The Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program (BPMGP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for Fiscal Year 2025. This program seeks to support and enhance the production and marketing of bison (Bison bison) and bison products in the United States. Through business and resource development initiatives, BPMGP aims to foster innovation and provide long-term support to the bison industry. The program will fund one or more grantees, who will then manage competitive subawards for projects that align with BPMGP’s objectives.

A total of $2,000,000 in funding is available under this solicitation. Successful applicants will be required to distribute at least 80% of their awarded funds through a competitive subaward program. These subawards must target activities that enhance bison production and marketing, provide training and education, assist with industry-wide issues, and develop innovative solutions. The maximum amount for an individual subaward is $150,000, with no set minimum. Additionally, up to 20% of the awarded grant can be allocated for applicant-led projects, including technical assistance and research initiatives.

Eligible applicants include national non-profits, federally chartered Tribal organizations, agricultural businesses or cooperatives, producer networks or associations, local governments, non-profits, economic development corporations, and Tribal governments. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage and distribute subawards, including oversight, competitive selection, and reporting mechanisms. Subaward recipients must be based in the 50 U.S. states, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Applications are due by April 22, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time and must be submitted through Grants.gov. A unique entity identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov are required for submission. Required documents include Form SF-424, Form SF-424A (Budget), Form SF-424B (Assurances), a Project Abstract, a Program/Budget Narrative, and signed letters of commitment from partner organizations.

The grant selection process consists of three phases: (1) Initial Qualification Screening, (2) Technical Review, and (3) Administrative Review. The review process assesses alignment with program goals, technical merit, achievability, expertise of the applicant, and financial planning. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award (NOA), outlining the grant agreement and federal requirements.

For more details or inquiries, applicants may contact the BPMGP program staff at BPMGP@usda.gov or refer to the official BPMGP webpage. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is committed to equitable participation and requires compliance with non-discrimination policies and reporting requirements as specified in federal regulations.