OIA Technical Assistance Program 2025

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has announced its Technical Assistance Program (TAP) for fiscal year 2025. This program provides funding for short-term projects aimed at addressing the immediate needs of U.S. insular areas, including Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. TAP supports a wide range of priorities, including disaster planning and response, climate change adaptation, energy production, natural and cultural resource management, youth programs, and public health initiatives. Other focus areas include accountability, financial management, economic development, and education.

Eligible applicants include local government agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals, health centers, and institutions of higher education operating within these insular areas. Federal agencies and individual applicants are not eligible. Importantly, TAP does not fund routine operating expenses, such as office supplies, standard equipment upgrades, or salaries for existing employees. However, it may support temporary short-term expertise and specialized vehicles like ambulances or fire trucks. The total funding available for 2025 is estimated at $22,300,000, with individual awards ranging from $0 to $400,000. Cost-sharing is not required.

To apply, organizations must complete several registration steps, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and registering with SAM.gov and Grants.gov. These registrations can take several weeks, so early preparation is encouraged. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by March 12, 2025.

Proposals should include a detailed project narrative outlining the project’s goals, objectives, timeline, and budget. Each application must also specify at least one performance measure (output and outcome) to track progress. Letters of support from local government officials or key partners can strengthen the application but are not mandatory. Successful projects should align with TAP’s priorities and contribute to long-term improvements in areas like climate resilience, health, or economic development. Applications that involve collaboration with local communities, particularly underserved populations, may receive additional consideration.

Projects will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the clarity of the project narrative, alignment with TAP priorities, budget reasonableness, and the applicant’s previous performance in managing federal grants. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2025, with project start dates anticipated by October 1, 2025. All projects must be completed by September 30, 2029. Award recipients are required to submit semi-annual financial and performance reports, as well as a final report detailing the project's impact and outcomes.