Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species

The Rapid Response Fund addresses the need for readily available financial resources to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species. For the purposes of this Federal Rapid Response Fund, “Rapid Response” is defined as a process employed to eradicate the founding population of non-native, potentially invasive, species in a specific location before that species begins to reproduce or spreads so widely that eradication is no longer feasible. Eradication is defined as the removal or destruction of an entire population of an invasive species within a specified area.

Funds may be used to respond to aquatic invasive species (AIS), including animals or plants that reside within fresh, estuarine, wetland, or marine waters. Response efforts directed towards pathogens (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites) or harmful algal blooms (HAB) are not eligible for funding. It is expected that prior to applying to the Rapid Response Fund, the identification of the targeted species has been confirmed and there is evidence that the species is likely to significantly adversely impact the environment, economy, cultural resources, and/or human, plant, or animal health. Responses to species for which the origin or native range are unknown are eligible for funding if there is evidence that they have not been previously detected in the area and their presence may result in adverse impacts. To direct funding towards efforts that address species with a high probability to cause harm, species that are identified on a state or Federal watch list, or similar prioritization tool, may receive higher consideration in the evaluation process, but inclusion on such lists is not required.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity requests proposals for projects that support efforts to plan a response or deploy response measures to a new detection of a potentially invasive species. Response efforts must target an aquatic invasive species, defined as non-native plants or animals that reside in fresh, wetland, estuarine, or marine waters. A list of “Eligible Activities” is below. Activities not listed, including species identification, risk evaluations, or public outreach are not eligible for funding from this award. Projects to plan a response to a species that has not yet been detected in the area of concern are also not eligible. Funds also cannot be used for long-term management, monitoring, or remediation.

This award is open to Federal or State agencies, U.S. territory agencies, interstate organizations, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments or Native American Organizations. Non-federal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply through GrantSolutions. However, applications will also be accepted through Grants.gov. Federal applicants should submit their complete applications and any supplemental material to the Rapid Response Coordinator at “[email protected]” by the closing date for applications. (See section D7 for further instruction).This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until July 15, 2024, or until the Rapid Response Fund is depleted. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. Submitted proposals will be evaluated on a quarterly basis. See section D4 for the evaluation periods and anticipated award dates.