IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management National Operations Center (NOC) Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program | L24AS00442

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is the IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Operations Center (NOC) Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number L24AS00442). It is a discretionary federal funding opportunity focused on invasive and noxious plant management as a natural resources priority, in the broader context of BLM land stewardship and restoration supported by IIJA/IRA-related investments.

Which agency and office are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), specifically referencing the National Operations Center (NOC) Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program.

What type of award is expected?

Awards are expected to be issued as cooperative agreements. This typically means BLM anticipates substantial involvement in the funded work (for example, coordination, technical input, or shared implementation responsibilities) rather than a grant model with minimal federal participation.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.230.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• State, county, and local governments (including special districts)
• Independent school districts
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status

Who is not eligible to apply?

Individuals and for-profit organizations are explicitly ineligible to apply under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Applications must be submitted by qualifying governmental, educational, tribal, housing-authority, or nonprofit entities.

Is this opportunity intended for invasive and noxious plant management?

Yes. The stated focus is managing invasive and noxious plants as a natural resources priority, supporting on-the-ground and programmatic work aligned with BLM stewardship and restoration contexts.

What is the maximum award amount?

The listing indicates an award ceiling of $500,000.

When is the application due?

The original application closing date listed is September 30, 2024.

Does BLM expect to be involved in project implementation?

Yes. Because awards are expected to be cooperative agreements, BLM anticipates substantial involvement, which may include coordination, technical input, and/or shared implementation responsibilities.

Can applicants propose youth internship or youth crew hiring under the Public Lands Corps Act in this NOFO?

No. This NOFO does not support entities proposing to hire interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. BLM notes this Act is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns in that manner, and those efforts must be pursued through a different funding pathway.

If our project is a youth-focused conservation corps effort, where should we apply instead?

Eligible Youth Conservation Corps applicants are directed to projects developed under NOFO 15.243, titled "BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands," rather than submitting that type of proposal under this opportunity.

What are CESUs, and how do they relate to this opportunity?

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs) are partnership networks intended to promote and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services. The announcement includes specific guidance for proposals affiliated with CESUs, including how to frame the proposal and how indirect cost limits apply if awarded under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement.

Is there an indirect cost cap for CESU partners?

Yes. If a cooperative agreement is awarded to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement and the project is consistent with CESU purposes, indirect costs are capped and may not exceed 17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's federally approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).

What should a CESU-affiliated applicant include in the proposal?

Applicants are instructed to clearly state whether their proposal furthers the purpose of the CESU program. If it does, they should specify which CESU Network should be considered the host.

Does this opportunity allow nonprofit applicants that do not have 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. The eligibility list includes nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status.

Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included among eligible applicants.

Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are included among eligible applicants.

Are educational entities eligible?

Yes. Eligible applicants include independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education.

What is the overarching policy or investment context referenced for this funding?

The opportunity is positioned under the broader context of BLM land stewardship and restoration work supported by IIJA/IRA-related investments.