2026 JACE NOFO P26AS00020.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

P26AS00020

Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education Grants Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: P26AS00020 Legislative Authority: Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites (Public Law 109-441, 120 Stat. 3288) as amended by Sec 644 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) Assistance Listing Number: 15.933 Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites Total Anticipated Funding to Award: $2,000,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 2 Each activity or project under anticipated agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through award negotiations, including project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

Anticipated Amount Per Award: A minimum of $750,000 of funding is required for each award. The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

Cost Sharing Required? Yes Submission Dates and Times: June 15, 2026, 11:59pm ET Estimated Processing Time: The National Park Service anticipates that the grant recipients and projects will be announced in late spring 2026. After an applicant’s proposal is selected for award, the applicant will receive a letter from the Awarding Officer.

Anticipated Award Date: Summer 2026 Projects receiving funding through this NOFO will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made.

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions? Contact nps_jacsgrants@nps.gov

Executive Summary The National Park Service seeks projects from Japanese American organizations that will have a meaningful and lasting impact on educating the public about the historical importance of understanding Japanese American confinement during World War II, so that present and future generations may learn from Japanese American confinement and the commitment of the United States to equal justice under the law.

Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education (JACE) grant projects must:

· Be led by a Japanese American organization, as defined by the authorizing legislation.

· Address a critical need in education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II.

· Be technically feasible within proposed scope, schedule, and budget, resulting in impactful outcomes that meet educational competencies and curriculum standards.

· Educate a broad and diverse audience about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II in a meaningful way, that is both engaging and sustainable in the long-term.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants ☐ State governments ☐ County governments ☐ City or township governments ☐ Special district governments ☐ Independent school districts ☐ Public and State controlled institutions of higher education ☐ Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) ☐ Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities ☐ 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 ☐ Individuals ☐ For profit organization other than small businesses ☐ Small businesses ☒ Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) ☐ Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Information on Eligibility The National Park Service (NPS) encourages proposals from applicants who identify themselves as a Japanese American organization as defined in the authorizing legislation (Public Law 117-328), “…a private nonprofit organization within the United States established to promote the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States by illustrating the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States.” For the purposes of this notice, NPS has identified the following criteria for an organization to be considered eligible based on the definition included in the authorizing legislation. To be eligible to apply, an organization must meet all three of the following eligibility criteria:

· The organization is a private nonprofit organization.

· The organization is located within the United States.

· The organization promotes an understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States by illustrating the Japanese American experience through the history of the United States.

An organizational profile is required as part of the application package. In the organizational profile, applicants will provide information about the organization’s mission, location, staff, educational activities, and audience. This organizational profile will help NPS understand how the organization aligns with the criteria above. As part of the merit review process, peer reviewers will assess the institutional suitability of the organization for this funding opportunity based on the organizational profile provided in the application.

If the organization is eligible, it may apply as the primary applicant representing a group of collaborating partners. If NPS selects your proposal for funding, as the primary applicant, you will be programmatically, legally, and fiscally responsible for the award. The recipient may not function solely as a fiscal agent but must make substantive contributions to the success of the project.

Eligible Projects Public Law 117-328 states that JACE grants are, “… to educate individuals, including through the use of digital resources, in the United States on the historical importance of Japanese American confinement during World War II, so that present and future generations may learn from Japanese American confinement and the commitment of the United States to equal justice under the law.”

Projects eligible through this notice should educate the public on the historical importance of understanding Japanese American confinement during World War II, so that present and future generations may learn from Japanese American confinement and the commitment of the United States to equal justice under the law. Projects with multiple formats and complementary components are strongly encouraged. For example, a complex project that includes complementary components like printed materials, online resources, multi-media elements that work together to educate the public may be more competitive than projects with only one formant or component. Projects may include some or all the following elements, but are not limited to the following examples:

· Educational curricula

· Educator and/or teacher workshops

· Development, production, and publication of curriculum guides, catalogs, and other materials for teachers and students

· Digital humanities / media / websites

· Public and Educational programming

· Interpretation related to historic confinement sites and their history

· Displays and exhibits

· Creative arts

· Films, including documentaries and docu-dramas

· Podcasts Cost Sharing Requirement In accordance with Public Law 109-441 (120 Stat. 3288), as amended by Section 644 of Public Law 117-328, each grant “…shall require a 50 percent match with non-Federal assets from non-Federal sources, which may include cash or durable goods and materials fairly valued, as determined by the Secretary.” Eligible non-Federal sources of contribution must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, in-kind contributions or services, or materials/supplies/equipment, or *land. The non-Federal match may be raised and spent during the grant period; it does not have to be “in the bank” at the time of the application. (*Note: Land applies only to Jerome, Rohwer, Topaz and Honouliuli in accordance with Public Laws 109-441 and 111-88.)

The non-Federal match must be identified in the required Application Package documents (see Section D: Application and Submission Information).

The required non-Federal match will be considered in the evaluation of applications in accordance with Section E. Application Review Information.

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.

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

Applications must be received by June 15, 2026, 11:59 PM, (Eastern Time). Note: this is not a postmark date.

Complete Application Packages must be submitted to the National Park Service by the deadline. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals Norman Y. Mineta JACE grants will provide financial assistance to Japanese American organizations for large impactful education projects. Up to $10 million was authorized for the life of the JACE grants. Individual awards shall be in an amount not less than $750,000. Eligible grant applicants are limited to Japanese American organizations, defined in the authorizing legislation as, “… a private nonprofit organization within the United States established to promote the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States by illustrating the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States.” Projects must educate individuals in the United States on the historical importance of understanding Japanese American confinement during World War II, so that present and future generations may learn from Japanese American confinement and the commitment of the United States to equal justice under the law.”

Program Description Norman Y. Mineta JACE grant projects must:

· Be led by a Japanese American organization, as defined by the authorizing legislation.

· Address a critical need in education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II.

· Be technically feasible within proposed scope, schedule, and budget, resulting in impactful outcomes that meet educational competencies and curriculum standards.

· Educate a broad and diverse audience about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II in a meaningful way, that is both engaging and sustainable in the long-term.

NPS encourages collaboration between organizations and community members in the development and implementation of educational projects. Projects should creatively engage communities to enhance broader audience reach, such as maximizing access to educational programs to the public at large. NPS also encourages projects that are innovative with multiple formats and complementary components. For example, an educational curriculum might be accompanied by a mobile app and/or traveling exhibit, or another medium with broader public outreach and distribution.

There are separate funding announcements for the Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) Grant Program (P26AS00021) and the Norman Y. Mineta JACE grants (P26AS00020). Eligible organizations may submit a distinct project application to one or both funding announcements.

Recipients are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites (Public Law 109-441, 120 Stat. 3288), as amended by Sec. 644 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328), “Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education Grants”

Type of Award Grant Agreement - A legal instrument of financial assistance between The National Park Service and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6302, 6304:

(1) Is used to enter a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from the Federal awarding agency to the non-Federal entity to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. § 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal awarding agency’s direct benefit or use.

(2) Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement between the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and the non-Federal entity in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award.

Other Information: Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Contents and Format Pre-Application Requirements Address to Request Application Package An Application Package has been included with this Notice of Funding Opportunity for your convenience, found in Appendix A. All application materials are also available on the Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program website at: https://www.nps.gov/jacs/application.html.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should review presidential actions found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at: https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

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.

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

Budget Justification to support SF-424A or SF-424C

Note: A sample template is provided in Appendix A but use of this template is not required.

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative The Project Narrative is a written description that should specifically address each of the review criteria (see Section E: Application Review Information). The Project Narrative may be submitted on the optional “Project Narrative” template in the Application Package in Appendix A (also available on the Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program website), or in another format of your choosing, such as a word-processing document. It is highly recommended that applicants use the provided Project Narrative template. However, if using another format, the maximum page length is 12 pages. Project Narratives that are longer than 12 pages will not be reviewed (see additional specifications below). Recommended page lengths for Project Narrative sections are given below.

The Project Narrative must include an organizational profile and specifically address each of the review criteria listed below (also see Section E. Application Review Information). It is HIGHLY recommended that the Project Narrative has sections labeled as follows: Project Information, Organizational Profile & Suitability, Project Needs & Outcomes, Project Work Plan & Activities, Project Budget, Qualified Personnel, Audience Reach, Sustainability, Community Engagement, Sources of the Non-Federal Cost Share, and Cost Share Waiver Justification (if applicable). If a waiver to the required non-Federal cost share is being requested, it must be included and identified as a Cost Share Waiver Justification.

The Project Narrative must be no longer than 12 pages, use a font that is no smaller than font size 11, and have a minimum 1/2-inch page margins. The Project Narrative must include the following:

1. Project Information (recommended length: ½ page)

a. Project Name

b. Brief Summary of Project (limit to 2-4 sentences)

c. Contact Information, including name, phone number and email address of the Authorizing Official and Project Director (if different from Authorizing Official).

2. Organizational Profile & Suitability (recommended length: 1-2 page) - The National Park Service (NPS) may only consider proposals from applicants who identify themselves as a Japanese American organization as defined in the authorizing legislation (Public Law 117-328), “…a private nonprofit organization within the United States established to promote the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States by illustrating the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States.” This organizational profile will help NPS understand how the primary applicant organization aligns with this definition. Priority consideration will be given to Japanese American organizations with fewer than 100 employees. As part of the merit review process, peer reviewers will assess the institutional suitability of the organization to this funding opportunity based on the organizational profile provided in the application package.

The organizational profile should be presented in the form of an outline of no longer than two pages that includes the following:

a. Relevant facts and statistics about the institution or organization:

i. Mission statement. If the organization does not have a mission statement, provide a short statement of the organization’s focus and priorities.

ii. Location

iii. Year Founded

iv. Tax Exempt Status

v. Annual Budget

vi. Number of Employees (full-time and part-time)

vii. Accreditations or Affiliations (if applicable)

viii. Examples of educational or interpretive programming offered

ix. List of Federal grants received within the last 4 years (if applicable)

b. Educational outreach:

i. Days and Hours of public operation (if applicable)

ii. Average numerical annual audience or attendance for the previous year

iii. Geographic region served

iv. Additional information may be shared about unique qualities pertaining to outreach, audience, and region (i.e., the region being home to the largest Japanese American community on the West Coast, or programs offered for underserved youth)

3. Project Needs and Outcomes (recommended length: 1 page)

a. How will the project and its desired outcomes enhance education about Japanese American confinement during World War II?

4. Project Work Plan & Activities (recommended length: 1 page) Describe how the project work plan, timeline, activities, methodology, and use of technology, and the project’s plans for mitigating risk will address the identified project need and accomplish its proposed outcome. How will the project be effectively managed and completed? (For example, explain any pre-project planning or research that has been completed, such as audience surveys. Describe methodologies, procedures and proposed actions. Provide a timeline for completion, including each major activity and the final deadline date. Projects must be completed within an established grant period, generally within two to four years of funding.)

5. Project Budget (recommended length: ½ page) How is the project budget reasonable? (Explain how the Federal funds and non-Federal cost share will be used and demonstrate how this use of funds is allowable, reasonable, and directly relevant to the project. Explain your plan for providing the non-Federal cost share unless a cost share waiver is being requested).

6. Qualified Personnel (recommended length: ½ page) Do the selected personnel have the qualifications and ability to complete the project in a timely and professional manner? (List key personnel and briefly describe their qualifications. If personnel have not been selected, describe the qualifications you will require.)

7. Audience Reach (recommended length: 1 page) How will the project effectively convey the historical importance of understanding Japanese American confinement during World War II to the public? Describe the size of your intended audience and how the project will reach new and diverse audiences. Clearly define the project’s distribution and overall audience reach, including a description of how multiple formats may maximize impact?

8. Sustainability (recommended length: 1 page) How will the project result in sustainable long-term educational experiences? What strategies will be implemented to monitor and evaluate the long-term impacts of the project? (Demonstrate that you have the ability for the long-term maintenance, operation, distribution and/or follow-up of the project. For example, describe how your organization will meet the long-term objectives of the project, disseminate project results and/or follow up on planned subsequent phases of the project.)

9. Community Engagement (recommended length: 1 page) - How much support and participation does the project have from the formerly detained, stakeholders, and/or the public? If there is a primary applicant representing a group of collaborating partners, have partnering organizations demonstrated their support and commitment to the project. (Letters of support are shared with the JACE Grant Merit Review Panel. Letters should demonstrate a strong level of support and/or a commitment of resources to the project, either through cash funding, in-kind support, public participation, or continued involvement during and after completion of the project.)

10. Sources of Non-Federal Cost Share (recommended length: ½ to 1 page) - A 2:1 Federal to non-Federal cost share is required. Please list the secured sources and amounts of the required non-Federal cost share, which can be cash, supplies/materials/equipment, or in-kind services. Federal funds may not be used for the cost share. If the cost share is not yet secured, please list the planned sources and amounts. If a cost share waiver is being requested, please refer to Cost Share Waiver Justification guidance below.

11. Cost Share Waiver Justification (if applicable) (recommended length: 1 page) – If a waiver to the cost sharing requirement is deemed necessary by the applicant, a cost share waiver justification must be submitted as part of the application package. In the cost share waiver justification, the applicant must clearly demonstrate the following: 1) that no reasonable means are available through which the applicant can meet the cost sharing requirement; and 2) that the benefit of the completed project clearly outweighs the public interest in the cost sharing requirement. The applicant must clearly state the cost share waiver amount being requested for the project. If a partial cost share, either monetarily or in-kind, will be provided, the project budget should reflect that amount. If no cost share can be provided, the project budget should reflect no cost sharing amounts, either monetarily or in kind. Only the Secretary of the Interior has the authority to approve a waiver to the cost sharing requirement. Final approval of a waiver request will be made at the same time as final selection of the awards by the Secretary of the Interior and announced simultaneously.

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. The Budget Justification may be submitted on the optional “Budget Justification” template (Excel) in the Application Package in Appendix B, or in another format of your choosing. It is strongly recommended that applicants use the provided “Budget Justification” template.

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 of 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.

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement: U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $1,000,000 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, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, 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.

Proof of Applicant’s governmental, non-profit, or institutional status Examples include: an official document identifying the applicant as a unit of state, tribal, or local government or other tax-exempt multipurpose organization (if prepared specifically for this application, the certification must be on the parent organization letterhead and certified by an official of the parent organization); or a copy of the Federal IRS letter indicating the applicant’s eligibility for nonprofit 501(c)3 status under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

Letter from owner and/or participating organization giving consent (AS APPLICABLE) If the applicant does not own the historic property (where work will be conducted) or collection, you must attach a letter from the owner giving consent to the applicant to undertake work on the property or collection for this specific project.

If the applicant requires the approval of another participating organization (for example, permission to attend a pilgrimage event or work with artifacts in a collection), please attach a letter of support from that organization giving consent to the applicant for this specific project.

Supplemental Information (AS APPLICABLE) Supplemental information, such as architectural concepts and exhibit designs, may be submitted, but is not required. If supplemental information is submitted, it must be included with the grant application package and will not be considered if sent separately. Any supplemental information submitted in an electronic format must be sent as a PDF and must be directly pertinent to the project proposal.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service. Applications must be electronically submitted by June 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline. Note: Per 2 CFR 1402.204 (f) Bureaus and offices must consider the timeliness of the application submission. Applications that are submitted beyond the announced deadline date must be removed from the review process. Application preparation time may take several weeks, so please start the application process as soon as possible. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

Submission Instructions Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

· Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

· Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

· Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

· Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support 1-800-518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact Katie Gaertner by phone at 720-595-4942 or email at nps_jacsgrants@nps.gov.

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.

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 NPS 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 selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)

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

Merit Review Criteria NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria in the Project Narrative application requirement. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed project narrative, in accordance with Section D.2 (Application and Submission Information) of the following criteria elements. It is highly recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled by criterion.

Criterion 1. Organizational Profile & Suitability

C1. Public Law 117-328 defines a Japanese American organization as, “a private nonprofit organization within the United States established to promote the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States by illustrating the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States.” The submitted organizational profile aligns with this definition and illustrates the capability of the organization to educate the public about the historical importance of understanding Japanese American confinement during World War II.

Total Points: 15

The organizational profile clearly demonstrates how the applicant meets the definition identified in the authorizing legislation. The organizational profile clearly illustrates the applicant’s experience and success in providing educational and/or interpretive programming related to the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States and more specifically Japanese American confinement during World War II.

The organizational profile meets the definition identified in the authorizing legislation. The organizational profile illustrates the applicant has some experience providing educational and/or interpretive programming related to the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States.

The organizational profile outlines the applicant’s experience providing educational and/or interpretive programming.

Criterion 2. Project Needs & Outcomes

C2. There is a critical need that exists, and the project outcomes address that need.

Total Points: 10

The project is clearly defined and demonstrates how it enhances education about Japanese American confinement during World War II. The project outcomes will have a meaningful impact on educating the public about the confinement experience.

The project identifies a need to address education about Japanese American confinement during World War II. The project adequately describes its outcomes will improve educating the public about the confinement experience.

Criterion 3. Project Work Plan and Activities

C3. The feasibility and appropriateness of the project work plan, timeline, activities, methodology, and use of technology, and the project’s plans for mitigating risk will address the identified project need and accomplish its proposed outcome. This project supports and complies with executive, and Secretarial orders.

Total Points: 15

The project plan is well organized, detailed, and technically feasible. The desired goals and outcomes are clearly identified and attainable within the proposed timeline. The project directly addresses the critical need identified in Criterion 2 with an appropriate solution. The proposed methods and/or technologies are innovative and address project needs.

The project plan is clear, sufficient, and technically feasible. The desired outcome is identified and attainable within the proposed timeline. The project adequately addresses the critical need identified in Criterion 2 with an appropriate solution. The proposed methods and/or technologies are appropriate for addressing project needs.

The proposed project only minimally addresses the critical need identified in Criterion 2.

Criterion 4. Project Budget

C4. The project budget is reasonable.

Total Points: 10

The project budget is comprehensive and well detailed, clearly documents the Federal and non-Federal cost share and includes a realistic plan for acquiring non-Federal cost share. All budget items are allowable, reasonable, and directly relevant to the project. The budget reflects competitive sourcing and reasonable cost comparisons. If no reasonable means are available through which the applicant can meet the cost sharing requirement, and the benefit of the completed project clearly outweighs the public interest in the cost sharing requirement, the budget clearly reflects if a partial or no cost share, either monetarily or in-kind, will be provided, and the waiver justification is clearly articulated in the application.

The project budget presents basic information, including documentation of Federal and non-Federal cost share. Budget items are generally appropriate, although there are some questions and possible inadequacies in terms of appropriateness. If no reasonable means are available through which the applicant can meet the cost sharing requirement, and the benefit of the completed project clearly outweighs the public interest in the cost sharing requirement, the budget identifies that a partial or no cost share, either monetarily or in-kind, will be provided, and the waiver justification has been submitted in the application.

The project budget minimally presents basic information, including documentation of Federal and non-Federal cost share. Some budget items may not be appropriate and there are major questions regarding technical soundness and applicability. If no reasonable means are available through which the applicant can meet the cost sharing requirement, and the benefit of the completed project clearly outweighs the public interest in the cost sharing requirement, the budget fails to reflect that a partial or no cost share, either monetarily or in-kind, will be provided, and the waiver justification is not included in the application.

Criterion 5. Qualified Personnel

C5. Selected personnel have the qualifications and ability to complete the project in a timely and professional manner.

Total Points: 10

Key personnel are in place and have clearly demonstrated the ability and qualifications to manage the project and/or undertake the work based on the successful management of projects of similar scope and scale. All key personnel have been identified, and it is clear that the selected persons (including contractors and consultants) who are identified will have the qualifications and professional expertise needed to successfully complete the project.

Key personnel are in place and have adequately demonstrated the ability and qualifications to manage the project and/or undertake the work. If all key personnel have not been identified, it is clear that the selected persons (including contractors and consultants) who are identified will have adequate qualifications and professional expertise to successfully complete the project

Key personnel are selected but have minimal qualifications to undertake the work. If key personnel are not selected, it is not clear that the selected persons will have the qualifications needed to successfully complete the project.

Criterion 6. Audience Reach

C6. The project will effectively convey the historical importance of understanding Japanese American confinement during World War II to audiences in large numbers. The project’s distribution and overall audience reach is clearly defined and includes related digital and/or nondigital project components to maximize impact.

Total Points: 15

The project will have a meaningful impact on broad audiences. The project will have a significant national impact on education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II. The project is compelling and will capture the attention of a national audience and national media. The size of the intended audience is clearly defined and demonstrates how the project will reach new and diverse audiences, including a description of how multiple formats may maximize impact.

The project will have a moderate and/or regional impact on education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II. The project will primarily capture the attention of audiences already familiar with Japanese American history. The project audience is defined.

The project will have a minimal and/or local impact on education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II. The project audience and overall reach is not clearly defined.

Criterion 7. Sustainability

C7. Public Law 117-328 states that grants are, “… to educate individuals, including through the use of digital resources, in the United States on the historical importance of Japanese American confinement during World War II, so that present and future generations may learn from Japanese American confinement and the commitment of the United States to equal justice under the law.” The project will result in sustainable long-term educational experiences. Strategies to monitor and evaluate the long-term impacts of the project are identified.

Total Points: 10

The project will have a long-term positive impact on education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II. The grant applicant demonstrates a long-term commitment to the project’s sustainable implementation. Strategies for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and long-term goals of the project are clearly defined.

The project will have a positive impact on education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II. The grant applicant demonstrates a commitment to the project’s sustainable implementation. Strategies for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and goals of the project are outlined.

The project will have an impact on education about the Japanese American confinement experience during World War II. The grant applicant demonstrates a commitment to the project’s implementation.

Criterion 8. Community Engagement

The project has very strong support from the formerly detained and their descendants, stakeholders, and the public, and the proposal includes numerous letters of support from stakeholders. If there is a primary applicant representing a group of collaborating partners, then all partnering organizations have provided a letter of support. There will be a very high level of public engagement and involvement during and after the project is completed.

Letters of support have been submitted, and the proposal demonstrates that there will be public involvement in the project. If there is a primary applicant representing a group of collaborating partners, then some of the partnering organizations have provided a letter of support.

The project appears to have little, if any, public support and/or involvement. If there is a primary applicant representing a group of collaborating partners, no partnering organizations have provided letters of support.

Criteria 9. Organizational Size

C9. In accordance with Public Law 117-328, priority consideration will be given to Japanese American organizations with fewer than 100 employees.

Total Points: 5

The primary applicant organization has fewer than 100 employees.

The primary applicant organization has more than 100 employees.

Review and Selection Process NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

a. Initial Review Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review The JACE Grants Review Panel, a panel of Federal agency experts representing applicable disciplines, will review and evaluate all eligible applications based on the criteria listed above.

All eligible applications for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. In order to comply with financial assistance regulations, 2 CFR 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards," past Federal grant performance information may be considered during the selection process.

A summary of the review panel comments will be provided to the applicant if requested.

c. Selection The JACE Grants Review Panel will consider the merit review, as well as the amount of funds available and the following program policy factors. Program policy factors include:

1. Represents critical elements associated with the confinement of Japanese Americans during World War II.

2. Demonstration of collaboration between multiple organizations.

3. Complies with Executive and Secretarial Orders to align with administrative priorities.

The Review Panel will provide recommendations to the…