F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes States - Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The solicitation F26AS00083 issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under the Department of the Interior aims to award competitive grants funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to support implementation of State Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plans. These plans have been formally transmitted by state governors and approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Only Great Lakes states or their designated representatives are eligible to apply, with performance expected within the geographic boundaries of these states. The key objective is to advance invasive species control and management efforts through federally supported grants rather than traditional procurement contracts. The solicitation was posted on June 10, 2026, with a submission deadline at the end of that calendar year. The scope and compliance requirements emphasize extensive environmental and historic preservation reviews in accordance with federal laws and regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process. Recipients must conduct thorough field surveys to evaluate impacts on historic properties, ensuring adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and regulatory thresholds such as age and integrity of sites. Documentation requirements include maps, photographs, detailed descriptions, and design drawings associated with the project areas. Inspection and acceptance responsibilities remain with government officials, with contractors performing work under federal oversight and compliance mandates. Although funding source appropriations under GLRI are confirmed, no pricing data, specific evaluation factors, or contract clauses typically found in federal acquisitions are included. The award process is competitive but lacks explicit details on evaluation criteria or administrative data like payment offices, invoicing methods, or contracting officer contacts. Proposals should comprehensively address environmental compliance with supporting attachments, allowing for flexible document formats, and submit by the December 31, 2026 deadline.