FY26 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management - Bureau wide

The Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Bureau of Land Management within the U.S. Department of the Interior. This program is designed to support partnerships that enhance the preservation, study, and public engagement of cultural and paleontological resources located on public lands. These resources include archaeological sites, fossil records, museum collections, and locations of cultural importance to Native American communities. The program aligns with broader Department of the Interior priorities to strengthen stewardship, improve access to heritage resources, and facilitate responsible land use and infrastructure development. The primary purpose of the funding opportunity is to promote projects that increase understanding of America’s cultural and natural history while improving preservation and public access. Eligible projects may include archaeological and paleontological research, inventory and excavation work, stabilization of at-risk heritage sites, and digitization or management of cultural records and collections. Additional activities may focus on educational programming, public outreach, museum access, tribal engagement, and development of interpretive historic sites. The program also emphasizes collaboration with tribal governments and communities, including support for repatriation efforts and consultation processes. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning the federal agency will maintain substantial involvement in project execution. This may include collaboration in project planning, review of work stages, and participation in staffing or oversight decisions. The total estimated program funding is 830,000 dollars, with approximately 40 awards expected. Individual awards range from 30,000 to 75,000 dollars. There is no cost sharing requirement, although voluntary cost sharing may be considered favorably during the review process. Projects must demonstrate clear public benefit and align with program priorities, including improved resource management and increased public engagement. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and nonprofit entities such as state, county, and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations regardless of 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. The program excludes certain geographic BLM offices from applying, including national-level offices and specific states such as Alaska and Nevada, while identifying priority project areas within selected states such as California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and require completion of several federal forms, including the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with a detailed project narrative, budget justification, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must outline goals, technical approach, public benefit, stakeholder coordination, and evaluation methods. Additional requirements may include research documentation, biographical sketches, and statements addressing conflicts of interest and overlap with other funding. Applicants must also maintain active registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The application period opens on June 12, 2026 and closes on August 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Applications are evaluated through a multi-step process including eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Review criteria emphasize technical approach, alignment with program objectives, applicant qualifications, and public benefit. Final selections are subject to management review and alignment with Department of the Interior priorities. Selected projects are expected to begin around December 31, 2026 and may run through December 30, 2031, with a maximum performance period of approximately five years. Recipients must comply with federal reporting requirements, including financial and performance reporting, and adhere to regulations governing geospatial data, procurement, and project monitoring. The program represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of national heritage resources while engaging communities and advancing scientific knowledge.

Focus on strong technical approach and clear public benefit; align closely with BLM priorities; demonstrate partnerships and measurable outcomes