Submitting a Proposal to the BIG Program

Proposals for FY2025 funds are due to SCDNR no later than 5:00 PM on 07/01/24

• Proposals are to be submitted to SCDNR and not directly to Grants.gov.
• an electronic copy is to be submitted by the deadline to:
  • StoneB@dnr.sc.gov
• Follow published rules closely, as detailed in the Federal Final BIG Rule (50 CFR Part 86).

Types of Funding Available

There are two types of grants, Tier I and Tier II:

Tier I Projects

In any given funding cycle, the State of South Carolina may receive a total of $300,000 for Tier I projects. All Tier I projects must meet the eligibility requirements of 50 CFR 86.20. Each Tier I project cannot exceed $300,000; however, the State of South Carolina may select one (1) or as many Tier I projects as are eligible so long as the aggregate of these projects does not total more than that year's funding cycle allotment. Tier One projects compete against other South Carolina projects for funding.

Tier II Projects

In any given funding cycle, and on a nationally competitive basis, the National Boating Infrastructure Grant Program expects to make available between $9 million and $14 million for Tier II projects nationally. There is no dollar for Tier II projects, although Federal Funds per project cannot exceed $1.5 million dollars. All Tier II projects must meet the eligibility requirements of 50 CFR 86.20. Each project will compete nationally against every other project in Tier II. Tier II projects compete against other South Carolina projects and if selected by the committee, they compete on a National Level.

Who can apply?

Both publicly owned (state, county, cities, towns, or villages) and privately owned (any facility not associated with government) marina facilities that are open to the public and located in South Carolina are eligible to apply for funding.

• Grantees must meet all Federal Regulations as detailed in USFWS 50 CFR Part 86 (see Resources & Links).
• Grantees are required to be registered in the SC Procurement System (see Resources & Links).
• Grantees must secure a DUNS Number (see Resources & Links), and register their business on SAM.gov

Project Timeline

1. January – March: Potential applicants reach out to SCDNR for guidance
2. February – June: SCDNR assist applicants in developing proposals.
3. June: Expected USFWS BIG Request For Proposals (RFP).
4. Early July: Applications due to SCDNR. Hardcopy applications received after announced deadline will not be considered for funding.
5. July: SCDNR review of applications.
6. August: SC Tier I & Tier 2 selections are announced.
7. September: SCDNR recommendations due to USFWS.
8. March: USFWS notifies SCDNR and SCDNR announces awards. Award does not necessarily guarantee funding, which is contingent upon:
1. Receiving all required permits
2. Receiving all required compliance documents
3. Successful disbursement of funds from USFWS.
9. Grantee provides documentation to SCDNR that the required permits (SCDHEC/OCRM; USACE) have been acquired for the awarded project.
10. Once all requirements are met, USFWS obligates funding and SCDNR and applicant enter into Subrecipient Agreement and work can begin.

See Federal Final BIG Rule (50 CFR Part 86) for additional details.