The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program, administered by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (OCM), supports efforts to enhance estuarine research and education through land acquisition, facility construction, and planning projects. This initiative aims to protect key estuarine habitats, improve resilience to climate change, and support the infrastructure needed for long-term research, monitoring, and education. Projects may include acquiring critical lands, upgrading facilities, constructing new research or educational structures, and implementing sustainable and resilient design elements.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the program anticipates awarding up to $8.5 million to fund 5-20 projects, with project periods ranging from 12 to 60 months. Stand-alone planning and design projects have a funding cap of $500,000, while other projects may exceed this amount depending on scope. Construction projects over $3 million must be structured as multi-phased projects. Federal funds must be matched at 15% for construction and planning/design projects, and 25% for land acquisition projects. Eligible applicants include designated NERRS state agencies and universities with a memorandum of understanding with NOAA.

Applications must include forms such as SF-424 and SF-424C, a project narrative (up to 15 pages), a detailed budget narrative, and supporting documentation. The narrative should address project goals, methods, environmental compliance, and expected outcomes, while the budget must justify all costs and specify match sources. Applications are due by February 7, 2025, and must comply with all NOAA submission requirements, including registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons.

Proposals will be evaluated based on relevance to program goals, technical merit, applicant qualifications, cost effectiveness, and alignment with NOAA priorities. Special consideration will be given to projects incorporating resilient or sustainable design features, promoting habitat connectivity, or addressing climate adaptation needs. Applications that demonstrate clear milestones, leverage partnerships, and align with NERRS management plans will receive higher scores.

Successful applicants will be notified by April 2025, with projects expected to start between July 1 and November 1, 2025. Awardees must comply with reporting requirements, including semi-annual performance and financial reports, and adhere to NOAA’s environmental compliance and Buy America provisions. The program emphasizes sustainable practices, innovation, and community engagement to ensure long-term conservation and educational impacts.