Good Neighbor Authority

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) is intended to expand limited federal capacity to implement and plan forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration projects by facilitating partnerships with authorized states, counties, and federally recognized Indian tribes. The GNA authority specifically allows BLM to enhance state-federal relationships and addressing cross-boundary land restoration needs to include treating insect-and disease-infested trees; reducing hazardous fuels; any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. This type of work has reduced wildfire risk to habitat, communities, and state trust lands; creates greater forest and watershed resilience against drought, insects, disease, and wildfire and expands much-needed work across state and federal lands.

The term “good neighbor agreement” means a cooperative agreement (Single Source or Competitive) entered into between the Secretary and a Governor or county, as applicable, to carry out authorized restoration services under this section.
The term “Governor” means the Governor or any other appropriate executive official of an affected State or Indian tribe. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Public Law 117-58, Section 40804(b) Ecosystem Restoration with funding limited to states and Indian tribes to conduct treatment on Federal lands only.

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program Notice of Intent or in a competitive NOFO. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the Notice of Intent or NOFO. State and District Office level and funding recommendations are made through the State's annual work plan. Final budget approvals rest with the State Director.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each State directed announcement posted in GrantSolutions or NOFO on www.grants.gov for competitive process and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the NOFO. Most awards are anticipated within 90 days or less after the announcement closes.