24 CFR part 1003 subpart E.

Deadline: May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Eligible Recipients: Not-for-profit organizations with preservation, conservation, cultural, historical, or archeological missions, including HBCUs, tribal nations, and government entities. Eligible Projects: Must be within the Delta Region, focusing on cultural heritage, public roads, regional music, museums, and more. Priority Criteria: Projects addressing immediate needs, new initiatives, completed within 18 months, and enhancing heritage tourism. Where: Projects within the Delta Region, not on federal property. When: Applications open April 15, 2024, and close May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Selected projects announced by September 2024. Webinar: Optional webinar on April 24 at 10 a.m. CDT. Register here. Contact: For project inquiries, email us. For technical support, contact [email protected].

The 2024 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), announced by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), seeks applications for grants to target federal resources toward communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. With a focus on economically distressed counties and parishes, SEDAP aims to invest in community-based and regional projects across four congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The program is designed to encourage job creation, regional collaboration, and funding partnerships, leveraging a total of $16,930,642, allocated across the eight-state DRA region with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type and application score.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.