NRCS, an agency under the United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA), in Arkansas is requesting applications to provide planning, design and implementation of restoration activities on eligible Wetlands Reserve Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and Emergency Watershed Protection properties. The objective of WRP/ACEP/EWP is to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners in planning, designing and implementing wetland and associated upland restoration plans that maximize wildlife habitat in wetland systems, as well as provide water quality improvements, reduced soil erosion, reduced impacts of flooding and provide wildlife habitat opportunities for threatened and endangered species. Applicantâ₏™s will be responsible for assisting landowners by providing technical assistance necessary to develop and implement WRP/ACEP/EWP restoration plans, while at the same time improving and protecting wetland habitat for environmental benefits. Performance may include any part or all operations necessary to perform engineering surveys, preliminary and final engineering designs, inspection, and construction management activities for various wetland restorations, enhancement and creation practices; and other related conservation practices that meet NRCS standards and specifications. Applications are being requested from eligible non-government organizations, tribes, or individuals for competitive consideration of cooperative agreement awards with a base year and up to four, on year option periods. This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for design and restoration assistance applications. Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete applications will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant.