FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States funding opportunity under Funding Opportunity Number F26AS00107 and Assistance Listing 15.608. The program addresses quagga and zebra mussels, aquatic invasive species that are expanding their range in the Western United States and can be transported between water bodies through trailered watercraft. The intended goal and overarching outcome is to provide a systematic and unified approach to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels into and within the western United States. Approximately $1,950,000 is available for a limited number of projects that reduce or minimize the threat of these invasive mussels to Western U.S. waters. Projects must meet at least one of the identified program priorities and at least one action item in the updated Quagga-Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters, QZAP 2.0. Priorities include supporting or establishing prevention programs at identified high risk control points, limiting the spread of invasive mussels through containment and increased compliance with applicable laws, improving outreach and education, building capacity to detect and respond to new infestations, and conducting research that benefits these priorities. Research may include social science research concerning the effectiveness of invasive species prevention messaging and research involving non-target species. Projects are limited to Western waters in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii, and California. Land acquisition will not be funded. Project performance periods are limited to 18 months. All legal entities are eligible to apply, subject to the geographic and programmatic requirements of the opportunity. Applicants other than individuals applying as natural persons generally must have an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants must also register with GrantSolutions because applications are accepted through GrantSolutions rather than Grants.gov. Certain applicants requesting $200,000 or less may qualify for simplified application procedures if they satisfy all stated conditions, including restrictions concerning construction and land purchases, a project duration of three years or less, and applicant type. Applicants seeking to use the simplified procedures are instructed to contact the program before applying. No cost sharing or matching contribution is required. Required application materials include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and a Project Abstract Summary. Non-construction projects require SF-424A. SF-LLL is required under the circumstances specified in the announcement for applicants requesting more than $100,000 and using or planning to use non-Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the project. The Project Abstract must describe the award purpose, activities, expected deliverables or outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and known or specified subrecipient activities. The Project Narrative must address the project title, participating entities, statement of need, measurable objectives and milestones, activities and methods, timeline, environmental compliance information, key personnel, project location, stakeholder coordination, expected deliverables, monitoring and evaluation, and anticipated future funding needs. Applicants must also provide a Budget Narrative describing and justifying proposed costs, applicable indirect costs, and required budget information, as well as applicable conflict of interest disclosures and an overlap or duplication of effort statement. Applications undergo an eligibility review for timely submission, completeness, and alignment with the announcement. Proposals must address QZAP 2.0 priorities. Technically acceptable proposals must clearly meet at least one program priority and at least one action item in QZAP 2.0. Proposals passing this stage are evaluated through a point-based merit review with a maximum score of 90 points. Criteria address alignment with priority action items, applicant technical experience and project planning, geographic scope, emphasis on high watercraft-use areas for applicable prevention or containment projects, coordination with existing efforts, budget and cost justification, leveraging of resources, partnerships, and public outreach. Final funding decisions are made by the Southwest Region Assistant Regional Director for Fish and Aquatic Conservation in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Invasive Species. Applicants are also subject to applicable risk review requirements. The estimated total program funding is $1,950,000, with approximately 10 awards expected. Individual awards range from $50,000 to $600,000. Applications are due October 24, 2026, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The announcement states that the opportunity is open for 60 days and that applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions. Applications submitted through Grants.gov will not be accepted or considered. Technical and administrative questions and application assistance may be directed to Barak Shemai at barak_shemai@fws.gov or 505-366-9565. Notices of Federal Award are transmitted electronically through GrantSolutions or email after completion of the review process. The anticipated project start date is November 2, 2026, and the anticipated project end date is November 1, 2027, although the announcement states that grant performance periods must not exceed 18 months. Successful applicants receive an automated GrantSolutions notification when an award has been released and can then review the Notice of Award. The signed Notice of Federal Award is the legal instrument authorizing the award, and prior communications do not authorize project performance. Recipients are subject to applicable financial and program performance reporting requirements and other federal award administration requirements stated in the announcement.

Clearly demonstrate that the project meets at least one program priority and at least one QZAP 2.0 action item because failure at the technical acceptability stage removes the proposal from consideration. Structure the narrative so reviewers can readily evaluate each applicable point-based merit criterion. Provide clear project objectives, technical experience, timeline, deliverables, geographic scope, budget justification, partnerships, leveraging, and public outreach as applicable. Submit through GrantSolutions rather than Grants.gov and allow sufficient time for required registrations.