240313_Denali Commission_FY24_FOAupdated.pdf

i

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Agency: Denali Commission

Date: January 17, 2024

Title: Program Grants

Announcement Type: New Grant

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: DC‐WP‐24‐001

Assistance Listing: 90.100 Denali Commission Program

Application Deadline: April 12, 2024, 7:59 PM AKDT (11:59 PM EDT)

Application Submittal: Submit on grants.gov – see page 15

Program Description: The Denali Commission solicits applications for rural projects (including but not limited to energy, healthcare and community wellness, climate adaptation, broadband, housing, sanitation, and transportation) and workforce/economic development programs to encourage infrastructure development in rural Alaska.

Applications must contain three components to be eligible for funding consideration:

1. Completed signed and dated Application Package (Exhibit 2)

2. Attachments limited to 10 pages (or 12 pages if energy or transportation applications)

3. Completed Pre‐Award Risk Assessment (Exhibit 3)

Please read the instructions carefully and in their entirety before starting the application process.

Applicants may direct administrative questions to:

Janet Davis Grants Officer, Denali Commission jdavis@denali.gov

(907) 271‐1414 or (907) 271‐3036

Applicants may direct program‐specific questions to the relevant Program Manager, listed on the Denali Commission website at https://www.denali.gov/about/our‐staff/.

Denali Commission 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1230

Anchorage, AK 99501

907.271.1414 (P)

888.480.4321(TF)

www.denali.gov

Funding Opportunity Announcement DC‐WP‐24‐001

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT DC‐WP‐24‐001

1. Background

The Denali Commission (Commission) was established in 1998 as an independent federal agency to promote rural development throughout Alaska. The Commission is funded primarily via federal congressional appropriation and guided by its annual Work Plan. The Commission also receives transfers from the State of Alaska, other federal agencies, and other funders. In addition, the Commission was provided funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL, also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021).

The Commission has various mechanisms for implementing funding including needs assessments and competitive applications. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) announces competitive based funding.

2. Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for this solicitation is Section 305 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998, which authorizes the Commission, acting through the Federal Co‐Chair, to award grants. The funding authority for grants under this FOA is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117‐103);

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117‐328); the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117‐58); and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118‐42).

3. Eligibility

Eligible projects must benefit residents of the State of Alaska. Eligible applicants include municipal, borough, state, and Tribal governments; Indian Tribes as defined by Title 25 US Code § 5304; regional housing authorities; universities; regional Tribal non‐profit organizations; and non‐profit organizations.

For‐profit Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) entities may apply; however, grant income is considered income and, therefore, taxable.

4. Federal Award Information

The Commission will form review committees comprised of at least three Commission staff and/or subject matter experts to evaluate proposals by program area per the evaluation guidelines in Section 8. The review committees will use the evaluation criteria to determine their recommendations for funding consideration by the Federal Co‐Chair. The Federal Co‐Chair is authorized to make awards and will do so based on the review committees' recommendations and other relevant considerations. In addition, the Federal Co‐Chair has the discretion to change funding levels by program area and may do so in response to demonstrated need. The Commission reserves the right, consistent with agency policy and guidance, to make additional awards under this announcement using funds appropriated by other laws (e.g. future appropriations or transfers), partially fund proposed projects, and/or adjust the period of performance of proposed projects as appropriate.

The Commission will release funds via Financial Assistance Awards (FAA). An FAA is a document that describes the agreement between the Commission (the federal awarding agency) and the recipient. It includes the information stipulated in 2 CFR 200.211 and an example FAA is included at Exhibit 1.

The Commission manages all FAAs using a publicly available Interactive Project Database. Recipient guidelines and requirements are provided in Recipient Guidelines and Requirements (RGR).

Applicants must complete an application package, which includes two standard elements required for an award from the Commission:

Standard Form (SF) 424, also referred to as the Application for Federal Assistance along with scope, schedule, and budget information (Exhibit 2) and

Pre‐Award Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Exhibit 3)

In addition, successful applicants are required to:

register in the System for Award Management (SAM), provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and maintain an active SAM registration with up‐to‐date information. https://www.sam.gov

Pre‐award negotiations between the Commission and the successful applicant will determine the exact award amount. Incurring pre‐award costs is at the applicant’s own risk and generally not eligible for funding; however, pre‐award costs, defined in 2 CFR 200.458,may be allowed as a result of pre‐award negotiations between the Commission and a successful applicant. The period of performance will be determined on a project specific basis and aligned with the project schedule.

5. Funding Restrictions

Award funds may not be used for lobbying or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Award funding must be authorized by the statutory authority and may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity. In accordance with applicable law, regulation, and policy, any recipient of funding must agree to comply with restrictions on using award funds for unauthorized lobbying, fundraising, or political activities (i.e., lobbying members of Congress or lobbying for other federal grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts). The Commission reserves the right to make financial decisions regarding actions or costs incurred that are contrary or damaging to the intent and purposes of the award objectives. All costs incurred under this program must be allowable under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E.

6. Funding Timeline

The Commission anticipates the following schedule for the award making process under this FOA:

Anticipated action Anticipated date of activity

FOA publication January 5, 2024

FOA deadline April 12, 2024, 7:59 PM AKDT

Application review and award determination Spring 2024

Applicant notification June 2024

Award negotiation Summer/Fall 2024

Award execution and availability of funding for project activity January 2025

Note to Applicants

The Build America, Buy America Act is a 2021 law that requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects are produced in the United States. These provisions apply to all infrastructure projects funded by Federal Financial Assistance Awards.

7. Funding Opportunity Description and Program Information

Any selection and award under this FOA are subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

This FOA announces the anticipation of availability of funds for the following program areas and solicits proposed projects throughout rural Alaska from eligible applicants. The Commission is limiting applications: Any one applicant is eligible to submit ONE application per community per program area and must submit a separate Application Checklist (Exhibit 2) designating the program area for each application.

For example, Applicant X may submit one application under the Transportation Program on behalf of Community 1 and one application under the Transportation Program on behalf of Community 2. That same Applicant X may then also apply under the Energy Program on behalf of Community 1 and under the Infrastructure Fund on behalf of Community 1. If applicable, each applicant must prioritize its applications by numbering them 1, 2, 3, etc. on the Application Form (Exhibit 3).

The Commission anticipates the following funding commitments by program area:

Program Area

Anticipated Funding

Available via this FOA

Amount

Available as of Publishing

Maximum

Request

Amount

A. Transportation

Surface Transportation

Waterfront Transportation

$15,000,000

$5,000,000

$4,000,000 $2,000,000

B. Infrastructure Fund $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $2,000,000

C. Energy $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $750,000

D. Facilities for Healthcare and

Community Wellness $500,000 $0 $300,000

E. Village Infrastructure Protection $1,500,000 $500,000 $500,000

F. Sanitation $150,000 $0 $150,000

G. Housing $900,000 $0 $300,000

H. Broadband $250,000 $0 $150,000

I. Economic Development $200,000 $0 $150,000

J. Workforce Development $800,000 $250,000 $400,000

Total $35,800,000 $15,750,000

The Commission intends to make multiple awards as a result of this FOA, subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other relevant considerations.

A. Transportation

Applicants may request awards up to $2,000,000 for the “Transportation” program area. The funds made available for this program area come from a federal congressional appropriation via the subcommittee for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Other Related Agencies. Transportation projects will not be considered under the Infrastructure Fund.

1. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

The Commission anticipates making seven or more awards for planning, design, engineering, and construction of roads and other surface transportation infrastructure.

Airport projects will not be considered. Priority is placed on the construction of essential access routes within remote Alaska Native Villages and other rural communities, and for the construction of roads and facilities necessary to connect isolated rural communities to a road system.

Consideration of applications will include but is not limited to:

Road development or improvement

Road safety improvements, including surface repair, dust control, fence repair, etc.

Trail upgrades or improvements

Drainage and/or drainage structure development or improvement

Bridge development or improvement

Planning activities and/or design for new or improved transportation projects

Match funding for a transportation project funded by another grant program

Other transportation projects except airport projects

The costs of repair and upgrade of equipment necessary to complete a project should not exceed 15 percent of the proposed construction project.

2. WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS

The Commission anticipates making three or more awards for planning, design, engineering, and construction of docks, waterfront transportation improvements, development, and related infrastructure.

Consideration of applications will include but is not limited to:

Barge landing, dock, harbor, and/or waterfront development or improvement

Match funding for a waterfront improvement project funded by another grant program

Federal cost‐share requirements for waterfront projects shall be up to 90 percent; the applicant must provide a 10 percent non‐Federal match in the form of any necessary land or planning and design funds.

Transportation‐specific project details are allowed an extra two pages and will be evaluated as follows:

Program Specific Evaluation Criteria – Surface and Waterfront Transportation Maximum

Score (points)

Enables regional connectivity and supports opportunities for multi‐modal transportation connections (10 points)

Improves community health and safety (5 points)

Improves access to services (e.g., solid waste disposal site, sewage lagoon, water source, health care facility, airport, or port) (5 points)

Supports planned land use, and the pursuit of housing and economic development opportunities (5 points)

B. Infrastructure Fund

Applicants may request awards of up to $2,000,000 for the “Infrastructure Fund.” The Commission anticipates making five or more awards under the Infrastructure Fund section of this FOA. Eligible projects include those that fall clearly within the Commission’s existing program areas (defined in Sections 7. C. through J.) . As noted above, transportation projects will not be considered under the

Infrastructure Fund. Energy projects considered under the Infrastructure Fund must respond to Energy Program specific criteria (see next section). The funds made available for the Infrastructure Fund come from the BIL.

C. Energy

Applicants may request awards of up to $750,000 for the “Energy” program area. The Commission anticipates making two or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $750,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Consideration of applications will include but are not limited to:

Repairs to existing community energy infrastructure, including renewable generation facilities, diesel powerhouses, electrical distribution systems, and bulk fuel tank farms

Funding for unexpected cost overruns on energy projects already underway

Gap funding (no more than 50 percent of the total project cost) for a project to develop community energy infrastructure that has been approved for funding through an established program at a federal or state agency

Funding to meet non‐federal match requirements for awards already secured or anticipated from another federal agency

An assessment or pre‐feasibility study for a community energy project that, upon its completion, would make the next phases of project development eligible for other grant funding or financing

For this FOA, a “renewable energy project” is one that contributes to the generation of power or heat with wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, or hydropower resources using methods proven effective in Alaska.

Applicants’ energy specific project criteria will be evaluated as follows:

Program Specific Evaluation Criteria – Energy Maximum

Score (points)

Compelling impact and project need (12 points):

o Why has this project been proposed over other energy projects in the community, and how does it contribute to the community’s longer‐term energy goals?

o If applicable, what is the current status of the proposed project in the most recent AEA RPSU or BF priority list? If your project is not in the top 5, provide a compelling justification for why your project should be funded before others higher on the needs‐based priority list.

o What is the community’s cost of relevant energy (for power or heat) relative to the project’s anticipated impact (e.g., how much money might be saved or what environmental impact to the community will be achieved from the avoided cost or use of diesel)?

Sustainability (5 points): Does your scope of work include a long‐term operations and maintenance plan, business plan, and/or local management capacity for the new or modified infrastructure to maximize the value of the funding invested?

Project feasibility (8 points)

Has the technology been proven for application in Alaska?

Does the project use resources that are sustainable and available?

Does the project have an acceptably low level of risk in development and ongoing operations?

Does the proposed project have an acceptably high level of anticipated performance reliability?

Does the project include a reasonable expectation of meeting permitting and regulatory requirements?

What is the anticipated net savings in fuel consumption, operations and maintenance, and/or capital costs over the life of the project?

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s regular federal congressional appropriation and the BIL.

D. Facilities for Healthcare and Community Wellness

Applicants may request awards of up to $300,000 for the “Facilities for Healthcare and Community Wellness” program area. The Commission anticipates making three or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $300,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Repairs and/or improvements to existing facilities for healthcare and/or community wellness

Funding for unexpected cost overruns on a project already underway

Gap funding (no more than 15 percent of the total project cost) for a project funded through an established program

Planning activities and/or design for new or improved facilities for healthcare and/or community wellness

Other facility projects benefiting community health and wellness

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation.

E. Village Infrastructure Protection (VIP)

Applicants may request awards of up to $500,000 for the “Village Infrastructure Protection (VIP)” program area. The Commission anticipates making three or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $500,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

This program assists rural communities subject to the environmental threats of erosion, flooding, and/or permafrost degradation. Eligible projects include actions to reduce the risk of damage to public infrastructure and residential housing from local weather events and climate‐related hazards and/or repair or replacement of public infrastructure that has been damaged by these hazards. Projects should include actions to reduce future risk and improve local capacity to respond to extreme weather events.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Repair of flood damaged or displaced boardwalks, including anchoring mechanisms to reduce future flood damage to boardwalks

Replacement and/or upgrade of damaged utility connections with flexible connections able to tolerate differential movement between the pipe and structure

Renovation of building foundations to protect public structures from damage due to permafrost degradation, including elements to prevent future damage to the structure from permafrost degradation

Relocation of public infrastructure and/or residential housing from a flood‐ or erosion‐ prone site to a more favorable site

Removal and disposal of storm and/or flood debris from community roadways

Implementation of emergency erosion protection measures to prevent localized damage to core infrastructure (large coastal or riverine erosion protection projects including rock revetments or bulkhead works are beyond the scope of this program unless paired with other funding)

Match funding for a climate adaptation project funded by another grant program

Other climate adaptation projects

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual appropriations and BIL appropriation.

F. Sanitation

Applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for the “Sanitation” program area (water, wastewater, and/or solid waste). The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $150,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Repairs and/or improvements to existing sanitation facilities

Funding for unexpected cost overruns on a project already underway

Gap funding (no more than 15 percent of the total project cost) for a project funded through an established program

Planning activities and/or engineering design for new or improved sanitation facilities

Other sanitation projects

G. Housing

Applicants may request awards up to $300,000 for the “Housing” program area. The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $300,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

Structural problems to achieving affordable housing in rural Alaska are driven by insufficient scale, long supply chains, building inefficiency and imported resources. Eligible projects include those that address the lack of affordable housing and structural challenges of building housing in rural Alaska, including the financing models, construction methods, and partnerships.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Statewide, regional, or community assessment of housing inventory or needs

Innovative research, design, or planning to address the housing shortage in Alaska

Funding for unexpected cost overruns on a public housing project already underway

Gap funding up to 15 percent of the total project cost

New housing projects

Housing refurbishment or improvements projects

Projects that support housing, including, foundations, land preparation, utilities, etc.

H. Broadband

Applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for the “Broadband” program area. The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $150,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Eligible projects include those that address the lack of affordable broadband and the structural challenges of providing affordable broadband in rural Alaska. Applicants should address how their project would complement Internet for All and fill an unmet need.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Technical assistance

Mapping and project planning

Other broadband projects

I. Economic Development

Applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for the “Economic Development” program area. The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $150,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Eligible projects include those that create or retain economic activity that may be sustained after the project ends.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Technical Assistance

Planning activities and/or engineering design

New business activity

Resource development or other value‐added activity

Projects that unlock basic sector activity (new money entering an economy)

J. Workforce Development

Applicants may request awards of up to $400,000 for the “Workforce Development” program area.

The Commission anticipates making two or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $400,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Eligible projects include those that improve human capacity focused on infrastructure improvements in rural Alaska. Projects with the reach and scalability to engage as many people as possible, fill identifiable skills gaps, and may be sustained after the project ends are preferred.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

Expanded scope and reach of existing training programs, including apprenticeships and technical and community colleges

Technology to enhance training programs

Training for future employees

Improved access to training programs for rural residents

Workforce development for pending or planned projects congressional appropriation and the BIL.

8. Application and Evaluation Criteria

Applicants must use Exhibit 2, Application Form, to provide the required information for Application Sections A, B, and C (see the table below). Appendix documents, including up to two additional pages allowed for responses to Energy and Transportation project specific criteria, should be submitted separately as one combined or multiple documents.

Applications must include all required sections (listed below), adhere to the evaluation criteria, and not exceed specified page limits. One page is defined as one side of a standard 8 ½‐inch by 11‐inch sheet of paper. Applications must have a standard font no smaller than 11‐point, margins of at least 1‐inch, and numbered pages.

Application Section Page Limit

A. SF‐424

B. Project information

1. Project executive summary

2. Infrastructure Fund application (yes or no)

3. Program area classification

4. Distressed or non‐distressed community classification

5. Statewide Threat Assessment Grouping

6. Project narrative

a. Description of community served

b. Project purpose, problem to solve, and outcomes

c. Project scope and schedule by task with milestones and deliverables

d. Organization, capacity, and delivery method

e. Partnerships and leveraged funds

f. Budget and funding narrative

C. Budget and funding summary table 1

D. Appendix (not required but will support application) 10

E. Program specific responses, as applicable.

*NOTE: If applying for energy and/or transportation specific projects, applicants are allowed an additional two pages to answer program‐specific evaluation criteria, explained on Page 5 and 6 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

2*

Total (maximum page limit) 20 or 22*

Evaluation criteria and associated points are summarized in the following table. Sections 8.A and B. below give supporting information on what to provide in the required sections in the application form (Exhibit 2).

Evaluation Criterion Maximum Score (points)

Distressed Communities and/or Disadvantaged Communities 10

Environmentally Threatened Communities 10

Project Narrative 15

Scope of Work and Schedule 20

Organization, Capacity, and Delivery Method 10

Partnerships and Leveraged Funds 20

Budget/Resources 15

Total 100

Program Specific Evaluation Criteria (if applicable) 25

A. Application Form

Each “application” will consist of the Application Form (Exhibit 2), and an appendix, if necessary. The Application Form is intended to assist applicants by ensuring all elements for an eligible application have been provided. Please note, required program specific criteria for Energy and Transportation projects are NOT included on the Application Form. For these types of projects an Appendix is necessary.

a. Application for Assistance, Standard Form (SF) 424

The first section of the application form is the Application for Assistance SF‐424, the following fields are mandatory:

1. Type of Submission (answer: Application)

2. Type of Application (answer: New)

8.a Legal Name (answer: Applicant Name)

8.b Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (enter applicant EIN)

8.d Address

8.f First Name, Last Name, Title, Telephone Number, Email, and Mailing Address of Point of Contact

9. Applicant Type (answer: state government, Tribal government, non‐profit, educational, healthcare, etc.)

15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project

16. Congressional District of Applicant (AK) and Project (AK)

17. Project Start and End Dates

18. Estimated total funding available (enter all secured or anticipated funding sources, noting what funding, if any, is 100% secured)

20. Is application delinquent on any federal debt? (answer: yes or no)

21. Agree to statements made

Authorized Representative (add information)

b. Project Information

The second section of the application form is the Project Information, the following fields are mandatory:

a. Executive Summary

Provide a brief (4‐6 sentences) overview of your proposed project, including what primary action will be taken and when, for what purpose or need, and to benefit what population over what period of time.

b. Infrastructure Fund

Select either yes or no, you are or are not applying under the Infrastructure Fund section of the FOA.

c. Program Area

Select which program area best fits your proposed project.

d. Distressed Communities and/or Disadvantaged Communities (10 points)

Applicants must identify if the community served is distressed and/or disadvantaged.

Distressed communities are those identified in the Commission’s 2023 Distressed Communities Report

Disadvantaged communities, as defined in Memorandum M‐21‐28 (whitehouse.gov ) include Alaska Native Villages and communities that are not on the road system (that experience high transportation cost burden and/or low transportation access, high housing costs, high energy costs, limited water access/affordability, and may encounter disproportionate impacts from climate change).

Proposed projects benefiting distressed communities and/or disadvantaged communities will receive 10 preference points (total). For projects that benefit more than one rural community, preference points will be averaged by community designation.

e. Environmentally Threatened Communities (10 points)

Applicants must identify if the community served is an Environmentally Threatened Community, identified as those in the Commission’s 2019 Statewide Threat Assessment. Proposed projects benefiting environmentally threatened communities will receive up to 10 preference points. For projects that benefit more than one rural community, preference points will be averaged by community designation.

For this FOA, a community may identify as Group 1 if at least one of its environmental threat rankings (erosion, flooding, or thawing permafrost) is Group 1. Similarly, a community may identify as Group 2 if at least one of its environmental threat rankings is Group 2 and as Group 3 if at least one of its environmental threat rankings is Group

3. See table indicating preference points below:

Group Preference Points

1 10

2 7

3 4

f. Project Narrative (15 points)

Applications must include a:

community description, characterizing the community and population served by the proposed project problem statement, describing why the proposed project is needed project description, presenting the proposed project and how it addresses the problem/need impact/value statement, describing the impact and/or value of the proposed project to the community and population served – this may include descriptions of improved sustainability and/or greater community resilience

g. Scope of Work and Schedule (20 points) project background, impact and value of the project concise scope of work, outlining step‐by‐step tasks using verbs describing accomplishments timeframe (schedule) showing timelines of tasks with milestones and deliverables

h. Organization, Capacity, and Delivery Method (10 points)

Applications must include a:

description of the applicant’s organization, including its structure, leadership, relevant programs, and unique perspective/expertise summary of the organization’s experience managing federal grant programs and/or similar projects, including the experience of key personnel (resumes may be included in the appendix) description of the delivery method, describing how the tasks outlined in the scope of work will be carried out and by whom (information about contractors may be included in the appendix, as appropriate)

i. Partnerships and Leveraged Funds (20 points)

Applications benefit by having established partners and measurable monetary or in‐ kind contributions to the project. Half of the points in this category (Point Preference) will be given to applications in the following manner:

Percentage of Project Matched by other funds

Preference Points

80% or more 10

50% to 79% 5

20% to 50% 3

1% to 20% 1

No Other Funds 0

The remaining 10 points will be attributed to extent of detail provided on the following:

all project supporters and stakeholders, including loans, funding from other sources, and in‐kind participation; clarify secured or pending partnerships all work to date, for example, funding, community plans, letters of support, agreements with other parties, and/or prior completion of tasks or phases that support the current phase of the project future (planned) work with partners to manage and complete the project, including plans for future operations and maintenance creative approaches to partnerships that go beyond financial commitment, including community outreach, leveraged resources, or other in‐kind support that demonstrate breadth of support

j. Budget/Resources (15 points) financial contact information (the person who will submit financial reports), their email address, and their phone number narrative description of the budget by cost category, by task, and funding summary, to accompany the tables below budget table included in Application Form to provide the following:

“Budget by Cost Category” table following the SF‐424 budget format “Budget by Task” table corresponding precisely to the scope of work and explaining project activities that drive expenses “Funding Summary” table clearly identifying the amount requested in response to this FOA and all resources coming from other sources.

The budget, by cost category and by task, must cover the total cost of the proposed project not just the funding requested of the Denali Commission. The funding summary must show the total funding picture, including the amount requested now, funding coming from other sources, and any remaining gap (if any) so that the total cost of the proposed project is shown in the table provided in the Application Form.

All costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E. Applicants must provide a budget narrative that clearly explains the various cost elements of the project, the calculations used to derive line‐item subtotals, and other funding expected for the project. Applicants must describe funding from other sources, cash or in‐kind contributions, and plans to meet any remaining gap (if any). For the “Budget by Cost Category” table, applicants must include the following cost categories, as applicable.

Personnel & Fringe: Include personnel labor rates and fringe benefits as line items in the budget. Only include costs for employees working directly on the grant project. Include the number of staff, type of personnel (job title), hourly wage (or salary), and total cost to the grant. Costs should be consistent with those paid for similar types of work within the applicant’s organization. Fringe benefits included in the application must be consistent with benefits paid to all the applicant organization’s employees. Fringe benefits are only for the percentage of time devoted to the grant project. This “Personnel” cost category is limited to those individuals directly employed by the applicant’s organization. The labor cost for individuals working on the project but not employed by the applicant’s organization should be included in the “Contractors” category below.

Travel: Summarize costs for travel required for project implementation. Provide the purpose, method of travel, number of people traveling, number of days, and estimated cost for each trip. If details of each trip are not known at the time of application submission, provide the basis for determining the amount requested.

Equipment: Include costs for those items which are tangible, nonexpendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit, unless the applicant has a clear and consistent written policy that results in a different threshold. Include a description, quantity, and unit price for all equipment owned by the applicant’s organization that will be charged to the project. Each item of equipment must be identified with its corresponding cost. List fuel, maintenance, and operator costs under their appropriate headings, such as supplies, contracts, or personnel/labor as appropriate. General‐purpose equipment must be justified as to how it will be used during project implementation.

Equipment that costs less than $5,000 should be included under “Supplies” or “Other Direct Costs.” The costs for rented or leased equipment should be included in the “Contractors” or “Other Direct Costs” category, depending upon the procurement method.

Supplies: Supplies are tangible personal property other than equipment. If supplies are requested, include a justification of why they are needed for project implementation. It is not necessary to document office supplies in detail (for example, reams of paper, boxes of paperclips, etc.). However, applicants should include a quantity and unit cost for higher‐cost items such as computers and printers.

Contractors: Include the estimated costs for labor (fully burdened), travel, materials, equipment, and freight for those activities to be performed by an individual or organization, other than the applicant, in the form of a procurement relationship. Applicants should include detailed budget information regarding all known contracts and indicate the basis for the estimated contract costs.

Other Direct Costs: Include costs that do not fit any of the categories mentioned above, such as rent for buildings used to conduct project activities, utilities, leased equipment, employee training tuition, etc. “Other Direct Costs” must be itemized.

Indirect Costs (unless waived): Indirect costs are an allowable cost under Commission awards. Indirect costs are incurred for common or joint objectives that benefit more than one project. If claiming an indirect cost rate, the applicant must include, in the Appendix, a signed copy of the negotiated rate agreement valid as of the date of the application. If the rate is not approved by the application due date, provide instead the letter of renewal or letter of request sent to the cognizant agency. A cognizant agency is the Federal agency responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and approving cost allocation plans or indirect cost proposals. Applicants that do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement can use the 10 percent de‐minimis rate referenced in 2 CFR 200.414. For any contract or subgrant to a federal grant, indirect rates may be applied to the first $25,000.

Cost sharing/Match: For construction grants where the Commission is the primary funder (50 percent or more of the total budget), cost sharing (match) is required as follows. (See Section 8.A.a. above for definitions of distressed and non‐distressed communities.)

For distressed communities: Commission funds shall be available for construction projects in an amount not to exceed 90 percent of the project cost. Therefore, a cost share (match) of at least 10 percent of the project cost is required.

For non‐distressed communities: Commission funds shall be available for construction projects in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the project cost.

Therefore, a cost share (match) of at least 50 percent of the project cost is required.

Federal cost‐share requirement for waterfront projects shall be up to 90 percent:

the applicant must provide a 10 percent non‐Federal match in the form of any necessary land or planning and design funds.

Cost sharing (match) is an evaluation criterion, regardless of amount, as described in the previous section. “Cost sharing or matching” is defined by 2 CFR 200.306 as “the portion of project costs not paid by Federal funds (unless otherwise authorized by Federal statute).” Detail all funding (resources) coming from other sources and the funding provided by the applicant itself.

When the Commission is not the primary funder, Commission funds may be used to pay a non‐federal share (match) on other federal funds.

B. Appendix

Applicants may provide additional information unable to detail in space provided in the form, or relevant supporting material such as maps of the service area, photographs, plans, designs, resumes of key personnel, information about contractors, letters of support, and/or other documents in an appendix. The use of maps, photographs, or other figures is encouraged. Supporting material referenced in the application but included in the appendix counts only against the 10‐page limit of the Appendix.

9. Application Submission

Applicants must submit applications via www.grants.gov. Applicants must be registered in Grants.gov.

Guidance is provided on that website. Email, facsimile or hardcopy applications can be accepted if pre‐ arranged with Commission staff. The Commission will not consider applications received after the deadline.

Deadline: April 12, 2024, at 7:59 PM AKDT

Direct Questions to:

Janet Davis, Grants Officer projects@denali.gov Denali Commission 550 W. 7th Ave, Suite 1230 Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Email Subject Line: Work Plan Grants – [Program Area]

No new information or instructions will be posted after April 12, 2024. It is the responsibility of applicants to periodically check www.grants.gov for any new information or instructions and comply with any new information or instructions.

10. Application Review, Evaluation, and Selection Process

The Commission will conduct a merit review process per 2 CFR 200.205. First, the Commission will screen applications for eligibility and consistency with program objectives. Only those applications meeting these initial criteria will be forwarded for review.

Next, the Commission will form review committees comprised of at least three Commission staff and/or subject matter experts to evaluate applications by program area. For the transportation program, Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) members assist the review committee. Reviewers will score each application based on the evaluation criteria described in this FOA, and a combined review committee score will be the basis for ranking proposed projects by program area. Lastly, the review committees, headed by the Commission Program Managers, will put forward their recommendations for consideration by the Federal Co‐Chair.

The Federal Co‐Chair is authorized to make awards and will do so based on the recommendations of the review committees, and other relevant considerations. In addition, the Federal Co‐Chair has the discretion to change funding levels by program area and may do so in response to demonstrated need. The Commission reserves the right, consistent with agency policy and guidance, to make additional awards under this FOA and/or partially fund proposed projects.

Applicants will be notified within 10 business days of the approval by the Federal Co‐Chair of the review committee’s recommendations. The Commission anticipates making notifications in June 2024. Award negotiation will commence Summer/Fall 2024, with final award execution and availability of funds for project activity is expected by January 2025.

The Commission reserves the right to waive minor informalities and to make selections deemed consistent with and in the best interest of the Commission. This includes the right to cancel the solicitation at any time, reject any or all applications, and the right to proceed using a different process based on the Commission’s analysis of the overall budget and priorities.

11. Other Information

Notification that an applicant has been selected pursuant to this FOA is not an authorization to proceed with work or to incur costs. A fully executed FAA signed by the Federal Co‐Chair is the authorizing document.

The Commission is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants prior to issuing an FAA. All costs incurred responding to this FOA are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

An award pursuant to this FOA does not obligate the Commission to any future award.

The Commission may require, seek, and use all information it deems appropriate in order to assess the qualifications of applicants. All documents submitted in response to this FOA are considered Public Records under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If the total value of a recipient’s active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period during the performance period of an award made pursuant to this FOA, then the recipient must comply with reporting requirements related to civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Appendix XII.

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.501, recipients that expend $750,000 or more of federal funds in a year must have a single or program‐specific audit conducted for that year.

As required by 2 CFR 200, effective January 1, 2016, the Commission reviews and considers any information about the applicant that is in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) before making any award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000) over the period of performance. An applicant may review and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered. The Commission will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants.

12. Acronyms and Abbreviations

The following table lists acronyms and abbreviations used throughout this document.

Acronym or Abbreviation Definition

ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

BIL

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA)

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

Commission Denali Commission

FAA Financial Assistance Award

FAPIIS Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System

FOA Funding Opportunity Announcement

FY Federal Fiscal Year

IIJA

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)

RGR Recipient Guidelines and Requirements

SAM System for Award Management

SF Standard Form

TAC Transportation Advisory Committee

UEI Unique Entity Identifier

VIP Village Infrastructure Program