OIA Brown Treesnake Program 2026

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), under the U.S. Department of the Interior, has released the Brown Treesnake Control Program funding opportunity for 2026. This grant initiative supports efforts aimed at controlling and ultimately eradicating the invasive Brown Treesnake (BTS) population on Guam. The BTS has caused severe ecological damage to the island's native species and continues to pose economic and operational risks to surrounding areas. By offering this funding, OIA seeks to prevent the spread of BTS to other U.S. jurisdictions, suppress their population on Guam, mitigate associated impacts such as power outages and ecosystem collapse, and support restoration of native wildlife. The OIA BTS Program prioritizes funding for projects that address risk reduction via interdiction and landscape-scale suppression. Specific areas of focus include civilian and military interdiction at air and sea ports in Guam and the CNMI, rapid response preparedness in at-risk areas like Hawaii and the Freely Associated States, and the development or deployment of new technologies—such as AI or drones—for effective snake control. Additionally, the program encourages projects that lay the groundwork for long-term suppression strategies, especially those aiding in the restoration of native avian species in partnership with the Government of Guam and the Department of the Interior. This funding opportunity has an estimated total program funding of $4,000,000, with an expected seven awards. The maximum request per award may be as high as the total program funding, although applicants are advised to keep their requests comparable to prior years. Notably, no cost-sharing or matching requirement is imposed. The anticipated project performance period spans from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2029. Eligible applicants are specifically limited to members and active participants of the Brown Treesnake Technical Working Group, which includes representatives from the governments of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and relevant federal agencies. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Registration may take several months, so early action is advised. The application must be submitted via Grants.gov no later than 5:00 PM ET on May 18, 2026. Applications must include standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A or SF-424C, project abstract, and lobbying disclosure if applicable), a detailed narrative, a signed cover letter, and letters of support if available. The narrative should address project goals, anticipated outcomes, stakeholder involvement, environmental impact (NEPA considerations), performance metrics, and any internal or external factors that may affect project results. The merit review process awards up to 100 points based on alignment with OIA BTS priorities, clarity and completeness of the project narrative, and the detail and logic of the proposed budget. Applications are further screened for duplication, conflict of interest, and overall financial and programmatic risk. Selected applicants will receive official award notifications by September 30, 2026, through GrantSolutions. The grant also includes reporting requirements, including semi-annual performance and financial progress reports. This grant opportunity does not recur on a set schedule, so timely submission is essential. For questions, applicants may contact Hailey McCoy at [email protected]. The program strongly encourages eligible applicants to review relevant executive orders and Secretary’s Orders to ensure compliance with federal policy guidelines. Final award decisions will take into consideration funding availability, administrative priorities, and geographic distribution.

Justify budget clearly; align project with priority areas; include performance metrics; follow NEPA requirements carefully.