PKG00257019-instructions.pdf

OMB Control #: 3137-0102, Expiration Date 9/30/21 IMLS-CLR-D-0030

NATIVE HAWAIIAN LIBRARY

SERVICES GRANT

FY 2020 NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Table of Contents

A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

C. Eligibility Information

D. Application and Submission Information

E. Application Review Information

F. Award Administration Information

G. Contacts

H. Other Information

Appendix One – IMLS Assurances and Certifications

Appendix Two – Required Federal Systems

Appendix Three – Explanation of Forms for Reference

Appendix Four – IMLS Products Guidance

Appendix Five – Conflict of Interest Requirements

Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant

FY 2020 NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Federal Awarding Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services

Funding Opportunity Title: Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number: NAG-HAWAIIAN-FY20

Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance (CFDA) Number:

45.311

Due Date: Submit through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. U.S.

Eastern Time on May 1, 2020.

Anticipated Date of Notification of Award Decisions:

August 2020 (subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion)

Beginning Date of Period of Performance: Projects would begin on September 1, 2020

Equal Opportunity IMLS-funded programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. For further information, email the Civil Rights Officer at CivilRights@imls.gov or write to the Civil Rights Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 955 L’Enfant Plaza North, SW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC, 20024-2135.

A. Program Description A1. What is this grant program?

Native Hawaiian grants are competitive grants available to carry out activities, described in 20 U.S.C. 9141, that enhance existing library services or implement new library services.

A2. What are indicators of successful projects?

Successful Native Hawaiian grant projects should result in measurable changes and outcomes, such as increased understanding, interest, and confidence among participants. Successful Native Hawaiian grant projects support the activities described in 20 U.S.C. 9141, for example:

mailto:CivilRights@imls.gov

• support for individuals’ needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills;

• improvement of the quality of and access to library and information services; and

• enhancement of the skills of the current library workforce and leadership.

Successful Native Hawaiian grant projects will align with one of three project categories:

Preservation and Revitalization; Educational Programming; or Digital Services. (See Section A4) below for more information about categories).

A3. What are the IMLS agency-level goals?

The mission of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. We provide leadership through research, policy development, and grant making.

U.S. museums and libraries are at the forefront in the movement to inform and empower individuals and communities. As stewards of cultural and natural heritage with rich, authentic content, libraries and museums provide learning experiences for everyone. In FY2018-2022, each award under this initiative will support one of the following three goals and an associated objective from the IMLS Strategic Plan, Transforming Communities:

• Promote Lifelong Learning: IMLS supports learning and literacy for people of all ages through museums and libraries.

o Early, digital, information, health, financial, media, civic, and other literacies o Cross-disciplinary and inquiry-based learning methods o Continuous learning for families and individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs o Distinctive role of museums and libraries as trusted sources of information

• Build Capacity: IMLS strengthens the capacity of museums and libraries to improve the well-being of their communities.

o Recruitment, training, and development of library and museum workforces o Sharing and adoption of best practices and innovations o Identification of trends to help organizations make informed decisions o Serve as trusted spaces for community engagement and dialog

• Increase Public Access: IMLS makes strategic investments that increase access to information, ideas, and networks through libraries and museums.

o Support for stewardship of museum and library collections o Tools, technology, and training enabling discovery and use of collections and resources by all https://www.imls.gov/about-us/strategic-plan https://www.imls.gov/about-us/strategic-plan o Policies and partnerships to address access barriers to collections, programs, and information o Increased access to knowledge through effective communications

The goals focus on achieving positive public outcomes for communities and individuals;

supporting the unique role of museums and libraries in preserving and providing access to collections and content; and promoting library, museum, and information service policies that ensure access to information for all Americans.

IMLS places importance on diversity and inclusion. This may be reflected in a project in a wide range of ways, including efforts to serve: individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; individuals with disabilities; individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; individuals having difficulty using a library or museum; and underserved urban and rural communities, including children from families with incomes below the poverty line. This may also be reflected in efforts to recruit future professionals in the library or museum fields as well as strategies in building or enhancing access to collections and information.

A4. What are the project categories?

Native Hawaiian grant awards are up to $150,000, subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion. As noted in Section A2, Native Hawaiian grant projects should support the activities described in 20 U.S.C. 9141 and successful proposals will align with one of three project categories:

Preservation and Revitalization

Preservation and Revitalization projects focus on the preservation and revitalization of Native Hawaiian language and culture through use of efficient and effective strategies and incorporation of strategic partnerships. Activities include preservation of content of unique and specific value to the community, following established best practices and standards.

Educational Programming

Educational Programming projects include programs for library patrons and community-based users related to a specific topic or content area through development, implementation and evaluation of classes, events, tools, resources, and/or other services. Emphasis should be placed on the needs of learners and appropriate teaching and facilitation approaches and curriculum development.

Digital Services

Digital Services projects feature activities dedicated to the establishment and refinement of digital services and programs related to infrastructure, platforms, and technology, in general.

Proposals for digitization projects should include plans for preservation of and access to the resulting digital objects and/or implementing digital library tools to provide services to Native Hawaiian communities.

You should state your selected project category in both your proposal abstract and narrative.

Projects that primarily consist of research (as defined in 2 C.F.R. §200.87) are not supported in this grant program.

A5. Where can I find additional examples of projects funded by this program?

Click here to search awarded grants by program, category, and/or key word.

A6. Where can I find the authorizing statute and regulations for this funding opportunity?

Statute: 20 U.S.C. § 9101 et seq.; in particular, § 9161 (Services for Native Americans) (see also §9141).

Regulations: 45 C.F.R. ch. XI and 2 C.F.R. ch. XXXI

Note: You are required to follow the IMLS regulations that are in effect at the time of the award.

Note: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) can be found at 2 C.F.R. pt. 200. With certain IMLS-specific additions, IMLS regulations at 2 C.F.R.

pt. 3187 formally adopt the 2 C.F.R. pt. 200 Uniform Guidance.

B. Federal Award Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this announcement

$550,000

Anticipated number of awards 3-4

Expected amounts of individual awards $10,000 - $150,000

Average amount of funding per award experienced in previous years

$148,520

Anticipated start dates for new awards Projects would begin on September 1, 2020.

Anticipated period of performance September 2020 – August 2022. Project activities may be carried out for up to two years.

https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded-grants

Type of assistance instrument Grant

The funding in the above Federal Award Information table is subject to the availability of funds and IMLS discretion. IMLS is not bound by any estimates in this announcement.

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

Contingent upon the availability of funds, the quality of applications, and IMLS discretion, IMLS may make additional awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants What are the eligibility requirements for this program?

Native Hawaiian Library Services grants are available to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians (as the term is defined in 20 U.S.C. § 7517). The term "Native Hawaiian" refers to an individual who is a citizen of the United States and a descendant of the aboriginal people who, before 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now comprises the State of Hawaii.

Note: Please consult Section D below to see if there is any documentation that must be submitted to support an eligibility determination (proof of private, nonprofit institution status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service). Please note that there are also funding restrictions that could affect the eligibility of a project; please consult Section D6 below for details.

C2. What are the cost-sharing requirements for this program?

Cost sharing is not required for this program. Click here for further information on cost sharing.

C3. Other Information C3a. How many applications can we submit under this announcement?

An applicant organization may submit only one Native Hawaiian grant per fiscal year under this announcement.

A grantee with an active Native Hawaiian grant may not apply for another Native Hawaiian grant that would have an overlapping period of performance with the active grant.

C3b. What if our organization fails to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of the application deadline?

IMLS will not review applications from ineligible applicants. We will notify you if your application will not be reviewed because your institution is determined to be ineligible.

C3c. What if our organization fails to meet an eligibility criterion at the time of award?

IMLS will not make awards to ineligible applicants. In order to receive an IMLS award, you must be eligible, be in compliance with applicable requirements, and be in good standing on all active IMLS awards.

D. Application and Submission Information D1. How can we find the application package?

This announcement contains all application materials needed to apply. Use one of the following identifiers to locate the application package in Grants.gov:

• CFDA No. 45.311, or

• Funding Opportunity Number: NAG-HAWAIIAN-FY20

D1a. Can we request an audio recording of this announcement?

Yes, call 202-653-4744 to request it.

D1b. Can we request a paper copy of this announcement?

Yes, call 202-653-4744 to request it.

Persons with hearing difficulty are welcome to use Teletype (TTY/TDD) 202-653-4614.

D2. What content and forms are required to make a complete application?

The Table of Application Components below will help you prepare a complete application. You will find links to more information and instructions for each application component in the table.

Applications missing any required documents or conditionally required documents from this list will be considered incomplete and will be rejected from further consideration. (See 2 C.F.R.

§3187.9).

D2a. Table of Application Components

Component Format File name to use

Required Documents Please see the guidance in Section D2c for more information.

The Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organizational Form

(SF-424S)

Grants.gov form n/a

IMLS Supplementary information Form (including Abstract)

Grants.gov form n/a

Organizational Profile (one page max.) PDF document Organizationalprofile.pdf

Narrative (eight pages max.) PDF document Narrative.pdf

Schedule of Completion (one page per year max.)

PDF document Scheduleofcompletion.pdf

IMLS Budget Form IMLS PDF form Budget.pdf

Budget Justification PDF document Budgetjustification.pdf

List of Key Project Staff and Consultants (one page max.)

PDF document Projectstaff.pdf

Resumes of Key Project Staff and Consultants Who Appear on the List Above (two pages each max.)

PDF document Resumes.pdf

Conditionally Required Documents Please see the guidance in Section D2d for more information.

Proof of Private, Nonprofit Status PDF document Proofnonprofit.pdf

Final Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

PDF document Indirectcostrate.pdf

Digital Product Form IMLS PDF form Digitalproduct.pdf

Supporting Documents Please see the guidance in Section D2e for more information.

Information that supplements the narrative and supports the project description provided in the application

PDF document Supportingdoc1.pdf Supportingdoc2.pdf Supportingdoc3.pdf

D2b. How should we format, name, and sequence the application components?

Document format: Aside from the SF-424S and the IMLS Supplementary Information Form (including Abstract), which are created in Grants.gov Workspace, all application components must be submitted as PDF documents. Please do not submit Word documents as your application will be rejected by Grants.gov.

Page limits: Note page limits listed in the table above. We will remove any pages over the limit, and we will not send them to reviewers as part of your application.

Naming convention: Use the naming conventions indicated in the table above. IMPORTANT:

You are limited to using the following characters in all attachment file names: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, underscore (_), hyphen (-), space, period. If you use any other characters when naming your attachment files, your application may be rejected.

Attachment order: In Grants.gov, attach all application components in the sequence listed in the table above. Use all available spaces in the “Attachments Form” first. Attach any additional application components using the “Other Attachment File(s)” boxes.

Complete applications: Use the table above as a checklist to ensure that you have created and attached all necessary application components.

D2c. Instructions for Required Documents

1. The Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organizational Form (SF-424S)

The SF-424S is part of the application package that you complete in the Grants.gov Workspace.

Click here for instructions on completing the SF-424S.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

2. IMLS Supplementary Information Form (including Abstract)

The IMLS Supplementary Information Form (including Abstract) is part of the application package that you complete in the Grants.gov Workspace.

Write the Abstract in a concise narrative format for experts as well as a general audience, and save it as a PDF. If your proposal is selected for funding, your application, including but not limited to the Abstract, may be published online, or otherwise shared, by IMLS. As such, it must not include any sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information. Address the following:

a. Who is the lead applicant and, if applicable, who are the formal collaborators?

b. What do you plan to accomplish and why?

c. What is the time frame for the project?

d. What community needs will the project address?

e. Who is the intended audience for the activities?

f. What are the specific project activities, goals, outcomes, results, and products?

g. If applicable to the project, what are the intended outcomes for audience members in terms of measurable changes in understanding, interest, and confidence?

h. Which of the project categories does your proposal align with? (Preservation and Revitalization, Educational Programming, or Digital Services. See Section A4.)

(Back to Table of Application Components)

3. Organizational Profile

Create a one-page Organizational Profile, addressing the following, and save it as a PDF.

• Your organization’s mission or statement of purpose, noting the source, approving body, and date of the official document in which it appears.

• Your service area (communities and/or audiences served, including size, demographic characteristics, and geographic area).

• A brief history of your organization, focusing on the unit that will be directly involved in carrying out the work.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

4. Narrative

Structure your Narrative according to the following outline, using the five section titles and addressing the questions beneath them. Address the sections of the Narrative separately and in the same order in which they are listed below. In each section, be mindful of the indicators of successful Native Hawaiian proposals; refer to Section A2 above for more information on indicators of successful projects.

• Limit the Narrative to eight single-spaced, numbered pages. We will remove any pages above the eight-page limit and we will not send them to reviewers as part of your application. Make sure your organization’s name appears at the top of each page. Use at least 0.5-inch margins on all sides and a font size of at least twelve points. Be certain that your Narrative clearly states how the project fits into your selected project category.

(Please consult Section A4 above for details).

• Use Supporting Documents to provide supplementary material. Please be advised that reviewers may also choose to visit your organization’s website, as listed on the SF-424S form provided with this application.

• If your proposed project is selected for funding, your Narrative may be published online.

As such, it must not include any sensitive or confidential information.

1. Statement of Need

Questions to Address Review Criteria

Who is your organization’s audience? Include information about population profile, location, economy, educational levels, languages, culture, and other characteristics that you consider important.

What specific need will be addressed through your project? Do other projects exist that help to answer their needs? How is what you are proposing different or building upon other work and best answering your audience’s needs?

Does the applicant demonstrate that it has identified an audience, through a formal or informal assessment of the audience’s needs, that the applicant is aware of similar projects completed by other institutions, and that it has developed a project and goals that best answer those needs?

Does the applicant address a specific need and how that need was assessed or determined?

What is the current role of the organization in the community and what library services does it provide (e.g., mission, goals, hours and days of operation, staffing, size and content of collection, number of registered patrons, circulation statistics, computer technology, Internet connectivity and access, public programs offered, etc.)?

Does the proposal provide enough information about the role of the organization and the library services it provides? If not, why not? (What is missing?)

What is the purpose of the proposed Native Hawaiian grant project as it relates to the specific need that you have identified? What specific audience(s) will the organization serve with this project (e.g., particular age groups, underserved community members, other types of target audience)?

Does the proposal include information about the purpose of the project and how it relates to an identified need as well as which specific audiences the project will serve with the project? Is the purpose timely and compelling? Why or why not?

What type of assessment was conducted to identify this need as a priority for the organization? Describe the results of the assessment, including baseline data that can be used to compare with final results to determine the project's success. Why do you consider your approach to be the best solution to meet the needs of the targeted audience?

Does the applicant provide enough information about any assessments that were conducted prior to identifying a need as a priority for the library? If not, what is missing? Do you think the approach proposed is the best solution to meet the needs of the targeted audience? Why or why not?

2. Project Design

What is your proposed work plan? What are your performance goals and objectives; specific project questions; and conceptual design and processes for your project (framed within the context of Section A1)?

Does the applicant have a clear work plan?

If not, why not? Are the performance goals and objectives, project questions, and conceptual design and processes well-articulated and framed within the context of Section A1? If not, why not? What is missing? What can be improved? Do any proposed project components or elements stand out as exemplary?

What are the activities required to implement the project? What are the roles and commitments of partnering organizations, if applicable?

Are the activities described appropriate for addressing the stated need? Why or why not? Are the appropriate partners involved?

If not, who is missing or should be included? Overall, do you feel that the project features efficient, effective, and reasonable approaches to accomplish its goals and objectives?

Did you engage in any preliminary work or planning?

If the project or one closely related to it has been supported by IMLS or other funding agencies, what has been accomplished and to what degree has the project met its established goals? (List any print or electronic publications produced so far, with web addresses, information about or statistics on use, and other relevant information. Submit this list as a Supporting Document if necessary).

If applicable, does the description of preliminary work or planning provide sufficient grounding and/or justification for the proposed work? If not, why not? How does the proposed project relate (or not) to other funded work in the area of interest?

Is there any published or empirical work that should have been cited or referenced but was not? Is the project duplicative of past efforts or IMLS investment?

If applicable, what is your rationale for using any procedures that deviate from accepted practice? Will results be compatible with other resources that follow existing standards?

If applicable, are described rationales regarding deviation from accepted practice well-described and justifiable? Why or why not? Do you feel that the expected results will be compatible with other resources that follow existing standards?

Does your project include any digital content, resources, assets, software, or datasets? If so, be sure to fill out the Digital Product Form.

Examples of digital products include any data visualizations that are informing the project work, online materials (such as webpages about the project), and/or digital content products, or images.

Has the applicant included the Digital Product Form? If products such as digital collections or software tools will be generated by the project, is there evidence that the applicant has considered key technical details? If not, why not?

3. Impact

Questions to Address Review Criteria

What are the intended goals of the project that will guide your project to completion? (Goals are broad statements that should guide your design of programs, choice of projects, and management decisions). What results do you want to see at the end of the project period?

Are the project goals clearly described and achievable? Are the project results well articulated and appropriate? If not, why not?

What are the intended outcomes for participants?

(As noted previously, outcomes can include increased understanding, interest, and confidence among participants). How will the project specifically benefit the individuals or groups that you serve?

Are the project’s outcomes for participants clearly described and achievable? Are any potential benefits for individuals or groups well-described and appropriate? If not, why not?

How will you measure progress toward achieving your goals and outcomes? How do you know you will have reliable information upon which to judge impact or base actions? Are there any expected risks?

Does the applicant appear to have a solid plan for evaluating the project and measuring progress toward achieving project goals and outcomes? Is any information lacking or needed? Do the potential benefits of the proposed work outweigh any potential risks?

4. Communications Plan

What is your communications plan? For example, Who is your audience and how do you plan to reach them? How will you share results, products, models, findings, processes, benefits, and lessons learned from the project openly and effectively?

Is the communications plan, including descriptions of intended audiences, clear?

Is there evidence that results, products, models, findings, processes, benefits, and lessons learned from the project will be shared openly and effectively? Why or why not?

What are your plans for community building and/or audience engagement via discussion, involvement, collaboration, or adoption throughout the project lifecycle? For example, how will you seek and obtain feedback from various stakeholders?

Is there evidence of community building and/or audience engagement via discussion, involvement, collaboration, or adoption throughout the project lifecycle?

For example, is it clear the project team will seek and obtain feedback from various stakeholders? Why or why not?

Who is responsible for outreach, promotion, and dissemination?

Are communications-related roles and responsibilities clearly delineated?

What are your plans for creating supporting documentation of digitized collections, software, information systems, or other technology tools, if applicable?

Are any necessary plans for supporting documentation included, if applicable?

5. Sustainability

Questions to Address Review Criteria

How will you continue to support the project, its results, and/or new models that are created beyond the grant period? For example, will there be ongoing institutional and/or community support of project activities or products? Do you have demonstrated buyin from potential stakeholders?

What is the extent to which the project’s benefits will continue beyond the grant period? Does there appear to be a solid plan for continued support for project activities and products beyond the grant period? Is there demonstrated buy-in from potential stakeholders? Why or why not?

How will the project lead to systemic change within your community?

Do you believe the project will lead to systemic change within the community of interest based on the information provided?

Why or why not?

What are your plans for sustaining any digitized collections, software, and supporting documentation, information systems, and other technology tools?

Are plans for sustaining any digitized collections, software, and supporting documentation, information systems, and other technology tools sufficient? Why or why not?

(Back to Table of Application Components)

5. Schedule of Completion

The Schedule of Completion should reflect each major activity identified in your application Narrative and the project dates identified on the SF-424S and the IMLS Budget Form. It should show when each major project activity will start and end. The schedule must be no longer than one page per project year. See the sample Schedule of Completion below. Save and submit this document as a PDF.

If your proposal is selected for funding, your application, including but not limited to the Schedule of Completion, may be published online, or otherwise shared, by IMLS. As such, it must not include any sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

6. IMLS Budget Form

Download and complete the current IMLS Budget Form (PDF, 110 KB). Click here for instructions on completing the Budget Form. Java Script must be enabled in your web browser.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

7. Budget Justification

Write a budget justification to identify each expense and show the method of cost computation used to determine each dollar amount, including any that you may have consolidated and summarized on the IMLS Budget Form. Save this document as a PDF. Click here for detailed instructions.

Make sure the total dollar amount(s) on the IMLS Budget Form and in the Budget Justification equal the total dollar amount(s) on the Program Information Sheet.

Please include $2,000 in your budget for IMLS-directed travel each year.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

8. List of Key Project Staff and Consultants

Write a one-page list of only staff and consultants whose expertise is essential to the success of the project and save it as a PDF. Do not list all staff involved in the project. If you cannot identify key project staff by the application deadline, then list the position title instead. This list must include the Project Director listed in Item 7 of the SF-424S.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

9. Resumes of Key Project Staff and Consultants that Appear on the List Above

Provide a resume of no more than two pages for each individual identified on the List of Key Project Staff and Consultants. Save all the resumes in a single PDF. If you cannot identify key project staff by the application deadline, then provide a position description that identifies the qualities, range of experience, and education necessary to successfully implement and complete project activities.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

D2d. Conditionally Required Documents These are documents that may be required, depending upon the circumstances. Please see the table below.

Failure to provide a conditionally required document will result in your application’s being considered incomplete, and it may rejected from further consideration.

https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/budgetform.pdf

If you are: Then you must provide: Notes:

Applying as a private, nonprofit institution, as indicated by choosing “M” as the Applicant Type code in 5d of the SF-424s form

A copy of the IRS letter indicating your eligibility for nonprofit status under the applicable provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

You must submit this letter with each application whether or not you have submitted it with other applications in the current year or in previous years.

We will not accept a letter or State sales tax exemption as proof of nonprofit status.

An organization that primarily serves and represents Native Hawaiians

The organization’s charter documents, including the articles of incorporation and Either a copy of the IRS letter indicating that organization’s nonprofit status or an official document identifying the organization as a unit of state or local government or other tax-exempt multipurpose organization (if prepared specifically for this application, the certification must be on the parent organization’s letterhead and certified by an official of the parent organization).

You must submit these documents with each application whether or not you have submitted it with other applications in the current year or in previous years.

Using a federally negotiated indirect cost rate in your budget

A current copy of your Final Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

If you are eligible for and are choosing the option of claiming an indirect cost rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs (see 2 C.F.R. part 200, including 2 C.F.R. 200.68, 200.414(f), and 200.510(b)(6)), you do not need to provide any documentation.

Creating digital products

IMLS defines digital products very broadly (digital content, resources, assets, software, or datasets)

A completed IMLS Digital Product Form

If you are creating digital products, you must complete the Digital Product Form by providing for each section, the corresponding information, or stating “Not applicable for this project” in each respective section.

Click here for Guidance for projects that develop digital products.

(Back to Table of Application Components)

D2e. Supporting Documents You may submit a reasonable number of supporting documents that supplement your Narrative and support the project description. Supporting documents should help IMLS staff and reviewers envision your project in greater detail, but they should not be used to introduce new topics nor to continue answer the narrative questions. Give each document a clear, descriptive title at the top of the first page. You may wish to consider the following:

• Letters of commitment from any third party that will receive grant funds or from entities that will contribute substantive funds to the completion of project activities

• Letters of commitment from partners or other groups who will work closely with you on your project

• Bibliography or references relevant to your proposed project design or evaluation strategy

• Letters of support from relevant experts and stakeholders

• Position descriptions for project staff (if not included with resumes for key personnel) to be supported by grant funds

• Reports from planning activities

• Contractor quotes

• Equipment specifications

• Products or evaluations from previously completed or ongoing projects of a similar nature

• Collections, technology, or other departmental plans for the organization as applicable to the proposed project

• Web links to relevant online materials

• Needs assessments

(Back to Table of Application Components)

D3. What are the registration requirements for submitting an application?

Before submitting an application, your organization must have a current and active D-U-N-S® number (a unique entity identifier), System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration, and Grants.gov registration. Check your materials and registrations well in advance of the application deadline to ensure that they are accurate, current, and active.

If your D-U-N-S® number and SAM.gov registration are not active and current at the time of submission, your application will be rejected; if they are not active and current at the time an award is made, we may determine that you are not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

D3a. What is a D-U-N-S® number and how do we get one?

A D-U-N-S® number is a unique nine-digit number assigned to all types of business organizations, including nonprofits and government entities. Click here to learn more about getting a D-U-N-S® number.

D3b. What is the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and how do we register?

The System for Award Management (SAM) is a federal repository that centralizes information about grant applicants and recipients. There is no fee to register with SAM.gov.

Click here to learn more about SAM.gov registration.

D3c. What is Grants.gov and how do we register?

Grants.gov is the centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for Federal funding opportunities.

You must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting your application package. The multi-step registration process generally cannot be completed in a single day. If you are not already registered, you should allow several weeks before the grant program deadline to complete this one-time process. Do not wait until the day of the application deadline to register.

You will need your Grants.gov user ID and password that you obtain during the registration process to submit your application when it is complete.”

Click here to learn more about Grants.gov registration and tips for using Grants.gov.

D4. When and how must we submit our application?

You must submit your application through Grants.gov. Do not submit through email to IMLS.

For the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants Program, Grants.gov will accept applications through 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on May 1, 2020.

We strongly recommend that you obtain a D-U-N-S® number, register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and complete and submit the application early. We make grants only to eligible applicants that submit complete applications, including attachments, through Grants.gov, on or before the deadline, as indicated by the date stamp generated by Grants.gov.

Contact Grants.gov or call their help line at 1-800-518-4726 for technical assistance. The help line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for federal holidays.

D4a. What happens after we submit our application through Grants.gov?

Grants.gov will generate a series of emails. You can check the status of your application(s) in Grants.gov by using the “Track My Application” feature. For further details, please consult Grants.gov.

D5. Is there an intergovernmental review?

No. This funding opportunity is not subject to intergovernmental review per Exec. Order No.

12372.

D6. Are there funding restrictions?

You may only use IMLS funds, and your cost sharing, for allowable costs as found in IMLS and OMB government-wide cost-principle rules. Please consult 2 C.F.R. pt. 200 and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3187 for additional guidance on allowable costs.

The following list includes some examples of generally allowable costs, both for IMLS funds and for cost share (if applicable), under this announcement:

• personnel salaries, wages, and fringe benefits

• travel expenses for key project staff and consultants

• materials, supplies, software, and equipment related directly to project activities

• equipment to improve collections storage and exhibit environments

• third-party costs

• publication design and printing

• staff and volunteer training

• internships/fellowships

• indirect or overhead costs

You must explain all proposed expenses in your Budget Justification.

The following list includes some examples of unallowable costs, both for IMLS funds and for cost share (if applicable), under this announcement:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html

• general fundraising costs, such as development office staff or other staff time devoted to general fundraising

• contributions to endowments

• general operating support

• acquisition of collections (see 2 C.F.R. §3187.15(b))

• general advertising or public relations costs designed solely for promotional activities other than those related to the specific project

• construction or renovation of facilities (generally, any activity involving the construction trades is not an allowable cost)

• social activities, ceremonies, receptions, or entertainment

• research projects (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.87)

• pre-award costs

Note: If you have questions about whether specific activities are allowable, call IMLS staff for guidance.

D6a. How do we include costs for third parties?

Your project may require you to provide federal funds to third parties (such as partners, consultants, collaborators, subgrantees, subawardees, vendors, and/or service providers). It is your responsibility to determine whether a third party should be characterized as a subrecipient or a contractor. The characterization must be reflected in the terms of each agreement you make with each third party.

(See 2 C.F.R. § 200.330 (Subrecipient and contractor determinations).) IMLS grant funds may not be provided to any federal agency serving as a third party.

D6b. What are our options for including indirect costs in our budget?

You can choose to:

• use a rate not to exceed your current indirect cost rate already negotiated with a federal agency;

• use an indirect cost rate proposed to a federal agency for negotiation, but not yet finalized, as long as it is finalized by the time of the award;

• use a rate not to exceed 10% of the total modified direct costs if you have never had a federally negotiated indirect cost rate and you are otherwise eligible; or

• not include any indirect costs.

Click here for further information on indirect costs.

E. Application Review Information E1. What are the review criteria?

Reviewers are instructed to evaluate applications according to the review criteria included within the Narrative instructions in Section D2 of this document. Reviewers consider all required and conditionally required documents, and supporting documentation, as listed in Section D2.

E1a. Is cost sharing considered in the review process?

Cost sharing is not required for this program and is not considered in the review of applications.

Click here for further information on cost sharing.

E2. What is the review and selection process?

We use a peer review process to evaluate all eligible and complete applications. Reviewers are professionals in the field with relevant knowledge and expertise in the types of project activities identified in the applications. We instruct reviewers to evaluate applications according to the review criteria. Reviewer conflicts of interest are identified prior to review, and reviewers who may have conflicts with particular applications are reassigned to review other applications.

The Director takes into account the input provided by the review process and makes final funding decisions consistent with the purposes of the agency’s mission and programs.

E3. What is the designated integrity and performance system and how does IMLS comply with its requirements?

IMLS, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $150,000 but periodically adjusted), is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313).

An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.

IMLS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, 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 as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.205 (Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants).

E4. When will we be notified of funding decisions?

We will not release information about the status of an application until the applications have been reviewed and all deliberations are concluded. We expect to notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants of the final decisions before or by August 2020.

F. Award Administration Information F1. How will we be notified of funding decisions?

We will notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants of funding decisions by email.

For applicants who receive awards, the award packet will be sent to the Project Director, Primary Contact/Grants Administrator, and Authorized Representative/Authorizing Official (as identified on the SF-424S). The award packet will contain the following:

• Cover letter;

• Official Award Notification for Grants and Cooperative Agreements (the authorizing document for the award);

• links to the General Terms and Conditions for IMLS Discretionary Grant and Cooperative

Agreement Awards, reporting forms, and the Grantee Communications Kit; and

• Reviewer comments.

Your period of performance will be included on your Official Award Notification for Grants and Cooperative Agreements. The award period of performance would begin on September 1, 2020 and end no later than August 31, 2022.

For applicants who do not receive awards, the Project Director, Primary Contact/Grants Administrator, and Authorized Representative/Authorizing Official (as identified on the SF-424S) will receive the following:

• cover letter; and

• reviewer comments.

F2. What are the administrative and national policy requirements?

Organizations that receive IMLS grants or cooperative agreements are subject to the IMLS General Terms and Conditions for IMLS Discretionary Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards and the IMLS Assurances and Certifications. Organizations that receive IMLS funding must be familiar with these requirements and comply with applicable law.

As an applicant for Federal funds, you must certify that you are responsible for complying with certain nondiscrimination, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplace, and lobbying laws.

These are set out in more detail, along with other requirements, in the IMLS Assurances and Certifications. By signing the application form, which includes the Assurances and Certifications, https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/gtc-after-october-012018.pdf https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/gtc-after-october-012018.pdf https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/gtc-after-october-012018.pdf you certify that you are in compliance with these requirements and that you will maintain records and submit any reports that are necessary to ensure compliance. Your failure to comply with these statutory and regulatory requirements may result in the suspension or termination of your award and require you to return funds to the government.

F3. What are the reporting requirements?

At a minimum, you will be required to submit a performance report and financial report annually.

Reports are due according to the reporting schedule that is part of your Official Award Notification for Grants and Cooperative Agreements. Grantees must submit reports electronically using the IMLS performance and financial report forms. In support of the agency’s commitment to open government, interim and final performance reports may be made accessible on the IMLS website to engage the public in communities of practice and to inform application development and grant making strategies.

For details and forms, please see the Manage Your Award: Grant Administration page on the IMLS website.

You must also comply with 2 C.F.R. §§ 180.335 and 180.350 and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3185 with respect to providing information regarding all debarment, suspension, and related offenses information, as applicable.

What do we need to know if the Federal share of our award is more than $500,000 over the period of performance?

If the Federal share of your award is more than $500,000 over the period of performance, you should refer to the post-award reporting requirements reflected in 2 C.F.R. pt. 200, Appendix XII

– Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

G. Contacts G1. Who should we contact if we have questions?

Click here for IMLS staff contact information for this program. IMLS staff are available by phone and email to answer programmatic and administrative questions relating to this grant program.

Contact Grants.gov or call their help line at 1-800-518-4726 for assistance with hardware and software issues, registration issues, and technical problems.

G2. How can we participate in a webinar for this IMLS funding opportunity?

Program staff host webinars to introduce potential applicants to funding opportunities. Click here for a schedule of webinars and instructions for accessing them from your computer.

https://www.imls.gov/grants/manage-your-award https://www.imls.gov/grants/manage-your-award https://www.imls.gov/grants/manage-your-award https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/native-hawaiian-library-services http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.imls.gov/webinars https://www.imls.gov/webinars https://www.imls.gov/news-events/webinars

H. Other Information H1. What do we need to know about acknowledging IMLS support?

Grantees must include an acknowledgement of IMLS support in all grant products, publications, websites, and presentations developed with IMLS funding. All work products should reference IMLS and include the associated grant award numbers. Click here for the Grantee Communications Kit, which provides guidance for fulfilling these requirements.

H2. What should we do if we are including confidential or proprietary information in our application?

IMLS may share grant applications, work products, and reports with grantees, potential grantees, and the general public to further the mission of the agency and the development of museum, library, and information services. These materials may be disseminated broadly and made available in a variety of ways and formats.

For the above reasons, you should not include in your application any information that you consider to be confidential or proprietary. However, if you do decide to provide information that you consider confidential or proprietary, you must clearly identify it as such. IMLS will handle confidential and proprietary information in accordance with applicable law (e.g., Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] and Privacy Act).

H3. What do we need to know about sharing and copyright of IMLS- supported work products and managing digital products?

Read more about sharing and copyright of IMLS-supported work products and management of digital products (including research data and other digital content) produced with IMLS support.

H4. What conflict of interest requirements must we follow?

As a non-federal entity, you must follow IMLS conflict of interest policies for federal awards.

Click here for more information about IMLS conflict of interest requirements.

H5. Where else can we find additional information about IMLS?

You can check the IMLS website for information on…