FY26 Bureau of Land Management Eastern Nevada Conservation, Recreation and Development - NEVADA BLM

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers this funding opportunity under its Eastern Nevada Conservation, Recreation and Development program. This initiative is rooted in federal legislation including the Lincoln County Land Act and related conservation laws, and is designed to support responsible stewardship of archaeological resources on public lands. The program reflects the BLM’s broader mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands while balancing conservation with responsible use. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that identify, study, preserve, and manage archaeological resources located specifically within Lincoln County, Nevada. Funded projects must align with the Lincoln County Archaeological Initiative and contribute to protecting sites, maintaining collections and records, advancing archaeological research, and increasing public engagement. The program also emphasizes balancing land use with long-term conservation by restoring watersheds and safeguarding cultural resources for future generations. Funding is available for activities such as archaeological inventory and evaluation, preservation and protection efforts, development of public outreach materials, and research using innovative technologies or methodologies. Projects must focus on archaeological resources that are at least 100 years old, in accordance with federal definitions under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Funds may not be used for unrelated activities or for projects that fall outside the defined scope of archaeological resource management. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad but excludes individuals and for-profit entities. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and both public and private institutions of higher education. All proposed work must occur within Lincoln County, Nevada, making geographic eligibility a strict requirement. Cost sharing is not required, although voluntary contributions may strengthen an application during the review process. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants are required to complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation. The project narrative must include detailed elements such as goals, methodology, timeline, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation plans. Additional documentation may be required for research-focused proposals, including biographical sketches and disclosures of current and pending support. Applications will be evaluated through a structured merit review process that considers technical approach, alignment with program priorities, public benefit, applicant qualifications, and potential leveraging of resources. Proposals are rated based on how well they meet or exceed evaluation criteria, with particular emphasis on technical quality and the ability to achieve program objectives. Final selections also consider alignment with Department of the Interior priorities and risk assessments. The application window opens on June 12, 2026 and closes on August 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Awards are expected to begin around December 31, 2026, with project periods potentially extending up to five years, depending on scope and approval. Applicants may contact program staff for guidance during the application process, including the Grants Management Officer or program manager via provided email addresses.

Ensure strong alignment with Lincoln County Archaeological Initiative priorities; provide a detailed technical approach with clear methodology and timeline; emphasize public benefit and outreach; demonstrate qualified personnel and past performance; clearly justify budget and any voluntary cost share