OIA Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program 2026

Foa_Content_of_OIA-CRNR-2026.pdf

Office of Insular Affairs
Notice of Funding Opportunity
OIA Coral Reef Initiative and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program 2026
Funding Opportunity Number
OIA-CRNR-2026

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Table of Contents
BASIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................1
ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................2
Cost Sharing Requirement ...........................................................................................................3
GET READY TO APPLY ...............................................................................................................3
Required System Registrations ....................................................................................................3
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................4
Program Goals ..............................................................................................................................4
Program Description ....................................................................................................................4
Legislative Authority ...................................................................................................................5
Type of Award .............................................................................................................................5
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION ................................................................................................5
Application Content and Format ..................................................................................................5
Application Documents ................................................................................................................5
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ..............................................................11
Address to Request Application Package ..................................................................................12
Submission Dates and Times .....................................................................................................12
Submission Instructions .............................................................................................................12
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................13
Eligibility Review ......................................................................................................................13
Merit Review ..............................................................................................................................13
Review and Selection Process ....................................................................................................15
Risk Review ...............................................................................................................................17
AWARD NOTICES ......................................................................................................................17
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................18
Administration and National Policy Requirements ...................................................................18
Reporting ....................................................................................................................................19
BASIC INFORMATION
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: OIA-CRNR-2026
Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.875
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Estimated Total Program Funding: $2,800,000
Expected Number of Awards: 10
Award Ceiling: $2,800,000
Award Floor: $0
Applicants may request funding in any amount; however, larger applications carry a higher risk
of not being funded due to limited available funds and the anticipated number of applicants and
priorities.
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Closing Date Explanation
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the
listed application due date (May 18, 2026).
U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single
Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review
SPOC List.
OMB Control Number:
Have Questions?
For questions, contact Jonathan_Dunn@ios.doi.gov. Applicants may also refer to the OIA
website at https://www.doi.gov/oia/financial-assistance for the latest FAQs and any tips on
applying for funding.
Executive Summary
The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) invites proposals for its Coral Reef & Natural Resources
(CRNR) Initiative. This grant program seeks to protect coral reefs and other natural resources in
insular areas, benefiting communities by supporting food security, protecting shorelines,
supporting the economy, and restoring native species. Funding also aids in combating invasive
species through risk management, prevention, rapid response, and eradication efforts.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Information on Eligibility
Authorized under 48 U.S. Code § 1469d for General technical assistance, Public Law 96-597,
Section 601, and subsequent amendments, Office of Insular Affairs CRNR funds are available to
benefit the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands (CNMI), Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the freely associated states
which are the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands
(RMI), and the Republic of Palau.
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Eligible applicants include non-federal, local government entities and component units,
hospitals, health centers, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations in the
United States and its territories, as well as international entities whose proposed projects will
benefit these insular areas and comply with 2 CFR 200.
Judicial and legislative branches of local governments are not eligible per 2 CFR 200.444.
Restrictions and Requirements for Non-U.S. Entities or Projects
• We do not fund countries supporting terrorism subject to U.S. sanctions.
• We do not fund countries under U.S. Treasury sanctions without licenses.
• You must get all required approvals for work outside the U.S. We are not responsible for
your compliance with local rules.
• For projects over $500,000, you may need to comply with 2 CFR 175.105(b) before we
make an award.
Cost Sharing Requirement
Cost Sharing Required?
No
GET READY TO APPLY
Required System Registrations
Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration
Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be
registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique
Entity Identifier (UEI).
The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not
already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.
To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to
complete registration.
• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov
“Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.
• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that
your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is
complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you
have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you
need, including during renewal.
• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help
page.
This program may allow an applicant to apply while their SAM.gov registration is in progress,
with prior approval. For more information, refer to the point of contact identified in the Basic
Information section above.
Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.
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GRANTS.GOV
This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to
Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace
in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Goals
• The Coral Reef and Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative provides grant funding to
protect and restore critical natural resources in the insular areas. CRNR funds efforts that
enhance food security, bolster local tourism and fishing economies, safeguard shoreline
assets and infrastructure, reduce threats to human health, and protect native marine,
aquatic, and terrestrial species. Funding may also be used to combat invasive species that
cause economic or environmental harm, pose public nuisances, impact public health,
and/or threaten natural resources vital to community well-being and economic resilience.
Program Description
The Coral Reef and Natural Resources Initiative (CRNR) can be used for various priority
purposes related to the protection and restoration of coral reefs and combating invasive species in
insular areas. Projects without alternative federal funding sources may be prioritized. Some goals
of acceptable projects under the CRNR program could include, but are not limited to:
Coral Reef Protection and Management Efforts
• Protect and promote healthy coral reef ecosystems
• Safeguard coastal and shoreline infrastructure from damage
• Respond to emergencies related to coral reef protection or invasive species control
• Mitigate coral diseases and bleaching
• Implement watershed management efforts that reduce land-based sources of pollution,
improve water quality, and manage wastewater runoff to support healthy coral reefs
• Monitor and assess coral reef health to inform adaptive management strategies
Invasive Species Eradication Efforts
• Combat invasive species through biosecurity, eradication, suppression, control, rapid
detection, response, and/or public education
• Replant native species, restore vegetation, and repair ecosystems affected by invasive
species or human activities
General Natural Resource Protection Efforts
• Execute strategies for safeguarding coral, coastal, and island ecosystems
Applicants must justify their requests by clearly defining the need or problem they aim to
address and clearly outlining the proposed goals and outcomes needed to accomplish their aims.
The Administration will prioritize CRNR projects that help drive economic growth, ensure
reliable and affordable energy, and strengthen national security and regional stability.
Administration priorities may also include recent executive orders on corals or ocean policies.
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Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects
This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to
Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy
America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.
If your application contains components for which Build America, Buy America (BABA) does
apply, please review and follow BABA regulations as applicable.
Legislative Authority
48 U.S. Code § 1469d.General technical assistance
Type of Award
Projects will be funded through G (Grant).
PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
Application Content and Format
Pre-Application Requirements
Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:
https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By applying in response to this Notice of
Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently
effective and applicable executive orders and secretary’s orders, including but not limited to the
Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and
Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s order titled Restoring Truth and
Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are
consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.
Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission
Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the
form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.
Submission
Table 1: Forms/Assurances/Certifications
Requirement
Required from all
applicants
SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in federal funds,
Remember! You must
the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on
use the UEI of the entity
the SF-424 also represents certification of the statements in Appendix
through which the
A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying.
federal funds will flow
to you.
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SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs Only required for non-
construction projects
Note: Applicants must fill out all pages of SF-424A, including the
second page with the object class categories.
SF-424C, Budget Information – Construction Programs
Only required for
Note: Applicants must fill out all pages of SF-424C, including the
construction projects
second page with the object class categories.
Project Abstract Summary, OMB No. 40400019
Must be only 1 page and include, in plain language:
• Award purpose
Required from all
• Activities to be performed
applicants
• Expected deliverables or outcomes
• Intended beneficiaries
• Subrecipient activities (if known at time of application)
Include Latest Audit or Answer Financial Capacity Questions
Is your organization required by 2CFR200 to conduct an audit? If yes, All applicants must
provide the latest audit. If not, respond to the Financial Capacity review and respond to
Questions in the Budget Narrative section of this application. Audit this requirement under
timeliness or responses to financial questions, whichever is applicable the Budget Narrative.
to your entity, will be part of the CRNR scoring process.
SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
Note: This form, OMB Number: 4040-0013, is required if requesting Only required if
more than $100,000 in federal funds and the applicant has or plans to lobbying – see note for
use funds other than federally appropriated funds for lobbying related details
to the proposed project.
Project Narrative
Application Preparation:
Applications must be prepared by and submitted by the entity that will receive the grant award.
Under no circumstances should applications be prepared or submitted by a third party, such as an
existing contractor or a potential contractor who would then subsequently be awarded the grant.
1. Narrative - Submit a project narrative in a standard Word document that is no longer
than 10 pages. The project narrative must answer the who, what, why, where, when, and
how of the proposed project and must also include the additional items listed below:
• Project title and name of entity undertaking the project. Include any stakeholder
coordination or involvement, if any.
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• Statement of Need – Describe the problem and explain how the proposed activities will
achieve the goals. Summarize previous or ongoing relevant efforts either within or
without your organization.
• Describe and provide the location of the proposed project with address.
• The narrative must describe the expected outputs and the potential outcomes to
communities, the economy, and the environment.
• Describe how the project supports the Administration’s priorities described in the
Program Description section.
• Project Goals and Objectives: Outline short- and long-term goals, including steps,
timeline, and activities. Ensure objectives are specific, measurable, realistic, and
attainable within the project period of performance.
Performance Metrics – Using quantifiable metrics, identify the ways your project will track
and measure the expected outputs corresponding to social, economic, or environmental
outcomes to be achieved. You must demonstrate measurable progress and how proposed
activities will lead to successful completion of the project.
• Each applicant must include at least one performance measure (output & outcome) that
corresponds to the proposed project objective.
o Example
▪ Output: Number of youth enrolled in the after-school STEM tutoring program.
▪ Outcome: Improvement in participating students' math proficiency scores.
• If the grant is chosen for award, the applicant will include performance measures as part
of the required Performance Progress Report narrative that is submitted through
GrantSolutions.gov every 6 months. If activity is delayed or performance goals are not
met, grantee must submit a detailed explanation as to why.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Review – All OIA funded
projects require a NEPA assessment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is
contracted by OIA to assist in this process for awarded grants. Awardees may need to
provide additional information to USACE before receiving an Authorization to Proceed.
Grant managers will notify applicants once NEPA analysis is complete and they are cleared
to proceed. Please review the following questions if the proposed project will have
environmental impacts.
Will the proposed project impact the environment? If yes, provide full details. Skip the
following questions if the proposed project will not have any environmental impact.
• Describe any coral research, restoration, and protection activities, including translocation
coral species that ensure healthy reefs. Describe in full any such activities.
• Describe in detail any projects that involve construction and maintenance of land-based
coral nurseries and transplantation of coral fragments to restore damaged reef areas and
recover the species.
• Describe any estimated digging, vegetation removal, or ground disturbance that might
occur. If the project involves ground disturbance, clearly describe the location, related
staging areas, habitat, or other descriptions.
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• Detail any proposed chemical use, i.e. name of chemical, proposed locations of use
(including size of area and description of area), amounts of chemical needed, and
frequency of application.
• Map(s) of proposed project location.
• Photographs of the site and description of important features.
• Include any existing federal, state, or local permits, plans and specifications, including
initial application, or SOW’s (if already completed).
• Monitoring and evaluation information:
o objectives
o methods for data collection (performance monitoring, evaluation, and other
reporting)
o expected outcomes
o any expected deliverables beyond required financial and performance reporting
Additional Statements to Include in the Project Narrative:
• Any Factors that Affect Achieving Results? Identify any external or internal factors
that could affect your project to achieve results and any associated mitigation strategies.
If there are none, please include the following statement in the application narrative:
“There are no external or internal factors that could affect achieving results.”
• Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement – Is there any overlap between this federal
application and any other federal application or federally-funded project? If no such
overlap exists, please state in the narrative: “There are no overlaps or duplication between
this application and any of our other federal applications or funded projects, including in
regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel.”
• Conflict of Interest – Please include in the narrative a statement affirming “There is no
conflict of interest”, if applicable.
2. Grant Recipient - Provide the name, title, and address of person responsible for the grant and
to whom the Grant Terms and Conditions will be sent, if the grant proposal is awarded. This is
typically the head of the local government or organization.
3. Recipient Grant Manager - Provide the name, title, and contact details for the person who
will be the day-to-day grant manager responsible for the project if it is awarded. Contact
information should include the mailing address, phone number, and email address.
4. Letters of Support - Applicant may include letters of support from insular area leadership or
relevant authorities who are familiar with the proposed project or challenges that grant funding is
being requested to address. Letters of support, which can give you extra points in the scoring
process, should be uploaded to Grants.gov along with the application. Refer to the section on
Merit Review for information on how applications are scored.
5. Signed and Dated Cover Letter - Applicant should include a cover letter, signed and dated
by the Authorized Representative of the applying organization, along with the Narrative to
Grants.gov attachments. The cover letter should be uploaded to Grants.gov and not mailed.
• The cover letter and any letters of support may be addressed to:
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John Brewer
Director
Office of Insular Affairs
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20240
Budget Narrative
Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative
must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party
contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs,
including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.
Budget items must be:
• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary
• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles
Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect
costs, including the rate to be applied:
• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis
rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal
negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de
minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).
• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your
organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently
negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).
Provide detailed budget information for the proposed projects and activities. Include a budget
breakout chart, by category. Explain any ambiguous categories, like “Other”, in detail.
For projects over $500,000, include tier options with detailed descriptions to allow for selection
of individual tiers when CRNR funds are limited. Additionally, if submitting multiple projects
under one grant application, list them in order of priority. For example:
Projects in Application listed in priority order
Priority 1 - Project Name $ Amount requested
Priority 2 - Project Name $ Amount requested
Priority 3 - Project Name $ Amount requested
Applicable Directive – Ensure that all activities and costs charged to the grant comply fully with
the applicable cost principles:
Entity incurring costs Applicable directive
State, local, or Federally 2 CFR 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles; 200.416-200.417 - Special
recognized Indian Tribe Considerations for States, Local Government, and Indian Tribes
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Non-profit organization 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles
Institution of Higher 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles; 200.418 - 200.419 –
Education Special Considerations for Institutes of Higher Education
Indirect Cost Rates - If your entity intends to charge indirect cost rates, please provide a copy
of your organization’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement along with a detailed spreadsheet
showing how final indirect costs were calculated including any variations from established rates
and an itemized list of excluded costs. For details on negotiating indirect cost rates, contact the
Interior Business Center at https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/indirect-cost/insular-state/faqs.
SAM Exclusions - OIA will review SAM.gov for any active exclusions of applicants. Include
additional information on exclusions, if any, in the budget narrative.
Audits – Audit timeliness and quality, when applicable, will be considered in the CRNR scoring
process. You must provide the latest audit conducted for your organization. If you are not
required to do an audit per 2CFR200, or if you are a non-profit organization, then you must
answer the following financial capacity questions:
Financial Capability Questions - Does your organization undergo an annual single audit or
independent financial audit (Yes/No)?
If Yes, answer questions 1 and 2.
If No, answer questions 3, 4 and 5.
1. What was the last audit year completed by your organization? Was the audit uploaded to the
federal audit clearinghouse? If so, please provide the EIN number and a copy of the audit
summary page with findings.
2. Did your organization receive an unqualified opinion on this audit (Yes/No)? If No, did your
organization receive a qualified, adverse, or disclaimer of opinion on the audit (Yes/No)?
If your organization has not had an audit completed recently, or never had an audit, please
answer the remaining questions.
3. Does your organization have independent financial capabilities that can comply with the
financial management and accounting requirements detailed in 2 CFR 200, including, but not
limited to, policies and procedures in place that meet the financial management standards in 2
CFR §200.302 (Yes/No)?
4. Does your organization have a financial unit? If so, please describe the staffing and structure
(such as the number of CPAs, utilization of accounting software etc.)
5. Has your organization received and managed federal grant funding before (Yes/No)? If Yes,
please provide information from the last three years on the federal awarding agency you received
funding from, a point of contact at the agency, and the amount of grant funding received.
Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:
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If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of
application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination
of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR
200.113.
Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:
Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key
personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award
or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:
• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.
• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.
• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.
• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential
funding entity.
• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected
date of the funding decision.
Other Required Information
Application Package Checklist
A complete application package should include:
• Required Forms from Table 1: Forms/Assurances/Certifications
o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance form
o SF-424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (Or SF-424C)
o SF-424B Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (Or SF-424D)
o Project Abstract
• Complete Project Narrative
o Detailed Narrative with Performance Metrics
o NEPA Considerations
• Statements on 1) external or internal factors, 2) overlapping or duplication, 3) conflicts of
interest
• Names of Grant Recipient and Grant Manager
• Letters of Support (optional)
• Cover Letter
• Complete Budget Narrative
o Budget Narrative with Priorities listed, if applicable
o Indirect Cost Rates Agreement, if any
o Latest audit or answer financial capacity questions
• Remember to Review the Funding Restriction Reminders
• Confirm that you are using the correct UEI on your application!
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
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Address to Request Application Package
All Proposals Must be Submitted via grants.gov - OIA permits alternative submissions only in
exceptional cases with prior approval. Extensions may also be allowed in extenuating
circumstances, with prior OIA approval.
Plan Early to Avoid Problems when Submitting Applications - Log in to Grants.gov well
before the application deadline. Ensure you have access to submit for your entity. Inability to log
in or lack of proper access on the deadline day does not qualify as an extenuating circumstance.
Allow ample time to upload your application.
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - On the SF-424, be sure to use the UEI of the office through
which funding will flow to your organization. For example, if you are part of a larger
government entity and funds go through the Department of Finance/Treasury/etc., use that
department’s UEI. Conversely, if your past grant funding previously flowed through your office,
but a different office is now submitting the application for you, make sure they use your office
UEI. This case may require you to submit future proposals from your own office.
Program Website Link: https://www.doi.gov/oia/financial-assistance
Submission Dates and Times
Closing Date for Applications: 05/18/2026
Closing Date Explanation
Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the
listed application due date (May 18, 2026).
Submission Instructions
Apply Through Grants.gov
To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for
Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and
has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the
application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these
steps below to apply:
• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it
through your organization for review before submitting.
• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on
the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding
Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in
the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.
• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking
the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab
• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a
Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the
application.
The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as
proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not
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encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user
and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.
Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission,
downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-
518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.
APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
Eligibility Review
During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed
packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this
announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility
review.
Refer to the ELIGIBILTY section for the Eligibility details.
If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200
and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the
applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR
25.205 for more information.
Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project
personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for
Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award
if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise
excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to
this program.
If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in
writing.
Merit Review
1. The Project Narrative is clear, detailed, with identifiable and measurable performance
outcomes. Maximum Points: 20
The project description is clear, with identifiable and measurable performance
outcomes. The proposal identifies both external and internal factors that could impact
20
achieving results. It includes strategies to mitigate these factors or indicates that no such
factors are present.
The project description and desired outcome are somewhat detailed, with performance
10 measures partially identified. The proposal outlines external and internal factors that could
impact achieving results, but it does not cover mitigation strategies for all identified factors.
The project description is unclear and there are no performance measures identified.
0
The proposal lacks mention of external and internal factors that could impact results.
2. The Project Budget is clear, allowable, and reasonable. Maximum Points: 20
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The project budget is comprehensive and well detailed with all budget items allowable,
reasonable, and directly relevant to the project. The budget reflects competitive sourcing
20
and reasonable cost comparisons. An Indirect Cost Rate agreement was included or the de
minimis rate is chosen, along with the calculations.
The project budget provides essential information; however, there are certain questions and
potential inadequacies regarding its appropriateness, technical soundness, and application. An
10
Indirect Cost Rate agreement was included or the de minimis rate is chosen, along with the
calculations.
The grant application budget provides only basic information. Some budget items may be
0
inappropriate, with major concerns about technical soundness and applicability.
3. Reporting Compliance. Maximum Points: 15
Recipient has a history of submitting clear, concise, and timely performance and financial
15
reports.
Recipient has asked for reporting extensions for performance and financial reports or has
7 been periodically late in submitting these reports. OR Recipient has had no previous
reporting requirement experience.
Recipient is consistently late in submitting performance and financial reports. Recipient
0
submits performance and financial reports that are vague and unclear.
4. The Project aligns with administration or congressional priorities and/or CRNR general
program purposes. Maximum Points: 15
The proposed project aligns with one or more of the Administration's, Congressional top
15
priorities or meets an urgent, emergency need in an Insular Area.
The proposed project aligns with two or more of the general CRNR program goals or targets
7
an unmet need of an insular area.
0 The proposed project minimally aligns with one of the general CRNR program goals.
5. Audit Timeliness or Financial Capacity. Maximum Points: 10
The entity applying for funding has completed its latest required audit on time, in full
compliance with the Single Audit Act and 2CFR200.500. OR The entity does not meet the
10
audit requirement threshold or is a non-profit organization that has completed the Financial
Capacity Questions.
Entity has submitted latest required audit under the Single Audit Act and 2CFR200.500,
5 which is no more than one year late. OR The entity does not meet the audit requirement
threshold or is a non-profit organization that has completed the Financial Capacity Questions.
Entity is more than one year late in submitting the latest required audit under the Single
0 Audit Act and 2CFR200.500. OR The entity does not meet the audit requirement threshold or
is a non-profit organization that did not complete the Financial Capacity Questions.
6. If the applicant is a previous OIA grantee, was their prior performance acceptable?
Maximum Points: 10
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Recipient has met all objectives in previous award(s) and provided timely reporting on
outcomes and performance measures. OR Recipient is on schedule to meet all objectives in
10
current award(s) OR Recipient met most objectives in previous award(s) and the reason(s) for
delay or non-performance was(were) unavoidable
Recipient has no previous awards, or recipient may have had issues with meeting objectives
in current or past award(s) or in reporting on outcomes and performance measures but was
5 responsive to OIA communications or request for information or action related to the
issue(s). Issue(s) was(were) resolved. OR Recipient has no past or current award with the
bureau.
Recipient did not deliver expected outcomes on previous awards and is significantly behind
schedule or failing to meet current requirements on current award(s) due to failures within
recipient’s control to correct. OR Recipient significantly failed to comply with Grant Terms
0
and Conditions. OR Recipient was not responsive to communications or requests for
information or action related to the issues. OR Issues were never resolved.
7. The project has support and/or participation from major stakeholders and local
government officials. Maximum Points: 5
The proposal is in the top third of the Governor, President or designee’s list of priority
projects. (A priority ranking will affect a score more than a letter of support from the ranker,
e.g. if you only have one letter of support from the Governor but your proposal is ranked low
5 by the Governor, the score we assign will be based on Governor’s priority listing.) OR
The proposal includes at least three letters of support from key partners and supporters outside
its own organization or agency and/or has known Congressional or Administration support
(including such things as historical support by Congress and/or Administration).
The proposal is in the middle third of the Governor or President’s list of priority projects. OR
3 At least one letter of support has been submitted. OR Proposal demonstrates that there will be
local government involvement in the project.
The project appears to have little, if any, support. The proposal is in the bottom third of the
0
Governor or President’s list of priority projects.
8. Active Exclusions. Maximum Points: 5
5 The recipient has no Active or Inactive Exclusions in SAM.gov
The recipient has Inactive Exclusions on SAM.gov, but OIA has prior positive experience with
3
the recipient and can mitigate risk by adding conditions to the award.
0 The recipient has Active Exclusions in SAM.gov.
Review and Selection Process
This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:
• figures are correct
• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives
• avoid obviously unallowable costs
• identify costs requiring prior approval
• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly
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• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.
This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed
project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may
choose to not make an award.
Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to
determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the application is complete and
all information required by the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been submitted; (3)
all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is in compliance
with all applicable executive and secretarial orders. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements
or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the application
will be rejected.
All complete applications are reviewed for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed
project and any other funding.
The OIA Grant Management Specialists will review, score, and evaluate all eligible applications
based on the Scoring Table in the Merit Review section. Input from Insular Area leadership is
also considered and part of the scoring process. Following review and scoring, the OIA provides
final recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs and/or
designated official who makes the final decision on grant awards.
This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:
• figures are correct
• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives
• avoid obviously unallowable costs
• identify costs requiring prior approval
• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly
• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.
This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed
project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may
choose not to make an award.
Must include: (1) Any program policy, factors, or elements that may be used in selecting
applications (e.g., geographic dispersion, program balance, or diversity), and (2) A brief
description of the merit review process, including how merit review outcomes are used in final
decision-making. May identify who makes the final selection or describe any multi phased
review methods and procedures. Describe any other information that successful applicants must
submit after notification of intent to make an award but prior to an award, such as project plan
revisions or additional information needed to support environmental compliance review
requirements. Programs funding activities outside the U.S. for more than $500K must describe
their procedures for confirming anticipated recipient compliance with the plan and certification
requirements in 2 CFR 175.105(b) before making an award.
The Assistant Secretary may consider all or several of the following factors when making a final
decision on which grant applications will be awarded:
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• Administration priorities (i.e. audit timeliness and quality)
• Amount of funds available
• Emergency Situations
• Geographic distribution of funding
Funding applications will be evaluated based on the above criteria. To comply with 2 CFR 200
regulations, past performance will be considered in the selection process.
Decision Timeframe: Final decisions on funding of project proposals will be completed by
September 30, 2026. Please note that once all final decisions have been made, applications that
have not been selected for funding will receive automated denial notifications, transmitted via
email to the applicant from Grant Solutions. For inquiries about your proposal, please reference
the application number generated by grants.gov for your proposal and contact the OIA grant
manager with the grant proposal, application number and insular area.
Scores for unsuccessful applications may be provided upon request. However, keep in mind that
scores are not the only factor in the decision-making process. The CRNR application process is
extremely competitive because of a limited pool of funding. Applicants who have been
unsuccessful may reapply.
All applicants, especially first-time applicants, are encouraged to review Code of Federal
Regulations Title 2, Part 200 (2 CFR 200), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, to familiarize themselves with financial
management requirements associated with managing federal grant funding. The Code may be
viewed at this link: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200.
Risk Review
Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR
200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to
the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the
program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov
records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities,
project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting
compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.
AWARD NOTICES
Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices
outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of
Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial
assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the
program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a
Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.
Anticipated Project Start Date: 10/01/2026
Anticipated Project End Date: 09/30/2030
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Award Notices
• After an applicant’s proposal is selected for award, OIA will send the applicant a
Notification of Award letter via email with an accompanying grant agreement package.
• All grant proposals submitted for funding consideration for FY2026 funding should
either be chosen for award or rejected by September 30, 2026.
Award Instrument Information
• All successful grant proposals will be funded through a grant agreement that typically
includes a Notification of Award letter signed by an Office of Insular Affairs official with
notification of the assigned grant manager and a grant award document that includes the
Grant Terms and Conditions.
Funding Restrictions
• All grant funding is contingent upon the availability and appropriation of funds by the
United States Congress.
• Costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles
referenced in 2 CFR 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.
• All grantees must first receive an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) before beginning any
work. Work related to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
can be approved to commence, with prior OIA grant manager approval.
• Once a grant has been awarded, any budget revisions or program modifications must
obtain prior approval from the OIA grant manager.
Submission from Successful Applicants
• If selected for possible award, OIA reserves the right to request additional or clarifying
information for any reason deemed necessary.
• The Office of Insular Affairs may choose to fund only a portion of the application.
Administration and National Policy Requirements
• Code of Federal Regulations – By accepting financial assistance, your organization
agrees to abide by the applicable Federal regulations in the expenditure of Federal funds
and performance under this program: 2 CFR Part 200 – Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
Administration and National Policy Requirements
For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and
Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products,
and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.
OIA specific terms and conditions will be provided with grant documents for all new grants.
Geospatial Data
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If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must
follow these rules for geospatial data:
Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set
by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is
required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically
in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).
Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete
metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how
accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands
its context and quality.
Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check
GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state,
local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is
available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.
These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used
efficiently.
Reporting
The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due
dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:
• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.
• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,
• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,
• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions
impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),
• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period
per 2 CFR 1402.112,
• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal
government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and
• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity
violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.
• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per
Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees
to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the
award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per
43 CFR 18.100.
• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires certain
recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and
information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the
FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).
The standard grant reporting requirements are listed below:
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• A Performance Progress Report (PPR) and a Federal Financial Report (FFR) will be due
semi-annually for the periods beginning January 1 and ending June 30 and beginning July
1 and ending December 31, throughout the grant period of performance.
• The PPR and FFR reports are due within 30 days of the end of the period (i.e. January 30
and July 30). Final reports are due 120 days after the expiration or termination of the
award.
• Every Performance Progress Report must include performance goals and performance
measures on activities performed under the grants. If performance goals are not met, a
detailed explanation of why they are not being met should be included in the report.
These standard reporting requirements will apply to all awards unless otherwise indicated in the
Terms and Conditions section of the award. Additional requirements are assigned on a case-by-
case basis and may also be found in the Terms and Conditions section of the award.
Other Information
1. Payments
All OIA grant recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S.
Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver
by OIA. Alternatively, non-U.S. recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank outside the
U.S. are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services
(ITS) System. Non-U.S. recipients receiving funds at a final destination bank in the U.S. are
required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and
receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer
(EFT). OIA will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment, including
identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment requests, as
applicable, in all Notices of Award.
2. Audits
Per 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-federal entities spending $1,000,000 or
more in federal awards must conduct a single or program-specific audit for that year. Those
spending less than $1,000,000 are exempt from federal audits, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503.
Additionally, grantees may undergo site visits and audits by the Department of the Interior (DOI)
and other federal officials.
On September 23, 2025, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary William Hague stated that
improving Single Audit timeliness and quality is a priority for all insular area governments.
Grant funding may decrease for organizations and areas failing to progress on updating Single
Audits. This expectation extends to component units and other federally funded entities in insular
areas which meet the audit requirement threshold.
3. Marketing and Branding
All projects funded through the OIA CRNR program, should include project and funder signage
displaying a graphic of the U.S. flag and/or the message, "Funded through the U.S. Department
of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs" or “Partial funding was provided through the U.S.
Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs”. This applies to all programs, projects,
assistance, activities, and public communications funded by the Office of Insular Affairs,
including news articles.
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The OIA logo may accompany the U.S. flag, both of which must remain intact and in its standard
or complementary color. The graphic and message must be displayed on any final product. For
an electronic version of the U.S. flag or OIA seal, contact the OIA grant manager.
4. Modification or Changes to the Announcement
Notices of any modifications to this announcement will be posted on Grants.gov. When you
download the application materials at Grants.gov, you can also register to receive notifications
by email of any changes or modifications to this announcement.
5. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate
The Office of Insular Affairs reserves the right, without qualification, to reject any or all
applications received in response to this announcement and to select any application, in whole or
in part, as a basis for negotiation and/or award.
6. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability
The Office of Insular Affairs reserves the right to conduct an independent third-party review of
financial capability for applicants that are selected for negotiation of an award.
7. Notice of Potential Disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act
Applicants should be advised that identifying information regarding all applicants, including
applicant names and/or points of contact, may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom
of Information Act, whether or not such applicants are selected for negotiation of award.
8. Personally Identifiable Information
In responding to this Announcement, applicants must ensure that Protected Personally
Identifiable Information (PII) is not included in the Application Package. These documents will
be used in the review process to evaluate each application. PII is defined by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) as:
Any information about an individual maintained by an agency, including but not limited to,
education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and
information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as their name,
social security number, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, biometric records, etc.,
including any other personal information that is linked or linkable to an individual. This
definition of PII can be further defined as: (1) Public PII and (2) Protected PII.
1. Public PII:
PII found in public sources such as telephone books, public websites, business cards,
university listings, etc. Public PII includes first and last name, address, work telephone
number, email address, home telephone number, and general education credentials.
2. Protected PII:
PII that requires enhanced protection. This information includes data that, if compromised,
could cause harm to an individual, such as identity theft.
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