Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead Request for Proposals (RFP)

Habitat SIL 2024 Funding Opportunities

The Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL) schedule for current and upcoming competitive funding opportunities through request for proposals (RFPs) is available, including a new collaboration with the Department of Commerce.

HSIL RFPs during 2024 include funding for up to two-year projects that accelerate Puget Sound recovery by improving the health of the rivers, forests, shorelines, estuaries, and marine vegetation through advancing Habitat Implementation Strategy outcomes.

More information describing all the HSIL investment priorities can be found in the Joint SIL FFY2023-2025 Investment Plan.

*Total allocated funds include both the funds already received from the EPA, as well as anticipated funds that are contingent on future federal appropriations.
**Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-855-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.

Open Requests for Proposals

INVESTMENT PRIORITY	AVAILABLE FUNDING	Schedule and INformation
(A) Increase capacity and workforce development to meet Puget Sound habitat recovery goals. (C) New science, synthesis, and analysis for improved protection and restoration of kelp and eelgrass in Puget Sound.	Up to $5 million in total investment. Up to $2 million in total investment.	RFPs for opportunities A and C are open March 26, 2024, and close May 22, 2024. Please see the individual RFP solicitations for more detailed information on eligibility and how to apply. Solicitation for (A) Increase capacity and workforce development to meet Puget Sound habitat recovery goals. (click here) Solicitation for (C) New science, synthesis, and analysis for improved protection and restoration of kelp and eelgrass in Puget Sound. (click here) Technical Assistance: HSIL is hosting a Spring 2024 RFP Informational Webinar 1pm – 3pm on April 3, 2024. (Watch the recording, download slides) HSIL is also offering two Technical Assistance Office Hours. 9am – 11am on April 18 (click here to register) 1pm – 3pm on May 8 (click here to register) Be sure to check HSIL’s updated Spring 2024 RFP Frequently Asked Questions. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a 1x1 please reach out to the RFP coordinators. Matt Lurie – Matthew.Lurie (at) dfw.wa.gov Rebecca Brown - Rebecca.Brown (at) dnr.wa.gov
(B) Local support for habitat protection, monitoring, and adaptive management.	Up to $2 million in total investment of HSIL-administered funding. Additional state and federal funding available and administered by the Department of Commerce.	The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Stormwater and Habitat Strategic Initiative Leads, are offering salmon recovery planning grants to local governments and tribes. These funds aim to advance the Governor’s statewide salmon recovery strategy and align with the Strategic Initiative Leads' investment priorities. Applications close on June 3, 2024 at 4 p.m. Application information: Grant application instructions Grant application (SmartSheet intake form) Salmon Recovery Grant FAQ Technical Assistance: Commerce is hosting a pre-application workshop to provide more information about this grant opportunity and how to apply. Attendance is not required, but you must register to attend. 3-4 p.m. on April 18 , 2024 (register) Contact the Commerce Growth Management Services Ecosystem Team with questions: Angela San Filippo - Angela.Sanfilippo (at) commerce.wa.gov David Pater - David.Pater (at) commerce.wa.gov.

Upcoming Opportunities

INVESTMENT PRIORITY	AVAILABLE FUNDING	Schedule and INformation
(D) Restoration effectiveness of soft shore alternatives to hard armor. (E1) Understanding and planning for sea level rise and climate related hazards to shorelines in Puget Sound.	Up to $1 million in total investment. Investment allocation to be determined.	Opening late May to early June 2024.

Habitat SIL 2024 Workshops

The HSIL's schedule for upcoming workshops that support investment priority outcomes in the Joint SIL FFY2023-2025 Investment Plan is available.

WOrkshop	InformATION
(E1) Understanding and planning for sea level rise and climate related hazards to shorelines in Puget Sound.	Coming in Fall 2024. Please contact Matt Lurie [Matthew.Lurie (at) dfw.wa.gov] for more information.
(E2) Increased marine vegetation awareness and support through place-based community leader engagement.	Coming in Fall 2024. Please contact Bree Turner [Bree.Turner (at) dnr.wa.gov] for more information.
(E3) Integrating across the terrestrial-nearshore-marine interface to scale up nearshore habitat restoration and protection.	More information coming soon.