The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Subsistence Management (OSM), under the Interior Business Center's Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD), has announced a new funding opportunity titled "Partners for Fisheries Monitoring (2026–2029)," funding opportunity number D25AS00215. This opportunity is intended to strengthen the involvement of Alaska Native and rural nonprofit organizations in federal subsistence fishery management. Through this initiative, the OSM aims to support biologists, social scientists, outreach coordinators, and educators who enhance local capacity and collaboration in managing subsistence fisheries on federal public lands in Alaska.

The Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Program offers competitive cooperative agreements for a period of up to four years. The total funding available is approximately $2,004,000, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $668,000. It is anticipated that three awards will be made during this cycle. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM (UTC-8) on May 16, 2025. The anticipated award date is December 31, 2025, with projects beginning on January 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2029.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, specifically those based in Alaska and serving rural and tribal communities. Proposals must demonstrate a direct connection to federal subsistence fishery management within waters adjacent to federal public lands in Alaska. Applicants must possess the technical and administrative capacity to support the proposed positions and activities.

Applicants are required to submit several key documents including the SF-424, SF-424A, Project Abstract Summary, SF-LLL (if applicable), and a detailed project narrative not exceeding seven pages. The project narrative should include a statement of need, goals and objectives, position descriptions, duties, timelines, expected outcomes, education and outreach plans, and details on partners and sustainability strategies. A past performance section is required for organizations previously funded under the program. Budget narratives must provide specific cost justifications for all expenses, including salaries, travel, and equipment, and must align with program objectives.

Applications can be submitted through Grants.gov, GrantSolutions, or via email. For assistance, applicants may contact Jared Stone (jarred_stone@ios.doi.gov) or Liz Williams (liz_williams@ios.doi.gov) for programmatic questions, and Michelle St. Peters (michelle_stpeters@ios.doi.gov) for administrative questions. The program allows applicants to submit while their SAM.gov registration is in progress if they obtain prior approval. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the adequacy of the proposed work, alignment with strategic priorities in federal subsistence management, administrative and technical capacity, strength of collaborations, youth engagement, and sustainability of participation in federal subsistence management. Past performance will also be considered for returning applicants. The final selection is made by the Director of the Office of Subsistence Management based on panel recommendations and budget considerations.