Foa_Content_of_F21AS00196.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Ecological Services http://www.fws.gov/newengland

Common Loon Restoration Fiscal Year: 2021

F21AS00196

Due Date for Applications: 03/16/2021

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100, Expiration Date: 7/31/2021

We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program-specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

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 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) Program’s purpose is to restore natural resources and their services that have been injured by an oil discharge or hazardous substance release for the benefit of the American people.

NRDAR meets several of the Department of the Interior (DOI) Priorities and Key Initiatives for Financial Assistance. We work collaboratively with our natural resource co-trustees (select federal government agencies with natural resource trusteeship, as well as states, territories, and federally recognized tribes) to form a case (or site) specific Trustee Council (TC) and conduct damage assessment and restoration activities. These activities rely upon expanded lines of communication within the TC and collaboration between the TC and the general public to establish mutual interest. Specifically, NRDAR activities include working cooperatively with all members of the TC to: identify which natural resources and services have been injured, determine the extent of the injuries, recover damages from those responsible, and plan and carry out restoration activities to offset the injuries and lost services. As a part of the restoration planning, the TC is required to seek and consider public comment regarding proposed restoration actions and projects, furthering open lines of communication to stakeholders that aren’t on the TC and increasing mutual interest. Through the collaborative nature of the TC and the requirement to seek public input into restoration planning, all NRDAR activities meet two DOI Priorities: 3(b) expand the lines of communication with governors, state natural resource offices, fish and wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, tribes, and local communities;

and 4(b) solidify mutual interests between the U.S. and the freely associated states and territories.

NRDAR damage assessment activities must use sound scientific and biological principles to adequately demonstrate injury to natural resources and their services, and to determine the extent of the injury. Similarly, restoration activities must also use sound scientific and biological principles to ensure restoration or management of an injured natural resource(s) or lost service(s) will be successful. Thus, both damage assessment and restoration activities that may be conducted under this Notice of Funding Opportunity meet DOI Priority 1(a): utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment.

NRDAR restoration activities create jobs and support local economies (DOI Priority 5c and a Key Initiative). A 2016 USGS study analyzed the economic benefits from restoration projects, including NRDAR specific projects. The study found for every $1 million invested in ecosystem restoration, between 13 and 32 job-years and $2.2 to $3.4 million in total economic output are contributed to the U.S. economy.

Applicants receiving funds under this Notice of Funding Opportunity may also support DOI priority 1(e): foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

Legal authorities: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601, et seq.); the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) (33 U.S.C. §§ 2701, et seq.); the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251, et seq.); the case consent decree (United States of America v. Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc., Tug Evening Tide Corporation, and B. No. 120 Corporation, Case No. 17-cv-12046, January 24, 2018, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts); and the Final Restoration Plan for Common Loon and Other Birds (http://www.fws.gov/newengland).

15.658

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Restoration funds ($7.3 million) were recovered through a natural resource damages settlement with Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc; to compensate for common loon injured by the Bouchard Barge 120 Oil Spill in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Natural Resource Trustees (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and State of Rhode Island) prepared a publically reviewed Final Restoration Plan for Common Loon and Other Birds (Restoration Plan) that identified the Trustees approach for restoration (http://www.fws.gov/newengland). As authorized in the Restoration Plan, the Trustees selected two alternatives to restore common loon; 1) Common Loon Restoration through Translocation and Captive Rearing (COLO-1) and 2) Common Loon Restoration through Artificial Nest Sites, Signage and Wardening, Protection of Breeding Habitat, and Reducing Common Loon Mortality through Rescue and Rehabilitation of Stranded Individuals and Decreasing Exposure to Lead Fishing Tackle (COLO-2).

Specifically, in this request for proposals, the Service, on behalf of the Trustees, seeks restoration proposals in New York and New England that include one or more of the following activities, as fully described in the Restoration Plan under COLO-2, and summarized below:

1. Deployment of artificial nest sites to increase common loon productivity;

2. Nest site management, including signs and wardening to increase common loon productivity and survival;

3. Rescue and rehabilitation of stranded birds to reduce individual common loon mortality;

4. Efforts to reduce common loon exposure to, and potential mortality from lead tackle through lead tackle exchange programs and public outreach; and

5. Protection of common loon breeding habitat through shoreline land protection efforts.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 3,685,500

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $ 1,000,000 Minimum Award $ 50,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding $ 3,685,500 Expected Award Date May 15, 2021

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards 7 - 10 awards are anticipated

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be substantially involved in projects under this funding opportunity. In particular, the Service will be responsible for the following: 1) provide guidance and technical assistance in the development of project design, methods and approach,

2) assist with identification of project site locations and approve selected sites, 3) coordinate review and approval of project approach with the other Natural Resource Trustees, 4) monitor and assist with oversight of project implementation through periodic site visits and meetings, 5) review progress to determine if methods or approach should be changed or refined, 6) collaborate and assist with public outreach regarding the restoration efforts.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) 99 – Unrestricted (i.e. open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility

This opportunity is also open to Federal government applicants.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

C3. Other As identified in the Restoration Plan, projects must be implemented within the boundaries of New York or New England.

Projects must also meet the eligibility criteria listed in the Restoration Plan:

1. Demonstrates a significant resource or spatial nexus to the restoration, rehabilitation, replacement, and/or acquisition of the equivalent of the injured natural resources;

2. In terms of cost, does not overburden the ability of the Trustees to expend funds in a manner that accomplishes Trustee restoration goals for the injury restoration, and/or allows the Trustees to select project(s) that serve as broad a geographic area affected by the Spill as possible, and benefits the restoration of the injured natural resources;

3. Provides measurable results. A project must deliver tangible and specific natural resource restoration results that are identifiable and measurable, and will be capable of being assessed and evaluated using quantitative methods, so that changes to the targeted resource and/or resource use can be documented and evaluated;

4. Ensures protection of human health and safety, and/or is not prohibited by Federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or policies addressing public health and safety;

5. Is not subject to an independent, prior obligation to perform the action or activity pursuant to statute, regulation, ordinance, consent decree, judgment, court order, permit condition, memorandum of agreement, or contract. The project must not otherwise be required by Federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to enforcement actions or regulatory compensatory mitigation requirements; and

6. Is consistent with, or will not be negatively impacted by, any future remediation activities, nor would the project adversely affect any ongoing or anticipated remedial actions in the resource injury area.

Foreign Entities or Projects:

This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

Excluded Parties: FWS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Bureau 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.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package Applicants are encouraged to review the Final Restoration Plan for Common Loon and Other Birds to learn more about the project eligibility and evaluation criteria (http://www.fws.gov/newengland) Contact Molly Sperduto at 70 Commercial Street, Suite 300 Concord, NH 03301, phone: (603) 333-5428, or email: molly_sperduto@fws.gov if you would like to obtain a paper copy of the Restoration Plan.

Program Website Link

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may own or operate and any entity waived from the SAM.gov registration requirements by the funding bureau or office must submit the signed and dated SF-424B, Assurances for Non- Construction Programs form. The SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Project Summary

Provide a one page summary of the proposed project that identifies the project location, outlines goals, objectives, and expected outcomes, demonstrates a need for the project based on past data, and describes the performance monitoring approach and total budget. The summary must be suitable for public release on the Service website.

Project Narrative http://www.fws.gov/newengland).%20Please mailto:sperduto@fws.gov

The project narrative must not exceed five (5) pages in length. It should include the following:

Project title;

Details and supporting documentation on the project location;

Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project;

Statement of need, including a description of baseline productivity data, if known;

Goals and objectives;

Activities and expected outcomes;

Methods;

Timetable or milestones;

Information to support environmental compliance review requirements (including information to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act;

Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement (for property acquisition, documentation to support the landowners willingness to sell);

Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, including description of assessment tools to be used;

Information on key project personnel including qualifications;

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.

For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding.

In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

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)”. 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. These forms may be found on https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html

Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any 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 about:blank the project. For in-kind contributions, include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR 200.306 “Cost sharing or matching” for more information.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure 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 part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 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.

(e) 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 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

Single Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, 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. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1112&rgn=div8 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx 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.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR 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.

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 regards 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 regards 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 regards 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 individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award 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 that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number

Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)

Register on the SAM.gov website. “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM page also provides detailed instructions. You can also 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 to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 03/16/2021 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions Awards under this grant may allow reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs.

Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she 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.

Individuals are not required to submit any of the following statements regarding indirect costs.

Indirect Costs: Organizations 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 is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center 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 must have prior written approval from the Service to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted with Application All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Attached is a copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification.

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We have prepared and will retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation.

A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. 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.

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in §2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point 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.

A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that Service approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1bfd0da1190f850482e94794cca23a5d&mc=true&node=20190830y1.1 understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Completed applications may be submitted by mail, by email, or electronically through Grants.gov and/or GrantSolutions.gov. Please select ONE of the submission options:

To submit an application by email: (please use this option only if you have technical issues with Grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov) Format all your documents to print on Letter size (8 ½” x 11”) paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Scanned documents should be scanned in Letter format, as black and white images only. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format. E-mail your application to Fish and Wildlife Species Contact(s) identified in Section G1 below.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization’s authorized official. The Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text “Completed by Grants.gov upon submission” or “Completed on submission to Grants.gov.” Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

To submit an application by mail:

Number all pages of your printed application. Mail one, single-sided, unbound copy (do not staple or otherwise permanently bind pages) of your complete application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity. If the option to apply by mail is chosen, the tracking number should be emailed to the Fish and Wildlife Species Contact(s) identified in G1 below. The postmark date should not be after the due date of this announcement. Please send the application to the following address: USFWS, 70 Commercial Street, Suite 300, Concord, NH 03301.

To submit an application through Grants.gov:

This program encourages applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov. Follow these steps to apply through Grants.gov.

1. Register with Grants.gov Applicants must first register an account with Grants.gov and complete all steps of the registration process before they can apply through Grants.gov. Grants.gov registration requires the entity to create an account, create an account profile, and establish authorized profile roles, including the applicant’s authorized representative. Registration can take three to five business days or longer, if you do not complete the required steps in a timely manner.

2. Grants.gov Workspace Application

Grants.gov applicants apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement, you can create individual instances of a workspace. To apply, the applicant will create, complete, and submit a Workspace application package for this Funding Opportunity directly on Grants.gov. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to allow time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

When attaching files to the Grants.gov application, please do not assign file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. File names longer than 20 characters will prevent your application received by Grants.gov from automatically downloading into the Service’s financial assistance management system. Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that the transmission of the application to Grants.gov takes time. Grants.gov sends either an error message or a “successfully received” message by email to the applicant’s authorized representative once the transmission is complete. Please do not end the transmission process before receiving that message.

3. Proof of Timely Submission Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as your proof of timely submission.

To submit an application through GrantSolutions.gov:

1. Register with GrantSolutions.gov Applicants must first register an account with GrantSolutions.gov and complete all steps of the registration process before they can apply through GrantSolutions.gov. Please follow this link to obtain the GrantSolutions self-registration instructions.

2. Login

• Navigate to GrantSolutions by going to www.grantsolutions.gov

• Select the LOGIN button

• Log in with your applicant/recipient account and search this announcement through the "funding opportunity" tab on the website.

3. GrantSolutions help and user-guide.

For recipient GrantSolutions user reference & training please use the following links:

• GrantSolutions website - recipient training video series

• FWS recipient GrantSolutions user accounts & training website

4. Proof of Timely Submission GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic application number, date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt.

E. Application Review Information http://www.grantsolutions.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Quick-Sheet-Grantee-Request-Process.pdf http://www.grantsolutions.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-training-videos/ https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-FF09W00000/SitePages/GrantSolutions-Recipient-User-Accounts.aspx

E1. Criteria Relevance and Applicability of the Proposal to Restoration Objectives Maximum Points: 100

As described in the Restoration Plan, proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Nexus to injury (species), specifically the extent to which the project is expected to benefit common loon:

o Number of common loon (or pairs) likely to benefit;

o Expected effects of project proposal on common loon productivity and adult survival;

o Site location (must be located within New England or New York);

o Habitat area and quality;

o Performance monitoring protocols, including availability of existing baseline information.

Project implementation readiness Technical feasibility/likelihood of project success Sustainability of resource benefits Cost/cost effectiveness Impact avoidance or minimization Level of funding and resources needed for project implementation Community involvement

Cost sharing is not required; however, to the extent that it increases project cost effectiveness it will be considered. In-kind costs, as well as contributions from other sources can be considered.

E2. Review and Selection Process Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program may not make a Federal award 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 Bureau is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied to the award.

A panel of Service and other Federal and State Agency representatives will review the proposals and recommend proposals to the Service for funding. Project rank will be based upon the merits of the proposals and how closely the project meets the evaluation criteria. While not a requirement, the use of matching funds and partnerships to augment project resources is encouraged, and will be considered in the ranking process. Due to limited funding, the final funding amount and specific scope of work for selected proposals may be negotiated between the applicant and the Service. Applicants whose proposals are accepted with revisions, will have to submit revised SF-424 forms and narratives prior to award. Programs must make awards based on final, approved applications that parallel their awards in scope and funding amount.

All applicants will be notified of the final disposition of their proposals within 90 days of the application deadline.

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information See the Service’s General Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards. The Service will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates Awards are expected to be announced within 60 days of the application deadline. Funds are anticipated to be obligated by May 1, 2021.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the form of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail. If e-mail notification is unsuccessful, the documents will be sent by courier mail (e.g., FedEx, DHL or https://www.fws.gov/grants/index.html

UPS). Award recipients are not required to sign/return the Notice of Award document.

Acceptance of an award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Service and Department when required. The notice of award document will include instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit payment requests.

Awards will be announced via letters sent directly to the applicants; we will strive to notify applicants of awards within 90 days after the close of the submission period. No work may begin on a project until the appropriate legal contracting or procurement documents, and the required environmental compliance documents, have been signed by the authorized Service official.

Unsuccessful applicants with be notified either by letter, fax, email or by telephone.

The Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Office of Management and Budget have established requirements concerning Federal financial assistance. This includes established principles for determining which costs are allowable or eligible based on the type of applicant (see table below). Your project proposal must comply with these requirements. Funding award documents will be used to implement selected projects. A project begins on the effective date of the grant award document between you and an authorized representative of the U.S. Government and ends on the date specified in the award document.

Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the Notice of Award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. Recipient acceptance of a Federal award from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with all terms and conditions applicable to the award. Recipients indicate their acceptance of the Federal award by starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

Transmittal of Sensitive Data: Recipients are responsible for ensuring any sensitive data being sent to the Service is protected during its transmission/delivery. The Service strongly recommends that recipients use the most secure transmission/delivery method available. The Service recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing; encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email followed by the password in a second email; or emailing a zipped/compressed file attachment. The Service strongly encourages recipients sending sensitive data in paper copy to use a courier mail service.

Recipients may also contact their Service Project Officer and provide any sensitive data over the telephone.

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards.

Data Availability Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315:

https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions…