3.8.24 Foa_Content_of_F24AS00295.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Ecological Services www.WhiteNoseSyndrome.org

F24AS00295 White-nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes - 2024 Fiscal Year: 2024

F24AS00295

Due Date for Applications: 05/08/2024

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Assistance Listing Number

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et. seq.; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 661-666; Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C. § 742 et seq.

A2. Assistance Listing Number

Assistance Listing Number 15.684

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). WNS is confirmed in 12 bat species in North America, including three that are federally listed as threatened or endangered and one that is proposed to be listed. WNS has led to severe declines in multiple hibernating species of bats, although impacts vary among affected species and locations. Severity of the disease is unclear for multiple recently or not yet exposed species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is offering financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies and departments of states, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related to the management of WNS.

Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in or seeking to engage in bat management and conservation efforts. The goal of this funding opportunity is to help our State and Tribal partners fulfill information needs, implement management actions for WNS and susceptible bat species, and actively engage in the National Response to WNS. Supported activities will include monitoring bat populations, implementing conservation actions for bats, supporting scientific information gathering, training personnel, managing WNS and the causative fungus, and maintaining expertise in bat conservation and management.

Proposals for this program will be plans of action relevant to the current status of WNS in the applicants’ locations, and will address context-specific conservation needs of bats as well as the ecosystem as a whole. Funding priorities are intended to frame relevant projects in State or Tribal jurisdictions whether WNS is already affecting resident bats or the fungus has recently or not yet arrived.

Successful applications to this funding opportunity will present effective and efficient plans to meet the following objectives:

• Benefit bat species that are known, assumed, or anticipated to be affected by WNS.

• Advance the stated priorities of this funding opportunity and the WNS National Plan.

• Build upon or advance the current state of knowledge of bats.

Awards are not guaranteed. Proposals will be reviewed based on criteria described below.

Partial funding may be offered.

Collaborations are encouraged. Collaborative projects that describe the contributions of multiple partners to enact conservation strategies may be more competitive than projects conducted by a solitary organization or agency.

NOTE: As a condition of any award grantees will use the data management infrastructure of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) to report any acoustic monitoring, capture efforts, roost counts, and tracking conducted as a component of funded activities. These records will be entered prior to completion of the grant reporting period. Proposed population monitoring activities are not required to occur with the specific monitoring protocols of NABat, nor in the highest priority grid cells of a state or jurisdiction. However, monitoring using specific NABat protocols and priority locations will be prioritized over efforts using other protocols, unless those differences are strongly justified. Completed upload of all appropriate monitoring data is a requirement for meeting the terms of the grant agreement. It is required that any records are submitted with precise locations to increase the utility of the records. If this is not possible, contact your regional WNS coordinator (below). Progress reporting for the grant must include identification of NABat projects, and the relevant WNS regional coordinator and/or national assistant coordinator should be included as a collaborator, with a read-only role (or greater) role for each funded project. Standard reports including data visualization outputs generated by NABat are accepted to fulfill award reporting requirements for project activities funded through this opportunity.

Proposed projects should aim to be completed within 1 year of the proposed start of the project.

If a longer grant period is planned, contact the WNS coordinator in your region.

The use of grant funds requires adherence to established protocols and methodologies developed or espoused by the national WNS working groups for surveillance, diagnostics, population monitoring, conservation and recovery, and disease management, as well as the Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and National Environmental Policy Act, as appropriate.

Some proposed activities may entail significant workload by the applicant to comply with regulatory requirements of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act prior to funds becoming available. Awards cannot be given an effective date prior to the completion of all required compliance documentation.

The Service is committing internally directed funds for this open funding opportunity. Contact the Service’s WNS coordinator in your region (below) for more information about otehr anticipated funding opportunities.

The Service’s White-nose Syndrome program is coordinated and funded through the branches of Ecological Services and Science Applications. Grants awarded through this funding opportunity will be administered by the Service's Office of Conservation Investment (formerly Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, WSFR). Grants will be competitively awarded based on merit review of proposed actions for their applicability and feasibility to advance the priorities identified in this notice and for their overall contribution to meeting the objectives of the WNS national plan (White-Nose Syndrome Response Plans).

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals The goal of this funding opportunity is to help our State and Tribal partners fulfill information needs for conserving bats, implement management actions for WNS and susceptible bat species, and actively engage in the National Response to WNS.

2024 Priorities

1. Conduct, participate in and provide support for WNS treatment and management research and implementation, including, but not limited to the following tools:

a. WNS vaccine;

b. roost disinfection procedures;

c. management of hibernacula to improve microclimate conditions;

d. field testing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or probiotics.

2. Conduct bat population monitoring and disease surveillance to inform management, with a focus on the following objectives:

a. developing and maintaining long-term data streams for monitoring bat populations, especially through use of winter and summer colony counts, mobile and stationary acoustics, and capture records in line with NABat protocols and data archiving standards;

b. processing bat monitoring data and uploading them to the NABat database for use in population analyses;

c. performing disease and/or pathogen surveillance in concert with National and State WNS plans or priorities.

3. Implement conservation strategies for WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species with the goal of improving survivorship or resilience:

a. Restoration, reinforcement, or improvement of important bat roosts or surrounding habitat.

b. Management actions or conservation agreements to protect bats from disturbance, predation, disease, or other threats.

c. Conservation and preservation of roosting locations for WNS-affected and WNS-vulnerable bat species, with a focus on long-term protection and resilience to climate change.

4. Curtail the spread of Pd through implementing decontamination and containment strategies or managing risk at bat roosts.

5. Build and maintain local expertise and partnerships for long-term capacity to advance management and monitoring of bats.

6. Engage with working groups, committees, workshops, and meetings of the WNS National Response Team

B. Federal Award Information https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/response-plans/-a-national-plan-for-assisting-states-federal-agencies-and-tribes-in-managing-white-nose-syndrome-in-bats-the-national-wns-plan

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $1,500,000 The Service has targeted up to $1.5 million (up to $1.4 million for States and up to $350,000 for Tribes) for this funding opportunity in 2024. Funds are awarded to help States and Tribes develop and implement strategies to conserve species of bats that are affected by or vulnerable to

WNS.

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $75,000 Minimum Award $10,000 This funding opportunity has two different maximum awards depending on the activities proposed. Most awards will not exceed $50,000 and will be limited to actions described in category (a) below. Some awards may be as high as $75,000, pending availability of funds and strength of proposed actions falling into category (b).

Proposed activities must be consistent with the WNS National Plan and must clearly address at least one of the “2024 Priorities” stated above.

Project descriptions must clearly articulate the activities, methods, and timetables for each identified goal and objective; justify these goals and objectives in the context of program priorities; and identify anticipated outcomes.

Funding Categories

Proposals must adhere to the sub-caps for categories (a) and (b), as described below. The total award maximum is $75,000, so projects may not request the maximum amount from both categories.

a. Up to $50,000 may be used for activities that address the following priorities. NOTE:

Proposals that do not seek funds to enact substantial conservation strategies that improve survival and resilience should not request more than $50,000.

• Conduct, participate in, and provide support for WNS treatment and management research and implementation.

• Conduct bat population monitoring and disease surveillance.

• Curtail the spread of Pd through implementing decontamination and containment strategies or managing risk at bat roosts.

• Build and maintain local expertise and partnerships for long-term capacity to advance management and monitoring of bats.

• Engage with working groups, committees, workshops, and meetings of the WNS

National Response Team.

b. Up to $50,000 may be awarded for projects to enact enduring conservation strategies for WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species with the goal of improving survivorship or resilience.

These actions may include the following activities:

• Implement appropriate WNS treatment strategies to reduce disease or improve survival of hibernating bat species.

• Prohibit unauthorized entry/vandalism, install gates or fences, stabilize entrance portals, or modify roosts to produce beneficial airflow or temperature.

• Ensure long-term integrity or resilience of established roosts to degradation, climate change, or other negative influences.

• Improve suitability of the roost for seasonal or year-round use by bats.

• Develop agreements such as cooperative conservation agreements, conservation easements, or contracts with cave and wildlife conservation groups, land trusts, landowners, and local advocacy groups to conserve caves, mines, and other significant roost locations that fulfill important life history functions for bats.

NOTE: Funding may not be used for land purchases, general forestry actions, fulfilling consultation and permitting requirements, or offsetting costs of curtailment or construction.

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding $40,000 Expected Award Date June 28, 2024

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible applicants for this competitive grant program include fish and wildlife or natural resources agencies in all States and the District of Columbia and Federally recognized Tribes.

Applicants must be in good standing on previously awarded Federal grant agreements, with no outstanding reports or obligations. Applicants in good standing have records of successful use of previously awarded funds from the Service’s white-nose syndrome program (if applicable), with no or minimal record of surrendered funds as a result of avoidable project or administrative delays. When an applicant is carrying two or more active white-nose syndrome projects while applying for another, the Service has an administrative obligation to verify that there are no correctable problems in implementing the existing awards. The Service will review the reasons why those grants are still open before proceeding with further consideration. Applicants that have taken no significant action on any one of their two or more preexisting awards will not be considered eligible to receive new funds from the white-nose syndrome program until progress on those awards is clearly demonstrated

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

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

C3. Other

Foreign Entities or Projects:

State Sponsors of Terrorism: This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions: This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.

In-Country Licenses, Permits, or Approvals: Entities conducting activities outside the U.S.

are responsible for coordinating with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities as necessary to obtain all required licenses, permits, or approvals before undertaking project activities. The Service does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws, regulations, policies, or procedures of the foreign country in which they are conducting work.

Excluded Parties:

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

https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package The Application Package can be found at the following locations:

GrantSolutions https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ - Search for the funding opportunity using the Program name and/or CFDA Number 15.684. Or, search for the funding opportunity name:

2022 White-nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes.

Forms required for the application can also be found here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html or requested from Kyle Welsh, Office of Conservation Investment, 413-270-2259 or Kyle_Welsh@fws.gov

Program Website Link www.WhiteNoseSyndrome.org

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. The form must be complete and signed by an Authorized Representative. For all applicants except individuals and commercial entities, the Authorized Representative’s signature on a standard application form submitted to the Service represents their certification that the entity’s financial management system meets 2 CFR §200.302 financial management requirements. The non-Federal entity’s financial management system must be sufficient to:

1. Permit the preparation of required reports;

2. Trace funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the entity has used such funds per Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award;

3. Provide for the requirements in 2 CFR §200.302(b); and

4. Comply with §200.334 Retention requirements for records, §200.335 Requests for transfer of records, §200.336 Methods for collection, transmission, and storage of information, and §200.337 Access to records.

If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature on or submission of the SF-424 form in GrantSolutions also represents their certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

When completing the SF-424 Application form, enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in Box 18a, Estimated Federal Funding. Include any other Federal sources of funding in Box 18e. Estimated Other Funding and identify any such sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), do NOT include your Social Security Number on this or any other document to be submitted with your application! When completing the SF-424 Application form, individuals must enter in Box https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.334 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.336 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.337

8b. Employee/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) the substitute number “444-44-4444.”

Individuals may register in SAM.gov but are not required to have a SAM.gov registration. For individuals without a SAM.gov registration enter in Box 8c. the substitute Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) “KA5HQCLKUVW1". For instructions on completing the SF-424, please reference: Instructional Video: Completing the SF424.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB Number 4040-0019) Applicants must complete and submit the Project Abstract Summary form. The Project Abstract Summary form must provide a brief award description. The description must be in plain language that the public can understand without viewing the full application proposal. It should include a brief, simple description of the project purpose, activities to be performed, deliverables and expected outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipient activities, if known at the time of submission.

Do not include personally identifiable, sensitive, or proprietary information in the award description as this is available to the public. Use only English characters, numbers, punctuation, and standard symbols. Use of non-English, non-standard characters (also referred to as special or extended ASCII characters) will result in the award description failing to be reported correctly to USASpending.gov. Award descriptions are limited to 4,000 characters or less. Applicants should check the length of the award description and proofread for proper grammar and spelling.

For applicants applying through Grants.gov: Applicants must download and complete the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form from the full text announcement. To submit the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form with the application, applicants must add the form as an attachment to the Grants.gov “Attachments” form that is included in the application package.

For applicants applying through GrantSolutions-Grants Management Module (GS-GMM):

Applicants must enter the information in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a document in place of entering the information directly into GS-GMM Project Abstract Screen.

Project Narrative Proposals must not exceed 6 pages in length (excluding required forms, letters of support/collaboration, environmental compliance documentation, and literature cited) and must have a minimum font size of 11 pt.

a. Project title

b. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant’s organization and all participating entities and/or individuals collaborating to complete the project. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis.

c. Statement of Need: The statement of need should be a concise paragraph describing why the applicant is requesting funds and how the funds will advance the State’s or Tribe’s objectives for managing bats affected by or vulnerable to WNS. This section must include a summary of other non-Federally funded activities for bat conservation research and management that are being conducted by the applicant within the project period. In https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Jw5k2DPfg particular, if the applicant is using different funding to contribute to the objectives stated for this funding opportunity, those activities and funds should be described.

d. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the program/project seeking funds and the specific objectives to be addressed with the proposed funding. Objectives are the specific outcomes to be accomplished to reach the stated goal(s). The project’s objectives must be clear and specific with measurable outcomes and deliverable within the project’s proposed timeline. Describe how the objectives address the priorities of this funding opportunity. Additionally, describe how the proposed activities build upon previous work to advance the applicant’s long-term goals.

e. Species and Locations: Identify the species affected by the proposed activities. Clearly describe the geographic scope of the proposed activities.

f. Project Activities, Methods, and Results: Identify the proposed activities to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). The proposed project activities narrative must be sufficiently detailed for reviewers to clearly connect the activities with the project costs. Provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity and the anticipated results.

g. Timeline: Provide a timeline indicating when project milestones will be met and activities completed.

h. (If applicable) Proposals that seek funds for the enhancement, restoration, or protection of important bat roosts (Funding Category (b) (section B.2. above)) must provide the following information:

• a clear description of the estimated abundance of each species present at the location of the action and the conservation need or problem they face;

• a clear description of the measures proposed and how the action mitigates the problem;

• a quantified estimate of the benefit from the proposed action, e.g., linear feet of subterranean habitat restored or protected, number of bats protected, etc.;

• justification for cost of the project and an analysis of cost efficiency;

• names and affiliations of the partners that will contribute to the work;

• and the project’s timeline and future monitoring.

• In proposals where an easement will be purchased, describe who will hold title to the easement, manage the easement, and if it is ready to implement. Include a copy of the letter from the willing seller.

i. Environmental Compliance: Provide all necessary environmental compliance documentation for your project, including compliance for National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If Federally Endangered or Threatened species are present in the site(s) to be protected, coordinate with the relevant Service’s WNS coordinator or species recovery lead.

NOTE: Bat roost conservation supported through this funding opportunity can occur on non-Federal, publicly owned or managed land; on private property; or on Federally owned or managed land. Applicants seeking funds to meet this priority on Federally owned or managed land should contact the WNS regional coordinator in their area to discuss options. Projects proposed on Federal land must include significant contributions from the Federal partner (see criteria below) and may be of lower priority than projects on proposed on non-Federal land.

When acquiring real property (Conservation Easement) you and any of your subrecipients are responsible for complying with the requirements of 49 CFR 24 and 2 CFR 1402.329. If a person knowledgeable of the local real estate market determines that the property has a low value and the valuation is not complex, the acquisition may qualify for the use of a waiver valuation under 49 CFR 24.102. If it doesn’t qualify for a waiver valuation, an appraiser must develop an opinion of market value in an appraisal that conforms to both the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition, 6th edition, 2016 (Yellow Book) and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The appraisal must be recommended by a qualified real property appraiser. The appraiser and review appraiser must be either licensed or certified by the State or States where the real property is located, and the license or certification must qualify them for the scope of work in their assignments.

j. Permitting: All participants working in conjunction with the proposed activities must be covered by necessary Federal, State, and local permits, and landowner permissions must be secured prior to project initiation. Applicants submitting proposals to support animal-based experiments, whether in conjunction with universities or not, will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act with satisfactory review of animal use protocols by an established Animal Care and Use Committee or related State wildlife veterinarian (as appropriate). Treatment and decontamination actions also require demonstrated compliance with FDA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory agencies.

k. Sustainability: Identify how the actions to be completed in the project period contribute to complementary or long-term management objectives for bats in the jurisdiction where the project is located. Describe anticipated future funding needs to implement or sustain outcomes of funded activities.

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A Budget Information form for Non- Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov or in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). In “Section B – Budget Categories” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested for each Object Class Category. For the SF-424A “Contractual” category enter estimated contractual costs only. Do not include subaward costs in the “Contractual” category. Enter estimated subaward costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For more information about subrecipient and contractor determinations, see 2 CFR §200.331. For instructions on completing the SF-424A, please reference: Instructional Video: Completing the

SF424A.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzhmFOUeY3c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzhmFOUeY3c

SF-429 Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Applicants seeking approval to acquire real property under an award must complete and submit the SF-429, “Real Property Status Report (Cover Page)” and the SF-429-B, “Real Property Status Report Attachment B (Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish)” for each parcel of real property to be acquired, improved or furnished. These forms are required if the real property is acquired with Federal funds, with recipient cost share or matching funds, or as an in-kind contribution under the award. The SF-429 forms are not available with this announcement on Grants.gov; they are available on the Grants.gov Post-Award Reporting Forms page. Please submit these completed forms as attachments to your application.

This form will be required for applications that include a conservation easement.

Budget Narrative Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class Category” totals were determined. Include a complete description of each cost category. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays). Describe proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. If known at the time of application, include an estimated number of subawards and the dollar amount anticipated for each subaward. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306 for more information. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. Recipients may not earn, make, or keep any profit resulting from any financial assistance awards. These costs are not allowable and should not be included in any proposed costs.

Budgets must clearly distinguish between categories described in Project Categories B2(a) and B2(b) identified above, and clearly show that requested funds adhere to maximum amounts indicated for each subcategory of activity. Detailed budgets described here should also be clearly connected to cost categories on the submitted SF424A.

A table in the budget narrative should be used to clarify use of requested funds more specifically.

This table should include at least these budget categories:

a. Salaries and benefits (include names, responsibilities, and time commitments);

b. Project related expenses (e.g., travel, communications, supplies, consultants, etc.);

c. Equipment (purchases of tangible, personal property over $5,000.00 that will be used for one year or more); and

d. Indirect costs (if any).

Student tuition may not be an eligible expense. If you plan to request funds for student tuition, contact the WNS coordinator in your region.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216

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

a. Applicability.

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

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

b. Notification.

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

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

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

USC §1352.

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

Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, 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.

https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/

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

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

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

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration:

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register as a financial assistance recipient in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). Entities already registered in SAM.gov should review their registration to confirm that they are registered as a financial assistance recipient, which requires completion of the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations”. See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Applications 05/08/2024 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. The State Single Point of Contact list is available on the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website.

D6. Funding Restrictions

Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, you must not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

Indirect Costs: Organizations https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://www.sam.gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/

The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior (DOI) is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center (IBC) will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted by Organization:

U.S. state or local government entities receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding must include the following statement in their application and attach a copy of their most recently negotiated rate agreement:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. Attached is a copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement/certification.

U.S. state or local government entities receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding must include the applicable statement from this list:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR 200, Appendix VII. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award].

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We have not prepared an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR §200, Appendix VII and elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until we choose to establish a rate per 2 CFR §200. We understand we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

All other organizations must include the applicable statement from this list and any related documentation in their application. Please note, an organization with a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may not elect to charge the 10% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs during the period covered by their current negotiated rate.

https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/indirect-cost

• We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award, we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement.

Attached is a copy of our current rate agreement.

• We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that has never negotiated an indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate.