FY26 Bureau of Land Management Plant Conservation and Restoration Management - Bureau wide

The Bureau of Land Management, a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers the Plant Conservation and Restoration Program to strengthen the nation’s native seed supply and support the restoration of resilient public lands. This funding opportunity represents a coordinated federal effort to address ecological degradation caused by wildfires, invasive species, and land use impacts, while also supporting rural economies and agricultural producers. The program builds upon long-standing federal priorities to maintain multiple use and sustained yield across public lands, and it aligns with national strategies to improve the availability and use of native plant materials. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand and enhance the native seed supply chain across the United States. The program supports activities such as native seed collection, propagation, storage, and distribution, as well as applied scientific research and technological innovation. Projects may focus on post-fire recovery, habitat restoration, watershed health, and the protection of special status plant species. The program also emphasizes partnerships that improve market access for farmers and nonprofit organizations, develop infrastructure for seed processing and banking, and advance scientific knowledge to reduce costs and risks associated with restoration activities. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning that the Bureau of Land Management maintains substantial involvement in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Award amounts range from 10000 to 500000, with an estimated total program funding of 2500000 and approximately 50 awards expected. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, although voluntary cost sharing may strengthen an application during review. Funds may be used for a wide range of allowable costs including research, project implementation, infrastructure development, and workforce training, provided they are reasonable, necessary, and compliant with federal cost principles. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, school districts, and nonprofit organizations with or without tax exempt status. Individuals and for profit organizations are not eligible. The program encourages broad collaboration across sectors, including partnerships with agricultural producers, conservation groups, and government agencies. Applicants must ensure compliance with federal registration requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include a comprehensive set of required documents. These include the standard federal assistance application forms, budget information, project narrative, and supporting documentation such as a project abstract and, where applicable, research related forms. The project narrative must outline the project’s goals, technical approach, expected outcomes, stakeholder involvement, and evaluation plan. Additional requirements include a detailed budget narrative, conflict of interest disclosures, and statements regarding overlap with other federally funded projects. Applicants are also required to demonstrate how their project aligns with program priorities and contributes to public benefit. Applications are evaluated through a multi step process including eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Merit review criteria emphasize technical approach, leveraging of resources, applicant qualifications, and the public benefit of the proposed project. Applications are rated based on how well they meet or exceed these criteria, with particular emphasis on scientific rigor, feasibility, and measurable outcomes. Final selections are made following budget review and alignment with agency priorities, and the review process may take several months to complete. The application period opens on July 28, 2026 and closes on September 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, with no extensions permitted. Awards are expected to begin around December 31, 2026, with project periods lasting up to five years, ending no later than December 30, 2031. Applicants may contact program officials Laura Pettit at laura_pettit@ios.doi.gov or Fred Edwards at fsedwards@blm.gov for questions. Through this opportunity, the Bureau of Land Management seeks to build long term ecological resilience while supporting economic development and scientific advancement across the United States.

Focus on strong technical approach and measurable outcomes; clearly demonstrate partnerships and resource leveraging; ensure compliance with all required forms and submission rules