BLM AZ, ASD PLC Conservation Project | L17AS00172

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "BLM AZ, ASD PLC Conservation Project" funding opportunity?

The "BLM AZ, ASD PLC Conservation Project" is a discretionary federal grant opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Funding Opportunity Number is L17AS00172, and it is associated with CFDA 15.243 (a number commonly tied to BLM assistance programs).

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

It is structured as a cooperative agreement. That generally means BLM expects substantial involvement in the project during implementation, rather than only providing funds with minimal federal participation.

What does "substantial involvement" by BLM typically mean for applicants and awardees?

Based on the cooperative agreement structure described, BLM is expected to be actively involved as the project is carried out. Practically, that often means coordination with BLM staff on project planning, field implementation within BLM programs, alignment with BLM mission needs, and ongoing collaboration to achieve both conservation outcomes and workforce development goals.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is focused on building partnerships that provide paid work and hands-on training opportunities for young people. These experiences are intended to take place within BLM programs and through public-private partnerships, with a workforce development emphasis tied to conservation and public lands-related work.

What funding activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under the Natural Resources funding activity category.

What kinds of projects or activities does this opportunity support?

The short description emphasizes youth workforce development in conservation and public lands work, implemented in coordination with BLM staff. While it does not list specific tasks, it suggests mission-aligned natural resource efforts typical of conservation corps-style programs, such as stewardship projects, habitat improvement, restoration support, recreation site work, monitoring assistance, and related conservation or land management activities.

Is the goal only conservation work, or also workforce development?

Both. The opportunity is framed as workforce development tied to conservation and public lands-related work, meaning projects are expected to accomplish on-the-ground natural resource objectives while also helping participants build practical skills, learn career pathways, and receive mentoring in land management and conservation settings.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to any type of entity, subject to any additional eligibility details that may be included in the full announcement.

What types of organizations are likely to be good fits for this opportunity?

Based on the stated focus and typical applicant pools for youth conservation and workforce partnerships, likely applicants include nonprofits, conservation corps organizations, education and workforce development organizations, tribal entities, state or local governments, and other partners able to recruit, train, supervise, and support youth crews or individual placements in conservation-related roles.

How much funding is available per award?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $500,000.

How many awards did BLM expect to make?

BLM anticipated making about five awards.

What does the expected number of awards imply about the program design?

An anticipated five awards, combined with a $500,000 ceiling, suggests a moderate-sized competitive opportunity intended to support multiple partner-led projects or placements, rather than funding a single large statewide effort.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on June 15, 2017.

What was the application closing date?

The original application closing date was August 14, 2017.

Is this opportunity competitive?

It is described as a discretionary federal grant opportunity, with a stated award ceiling and an expected number of awards. Those elements generally indicate a competitive process among applicants.

Does the opportunity emphasize partnerships?

Yes. The core focus is on building partnerships that create paid work and hands-on training opportunities for young people, including experiences within BLM programs and through public-private partnerships.

Where are the youth training and work experiences expected to take place?

The description indicates experiences taking place within BLM programs and also through public-private partnerships, implying work that is coordinated with BLM and connected to public lands and conservation priorities.

Are participants expected to be paid?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly references paid work and hands-on training opportunities for young people.

What kinds of participant benefits or development outcomes are implied?

The description implies participants will gain practical skills, exposure to career pathways, and professional mentoring related to land management and conservation, while contributing to mission-aligned natural resource work.

How does CFDA 15.243 relate to this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.243, which is commonly tied to BLM assistance programs, indicating it fits within BLM's broader assistance and partnership funding framework.