Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States
🏛 Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations implementing projects to control quagga and zebra mussels in Western U.S. waters. All legal entities—nonprofits, government agencies, tribal organizations, universities, and businesses—may apply. Projects must address priorities in the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan. Land acquisition is not funded. Applicants must be in states within the Western Regional Panel boundaries. Projects can include prevention, early detection, monitoring, eradication, or control efforts.
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Program description
DO NOT APPLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV. Grant applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov.Quagga and Zebra Mussels are aquatic invasive species that are rapidly expanding their range in the Western United States. Popular recreational reservoirs on or connected to the lower Colorado River are one major source of invasive mussels, which are easily transported via trailered watercraft to areas that have not yet been invaded. This Request For Proposals (RFP) will fund proposals in the listed principal areas towards the fulfillment of the top priorities in the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP 2.0) and will be limited to states within the boundaries of the Western Regional Panel within the United States, not including Canada and Mexico.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational Capability Statement
- Letters of Support or Partnership Agreements (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 barak_shemai@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.608 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$12,023,301
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,292,215
-
$8,000,000
-
$6,863,680
-
$4,852,445
-
$4,244,024
-
$4,238,994
-
$4,000,000
-
$3,970,758
Top States by Funding
- KY 6 awards $21.7M
- AK 15 awards $21.6M
- AL 6 awards $17.3M
- FL 4 awards $14.5M
- TN 5 awards $12.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.608). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,384,000 | |
| 2025 | $4,384,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,384,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
All legal entities are eligible, including nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and businesses. You must work on projects in Western Regional Panel states.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 24, 2026. Applications must be submitted through grantsolutions.gov, not Grants.gov.
What activities does this grant fund?
Projects addressing quagga and zebra mussel control priorities such as prevention, monitoring, early detection, eradication, and control. Land acquisition is not eligible.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards typically range from $50,000 to $600,000. Total program funding is $1,950,000.
Are there geographic restrictions?
Yes, projects must be located in states within the Western Regional Panel boundaries in the Western United States.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the QZAP 2.0 priorities document carefully before writing your proposal. Align your project directly with stated action plan goals.
- Propose measurable outcomes and timelines. Reviewers prioritize clear deliverables and realistic project schedules.
- Include partnerships with state wildlife agencies, universities, or water districts to strengthen credibility and expand impact.
- Budget for monitoring and data collection components. Proposals demonstrating how you'll track results are more competitive.
- Submit through grantsolutions.gov only. Double-check your submission portal and allow time for technical issues.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying from states outside the Western Regional Panel boundaries. Proposing land acquisition as a project activity. Submitting weak evaluation plans without specific metrics or success indicators.
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