FY26 Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services - Bureau wide

Public lands managed by the BLM offer exceptional and unique recreational experiences that benefit the American public while supporting local communities and their economies. The Recreation and Visitor Services Program is prioritizing the implementation of Administration priorities and key legislation, including the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), the Great American Outdoors Act, and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. In fiscal year 2026, the BLM will focus on supporting projects that align with administration priorities and these recreation related laws. It is essential to note that all project submissions must specifically enhance recreation and visitor services on BLM-managed public lands and improve the overall experience for BLM visitors to be considered for funding.

Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under this authority. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

First Level Screening -Basic Eligibility. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Must meet the requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov, screening may include, but is not limited to: Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; Submission is timely; and complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation is stated in each Notice of Funding Opportunity noticed post on www.grants.gov Third Level Review Pre-Award Clearance and Approvals. BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations, the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, financial stability, quality of management systems, past performance meeting prior award terms and conditions, reports and findings of audits performed, and applicant�s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements

Fiscal year 2025: The BLM prioritized projects that advanced Administration and Department priorities, as well as implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. These projects: 1) Encouraged, facilitated, and improved partnership with and access for youth, tribes and numerous communities to public lands; 2) enhanced outdoor recreational opportunities and activities; 3) Improved public health and safety at developed recreation sites and areas by updating and modernizing infrastructure-including meeting accessibility standards for people with disabilities; and 4) Invited increased recreational access for all Americans to encourage enjoyment of BLM-managed public lands and waters. Fiscal year 2026: Project are unknown at this time, but examples could include: Improve public health and safety at recreation sites and areas by maintaining and modernizing infrastructure. Expand access to quality recreation opportunities across all BLM lands and waters. Streamline recreation permitting and expand digital platforms to improve user experience and operational efficiency. Promote a wide range of outdoor...