There has to be nonfederal matching funds for the project. Nonfederal can be private, local, state or even tribal funds, as long as they are not appropriated by Congress or are specifically noted as being able to be used to match Federal grants. If using past projects for matching funds, then the funds cannot be more than two years old from the time the proposal is submitted. Each partner submitting matching funds must submit a letter. There are seven Technical Assessment Questions that are used to score proposals.
Acquisition can include leases and other real estate transfers, but long term deals are preferred.
The primary focus is on migratory birds. They will consider waste water treatment plants and ponds if they benefit migratory birds. There are four plans that most proposals are submitted under. It is possible to get funding for upland habitats if they are associated with wetlands. For example, a project that is designed to create nesting habitat for ducks or shorebirds.