Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-14629
Final Rule Revising Critical Habitat Designation and Exclusion Process under the Endangered Species Act
Buyer
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Posted
July 21, 2026
Identifier
2026-14629
NAICS
924120
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the Department of the Interior, has issued a final rule revising regulations for designating and excluding critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Division of Conservation and Classification - No Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory action - Products/Services Requested: - Regulatory revisions to clarify the process for considering economic, national security, and other impacts in critical habitat designation and exclusion analyses under section 4(b)(2) of the ESA - Final rule listing the Florida Keys mole skink as an endangered species due to environmental threats - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasizes transparent and structured analysis for excluding areas from critical habitat if benefits of exclusion outweigh inclusion, provided exclusion does not risk species extinction - Requires coordination with State, Tribal, and local governments and other stakeholders - Focuses on impacts such as economic effects, national security, and other relevant factors in the decision-making process - No products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are included, as this is not a procurement opportunity
Description
This final rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service amends regulations related to section 4(b)(2) of the Endangered Species Act. It focuses on the consideration of economic impact, national security, and other relevant impacts when designating critical habitat, including the process for exclusion analysis. The rule aims to provide greater transparency and certainty regarding the exclusion process and clarifies how benefits of inclusion or exclusion are weighed. It also outlines coordination with State, Tribal, and local governments and other stakeholders during the designation process.