The Bureau of Land Management Headquarters has announced the funding opportunity L25AS00157 for fiscal year 2025 to support the Recreation and Visitor Services Program. The program focuses on providing recreational opportunities on public lands, benefiting the public, supporting local economies, and fostering environmental stewardship. Projects will align with administration priorities such as advancing climate resiliency, enhancing equity, strengthening communities, and expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

The estimated total funding available for this opportunity is two million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, with an expected seven awards. Individual awards will range between ten thousand dollars and six hundred fifty thousand dollars. The project performance period will run up to five years, with a start date of July 1, 2025, and an end date no later than June 30, 2030. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for eligibility.

Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments, as well as Native American tribal governments, special district governments, public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible. Applicants under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units network will be subject to an indirect cost cap of no more than 17.5 percent.

The program aims to achieve several goals, including enhancing access to quality outdoor recreation activities, connecting with underserved communities, addressing barriers to recreation, and improving sustainability of recreation sites. Specific project activities may include enhancing trails, conducting visitor and resource assessments, improving accessibility for people with disabilities, increasing partnerships with tribal nations, and delivering visitor services and information. Projects must align with one or more federal priorities, such as Executive Order 13985 to advance racial equity and Executive Order 14008 to address the climate crisis.

Applications must include required forms such as the SF-424 series, a project narrative, and a detailed budget narrative. The project narrative should address the statement of need, goals, activities, timetable, stakeholder involvement, and a project monitoring and evaluation plan. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov no later than February 14, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. eastern time. Applicants are encouraged to contact the BLM district or field office where the work is proposed prior to submission to ensure alignment with program goals.

Eligible applications will undergo a merit review process based on the strength of the statement of need, technical approach, public benefit, qualifications of personnel, and leveraging of resources. Proposals will be rated as exceeds, meets, or does not meet expectations. Final funding decisions will consider alignment with BLM and Department of Interior priorities, environmental compliance, and the applicant’s capacity to complete the project successfully.

Post-award requirements include regular reporting of financial and program performance through forms such as the SF-425. Award recipients must comply with federal standards, including Buy America preferences for infrastructure projects. Projects involving geospatial data must adhere to Federal Geographic Data Committee standards and include complete metadata. Any conflicts of interest or overlaps with other federal awards must be disclosed during the application process.

The program provides an opportunity to strengthen public lands stewardship, improve outdoor recreation access, and address challenges such as climate resilience and environmental justice. For additional information or questions regarding this funding opportunity, applicants can contact Irene Sattler, the awarding officer, via the provided email address.