The FY 2025 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management program is focused on preserving, studying, and engaging with cultural and paleontological heritage. With a total funding of $1,000,000, the program offers up to five awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. It is intended to enhance access to, and the use of, cultural and natural heritage resources while supporting educational, scientific, recreational, and cultural values. No cost sharing is required, and applications are due by February 3, 2025.

The program seeks to establish partnerships to achieve objectives such as conducting research and inventories of cultural and paleontological resources, stabilizing at-risk heritage resources, training professionals through field schools or internships, and managing cultural heritage data. Other priorities include improving public access to museum collections, preserving existing collections at recognized facilities, fostering tribal partnerships and community engagement, developing educational programming, and maintaining historic sites with interpretive potential. Projects should align with BLM's overarching goals of promoting conservation, engaging Native American communities, and advancing public understanding of heritage resources.

Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits, and public and private institutions of higher education. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible. Collaborative proposals addressing national or multi-state impacts are encouraged. Prior discussions with BLM program leads to ensure project eligibility and alignment are recommended.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include key documents such as the SF-424 form, project narratives, budget narratives, and supporting materials. Narratives should outline the statement of need, goals, technical approach, stakeholder involvement, and measurable outcomes. Budgets should be reasonable, justified, and compliant with federal cost principles. Submissions must adhere to formatting and page limits specified in the notice.

Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with BLM’s mission, technical approach, public benefit, and applicant qualifications. Proposals are rated on how well they meet or exceed expectations, with effective partnerships serving as a tiebreaker. Projects must also comply with environmental and regulatory standards, including NEPA requirements and the Buy America provisions for infrastructure.

Award notifications are expected by August 2025, with project periods running through July 31, 2030. Post-award requirements include financial and program performance reporting, adherence to federal policies, and effective use of geospatial data. This program underscores BLM's commitment to preserving cultural and paleontological heritage while engaging diverse communities in its stewardship.