The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the *New Mexico FY25 IIJA/IRA Good Neighbor Authority* funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: L25AS00200). This program supports ecosystem restoration, wildfire fuels management, tribal co-stewardship, and water resource improvements in New Mexico under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). The primary goals include restoring landscape connectivity, conserving lands to combat climate change, improving water resources, and addressing legacy disturbances.

Eligible applicants are limited to state governments, county governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Other organizations are not eligible. Projects must address one or more priorities, including reducing hazardous fuels, improving forest and rangeland health, restoring water resources, or mitigating legacy land disturbances. Activities can include managing invasive species, habitat restoration, timber management, and community resilience planning.

The estimated total program funding is two million dollars, with up to four awards anticipated. Individual awards will range from twenty-five thousand dollars to five hundred thousand dollars. There is no cost-sharing requirement. Projects funded through this program may operate on federal, state, tribal, or private lands, provided they demonstrate clear benefits to BLM-managed lands.

Applications must include forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-LLL (if lobbying funds are used). A project narrative, not exceeding fifteen pages, must outline the statement of need, goals and objectives, technical approach, milestones, monitoring and evaluation plan, and information on key personnel. A detailed budget narrative justifying costs and indirect rates is also required. Proposals must comply with federal environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act.

Applications are due by February 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and must be submitted through Grants.gov. Applicants must ensure active registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov before submission. It is recommended to contact the program lead, Teresa Rigby, or the national forest and woodland resource lead, Wade Salverson, for guidance before applying.

Evaluation criteria include technical approach, alignment with program goals, public benefits, organizational capacity, past performance, and cost-effectiveness. Final selections will consider geographic diversity, project feasibility, and potential environmental impacts. Awards are expected to be issued by September 4, 2025, with project completion anticipated by September 3, 2030.

Award recipients must comply with post-award reporting requirements, including financial and performance reports submitted through SF-425. Environmental and cultural compliance documentation must also be maintained. Additional requirements include adherence to Buy America provisions and compliance with federal data and transparency regulations.