Federal Grants

This grant provides funding for research and development projects that advance innovative technologies in naval aviation, targeting a diverse range of applicants including universities, businesses, and non-traditional defense contractors.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to state, tribal, and territorial governments to improve mining safety and health conditions through training and education initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports researchers conducting basic science studies to explore how sleep and circadian rhythms are connected to substance use disorders, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of these issues.

The U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa /PEPFAR Ethiopia Coordination Office the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out PEPFAR Community Led Monitoring Program. The primary goal of the Community Led Monitoring (CLM) program is to assist healthcare institutions and providers in identifying and addressing emerging or persistent issues, challenges, and barriers related to the delivery, uptake, and accessibility of HIV services at community and facility levels. Through continuous monitoring and advocacy efforts, CLM aims to enhance the quality-of-service delivery and improve client outcomes by identifying data driven solutions that can overcome obstacles and ensure beneficiaries have access to and receive optimal client-centered HIV services. The CLM initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability, accessibility, and delivery of high-quality HIV care and services. By empowering clients and communities to actively seek out information, enhancing their health literacy, promoting engagement with health service delivery, supporting demand creation, advocacy for necessary change and demanding accountability from the health system, CLM aims to improve the overall quality of these services. The CLM initiative is a vital component in the ongoing efforts to address HIV-related challenges and improve the delivery of client centered HIV services. By leveraging data-driven solutions and fostering community engagement, CLM aims to enhance the quality of care and support provided to individuals affected by HIV and sustain the response. Participants and Audiences: The PEPFAR Coordination Office is currently inviting proposals from registered local or national community-based organizations, civil society groups, networks of key populations (KP), networks and associations of people living with HIV (PLHIV), women-led civil society 1 organizations, youth-led civil society organizations, and other affected groups or community entities that work on health, HIV program, gather quantitative and qualitative data on HIV services and advocate for necessary policy and program changes. These organizations should have a clear mission and activities focused on HIV programming.

The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is a partnership of seven federal wildland fire management and research agencies that have a shared need to address problems associated with managing wildland fuels, fires, and fire-impacted ecosystems. The partnering agencies include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS) and five bureaus in the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI): Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Geological Survey. The DOI also is represented by the Office of Wildland Fire. Funding to support the program is provided by both DOI and FS. For further background on the JFSP, those considering submitting proposals are encouraged to visit its website at https://www.firescience.gov. All proposal must be submitted by Sept 29, 2024, 5:00 p.m. MT, using the electronic submission process provided on the JFSP website (https://www.firescience.gov.). Proposals can not be submitted through Grants.gov. No exceptions are allowed to this closing date and time. All proposals must meet all requirements in this NOFO (see especially Section V below). Proposals that do not meet all requirements in this section will not be considered for funding.

This funding opportunity supports researchers conducting experimental studies with humans to explore how sleep and circadian rhythms are connected to substance use disorders, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of these issues.

The U.S. Embassy Abidjan Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Purpose of Small Grants: PDS Abidjan invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Cte dIvoire through programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), through the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is pleased to announce a Notice of Funding Opportunity to design and implement the BOLD (Balkanski Omladinski Lideri, Young Balkan Leaders) Small Grants Mentoring Program. The BOLD network is a project of PDS that seeks to empower young people, ages 18-35, through leadership opportunities and training, to implement projects for positive change in their communities. This mentoring program is complementary to the BOLD Small Grants Competitions, which will be announced in separate notices of funding opportunities. One Small Grants Competition will be open to all BOLD members, while the other will be open only to BOLD fellowship alumni to compete for funds of up to $15,000 to implement projects in the areas of economic development and civic engagement over the course of a year. Funding will be awarded to grantees of the small grant competition only after they work with the applicant in a mentoring workshop to fine-tune their projects (see no. 1 below). The goal of the mentoring program is to equip awardees of the grant competition with the skills and support needed, throughout the grant year, to effectively implement their projects in their communities, and to become skilled project managers and grant administrators. The applicant will be expected to guide the winning grantees through the administrative process of receiving their award, successfully implementing their program, handling problems as they arise, and regularly reporting on the projects progress to PDS. The most qualified applicants will have a thorough understanding of the U.S. governments grant process and how to be a steward of those funds for the most effective outcome. Applicants should also be willing and available to expertly impart that knowledge and experience to young grantees who are seeking to successfully make a difference in their communities.

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb aims to support projects focused on increasing the capacity and resilience of civil society and advancing rule of law and transparency in Croatia. These projects should address the following areas: Monitoring and Advocacy: Assessing progress in democracy and transparency efforts, advocating for policy reforms, and increasing the capacity and resilience of civil society to counter anti-democratic trends. Capacity Building: Enhancing the capacity and resilience of civil society organizations to counter anti-democratic trends, conduct advocacy and research, and serve as effective watchdogs. Judicial Training and Reform: Providing specialized training for judges, prosecutors, and investigators to improve adjudication of human rights cases, enhance judicial independence, and strengthen the rule of law. Improving the capacity, accountability and independence of judges, prosecutors, investigators, oversight institutions and lawyers. Government Transparency: Increasing transparency in government operations, particularly in public procurement processes, and ensuring that information is freely available and accessible to the public. Empowering Citizens and Improving Access to Justice: Enhancing citizen participation in democracy and governance processes, strengthening whistleblower protections to encourage reporting of corruption and wrongdoing, and improving access to justice for all citizens, particularly marginalized communities. Raising public awareness about corruption. Applicants must clearly define their project goals and outcomes, set measurable project objectives, rationalize their methodology, and identify specific performance metrics. They are strongly encouraged to formulate sustainable, impactful projects aligning with their organizations long-term goals, incorporating a robust public communication strategy. Proposals should address potential implementation challenges and detail strategies for risk mitigation. Eligible projects and applicants must maintain political neutrality, refraining from affiliations or endorsements of any political entities.

The "E-Learning Collaborative for Integrated Violence Prevention" grant aims to fund the development and maintenance of an online learning community and platform, which will provide resources, technical assistance, and support to violence prevention practitioners, helping them to effectively implement and evaluate strategies to prevent various types of violence, while also promoting health equity.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mississippi Valley Memphis District (USACE-MVM) environmental program, part of the Regional Planning and Environment Division, South (RPEDS), ensures U.S. Army civil works activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies. 1.2 The purpose of this project is to determine the presence or likely absence of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), proposed endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, at the two project areas. If other threatened or endangered (TE) bat species (i.e., Indiana Bat [Myotis sodalis] and northern long-eared bat [Myotis septentrionalis]) are detected during capture efforts, however, they will be subject to the appropriate similar guidance and deliverables as is outlined in in Sections 3.3 and 9.3 of this Statement of Objectives (SOO). 1.3 This work requires an onsite support person located at USACE-MVM. The work at the project areas shall be conducted by a Cooperator and will involve strategies to determine if tricolored bats (TCB) are present or likely absent, and whether roost trees are likely to be impacted due to planned tree clearing activities. This work includes mist net surveys, and if TCB or other TE bats are captured, the Cooperator will affix a radio transmitter on up to 3 of each species per survey site. The Cooperator will then conduct the radio-tracking surveys to locate likely roost trees within the project areas. Sampling methodologies will be in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern LongEared Bat Survey Guidelines (2023), using northern long-eared bat level of effort, and the requirements set forth in the Description of Objectives. The Cooperator shall begin the survey on or as soon as possible after May 15, 2024, and end no later than August 15, 2024 (weather delays may require a modification of this timeframe). Cooperators will reside at lodging located near to the project areas and commute daily to the survey sites. 2 2.0 AUTHORITY This study is being conducted to fulfill regulatory requirements stipulated under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and associated regulations. Sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the ESA requires Federal agencies to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species. In addition, the ESA of 1973 establishes as Federal policy that “all Federal departments and agencies shall seek to conserve endangered species and threatened species.” 2.1 This cooperative agreement will be awarded using the following authority: • 33 USC § 2339(a) Conservation and recreation management. Delegation of Authority under Section 213a of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, dated 10 March 2015. In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement activities to support the USACE’s commitment toward environmental stewardship to manage natural and cultural resources in a responsible way that has the least impact on civil works and is beneficial to the region. In addition, the activities performed by the recipient must be completed in a manner conducive to guidelines outlined in the ESA (16 USC 1531 et seq.). USACE-MVM agrees to provide substantial involvement to include, but not limited to, the following: • USACE-MVM is involved in development of the Performance Work Statement/Scope of Work, and/or reviewing products provided by the Cooperator. • USACE-MVM actively participates and collaborates in carrying out the project plan of work, reviews and approves activities, and coordinates accordingly with the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) office. • USACE-MVM incurs in-kind or direct expenditures in carrying out the activities specified in the project agreement. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:  Providing per diem for Cooperators  Providing staff time to work on the project. 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES 3.1 Task 1: Field Work Coordination The Cooperator will contact USACE MVM point of contact, Jennifer Hiltonsmith (901-579-7473) as soon as the Cooperator has selected the sampling days but no later than 2 weeks prior to any field work. This coordination will help in assessing field conditions, water levels, and site access. 3.1.1 Additional Personnel The Cooperator should anticipate 1-2 USFWS and/or USACE-MVM employees 3 to participate in the field work as observers. The Cooperator should not expect the observers to handle any live bats or be asked to carry out any duties outlined in this Statement of Objectives. Observers may place acoustic equipment to assist in building data sets. The Cooperator will not be responsible for set up or retrieval of Government equipment at any time. 3.2 Task 2: Habitat Assessment (Day 1) Suitable summer bat habitat has been determined to be present at several sites within each proposed project area. Survey sites have been designated by USACEMVM biologists based on habitat, accessibility, and USFWS survey guidelines (Exhibits 1 & 2). The Cooperator shall visually survey the preselected survey sites to confirm they are appropriate for mist netting. The Belle Fountain area project totals approximately 9 linear kilometers of potential habitat. The 15-Mile Bayou project totals approximately 6.3 linear kilometers of potential habitat. Suitable TCB summer habitat consists of a wide variety of forested/wooded areas where they roost, forage, and travel and may include some adjacent and interspersed non-forested areas such as emergent wetlands and adjacent edges of agricultural fields, old fields, and pastures. This includes forests and woodlots containing trees with potential roost substrate (i.e., live, and dead leaf clusters of live and recently dead deciduous trees, Spanish moss [Tillandsia usneoides], and beard lichen [Usnea trichodea]), as well as linear features such as fencerows, riparian forests, and other wooded corridors. TCB will roost in a variety of tree species, especially oaks (Quercus spp.), and often select roosts in tall, large diameter trees, but will roost in smaller diameter trees (e.g., 4-inch [10- centimeter] diameter at breast height [DBH]) when potential roost substrate is present. TCB commonly roost in the mid- to upper canopy of trees although males will occasionally roost in dead leaves at lower heights (e.g., <16 feet [5 meters] from the ground) and females will occasionally roost in Spanish moss of understory trees. TCB seem to prefer foraging along forested edges of larger forest openings, along edges of riparian areas, and over water and avoid foraging in dense, unbroken forests, and narrow road cuts through forests. TCB may roost and forage in forested areas near anthropogenic structures and buildings (e.g., suburban neighborhoods, parks, etc.) (USFWS 2023). Information gained in the habitat assessments shall assist the Cooperator to determine sites for mist netting surveys (Section 3.3). The Cooperator shall include a description of the areas and their potential TCB habitat in the final reports. The Cooperator shall use professional judgment to determine if an area has suitable habitat for mist netting sites. 3.3 Task 3: Mist netting for presence/absence determination Immediately following each habitat assessment, the Cooperator shall confirm survey sites for netting locations or contact the Technical Manager (Jennifer Hiltonsmith) to discuss altering net placement. The Cooperator will follow the northern long-eared bat recovery unit-based protocols for the amount of time (i.e., 4 netting nights) deemed appropriate from habitat surveys for TCB. Mist net surveys should be conducted in the best suitable habitat possible in each kilometer. 3.3.1 Equipment - Mist nets to be used for TCB surveys should be the finest, lowest visibility mesh commercially available. Currently, the finest net on the market is 75 denier, 2 ply, denoted 75/2 (Arndt and Schaetz 2009); however, the 50 denier nets are still acceptable for use. The finest mesh size available is approximately 38 millimeter (~1 1/2 inch). Nets should be cleaned and disinfected following approved protocols (http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/) and any additional federal or state requirements to minimize disease transmission (USFWS 2023). 3.3.2 Minimum Effort – An effective mist-netting effort should be used at locations best suited for capturing TCB. A minimum of 4 net nights per kilometer of suitable habitat is required by USFWS. Therefore, it is recommended that sites are placed approximately 1 kilometer apart, but selection of the best mist-net habitat is the priority. Once the Cooperator determines the appropriate sample site locations, each sample site shall be photographed (during daylight hours) and recorded using a global positioning system (GPS) unit. The Cooperator shall record all GPS data in Universal Transverse Mercator, North American Datum - 1983, Zone 16N. Recorded GPS and color photographs shall be included in the report. 3.3.3 Net Placement – Potential travel corridors (e.g., streams) typically are the most effective places to net (although other sites may also be productive; see Carroll et al. 2002). Place nets approximately perpendicular across the corridor. Nets should fill the corridor from side to side and from stream (or ground) level up to the overhanging canopy. Nets of varying widths and heights may be used as the situation dictates. If netting over water, ensure there is enough space between the net and the water so that the bat will not get wet upon capture. Mist netting shall begin at sunset and end 6 hours after the nets are in place. See Kunz and Kurta (1988) for additional discussion of net placement. 3.3.4 Checking Nets – Each net should be checked approximately every 10 minutes, never exceeding 15 minutes between checks. Capture and handling are stressful for bats. Emphasis should be on minimizing handling and holding bats for as short a time as possible to achieve research objectives. TCB, or any other TE bat should be they captured, should not be held for more than 30 minutes after capture. Federal and state permits usually specify maximum holding times (e.g., Recovery Permits issued by Regions 3 and 4 of the USFWS specify a maximum holding time of 30 minutes for most projects). 5 3.3.5 Weather and Light Conditions - Severe weather adversely affects capture of bats. Negative results combined with any of the following weather conditions throughout all or most of a sampling period is likely to need additional netting effort: (a) temperatures that fall below 10°C (50°F); (b) precipitation, including rain and/or fog, that exceeds 30 minutes or continues intermittently during the survey period; and (c) sustained wind speeds greater than 4 meters/second (9 miles/hour). It is typically best to set nets under the canopy where they are out of moonlight, particularly when the moon is ½-full or greater. 3.3.6 If, at the conclusion of each mist netting, no TCB or any other TE bats, have been captured, fieldwork is complete and that particular survey is finished. At each project area (Belle Fountain and 15 Mile Bayou), if one or more TCB or other TE bats are captured (up to 3 TCB, northern long-eared bat, or Indiana bat per site), Phase II radio-tracking surveys will be conducted by the Cooperator. The emergence survey protocol should not be used for radio-tracked TCB given the variability in roosting locations typically used by the species (e.g., roosting in dead leaf clusters in the canopy of live trees) and difficulty observing bats emerging. An emergence count may be attempted on the rare occasion that the surveyor is able to discover the exact roosting location of a transmitted TCB and believes he/she can observe the bat(s) emerging. Transmitter Attachment - A qualified and permitted biologist who is experienced in handling TCB and other TE bats and attaching radio transmitters must perform transmitter attachments. Attachment guidelines and protocols are outlined in the 2024 USFWS Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines. For each captured TCB (or other threatened or endangered bats should they be captured), the Cooperator shall attach radio transmitters to all female, juvenile, and adult male TCB or others captured at each site. Surveyors should be prepared to place transmitters on bats when they are captured to minimize holding times. The radio transmitter, adhesive, and any other markings ideally should weigh less than 5% of the bat’s pre-attachment body weight but must not weigh more than 10% of its total body weight (Kurta and Murray 2002). In all cases, the lightest transmitters capable of the required task should be used, particularly with pregnant females and volant juveniles. Bats carrying transmitters must be monitored daily for at least seven days, or until the transmitter falls off, whichever occurs first. 6 The purpose of radio tracking TCB and other TE bats is to determine their roosting locations. If radio tracking determines specific summer roosting or maternal colony sites (trees or other structures), the Cooperator shall use a GPS unit to record the specific locations. The Cooperator shall describe the sites and nearby surroundings in each survey report. 3.3.7 Radio Telemetry Equipment - Proposed radio telemetry equipment (e.g., receivers, antennas, and transmitters) and frequencies should be coordinated with the appropriate state natural resource agency and the USFWS – Missouri Ecological Services Field Office, Columbia, MO (Kris Budd, 573-507-8924 when conducting surveys in Missouri), or Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office, Conway, AR (Pedro Ardapple-Kindberg, 501-513-4470 when conducting surveys in Arkansas) after any night a bat is fitted with a transmitter. 3.4 Task 4: Post-Fieldwork Coordination with USACE-MVM The cooperator shall call the Technical Manager of this project (Jennifer Hiltonsmith, 901-579-7473) within 24 hours of the conclusion of field work conducted at each project location (Belle Fountain and 15 Mile Bayou) with all netting and transmitter information. Each project area will have its own draft report. Each draft report will document all capture results, photographs, maps, etc. performed at each location; and each draft report will be provided to the Technical Manager no later than one month after field work has been concluded at that specific area. More information about report submittals are provided in Section 9.2. 4.0 QUALIFICATIONS 4.1 The Cooperator shall possess a current USFWS threatened or endangered species recovery permit and both a State of Missouri collector’s permit and a State of Arkansas collector’s permit prior to starting the field work at each specific site. The Principal Investigator (PI) conducting the surveys should have a thorough understanding of the USFWS Range-Wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines, should be familiar with the 2024 updates and the inclusion of Tricolored bat efforts. The Cooperator should have at least 3 years’ experience with mist-netting, handling, and identifying bat species including threatened and endangered species. Survey experience, academic background, and examples of prior reports should be submitted with your proposal.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the following research area: improving methods to model, map, and analyze predictions of habitat suitability and suitability for abundance of both well-established and emergent invasive plant species under current and future scenarios. The research will be used to develop modeling software, improve model transferability, analyze spatial patterns of model uncertainty, and optimize the development and delivery of model results to practitioners charged with the management of invasive species.

Bureau of Land ManagementDescription:The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is a partnership of seven federal wildland fire management and research agencies that have a shared need to address problems associated with managing wildland fuels, fires, and fire-impacted ecosystems. The partnering agencies include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS) and five bureaus in the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI): Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Geological Survey. The DOI also is represented by the Office of Wildland Fire. Funding to support the program is provided by both DOI and FS. For further background on the JFSP, those considering submitting proposals are encouraged to visit its website at https://www.firescience.gov. All proposal must be submitted by Sept 19, 2024, 5:00 p.m. MT, using the electronic submission process provided on the JFSP website (https://www.firescience.gov.). Proposals can not be submitted through Grants.gov. No exceptions are allowed to this closing date and time. All proposals must meet all requirements in this NOFO (see especially Section V below). Proposals that do not meet all requirements in this section will not be considered for funding. Direct Questions to: Administrative Questions: Becky Jenison, Program Analyst, Phone:208-387-5948 Email: bjenison@blm.gov Task Statement Questions: Molly Hunter, Science Advisor, Phone: 520-649-2914 Email: mhunter@blm.gov

Funding Opportunity Title: Promoting Economic Security and Responsible Usage of Emerging Technologies Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY24-03 Deadline for Applications: Wednesday, July 31, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs Total Amount Available: $200,000 Maximum for Each Award: $100,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for programs that promote themes related to economic security, supply chains, quality and sustainable infrastructure, clean energy transition and responsible use of emerging technologies. This Notice of Funding Opportunity builds upon the theme of the 2024 Summit for Democracy, Democracy for Future Generations, hosted this year by the Republic of Korea. The Summit for Democracy is a global initiative that highlights the critical role of democracy, transparency, and inclusivity in tackling the worlds most pressing challenges. Successful proposals must include an American element or connection with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. Proposals may include requests for international travel and related costs of experts, speakers, and key individuals in support of broader activities. However, participant exchanges should not be the exclusive program activity. Embassy Seoul strongly encourages proposals that include substantial outreach in areas outside of the Seoul Metropolitan region. Program activities should take place primarily in the Republic of Korea. Programs in the United States and/or third countries will only be considered with extremely strong justification and/or significant cost sharing (including but not limited to travel expenses and in-kind contributions). Virtual components may be considered to supplement activities within Korea. Program Area 1) Promoting Economic Security in the Indo-Pacific Region The Indo-Pacific region is pivotal in shaping global economic security landscapes. Understanding the key themes and strategic importance of multilateral agreements and frameworks in this region is crucial for informed decision-making and policy development. Objective: Embassy Seoul seeks proposals that: Increase understanding of critical economic security themes in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the benefits of strategic frameworks and agreements for economic security. Target Audience: International trade and economic security experts from the academic, think tank, government, and private sectors. Expected activities: Workshops and seminars, Policy briefings, Public awareness activities. Program Area 2) Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Tackle Global Challenges Emerging technologies, such as AI and climate technology, hold significant potential in addressing pressing global challenges like climate change, disinformation, and the transformation of traditional trade markets. Harnessing these technologies, when done responsibly, can lead to innovative solutions and a more sustainable future. Objective: Embassy Seoul seeks proposals that: Promote the use of advanced technologies to address global challenges. Foster knowledge sharing between tech experts and diverse audiences. Explore tangible applications of emerging technology in areas like carbon emission reduction, combating disinformation, and transforming e-commerce. Target Audience: Climate tech experts, policymakers, industry leaders, e-commerce experts, SMEs, and ROK youth groups involved in AI, web/app development, data science, programming, entrepreneurship, and machine learning. Expected activities: Workshops, hackathons, mentorship programs, training. Participants and Audiences: Participants should reflect the United States governments commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility Note: Not mandatory, but you may use the templates provided here: Proposal Template / Budget Template All application materials must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONThe Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop on Advanced Media Literacy for Digital Creators pending the availability of funding. Please carefully follow all instructions below. This notice is subject to the availability of funding.Priority Region: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.Program Objectives:YSEALI (yseali.state.gov) is the U.S. governments signature initiative to engage emerging leaders in Southeast Asia. The program aims to create a network of young Southeast Asian leaders who work across national borders to solve common problems. Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues.YSEALI is open to young leaders ages 18-35 who are both citizens and residents of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) or Timor-Leste. Responding to priorities from youth in the ASEAN region, YSEALI programs focus on four themes (Civic Engagement, Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship, Education and Environmental Issues).One component of YSEALI is the annual Regional Workshops held across Southeast Asia on strategic topics.This regional workshop on Advanced Media Literacy for Digital Creators will advance the YSEALI theme of Civic Engagement and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines priority to support emerging leaders as democratic vanguards and promote media literacy.This regional workshop will convene around 100 emerging content creators, journalists, and advocates from ASEAN member nations and Timor-Leste for a five-day workshop in the Philippines. The workshop will advance participants knowledge and skills in critical media literacy. The workshop will include sessions on strategic and data-based content ideation, responsible content creation, effective audience engagement, identifying and countering mis/dis-information, and impact of AI on social media. The workshop will also include virtual webinars and exercises on wellness and self-care, combatting copyright or digital theft and tools to promote media literacy to fellow creators. Leveraging the wide knowledge base of Filipino and regional talent, the workshop will feature in-depth discussions and experiential learning sessions led by experts from Southeast Asia and the United States.The workshop will also create and sustain a virtual network of emerging content creators to provide a safe space for exchanges of best practices and solutions to challenges. At the workshops finale, participants may compete for small grants to implement projects and/or campaigns to promote media literacy to fellow emerging leaders across the region and celebrate International Youth Day in August 2025.The proposal should include workshop follow-on activities such as virtual collaborative work, projects funded through small seed grants, or ongoing mentorship. A follow-on activity may also be implemented to report on project successes and challenges and produce a toolkit with best practices on cross-border collaboration. The follow-on activity should be included in the monitoring and evaluation plan.The proposal should include a pre and post workshop survey to measure the overall effectiveness of the workshop as well as any changes to the participants knowledge of the workshop topic.The concepts of leadership, giving back, and strengthening a Southeast Asian/ASEAN identity based on shared values and shared challenges should be integrated into the program.The grantee is expected to develop syllabus materials and an event program with participant and speaker biographies, as well as design banners, backdrops, and other printed materials. The grantee is expected to design a digital engagement strategy for workshop participants and social media audiences, including live video or live online engagement during the program.No new website specific to the event should be created or launched. Domain, hosting and build costs will not be covered.The workshop will be conducted in English.Participants and Audiences:Participants will be content creators, journalists, and media literacy advocates from ASEAN member nations and Timor-Leste. Participants should demonstrate commitment to develop and sustain their projects. Participants should also be registered YSEALI members (before or during application via http://yseali.state.gov).The grantee will create an online application process and coordinate with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and other U.S. Embassies in the region to recruit and select participants from all ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste. All participants must be proficient in written and spoken English. Participants must be citizens and residents of an ASEAN member country or Timor-Leste.The grantee will be responsible for arranging and using cooperative agreement funds to cover all elements related to participant and staff travel including international and domestic flights, visas, travel to and from airports, visas, accommodations, per diem, meals during the program, and insurance.

This funding opportunity is designed to support academic research institutions in developing innovative solutions to combat animal diseases, enhance agricultural resilience, and address unmet veterinary medical needs.

San Clemente Island (SCI) is uniquely capable of supporting integrated training and, as such, is a highly valuable, irreplaceable asset to the Navy. In addition to its direct training support value, its proximity to southern California allows sailors and marines to effectively train in closer proximity to their families and support networks, increasing quality of life and force sustainability. The Navy is required to ensure ecosystem management is the basis for all management of its lands (Sikes Act, as amended [16 USC 670a]; DoD Instruction 4715.03). While the Sikes Act, as amended, and other instructions, described above, require stewardship for natural resources on military installations, including species not listed under the Endangered Species Act, these projects support the military mission on SCI and do not foreclose current or future training opportunities. San Clemente Island (SCI) harbors large numbers of endemic organisms, several of which are listed as endangered or threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Navy, in accordance with the ESA and the Federal Noxious Weed Act, has an ongoing program to preserve the unique botanical resources and ecosystem of San Clemente Island. Brief Description of the Anticipated Work: 1. Grassland Restoration Native grasslands on SCI have been significantly impacted from historic grazing by non-native ungulates, invasion of non-native species, and drastic changes in the fire regime. In addition, increased training activity may present additional challenges for avoiding further impacts. Previous efforts on SCI have demonstrated the difficulty in achieving large-scale restoration of grasslands due to challenges associated with range access, site selection, and restrictions on ground disturbance. Recent efforts have been focused on identifying the most efficient and effective strategies for achieving small-scale restoration with long-term benefits. The purpose of this task is to further study the best methods for achieving successful grassland restoration on SCI, continue monitoring previous restoration efforts to evaluate long-term success, and integrate grassland restoration efforts with habitat management for other native species of conservation concern. 2. Habitat Restoration for Poa thomasii Poa thomasii, an annual grass species known only from three of the California Channel Islands, had not been recorded since being collected on San Clemente Island in 1903 and was presumed extinct. In July 2005, the species was located on Catalina Island at seven separate sites, primarily located in chaparral, across the island. This species is historically an integral component of SCI habitat that was lost due to the introduction of non-native plant and animal species. In 2010, the species was found in two locations on SCI in boxthorn habitat at the northern end of the island. Both locations on SCI are within areas that are used for training and subject to occasional fire. Previous work on Poa thomasii on SCI has been successful in improving the status of the species in terms of population numbers and improved habitat. Because this species was thought to be extinct, it has not been listed under ESA. The SCI Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) states an objective for the Navy to manage the species in such a way as to keep it from being listed. The INRMP notes that due to its restricted distribution on SCI, and those occurrences being located in areas of high human activity, the species is particularly vulnerable to local extinction. The purpose of this task is to increase the population size and resilience of Poa thomasii through propagation, outplanting, habitat restoration, and seed bulking, as well as monitoring natural occurrences and previous outplanting sites to evaluate population trends. 3. Population augmentation for Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra is a perennial shrub native to the California Channel Islands. On SCI, the population was heavily impacted by non-native herbivores and likely would have been federally listed under ESA if the Navy had not proactively managed the species through propagation and outplanting. Recent genetic work may result in reclassification of the subspecies on SCI to a new species endemic to the island. In this case, it would become even more important to continue efforts to augment populations and manage population genetics to avoid listing under ESA. The purpose of this task is to increase the population size and resilience of Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra through propagation, outplanting, habitat restoration, and seed bulking, as well as monitoring natural occurrences and previous outplanting sites to evaluate population trends and genetic integrity. 4. Rare Plant Surveys Annual rare plant surveys are essential to document the status, distribution, and long term trends of species of conservation concern. Updating the rare plant database on an annual basis allows the Navy to stay in compliance with conservation measures, avoid listing under ESA, and make informed decisions about proposed changes to land use and infrastructure maintenance/construction. The purpose of this task is to collect monitoring data for species of conservation concern and assess the long term trends of these species on SCI. 5. Draft and Final Technical Report: The draft and final preliminary report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Pacific Fleet Representative and Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation; 3) Table of contents; 4) Abstract or Executive Summary; 5) Introduction; 6) Methods; 7) Results; 8) Discussion; 9) Conclusions (to include synthesis with previous work and recommendations for future study); 10) Legible copies of the field notes, data forms and other information.

The principle objective of the Traditional Conservation Grant Program is to support the development and implementation of States programs to conserve and recover threatened and endangered species under the Services jurisdiction. Financial assistance, provided in the form of grants, can be used to support projects that have direct benefits for federally listed species, candidate and at-risk species, and recently delisted species. States may apply for funding to conduct conservation work on federally-listed resident species that are included in the States cooperative agreement. States may also apply for funding to monitor candidate, at-risk, and recently delisted species. Projects proposed for funding may involve management, research, monitoring, and outreach activities or any combination thereof. Applications should include clear and specific information about how the proposed work would contribute to species recovery or prevent the need to list a species under the Endangered Species Act. Successful applications will be those that clearly demonstrate a direct benefit to the species or its habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats. We are the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of these important natural resources for the American public.FWS origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study the decrease in the nations food fishes and recommend ways to reverse that decline. Today, we are a diverse and largely decentralized organization, employing about 8,000 dedicated professionals working out of facilities across the country, including a headquarters office in Falls Church, Virginia, and eight Regional offices.The National Infrastructure Partnerships initiative of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) encourages National Wildlife Refuge System field stations to partner with local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations, other land management groups, state and tribal partners, and others to accomplish projects that:i. promote the stewardship of Refuge System resources through habitat maintenance, restoration, and improvement, andii. support the operation and maintenance of the Refuge System through constructing, operating, maintaining, or improving the facilities and services of the Refuge System.The goals of the initiative are to enable local communities to play a more active role in increasing outdoor recreation opportunities on refuge lands and waters, to be more focused and deliberate in using partnerships to help FWS address infrastructure repair and improvement needs such as proactive maintenance and the maintenance backlog, and to enhance wildlife habitat.Additionally, this initiative can help address multiple FWS priorities as a catalyst for:Economic and Conservation EnhancementCareer Training and Mentoring Opportunities for Youth and AdultsEquity and Inclusion in Conservation and RecreationClimate and Wildlife ResilienceCommunity HealthSuccessful projects will address identified FWS priorities or projects at FWS sites that enhance the visitor experience, promote wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation, provide sustainable wildlife habitat, provide career training and mentoring opportunities, and engage the community in opportunities to participate in wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation on FWS lands and waters.See Full Announcement for additional eligibility requirements.

This grant seeks innovative proposals from a wide range of organizations, including universities and small businesses, to develop advanced technologies that enhance national defense capabilities.