FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance

The FY25 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management California Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance program (Funding Opportunity Number: L25AS00205) offers a funding opportunity to support wildfire risk reduction and community resilience through coordinated fuels management and community fire assistance. The initiative focuses on reducing hazardous fuels, educating landowners about wildfire prevention, and creating fire-adapted communities. These efforts are part of broader strategies to address climate change impacts, enhance job opportunities, and promote conservation and restoration efforts. The program's goals include implementing fuels management activities on both federal and non-federal lands, developing fire education and community action plans, conducting Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and wildfire assessments, expanding community capacities for local employment, and establishing short- and long-term monitoring and maintenance plans. It aligns with priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration and the legislative requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The total funding available is $10 million, with an award ceiling of $10 million and a floor of $50,000. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. The program anticipates making up to five awards, with projects lasting up to 60 months, starting on August 1, 2025, and ending no later than September 30, 2030. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and township governments; Native American tribal governments and organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations. For-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible. Projects must benefit the public and indirectly assist the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in its conservation activities. Applications that support CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit) purposes may have indirect costs capped at 17.5%. The application process involves submitting documents through Grants.gov by March 11, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET. Applicants must include a project narrative detailing the statement of need, goals, methods, environmental compliance, and anticipated outcomes, as well as a budget narrative and additional documentation, such as letters of support and personnel qualifications. The review process evaluates technical approach, public benefit, qualifications, and resource leveraging. Award notices will be communicated electronically, with final funding decisions based on merit reviews, alignment with program priorities, and risk assessments. Recipients will be required to comply with reporting requirements, including financial and performance reports. The program mandates the use of American-made materials for infrastructure projects as outlined under 2 CFR Part 184. For further details, applicants can contact BLM program leads or refer to the full NOFO document.