Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service Easement Programs Restoration and Repair

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is directing resources toward the restoration of degraded wetlands, floodplains, forestlands, and associated uplands. NRCS invites applications from all qualified for-profit other than small businesses, Native American tribal governments, nonprofits both having and not having 501(c) status, private institutions of higher education and small business willing and able to work in Ohio.  Information related to NRCS Easement Programs can be found at the following web address: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/acep-agricultural-conservation-easement-program.

A total of up to $1,340,000 is available for obligation in FY2023. All agreements will be five years in duration. Additional funds may be added to an agreement in later years as funds become available. Total funding is dependent on program discretion, the availability of Federal appropriations, and restoration and repair needs of easements in Ohio. It is estimated that up to $10,000,000 in funds may be available throughout the life of the agreement.  

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.

Key Dates

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 10, 2023 For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.

For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. 

The agency anticipates making selections by August 4, 2023 and expects to execute awards by September 1, 2023. These dates are estimates and are subject to change. 

Federal Financial Assistance Training

The funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/grants-training/. It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics: 1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).