1.16.25 Foa_Content_of_F24AS00129.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F24AS00129 - Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment

Funding Opportunity Number

F24AS00129

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Applications Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Modification

Funding Opportunity Number: F24AS00129

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.676

Estimated Total Program Funding: $28,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 375

Award Ceiling: $2,000,000

Award Floor: $5,000

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date for Applications: 01/20/2025

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, on January 20, 2025.

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Headquarters: Supervisory Grants Management Specialist – Patrick Schulze, patrick_schulze@fws.gov, (703)358-2567 Headquarters: National Youth Employment and Education Coordinator – Brianna Amingwa, brianna_amingwa@fws.gov

Regional Youth Program Coordninators

Region 1: Pacific Northwest and Islands Region– Chelsea McKinney, chelsea_mckinney@fws.gov Region 2: Southwest Region– Phillip Stephenson, phillip_stephenson@fws.gov Region 3:Midwest Region– Megan Wandag, megan_wandag@fws.gov Region 4: Southeast Region– Mara Lopez, mara_lopez@fws.gov Region 5: Northeast Region–Sue Wojtowicz, susan_wojtowicz@fws.gov Region 6: Mountain-Prairie Region – Sue McDonald, sue_mcdonald@fws.gov Region 7: Alaska Region (Alaska) – Michelle Lawson, michelle_lawson@fws.gov Region 8: Pacific Southwest Region (California, Nevada) – Matt Nakaya, matthew_nakaya@fws.gov

Executive Summary The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS or Service) is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats. We are the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of these important natural resources for the American public. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study the decrease in the nation’s food fishes and recommend ways to reverse that decline. The FWS is committed to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the ethic, age, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, and language diversity of contemporary America. The FWS operates a variety of https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 programs that promote wildlife conservation and public land management under the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC) through engagement, employment, and education of our nation’s diverse youth and veterans.

FWS programs operating under the Public Lands Corps Act have been designated as covered programs under Justice40 (Executive Order 14008). The FWS strives to meet the Federal Government’s goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal Investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.

The categories of investment are climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation of reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure.

The Public Lands Corps (PLC) Program is authorized by Congress under Title 16 USC Sec.

1721-1726; Public Law 109-154, Public Lands Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2005 (amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993), and all subsequent amendments. Guidance authorizes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to (1) establish PLC Programs (2) certify participants who meet the PLC eligibility requirements for the PLC non-competitive hiring authority status, and (3) ensure consistent program standards throughout the FWS. The purpose of the FWS PLC programs (FWS Youth Corps) is to provide work and education opportunities for youth (defined as ages 16-30 inclusive, and up to age 35 for veterans) participants in the areas of natural and cultural resource conservation, development, and scientific research. Participants perform work on our nation’s public lands by providing additional, unique capacity designed to boost the impact of the FWS for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.

The FWS Youth Corps Program allows the FWS to establish partnerships with Partner organizations (FWS Youth Corps), generally defined as “qualified youth or conservation corps,” using financial assistance/cooperative agreements or MOUs, to employ the next generation of conservationists in paid PLC projects and internships. Partners must be designated as an official member of the FWS Youth Corps in order to certify Participants. FWS Youth Corps application information is available in the attachments to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

See Full Announcement for additional information and application instructions.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Private institutions of higher education

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility Other Organizations that have established Public Lands Corps Act eligibility as FWS Youth Corps member organizations such as 501(c)4 or 501(c) 5 nonprofit organizations that are labor unions, neighborhood associations, or other types of eligible organizations, including those that reach or represent potentially underserved communities.

For all awards issued under the Public Lands Corps Act, recipient must have established eligibility under the FWS Youth Corps. FWS Youth Corps eligibility information is included in the attachments to this NOFO.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Recipient must include a 25% non-Federal cash and/or in-kind contribution for projects funded under the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC). The recipient’s cost sharing pledged on a voluntary basis in their proposed budget and incorporated into this award is a binding requirement of this award. See also 2 CFR §200.306.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

This program accepts application through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Public Lands Corps Act (PLC) Hiring Authority Certification requires successful completion of a project with a minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory public service.

Because PLC hours are cumulative for participants, an individual project is not required to meet the 640-hour public service goal. However, FWS Youth Corps members are encouraged to develop projects that meet or exceed the PLC Certification goal for the participant. In addition, 120 hours of the participant's project must occur or be in support of public or Indian lands.

Project types may include but are not limited to:

Wildlife and habitat management restoration

Invasive species removal

Trail building or maintenance

Wildfire or fuels management

Climate mitigation and resilience

Emergency and natural disaster relief

Visitor Services

Diversity and inclusion

Transporation and community connectiveness

Law enforcement

Infrastructure and maintenance

On an annual basis, FWS Youth Corps members are required to provide a PLC Participant Report detailing the total number of project sites, PLC hours earned, and number of interns. The report should also include the diversity of students placed.

including demographics and age, to the extent that such information has been voluntarily provided by participants to the recipient.

• FWS programs operating under the Authority of the Public Lands Corps Act have been designated as programs covered under Justice40 (Executive Order 14008). FWS strives to meet the Federal government's goal of 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. The categories of investments are climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and suitable https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help housing, training and workforce development, remediation of legacy pollution, and the development of clean water and wastewater technologies.

Program Description The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the only federal government agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources for current and future generations. FWS is one of 11 bureaus within the Department of Interior. Our employees work to fulfill our mission on more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 National Fish Hatcheries, and numerous regional and field offices on thousands of active conservation projects across the country.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to recruiting and hiring a highly qualified, diverse and inclusive workforce. Organizations that provide youth employment opportunities may partner with the FWS by joining the FWS Youth Corps. FWS Youth Corps Interns and fellows serve on National Wildlife Refuges, National Fish Hatcheries, or at regional offices and field stations. Areas of focus range from habitat restoration and invasive species management to environmental education and community engagement. Through partnerships, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leads the way in developing community-driven conservation solutions that reap ecological and economic benefits for fish, wildlife and people.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners with 35-50 youth serving organizations (FWS Youth Corps) each year to implement Public Lands Corps Act projects. The purpose of FWS Youth Corps is to provide meaningful work, national service, and training-based opportunities for individuals who are 16 to 30 years old, and veterans who are 35 or younger, called "participants" throughout this document, in the areas of public lands management and natural and cultural resources conservation, development, and scientific research. As outlined in statute, the goals of the Public Lands Corps Act are to:

1. Perform, in a cost-effective manner, appropriate conservation projects on eligible lands where existing Government employees will not perform such projects.

2. Assist Governments and Tribes in performing research and public education tasks associated with natural and cultural resources on eligible lands.

3. Expose young people and veterans to public service while furthering their understanding and appreciation of the Nation’s natural and cultural resources.

4. Stimulate interest among the Nation’s youth in the FWS and conservation careers by exposing them to conservation, scientific research, and other professionals in the FWS, and offering them non-competitive hiring eligibility for Federal positions for which they qualify upon meeting program requirements.

5. Expand educational opportunities by rewarding individuals who participate in national service with an increased ability to pursue higher education or job training and allow participants the opportunity to seek forbearance on Stafford loans.

The FWS is committed to investing in our future workforce of conservation stewards by providing diverse participants paid opportunities through Public Lands Corps Act projects to make significant contributions to our mission. This special hiring authority provides the FWS with an opportunity to help meet the agency's goal of building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The FWS is committed to building and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the ethnic, age, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and language diversity of contemporary America. Participants are engaged to advance their educational background and training while developing leadership skills through service to their community and the United States, ensuring the future of our wildlife habitats. Under the guidance, coaching, or mentoring of FWS staff, participants perform work to support our public lands by working to boost the impact of the FWS “for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.”

This program does not fund infrastructure projects.

Legislative Authority Public Lands Corps Act—Public Lands Corps program (16 U.S.C. §1723)

Type of Award Projects will be funded through:

Funding Instrument CA (Cooperative Agreement) G (Grant) Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

Substantial involvement is defined as significant FWS participation during the performance of a cooperative agreement. Examples include FWS involvement in program management decisions;

FWS collaboration in the accomplishment of a project; or FWS operational involvement or participation on a project.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Applications Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Organizations interested in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of implementing Public Lands Corps Act projects must apply for membership in the FWS Youth Corps. Membership in the FWS Youth Corps is solely for the purpose of partnering with FWS to engage youth in Public Lands Corps Act (PLC) projects. Membership does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Interested partner organizations may request membership in the FWS Youth Corps by submitting a proposal via e-mail to fwsyouthcorps@fws.gov. Proposals are accepted throughout the year. See SendablePartnerForms_Standard.pdf attachment. Organizations selected for inclusion in FWS Youth Corps must meet annual certification requirements but are not required to reapply under this NOFO.

PUBLIC PURPOSE and FWS SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT

Pre-application consultation is required to ensure that Public Lands Corps Act projects serve a public purpose, which is defined as government assistance for which the primary purpose is to promote the general welfare, security, prosperity, or public convenience as authorized by a federal law. Public Lands Corps Act projects must provide participants vocational and educational opportunities gained through their participation, and public lands are improved as a result of the work they provide.

In addition, the FWS must be substantially involved in PLC projects. Pre-application consultation is required to ensure FWS substantial involvement. Substantial involvement is defined as significant FWS participation during the performance of a cooperative agreement.

Examples include FWS involvement in program management decisions; FWS collaboration in the accomplishment of a project; or FWS operational involvement or participation on a project.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose, Required from all applicants https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award) DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative

Project title: Should include information on type and number of placement(s), position identifier, and FWS host location of project.

Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project: Information should include contact information for FWS Project Officer.

Summary of position objectives, duration of placement in weeks, and expected number of PLC project hours. Position objectives must meet the requirements of an appropriate conservation project. An appropriate conservation project means any project for the conservation, restoration, construction, or rehabilitation of natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, or scenic resources, in accordance with 16 USC 1722.

Summary of training, safety, housing, and transportation project contributions.

Sufficient information to support environmental compliance review requirements. Note:

For projects that the following conditions are true, no additional environmental compliance is required:

Categorical Exclusion (Cat-Ex): The project/action has been determined to meet Fish and Wildlife Service categorical exclusion (B)(8) and no extraordinary circumstance applies.

Section 7 Endangered Species Act: A Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) review was conducted. The Section7 ESA determination for this award is: No Effect: Project is in the U.S., but no eligible species or designated critical habitat exist in project area.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106:A Section 106 NHPA review was conducted. The NHPA circumstance for this award is: Project is in the U.S. The undertaking has no potential to cause effects on historic features.

https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Other Required Information

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures: If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112.

Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Applications for initial FWS Youth Corps membership should be sent to fwsyouthcorps@fws.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 mailto:fwsyouthcorps@fws.gov

Applications for collaboratively developed Public Lands Corps Act eligible projects must be submitted through GrantSolutions.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 01/20/2025

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, on January 20, 2025.

Submission Instructions Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system. You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply:

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the

FWS, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for a major construction project, AND

Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except Minority Serving Institutions), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than $10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years)

Minority Serving Institutions meeting all other criteria are eligible to follow the simplified application procedures. If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below. Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below.

Questions related to Small Grant eligibility should be discussed with your FWS Project Officer during pre-application consultation.

Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions, follow these steps:

1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:

• Subject: New Organization Request

• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)

• Entity type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)

• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)

• Address https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/

• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone) This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.

3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.

Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

6. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

• Organizations must be FWS Youth Corps members

• Projects must meet Public Lands Corps Act requirements

• Projects must be collaboratively developed between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the FWS Youth Corps member

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://login.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

Merit Review Priority Ranking factors: Field staff will give the highest funding priority status to proposed projects that meet more of the following conditions (sequence of listing does not imply order of preference):

A. Recruitment for the proposed PLC project will involve targeted recruitment to maximize applications from racially and ethnically underrepresented groups.

Examples of targeted recruitment efforts that include:

• Indian Youth Service Corps - Tribal Colleges and Universities

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• Hispanic Serving Institutions

• Asian American and Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions

• Broad based recruitment among disadvantaged (for all groups)

B. Projects that will occur in a Justice40 community identified as disadvantaged or will involve targeted recruitment from a Justice40 community

C. Projects that will instill in the participant a conservation ethic and sense of public service

D. Projects that will provide job skills and training that could lead to a position with the FWS or similar natural resource position

E. Projects that seek to offset or combat climate change through design and resiliency

Secondary Ranking factors: Field staff will give special consideration to projects that meet more of the following conditions (sequence of listing does not imply order of preference):

A. From a review of the project narrative has the applicant demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements of the position?

B. Do the project activities and training opportunities provide sufficient opportunity for the participant to develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to compete for Service positions or comparable natural resource positions?

C. Does the funding allocated to the support of the participant provide adequate funding to address economic barriers, provide adequate housing, and meet transportation needs?

D. Does the applicant have in place a process for identifying and recruiting candidates from disadvantaged communities?

E. Does the applicant have sufficient staff and organizational capabilities to recruit,place, and manage the proposed project?

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

1. FWS Project Officer will develop Project with eligible FWS Youth Corps member

2. FWS Project Officer will provide partner selection method as part of Merit Review process

3. FWS Youth Corps member will submit funded Project application through

GrantSolutions

4. Project Application will be reviewed and scored by FWS Grant Management Specialist against Merit Review criteria

5. Projects that meet eligibility and sufficiency standards will be awarded

6. Projects that do not meet eligibility and sufficiency standards will be returned for correction.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR

200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

As a Public Lands Corps Act member of the FWS Youth Corps, recipients must participate in an annual re certification & risk assessment process to be eligible to receive one or more awards from the program in the open fiscal year. FWS Youth Corps members will receive the Required Statements document on or shortly after October 1st of each year. When available, Annual Risk Assessment Required Statements for each Fiscal year will be posted online at Resources for the Fish and Wildlife Service Youth Corps | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 11/02/2023

Anticipated Project End Date: 01/20/2025 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.206(a) https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/resources-fish-and-wildlife-service-youth-corps https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/resources-fish-and-wildlife-service-youth-corps https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458

Awards will be issued on a rolling basis until all program funds are expended. Typical awards have a Period of Performance covering between 640 hours of program activity to 2080 hours of program activity.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI Standard Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

See the FWS General Award Terms and Conditions for national policy requirements for FWS awards. Special terms and conditions will be detailed in award notices.

Reporting The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).

Other Information https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.fsrs.gov/