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 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 areas of cultural significance to Native American communities and other stakeholders. The program aligns with broader federal priorities related to conservation, public access, scientific research, and responsible land use. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to develop partnerships that enhance access to and understanding of heritage resources while promoting their educational, scientific, cultural, and recreational value. Projects funded under this program must contribute to at least one core objective, such as conducting research and inventory studies, stabilizing at-risk heritage sites, improving collections management, or expanding public access to museum and archival resources. Additional objectives include training future professionals in cultural resource management, supporting tribal engagement and consultation, and developing educational outreach initiatives that foster conservation ethics and public awareness. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning that the Bureau of Land Management maintains substantial involvement throughout the lifecycle of funded projects. This involvement may include collaboration on project design and implementation, review and approval of project milestones, and ongoing monitoring of performance. The program has an estimated total funding pool of eight hundred thirty thousand dollars, with individual awards ranging from thirty thousand to seventy five thousand dollars. There is no cost sharing requirement, although voluntary cost sharing may strengthen an application during the review process. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes state, county, city, and special district governments, public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized and non federally recognized tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations with or without tax exempt status. Individuals and for profit organizations are explicitly excluded. Projects must demonstrate clear public benefit and align with program priorities, including compliance with applicable federal laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act and the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants are required to complete several standard federal forms, including the SF 424 and SF 424A, along with a detailed project narrative, budget justification, and supporting documentation. The narrative must outline the project’s goals, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes, and evaluation plan. Additional requirements may include biographical sketches for key personnel and disclosures related to conflicts of interest or overlapping federal funding. Applicants must also ensure proper registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The application window opens on June 12 and closes on August 14, with submissions due by five pm Eastern Time on the closing date. Applications undergo a multi stage review process, including eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria such as technical approach, public benefit, applicant qualifications, and resource leveraging. Final award decisions may take several months, and selected projects are expected to begin by the end of the calendar year, with a maximum performance period extending up to five years. Program contacts are available for applicant support, including a Grants Management Officer and a National Program Lead. These contacts can assist with questions related to eligibility, application requirements, and program priorities. Overall, this funding opportunity provides a structured and collaborative mechanism for organizations to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of America’s cultural and natural heritage while advancing public engagement and scientific understanding.

Focus on strong technical approach and clear public benefit; demonstrate alignment with BLM priorities; include detailed project evaluation plan; leverage partnerships and resources to strengthen proposal