03 (M) FOA 15.236 Environmental Quality and Protection.docx

Bureau of Land Management

BLMNVSO - BLM Nevada State Office

08/03/2021

Table of Contents

A. Program Description This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity. It may be as long as needed to communicate to potential applicants the areas in which funding may be provided. It describes the Federal awarding agency's funding priorities or the technical or focus areas in which the Federal awarding agency intends to provide assistance. As appropriate, it may include any program history (e.g., whether this is a new program or a new or changed area of program emphasis). This section may communicate indicators of successful projects (e.g., if the program encourages collaborative efforts) and may include examples of projects that have been funded previously. This section also may include other information the Federal awarding agency deems necessary, and must include citations for authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity, at a minimum. Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

A1. Authority In the text box below, insert complete legislative authority citation(s) for the statute(s) that authorize the program to issue financial assistance awards for the purpose and activities described in this Funding Opportunity. The statutes listed here must also appear in the program’s SAM.gov Assistance Listing (CFDA) profile (currently at beta.SAM.gov). If your program has a new authorizing statute that does not appear in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing (CFDA) profile, please contact the Bureau’s CFDA Coordinator..

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 USC § 1737(b) Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements, 16 USC § 1011 (b) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number Select the program's CFDA. Select muliple CFDAs, as applicable.

15.236

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements In the text box below, provide a full programmatic description of the funding opportunity. Describe program’s funding priorities or technical focus areas in which the program intends to provide assistance. As appropriate, include any relevant program history (e.g., whether this is a new program or a changed area of program emphasis). This section may communicate indicators of successful projects (e.g., if the program encourages collaborative efforts) and may include examples of projects that have been funded previously. All funding opportunities must specifically identify the Department of the Interior Secretarial Priorities addressed by the program or opportunity, and a brief description of how the program or opportunity meets each priority. The Department does not expect programs to meet all of the Department’s FA priorities; list only those clearly supported by the program or opportunity.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its cooperative government and nongovernmental conservation partners, mitigate hazards to protect public health and safety, and restore watersheds for resources, recreation, fish, wildlife, and domestic animals, and return lands to productive uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of historical/cultural resources. Extractive industry activities of the past, including both underground and surface mining and oil and gas drilling, have left degraded watersheds on public lands throughout (State). Underclaimed sites pose an environmental threat to groundwater, surface water and soil as well as create a risk to the health and safety of public land users.

Mitigation measures are implemented through core programs such as:

· Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program, which addresses physical safety hazards and water quality through restoration of abandoned hard rockmines.

· Orphan Well Program, which remediates oil and gas wells improperly abandoned, and seeks to plug them in accordance with state regulations and rules;

· Educational outreach about the potential dangers posed to the public and recreationists from AML and orphaned well sites.

BLM’s AML program identifies, and inventories abandoned hardrock mines and addresses those mines that pose a risk to public safety, human health, and the environment. Specifically, BLM’s AML program addresses physical safety hazards through a variety of closure methods including fencing, signing, backfilling, installation of bat-friendly grates, etc. The AML program addresses risks to human health and the environment from heavy metal-contaminated surface water, soil, sediments, air and groundwater through a variety of response actions. The AML and Natural Resource Damage and Restoration (NRD) programs also restore abandoned hardrock mines sites and restores the Nation's watersheds impacted by abandoned mines through a risk-based, watershed wide approach that uses partnerships to effectively leverage funding and facilitate projects; and reduces environmental degradation caused by abandoned mines to ensure compliance with all applicable soil, water, and air quality standards, and applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws and regulations.

Many oil and gas wells are left “orphaned” without proper plugging and abandonment. An ‘orphan’ well is a well that has no responsible or liable party and insufficient bond coverage for plugging and surface reclamation. Orphan well sites occurring on public lands, when not properly plugged, and reclaimed, have the potential to cause health, safety, and environmental concerns. Hydrocarbons, salts, and other reservoir fluids may migrate via unplugged wells. Specifically, there have been examples of orphaned wells flowing salt water and trace amounts of methane to the surface outside the original wellbore, thereby threatening contamination of farmland, range land, waterways, ponds, underground aquifers and drinking water wells. Unreclaimed well pad locations or well access roads may contribute to surface erosion that causes sediment to migrate into adjacent waterways and cause slope instability. The unstable nature of these unmitigated sites may also harbor state listed and noxious weeds. Unplugged wells may also threaten contamination of petroleum reserves with the possible migration of water and salts into these reserves. The potential for uncontrolled surface seeps from orphaned wells exists and can increase the risk and ferocity of wildfires on public lands by providing hydrocarbons as additional fuel. In addition, as unplugged wells deteriorate over time, they can also present physical safety hazards by caving in on themselves.

The objective of the Orphan Well Project is to remediate abandoned oil and gas wells to ensure the protection of public health and safety by eliminating known and potential sources of groundwater, surface water and air contamination, removing unnecessary well site infrastructure, and reclaiming land disturbance associated with oil and gas development. Site specific performance goals will be identified for each project funded and ultimate costs will be determined by approved site closure plans. Projects may involve a single orphan well, or a group of associated wells; while each orphan well location will require well plugging, other necessary work will be site dependent such that each site may need slope reconstruction, road/pipeline/electrical removal, production facilities removal and/or reseeding.

The BLM estimates there are over 100,000 abandoned mines and a significant number of orphaned wells located on BLM-administered land. Many of which will need some type of mitigation action to protect human health and the environment, increase public safety and reduce liabilities by eliminating or minimizing risk. In compliance with all applicable soil, water and air quality standards, and Federal State, Tribal and local laws and regulations, the BLM seeks to develop partnerships with States, local governments, Tribal Nations, and voluntary environmental and citizen groups in order to protect public health and safety, address impaired watersheds for resources, recreation, fish and wildlife and domestic animals. In addition, BLM seeks to return lands to productive uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of historical/cultural resources.

To provide financial assistance, through cooperative agreements as a partnership to protect surface water, groundwater, soil, sediment and air from unclaimed mining and drilling sites, safeguard dangerous mine sites to protect the physical safety of public land users, and restore sites. The cooperative partner(s) will remediate eligible and prioritized human safety risks and environmental impacts associated with selected mine sites and will address, in consultation with BLM (e.g., as identified in pre-design/on-site meetings), reclamation of other features associated with these sites.

Project Outcomes:

· Identify and prioritize abandoned mines and orphaned wells that most affect at-risk resources and functioning ecosystems.

· Prioritize orphaned well site physical safety closure projects in a manner that is centrally focused on achieving cost-savings.

· Develop methods to reclaim and restore sites impacted by past mining and/or drilling.

· Reclaim abandoned mine lands to productive uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of historical/cultural resources.

· Reduce inventory of unclaimed abandoned mines and orphaned wells.

· Reduce liabilities by eliminating or reducing risks posed by abandoned mines and orphaned wells

· Reduce environmental degradation caused by abandoned mines and orphaned wells.

· Establish partnerships, where possible, with States, local governments, Tribes, and voluntary environmental and citizen groups to pool resources and expertise to address abandoned mines.

· Integrate abandoned mine land support into land use planning efforts.

· Apply the "polluter pays" principle applied to achieve cost avoidance/cost recovery for funding AML projects wherever possible

· Assure that remediation actions are effective and that lessons learned through post-project monitoring and study benefit risk- and pollution-reducing efforts

· Educate the public about the potential dangers posed by abandoned mines and the actions the BLM takes to address those dangers.

· Provide public outreach and education to interested stakeholders about the potential dangers posed by abandoned mines and orphan wells.

The following program legislation authority, BLM Manuals, etc. are applicable to this program:

1. Endangered Species Act, 16 USC 1535

2. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – BLM Handbook 1790-1

3. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470, as amended through December 19, 2014, as codified in Title 54 USC, Subtitle III, Division A, Subdivision 2 Chapter 3023 § 302304. Contracts and cooperative agreements, (b)

4. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470, as amended through December 19, 2014, as codified in Title 54 USC, subtitle III, Division A, Subdivision 2 Chapter 3027—Historic Preservation Programs and Authorities for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations

5. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) 6.. Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 (TGA)

7. Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978

8. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601, et seq.), including but not limited to sections 104, 107, 111(i), and 122.

9. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) (33 U.S.C. §§ 2701, et seq.), including but not limited to sections 1006 and 1012.

10. Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251, et seq.), including but not limited to section 311(f).

This program continues to advance the Department of the Interior’s priorities to address the climate crisis, restore balance on public lands and waters, advance environmental justice, and invest in a clean energy future. The BLM’s AML Program and Orphan Well Project support these priorities by focusing efforts in the following areas: 1) environmental compliance, and the identification, inventory, cleanup and remediation of legacy contaminated sites and features; 2) immediate response to releases of hazardous substances, wastes and materials onto public lands; 3) mitigation of priority AML and Orphan Well contaminated and physical safety sites and features; 4) improving all BLM environmental programs via an environmental management system including environmental audits; and, 5) providing program training and awareness. Through these focused efforts, BLM will also strengthen Environmental Justice (EJ) actions to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of EJ and disadvantaged communities/stakeholders during the CERCLA and RCRA planning and cleanup processes. The AML Program and Orphan Well Project will contribute to the conversation and restoration of approximately 30% of our lands and waters by the year 2030 by reducing the contamination levels. Additionally, this will help ensure that public land users are not at risk from the dangers of legacy mining and oil and gas activities.

All proposed projects submitted under this funding announcement must state a benefit to the public.

B. Federal Award Information This section provides sufficient information to help an applicant make an informed decision about whether to submit a proposal. Relevant information could include the total amount of funding that the Federal awarding agency expects to award through the announcement; the anticipated number of Federal awards; the expected amounts of individual Federal awards (which may be a range); the amount of funding per Federal award, on average, experienced in previous years; and the anticipated start dates and periods of performance for new Federal awards. This section also should address whether applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

This section also must indicate the type(s) of assistance instrument (e.g., grant, cooperative agreement) that may be awarded if applications are successful. If cooperative agreements may be awarded, this section either should describe the “substantial involvement” that the Federal awarding agency expects to have or should reference where the potential applicant can find that information (e.g., in the funding opportunity description in A. Program Description—Required or Federal award administration information in Section D. Application and Submission Information). If procurement contracts also may be awarded, this must be stated.

B1. Total Funding The program may include the estimated total amount of funding to be award through this announcement.

Estimated Total Funding $500,000 B2. Expected Award Amount If the program has established maximum and/or minimum values for individual award amounts, enter those in the fields below. If either of these values does not apply, enter $0 in the corresponding field(s).

Maximum Award:$250,000 Minimum Award: $0

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates In the text field below enter information on the expected amounts of individual Federal awards (which may be a range); the amount of funding per Federal award, on average, experienced in previous years; and the anticipated start dates and periods of performance for new Federal awards. This section also should address whether applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

Use this language when you do not know specific funding amounts available in each district or field office. Do not list specific details of project or you will need to go through the SPI/ISD process to make determination whether project is contract or FA.

Example: X District Office has estimated 2020 funding in the amount of $#,###,###.## for up to ## agreements.

Use this language when you know funding available per district/field office.

The following estimated fiscal year 2020 funding and potential number of awards per District/Field Office are as follows:.

[Name] Field Office $##,###.## up to five (5) projects BLM POC Name, telephone, email NOTE: BLM (state) is encouraging other proposal submissions in support of the objectives and outcomes of this funding opportunity in the case additional funding becomes available.

You may attach a map of your office boundaries.

Anticipated Start Date:

Projects funded through this NOFO will start once funding is secured and awards issued. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO).

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and five years and are determined based on the period of performance as stated on the project proposal.

Projects cannot be funded for more than a five-year period.

Projects funded through this NOFO will start once funding is secured and awards issued. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO).

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and three years and are determined based on the period of performance as stated on the project proposal.

B4. Number of Awards In the text field below enter information on the anticipated number of Federal awards.

Anticipated Number of Awards: 2 The actual number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds. Awards will be based out of district or field offices where the project occur.

B5. Type of Award Select the Type of Award below by choosing the appropriate assistance instrument from the drop-down list. If the program is authorized to issue grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts, select the value that displays the appropriate instrument

(s) .

If you are awarding cooperative agreements, you must also enter text in the following text field to describe the substantial involvement the BLM expects to have in the performance of the agreement, or reference where the potential applicant can find that information elsewhere in this document (e.g., in section I. Program Description above).

Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement Award cannot be finalized, until awardee completes their enrollment in the Department of the Treasury, ASAP System. See following website: http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap.

If your organization is not enrolled in ASAP, contact the GMO in Section G2. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts of this funding opportunity.

The recipient should expect Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement may include, but not be limited to, such things as:

· Joint collaboration between the BLM and recipient in carrying out management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed work.

· Training of recipient personnel.

· Review and approval by the BLM of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage.

· Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award.

· Participation in selecting recipient project staff.

· Directing or redirecting of recipient work by the BLM because of relationships to other projects.

· Ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives; and

· Close monitoring and/or operational involvement in the proposed work.

B6. Additional Funding Information Funding for projects is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds. Evaluation of proposals is based on the criterion in this NOFO. In appropriate circumstances, BLM reserves the right to partially fund proposals in discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If BLM chooses to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. Funded proposals through this competitive NOFO is not a guarantee of future funding. When or if additional funding becomes available, BLM reserves the right to issue additional awards under this NOFO through the next fiscal year. These awards will not require further competition. Any additional selections will be made in accordance with the terms of this NOFO and BLM policy. Only Grants Management Officers can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

C. Eligibility Information This section addresses the considerations or factors that determine applicant or application eligibility. This includes the eligibility of particular types of applicant organizations, any factors affecting the eligibility of the principal investigator or project director, and any criteria that make particular projects ineligible. Federal agencies should make clear whether an applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will result in the Federal awarding agency returning the application without review or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude the Federal awarding agency from making a Federal award. Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

C1. Eligible Applicants Identify the types of entities that are eligible to apply by selecting the checkbox for the type of entity. Multiple checkboxes may be selected. If there are no restrictions on eligibility, you may simply indicate that all potential applicants are eligible. In the text box below the checkbox selection indicate if there are restrictions on eligibility. It is important to be clear about the specific types of entities that are eligible, not just the types that are ineligible. For example, if the program is limited to nonprofit organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)), the announcement should say so. Similarly, it is better to state explicitly that Native American tribal organizations are eligible than to assume that they can unambiguously infer that from a statement that nonprofit organizations may apply. Programs may also express eligibility by exception (e.g., open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals). In the textbox specifically reference any documentation applicants must submit to support an eligibility determination (e.g., if the program limits eligibility to only non-profits with a specific IRS status, state in the field below that proof of 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service or an authorizing tribal resolution is required). To the extent that any program funding restriction could affect the eligibility of an applicant or project, the announcement must either restate that restriction in the textbox in this section or provide a cross-reference to its description as it appears elsewhere in this template.

If checkbox 25-Others is selected you must complete the text box, Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification.

Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Additional Information on Eligibility Explanation required if “Others” is selected.

Must insert the following statement unless new legislation allows for these types of entities to apply. “Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are not ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO”.

Use this language for all NOFOs, except for CFDA15.243 & 15.234 or specifically states in legislative authority. “This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to “hire” interns. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands”.

Explanation required if “Others” is selected.

Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.

This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to “hire” interns. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Select the appropriate value from the list to indicate if recipient cost sharing or matching is required. If the program has a cost sharing or match requirement, you must also enter a complete description of the cost sharing or matching requirement in the following text field. Required cost sharing may be a certain percentage or amount or may be in the form of contributions of specified items or activities (e.g., provision of equipment). It is important to be clear about any restrictions on the types of cost (e.g., in-kind contributions) that are acceptable as cost sharing or match. Cost sharing as an eligibility criterion includes requirements based in statute or regulation as described, in 2 CFR §200.306 or those imposed by administrative decision of the funding bureau or office. Include specific reference to the appropriate section(s) of this announcement stating any pre-award requirements for submission of letters or other documentation to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements if a Federal award is made. Programs without a required cost sharing or matching requirement may enter clarifications regarding voluntary committed cost sharing or other related information in the following text field, as applicable Required language for CFDA 15.243 “The cost sharing or matching required from the recipient under this agreement will be 25% of the total project funding. The BLM shall not pay more than 75% of the cost of any appropriate conservation project carried out on public lands by a qualified youth or conservation corps under the Public Lands Corps authority.

The matching 25% of costs must be from non-federal sources and can be in the form of funds, donations, services, facilities, materials, equipment, and/or any combination of the above.

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching

C3. Other In the text box below, insert a description of any other criteria that have the effect of making an application or project ineligible for Federal awards, as applicable. If there are other eligibility criteria (i.e., criteria that have the effect of making an application or project ineligible for Federal awards, whether referred to as “responsiveness” criteria, “go-no go” criteria, “threshold” criteria, or in other ways), clearly state those in the following text field. Include reference(s) to the regulation of requirement that describes the restriction, as applicable. State any limit on the number of applications an applicant may submit under the announcement and make clear whether the limitation is on the submitting organization, individual investigator/program director, or both. Specify any eligibility criteria for beneficiaries or for program participants other than Federal award recipients.

Excluded Parties: BLM conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Bureau cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

D. Application and Submission Information This section informs potential applicants how to get application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply. Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

D1. Address to Request Application Package In the following text field, specify if applicants must go elsewhere to complete all documentation requirements, such as an Internet address where additional materials are available. Applicants should also be able to request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this announcement.

Example language: “This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting (insert GMO contact information)”.

This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting Lisa Nicholson lnicholson@blm.gov, 775-861-6485

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

DO NOT MERGE INDIVIDUAL DOCUMENTS INTO A SINGLE PDF FILE

1. Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box, and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

2. SF-424(A or C), Budget Information Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form. Complete either the SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. BLM does not normally fund construction projects, so contact the BLM program expert prior to submitting your project. All required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. Please note: Show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this Federal program appears on the first page of this Funding Opportunity.

3. SF 424(B & D), Assurances NOTE: In accordance with Office of Management and Budget Memo, M-18-24, dated September 5, 2018, these forms are optional through January 1, 2020. At this time, your assurances statements will be maintained in your SAM registrations.

4. Project Proposal (Suggested format, Attachment A Project Proposal template may be used when submitting your proposal.) The project proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).

Application narrative requirements may include:

· Project title

· Statement of need

· Goals and objectives

· Public and program interest of the BLM

· Activities

· Methods

· Timetable or milestones

· Information to support environmental compliance review requirements. (NOTE: Projects under wildlife management, the native plant program, threatened and endangered species habitat conservation - the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973)

· Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement

· Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, including how you will measure project performance and assessment tools to be used

· Information on key project personnel

· Anticipated future funding needs

· Details and supporting documentation on the project location

· Other program or project-specific narrative requirements All proposals are confidential.

5. Budget Detail and Narrative (Attachment B- Suggested Format) Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see BLM’s suggested format Attachment B for more detail). Additionally, provide any cost sharing and matching funds in the same level of detail as the federal funds. The budget narrative submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms.

Budget items must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the supported activity. Refer to 2 CFR §200, for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles.

If your proposal period of performance is for multi-year or multiple year funding, you must provide a budget and budget justification for the full amount of the project. Show each year in a separate column on the SF-424A and use a separate column for listing any matching funds. Applicants must ensure that no Federal or non-Federal grant funds will be expended for in-kind goods or services, for purposes of providing transportation, travel, and other expenses for any Federal employee.

NOTE: Budget Detail and Narrative form (Attachment B) is a suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs, by category, needed to accomplish project activities. If you elect to use a different format, all information requested on Attachment B must be included. Estimated costs must be documented in sufficient detail to determine reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed. Additionally, for multi-year budgets, please describe in your budget detail justification any items to be purchased or expended that may be specific to a particular year of the proposed project.

Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detailed breakdown of how the cost were determined. Profit or fees are not allowable.

Authors may need to provide additional applicant instructions if multiple SF 424 forms are included in the application kit for different applicant types. Instructions should be entered in the program specific language in this section to require the appropriate SF 424 type required to be submitted by applicant type.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

(a) Applicability.

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

(b) Notification.

(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients.

(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

Single Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non- appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the Bureau of Land Management in this application, we will immediately notify the Bureau of Land Management point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

Programs issuing any awards using discretionary funds must collect overlap/duplication of effort statements from their applicants. Programs issuing mandatory funds are not required to collect these statements. Select the appropriate value from the list as applicable to this funding opportunity. Selection of the first option will automatically insert the following standard language in the text field.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Register on the SAM.gov website. “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM page also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information.

Enter any program specific language regarding DUNS/SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Funding Opportunities must identify due dates and times for all submissions in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Appendix I, section D (4). Review and address all of the 2 CFR 200-Appendix I requirements in the following text field. We must clearly state deadlines in terms of date and local time (Please Note: Grants.gov uses Eastern Time); what the deadline means and if submission method affects it; and the effect of missing a deadline.

Format the information in this section so that it is easy to understand and use. A tabular format or checklist may be more helpful than narrative paragraphs.] This includes not only submission dates and times for full applications but also any preliminary submission requirements (e.g., letters of intent, white papers, or pre-applications). We must also describe any other submissions of information before Federal award that are separate from the full application. If the funding opportunity is a general Notice of Funding Opportunity that is open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications, state that clearly in this section All funding opportunities must be advertised a minimum of 60 days unless a waiver is approved by the BGPM.

NOTE: Any deadline, if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the due date is the next business day. You must make this clear, if you designate a date that falls within any of those dates.

Insert for rolling cut-off dates (Example): Open from April 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020, 5:00 PM EST Round One – Applications Due: June 30, 2020, 5:00 PM EST Round Two – Applications Due: July 31, 2020, 5:00 PM EST Applications must be submitted in English.

Late applications will not be accepted or reviewed.

BLM requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as your proof of timely submission.

Due Date for Applications Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due dates.

Open from June 3, 2021 through August 3, 2021 Applications must be submitted in English.

Late applications will not be accepted or reviewed.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions You must include information on funding restrictions in order to allow an applicant to develop an application and budget consistent with program requirements. Examples are whether construction is an allowable activity, if there are any limitations on direct costs such as foreign travel or equipment purchases, and if there are any legislatively authorized limits on indirect costs (or facilities and administrative costs). There may also be funding restrictions listed in the program’s SAM.gov Assistance Listing (CFDA) profile. You must also state if the award will or will not allow reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs.