Opportunity Information: Apply for L24AS00063
The FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico Environmental Quality Protection Program (Funding Opportunity Number L24AS00063) is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. It is offered as a cooperative agreement, which typically means BLM expects to have substantial involvement during the project (for example, coordinating on work plans, methods, deliverables, or implementation details). The program falls under the Natural Resources funding activity category and is associated with CFDA 15.236. As framed in the notice, the overall focus is environmental quality and protection work connected to BLM-managed lands and priorities in New Mexico, with funding tied to the broader IIJA/IRA federal investment context.
Eligibility is limited to public and nonprofit or educational entities, not private commercial applicants. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (so long as they are not institutions of higher education in the nonprofit category listing). Individuals and for-profit organizations are explicitly ineligible to apply under this notice, so proposals submitted by companies, sole proprietors, or individual consultants would not be considered for award.
A key restriction in this particular NOFO is that it does not support projects where the applicant plans to hire interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The notice explains that the Public Lands Corps Act (16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II) is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under that authority, and as a result, youth or crew-based proposals must be routed through a separate funding opportunity. Specifically, eligible Youth Conservation Corps entities are directed to apply through NOFO 15.243, titled BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands, rather than through this Environmental Quality Protection Program announcement. In practical terms, applicants should avoid building their proposed scope of work around PLC-style internship or crew hiring models under this NOFO and should instead focus on eligible technical, programmatic, or implementation activities aligned with environmental quality and protection outcomes.
The notice also highlights the role of Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs). CESUs are described as partnerships designed to promote and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services. If an award is made to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement, and the proposed work is consistent with the CESU purpose, then a specific indirect cost limitation applies: indirect costs are capped at no more than 17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's federal agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Applicants are instructed to state clearly whether their proposal furthers CESU program purposes, and if it does, to identify which CESU Network should be considered as the host. This matters for both administrative routing and budgeting, since the CESU indirect cost cap can affect the total allowable budget structure compared with standard NICRA-based indirect rates.
From a funding perspective, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of $500,000 per award. The notice shows the original closing date as March 27, 2024, with a creation date of January 9, 2024. While the expected number of awards is not specified in the provided source text, the ceiling indicates the maximum size of an individual award, and applicants would typically tailor their scopes and budgets to be realistic and defensible within that limit. Overall, the opportunity is best suited for governmental entities, tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofits, and higher education institutions proposing environmental quality and protection projects in New Mexico that align with BLM priorities, are structured for cooperative agreement management, and do not rely on Public Lands Corps internship or crew hiring mechanisms under this particular NOFO.Apply for L24AS00063
- The Bureau of Land Management in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Environmental Quality Protection Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.236.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-01-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-03-27. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
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FAQs: FY24 IIJA/IRA BLM New Mexico Environmental Quality Protection Program (L24AS00063)
What is this funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) titled the FY24 IIJA/IRA BLM New Mexico Environmental Quality Protection Program. The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is L24AS00063, and it is associated with CFDA 15.236.
Which federal agency is administering the opportunity?
The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
What type of award is expected (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
The notice states it is offered as a cooperative agreement. This generally means BLM expects substantial involvement during the project, such as coordinating on work plans, methods, deliverables, or implementation details.
What is the main focus of the program?
The overall focus is environmental quality and protection work connected to BLM-managed lands and priorities in New Mexico, with funding tied to the broader IIJA/IRA federal investment context.
What funding activity category does it fall under?
The opportunity is categorized under the Natural Resources funding activity category.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to public entities and nonprofit or educational entities (not private commercial applicants). Eligible applicants listed in the notice include:
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)
- Public housing authorities
- Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in the nonprofit category listing)
- Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in the nonprofit category listing)
Are for-profit companies eligible to apply?
No. For-profit organizations and private commercial applicants are explicitly ineligible under this notice.
Can an individual apply (for example, an individual consultant or sole proprietor)?
No. Individuals are explicitly ineligible to apply under this notice, so proposals from individual consultants or sole proprietors would not be considered for award.
Is this opportunity open to tribes and tribal organizations?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible, and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) are also listed as eligible.
Are colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicant types.
What is the award ceiling (maximum award amount)?
The notice lists an award ceiling of $500,000 per award.
How many awards will BLM make?
The expected number of awards is not specified in the information provided.
What is the application deadline?
The notice shows an original closing date of March 27, 2024.
When was the opportunity created?
The notice lists a creation date of January 9, 2024.
Are projects involving Public Lands Corps (PLC) interns or crews allowed under this NOFO?
No. A key restriction is that this NOFO does not support projects where the applicant plans to hire interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993.
Why does this NOFO restrict Public Lands Corps (PLC) internship or crew hiring?
The notice explains that the Public Lands Corps Act (16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II) is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under that authority. As a result, youth or crew-based proposals using that hiring model must be routed through a separate funding opportunity.
If our project is a youth/crew conservation project, where should we apply instead?
Eligible Youth Conservation Corps entities are directed to apply through NOFO 15.243, titled BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands, rather than through this Environmental Quality Protection Program announcement.
Does this mean we should avoid building our project scope around PLC-style crews or internships?
Yes. The notice indicates applicants should avoid building the proposed scope of work around PLC-style internship or crew hiring models under this NOFO and instead focus on eligible activities aligned with environmental quality and protection outcomes.
What are CESUs, and why are they mentioned in the notice?
The notice highlights Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs), described as partnerships designed to promote and provide research, studies, assessments, monitoring, technical assistance, and educational services.
Is there a special indirect cost rule for CESU awards?
Yes. If an award is made to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement, and the proposed work is consistent with the CESU purpose, indirect costs are capped at no more than 17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's federally approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).
What does the CESU indirect cost cap apply to?
Based on the notice language provided, the cap applies to indirect costs for CESU partners when the award is made under a Master CESU agreement and the proposed work is consistent with CESU purposes. The cap is described as no more than 17.5 percent of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's federal agency-approved NICRA.
If we are a CESU partner, what should we include in our proposal?
Applicants are instructed to state clearly whether their proposal furthers CESU program purposes. If it does, the applicant should identify which CESU Network should be considered as the host.
Why does identifying the CESU Network matter?
The notice indicates it matters for administrative routing and budgeting, because the CESU indirect cost cap can affect the total allowable budget structure compared with standard NICRA-based indirect rates.
What geographic area is the program focused on?
The notice frames the work as connected to BLM-managed lands and priorities in New Mexico.
What kinds of projects are a good fit for this opportunity?
Based on the notice summary provided, the opportunity is best suited for governmental entities, tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofits, and higher education institutions proposing environmental quality and protection projects in New Mexico that align with BLM priorities, are structured for cooperative agreement management, and do not rely on Public Lands Corps internship or crew hiring mechanisms under this NOFO.
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| Funding Opportunity |
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| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L24AS00065 Funding Number: L24AS00065 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program Apply for L24AS00066 Funding Number: L24AS00066 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Rangeland Resource Management Apply for L24AS00067 Funding Number: L24AS00067 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Good Neighbor Authority Apply for L24AS00069 Funding Number: L24AS00069 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management New Mexico (NM) Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program Apply for L24AS00068 Funding Number: L24AS00068 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Aquatic Resource Management Apply for L24AS00124 Funding Number: L24AS00124 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Threatened and Endangered Species Program Apply for L24AS00088 Funding Number: L24AS00088 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Good Neighbor Authority Apply for L24AS00073 Funding Number: L24AS00073 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,100,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program Apply for L24AS00118 Funding Number: L24AS00118 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Apply for L24AS00085 Funding Number: L24AS00085 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Youth Conservation Corps Apply for L24AS00097 Funding Number: L24AS00097 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program Apply for L24AS00079 Funding Number: L24AS00079 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management MT/DAK Wildlife Program Apply for L24AS00093 Funding Number: L24AS00093 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Cultural and Paleontology Resource Management Apply for L24AS00228 Funding Number: L24AS00228 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $210,000 |
| F24AS00232-Great Lakes Restoration Initiative – Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection Apply for F24AS00232 Funding Number: F24AS00232 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Recreation and Visitor Services Program Apply for L24AS00229 Funding Number: L24AS00229 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Wildlife Program Apply for L24AS00231 Funding Number: L24AS00231 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $545,500 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Environmental Quality Protection Program Apply for L24AS00230 Funding Number: L24AS00230 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Nevada (NV) Rangeland Resource Management Apply for L24AS00092 Funding Number: L24AS00092 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| FY24 Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington (ORWA) Secure Rural Schools Title II Apply for L24AS00113 Funding Number: L24AS00113 Agency: Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
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