IRA - Indigenous Engagement Program (IEP)

Background
The mission of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Indigenous Engagement Program (IEP) is to facilitate collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge holders to develop bi-directional and parallel knowledge pathways to support climate-informed fisheries and ecosystem policies regionally and internationally. The program also supports consortia that bring together Alaska Native community members to promote environmental monitoring and knowledge sharing workshops.

Grant Details
The NMFS anticipates making approximately $500,000 available for projects addressing Indigenous engagement in FY2024, with an additional $250,000 in each of FY2025 and FY2026 for multiple year projects. The program seeks to fund projects in three high-priority areas: supporting existing Indigenous Knowledge networks, elevating Indigenous Knowledge in existing science, and conducting collaborative and co-produced research. The program is authorized under 16 U.S.C. 661 – Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act - 16 U.S.C. 1388; Sec. 119(a).

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include individuals, institutions of higher education, other nonprofits, for-profit organizations, foreign public entities or organizations, and state, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies or instrumentalities are not eligible to receive federal assistance under this notice.

Period of Performance
The project period will be a minimum of 12 months and extend up to a maximum of three years. Multi-year projects may be funded in one-year or greater increments depending on available funds and terms of the award. The earliest start date for projects will be May 1, 2024.

Grant Value
Total federal funding available under this notice is anticipated to be approximately $1,000,000, with approximately $500,000 available in FY2024 and an additional $250,000 in each of FY2025 and FY2026. Funding under this announcement will provide support for 5-15 projects ranging from approximately $15,000 to $50,000 per project per year.