4.222.26 Foa_Content_of_F26AS00013.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00013_FY 2026 Clean Vessel Act (CVA)_Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00013

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00013

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.616

Estimated Total Program Funding: $15,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 34

Award Ceiling: $1,500,000

Award Floor: $0

Eligible applicants in Coastal States may apply for up to $3,000,000 in Federal funding, with $1,500,000 for coastal activities and $1,500,000 for inland activities. Eligible applicants in Inland States may apply for up to $1,500,000 in Federal funding. More information on Coastal and Inland States is provided in this announcement. The Federal portion of a CVA award typically ranges from $30,000 to $1,500,000 and averages approximately $500,000.

The Service will aim to notify applicants selected for an award by January 2027. Please note that Service financial assistance procedures have changed, which may impact the timing of these notifications.

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date. Applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions or Grants.gov. The Service recommends submittal early enough to address any unforeseen technical complications. The Service will not consider applications received after the due date.

Revision and resubmission of an application is allowable until the closing date and time identified in this Notice. Applicants requesting assistance with an application are encouraged to contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment at least four weeks prior to the due date.

Technical assistance with applications is contingent upon availability of staff and is not guaranteed.

The Service must verify that an applicant has submitted sufficient compliance and permitting information when applicable. If a project is expected to require documentation to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, or other laws or regulations, the Service recommends prompt submittal of any necessary information to the Regional Office of Conservation Investment as soon as possible after notification of selection for an award.

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

National Program Contact:

Nick Popoff Email: nicholas_popoff@fws.gov Phone: 413-362-9067 https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100

Regional Program Contacts:

Region 1

American Samoa: Chris Cegelski, Christine_Cegelski@fws.gov, 202-251-3943

Hawai'i: Chris Swenson, Chris_Swenson@fws.gov, 503-231-6758

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam: Ruth Utzurrum, Ruth_Utzurrum@fws.gov, 503-231-2083

Idaho, Oregon, and Washington: Lia McLaughlin, Lia_Mclaughlin@fws.gov, 503-724-8017

Region 2

Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas: Brian Hobbs, Brian_Hobbs@fws.gov, 505-526-

Region 3

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin: Lily Smalstig, Lily_Smalstig@fws.gov, 651-391-0019

Region 4

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the United States Virgin Islands:

Scott Meister, Howard_Meister@fws.gov, 678-920-4680

Region 5

Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia: Garrett White, Garrett_White@fws.gov, 413-253-6575

Region 6

Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming: Kayla Barrett, Kayla_Barrett@fws.gov, 303-236-4375

Region 7

Alaska: Cary Myler, Cary_Myler@fws.gov, 907-351-7989

Region 8

California and Nevada: Julie Hana, Julie_Hana@fws.gov, 916-414-6507

Executive Summary The Clean Vessel Act Grant Program (CVA) provides cost sharing awards to designated agencies of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to provide recreational boaters with facilities to prevent waste disposal into public waterways and improve recreational boating opportunities. Funding for CVA comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and is authorized by the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 (33 U.S.C. § 1322 Note) and the Dingell-https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title33/html/USCODE-2011-title33-chap26-subchapIII-sec1322.htm

Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. § 777 et seq.), as amended. More information is available at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's CVA Home Page.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible applicants are the governor-designated agencies of the United States, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the mayor-designated agency of the District of Columbia (hereafter, applicants). Third parties such as privately owned and operated marinas may partner with a recipient to receive funding through a subaward at the recipient's discretion but are not eligible to directly receive an award. Marina owners or managers or other third-party representatives may contact the recipient for information on partnership opportunities. For more information, contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment (see Regional Program Contacts in this Notice under “Basic Information”).

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes For awards made to applicants in the continental States, Hawai'i, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the Federal share may not exceed 75 percent of the total project cost. The total project cost includes the requested Federal funds plus the required 25 percent matching share and any additional voluntary committed cost sharing identified in the application, including third party contributions. In accordance with 48 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1469(a), Amendment of Subsection (d), Service Regional Directors shall waive this cost sharing requirement for the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The applicant must provide detailed information about cost sharing identified in an application.

Cost sharing requirements are provided in the CVA regulations at 50 CFR 85.40, and in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR 200.1 and 2 CFR 200.306. For proposed cost sharing to be allowable, it must meet all the criteria in 2 CFR 200.306(b).

The cost sharing requirement may be met with contributions from a third party. A third party is any individual or organization other than the applicant, such as a partner, contractor, or subrecipient. The recipient is responsible for all cost sharing identified in the application, including any amount provided by one or more third parties.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/chapter10B&edition=prelim https://www.fws.gov/program/clean-vessel-act https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/section-85.40 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.306#p-200.306(b)

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

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

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Congress authorized the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program to provide cost sharing awards to designated agencies of the States, Territories, Commonwealths, and the District of Columbia for the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities for recreational vessels. The goal of the program is to provide adequate recreational boater pumpout and waste disposal facilities where recreational vessels normally operate. Outputs are measured in the number of these facilities that are annually constructed, renovated, operated, and maintained for recreational vessels and their users.

Program Description Recreational boating is a popular activity in the United States. There are approximately 11 million registered recreational boats in the U.S., and each year over 140 million people engage in water-based recreational activities such as fishing, cruising, and spending time with family and friends on the water. Many recreational boats are equipped with on-board toilets and wastewater holding tanks, known as Marine Sanitation Devices. Proper disposal of sewage from these devices helps protect the country’s drinking water supplies and vital aquatic ecosystems.

The Clean Vessel Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-587, Title F; 33 U.S.C. §1322 Note) established the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program (CVA) to provide funding to designated agencies of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Islands, and the Territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These agencies use CVA funding to help provide boaters with facilities that prevent waste disposal in public waterways, and to provide information and education to the boating public.

The Office of Conservation Investment, a division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), implements CVA with revenues from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund as authorized by the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. §777 et seq., as amended). Four percent of the Trust Fund revenue is divided between CVA and the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program each fiscal year. The CVA regulations provide requirements for implementing and participating in the program (50 CFR 85).

Eligible activities include:

1. Education and information activities to inform recreational boaters about the environmental pollution problems resulting from sewage discharges from vessels and to inform them of the locations of pumpout and dump stations.

2. Construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations, including floating restrooms in the water that are not connected to land or structures connected to the land and are used solely by boaters. This includes any activity necessary to hold and transport sewage to sewage treatment plants, such as holding tanks, piping, haulage costs, and any activity necessary to ensure a sewage treatment plant accepts sewage from a CVA-supported facility, such as installing bleed-in facilities.

3. Administration and coordination of a state-level CVA program.

Ineligible activities include:

1. Activities that do not provide public benefits.

2. Law Enforcement activities.

3. Construction or renovation of upland restroom facilities.

4. Construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of onsite sewage treatment plants, such as package treatment plants and septic systems, and of municipal sewage treatment plants for primary and secondary treatment.

Since its inception, CVA has helped provide over 6,000 pumpout facilities, dump stations, and associated services to recreational boaters throughout the United States. Through the collaborative efforts of State agencies, partnering marinas, and the Service, millions of gallons of sewage are diverted from the Nation's waterways each year.

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

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q1: Is an inspection or monitoring program to ensure pumpout facilities installed with CVA funds are in working order an eligible activity?

A: Yes, if the program does not include law enforcement activities.

Q2: Is creating and/or revising a Coastal State’s plan an eligible activity?

https://www.fws.gov/law/federal-aid-sport-fish-restoration-act-1950 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/chapter10B&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/part-85 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famerica250.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cpaul_vanryzin%40fws.gov%7C1d602abd97c842021d1e08ddc2e33940%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638881003351954909%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bQ5yhX1yM64mhpfxI6qvlI3urJu9juiOoly1XFSRwAk%3D&reserved=0

A: Yes. An applicant in a Coastal State may apply for and receive an award to create and/or revise their State plan in accordance with the Technical Guidance. Note that recipients in Inland States may not receive funding to create and/or revise their State Plan per the Clean Vessel Act of 1992.

Q3: Which cost categories should be included in the project budget?

A: Include the following categories broken out by cooperator and project location/facility, as applicable. You may include other categories of eligible costs that support project activities.

Ineligible costs may disqualify your application.

1. Personnel services including compensation for salaries and fringe benefits;

2. Contracts for services;

3. Travel;

4. Equipment, supplies, and construction costs;

5. Educational program costs;

6. Operation and/or maintenance costs; and

7. Indirect costs.

Q4: How long must a pumpout facility or dump station constructed with CVA funds be maintained?

A: Recipients are responsible for maintaining the pumpout facility or dump station for the period identified in the grant agreement.

Q5: Are operations and maintenance activities eligible?

A: Yes, operations and maintenance activities and associated costs are eligible. They can be either for a specific location or for a State-wide CVA operations and maintenance program.

Q6: May I charge more than $5 as a usage fee for each pumpout or dump station?

A: While the Service encourages recipients and their partners to consider providing pumpout and dump services at no cost, the maximum charge per use is $5.00 (50 CFR 85.44). An applicant may provide a written request to increase the per-use charge above the $5.00 limit and if the Service approves the request a higher charge may be used. The facility operator must retain, account for, and use CVA-supported pumpout or dump usage revenue for operations and maintenance costs for the useful life of the facility. Note that this program-specific regulation has precedence over general program income regulations as it expressly directs how the fees are to be used during, and sometimes beyond, the period of performance.

Q7: Where can I get more information about CVA and applying for an award?

A: Contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment (see contacts in Basic Information above). An overview of the CVA program is available here. The program regulations are located at 50 CFR 85.

Q8: Are boats used for the primary purpose as a residence eligible as recreational vessels through CVA?

A: No, to qualify as a recreational vessel under CVA, the vessel must be: (a) manufactured for operation, or operated, primarily for pleasure; or (b) leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s pleasure (50 CFR 85.11).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/section-85.44 https://www.fws.gov/program/clean-vessel-act https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-85 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/part-85#p-85.11(Recreational%20vessel)

Q9: Are commercial vessels eligible as recreational vessels under CVA?

A: It depends on whether the vessel meets criteria to be considered a recreational vessel under CVA. To qualify as a recreational vessel, the vessel must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a) manufactured for operation, or operated, primarily for pleasure; or (b) leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s pleasure.

Q10: How long should the period of performance in a CVA award be?

A: The Service recommends a period of performance of no more than three years. A recipient may request an extension if more time is required. Contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment for information about requesting an extension.

Q11: What are the Coastal and Inland States?

Coastal States – A State of the United States in, or bordering on, the Atlantic, Pacific, or Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Long Island Sound, or any of the Great Lakes. The term includes Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Alaska is also considered a Coastal State.

Inland States - A State which is not a Coastal State as defined above. The District of Columbia and American Samoa are considered Inland States. American Samoa is defined as an Inland State because the ratio of number of recreational vessels to number of shoreline miles is less than one.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

All iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in a project must meet Buy America requirements unless this requirement is waived. For more information on these requirements, see the FWS Financial Assistance Wiki. If you need further guidance specific to products or materials you will use in your project, contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment.

A project may qualify, in whole or in part, for an existing Department of the Interior general applicability waiver from the Buy America requirements. If a project is selected for funding, recipients are responsible for determining if an approved waiver applies to their project. A list of active waivers is available on the Department’s General Applicability Waivers web page. For more information on the waiver process and how to request a waiver, see the Service’s General Award Terms and Conditions.

Legislative Authority The Clean Vessel Act of 1992, 33 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 1322 Note; and the Dingell- Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act, (16 U.S.C. § 777 et seq.), as amended.

Type of Award Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://fawiki.fws.gov/spaces/WSFR/pages/245497949/Build+America+Buy+America+BABA+Act#BuildAmerica,BuyAmerica(BABA)Act-Infrastructure https://www.doi.gov/grants/BuyAmerica/GeneralApplicabilityWaivers https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By applying in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently effective and applicable Executive Orders and Secretary’s Orders including but not limited to the Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s Order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants.

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects. Applicants may provide additional budget information in a customized budget table.

SF-424C, Budget Information – Construction Programs

Required for construction projects. Applicants may provide additional budget information in a customized budget table.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

*Award purpose,

* Activities to be performed,

* Expected deliverables or outcomes,

* Intended beneficiaries,

* Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants.

Project Narrative Submit a Project Narrative of no more than 10 pages that addresses all the following elements:

1. Explain the need for the project and how it fulfills the purposes of CVA.

2. Identify the project objectives. Your Project Narrative must identify one or more of the Standard Objectives in the TRACS Performance Matrix. Contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment if you have questions about using the Standard Objectives. Refer to the Training Portal for example project narratives or statements that incorporate Standard Objectives.

3. Describe the expected results or benefits of accomplishing the objectives.

4. Describe the approach to be used in meeting the objectives, including specific procedures, schedules, key personnel, and cooperators.

5. Describe any anticipated Federal compliance requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and any other requirements in applicable Federal laws, regulations, and policies.

6. Identify the anticipated project location(s), including the GPS coordinates if available. If project locations are not available at the time of application, describe where project activities are expected to occur.

7. Provide a timeline of activities.

If an application is selected for an award, the recipient must enter Project Narrative and other award information in TRACS (https://tracs.fws.gov/) within 60 calendar days of the latter: (a) the period of performance start date, or (b) the date the award was approved. Alternatively, a recipient may enter this information in TRACS prior to submitting an application. TRACS facilitates development of a complete Project Narrative that may be included as part of an application in GrantSolutions. For assistance with TRACS, contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party https://wsfrtraining.fws.gov/pluginfile.php/406/mod_page/content/300/TRACS%20Performance%20Matrix_V22%2004142025.pdf https://wsfrtraining.fws.gov/mod/book/view.php?id=277&chapterid=104 contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Pre-award costs are not guaranteed and may only be allowed if they are necessary and reasonable for completion of project objectives and are approved in writing in advance by the Regional Office of Conservation Investment. A request for inclusion of pre-award costs in an application must include the dates of validity, costs, and a justification.

For salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of personnel will support the project and how much time they will contribute (in hours or workdays).

Describe proposed items of cost that require prior approval per 2 CFR 200.407, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. If known at the time of application, include an estimated number of subawards and the dollar amount anticipated for each subaward.

If equipment that was previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of the equipment and identify the Federal funding source.

Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the methodology used to determine the value of the contribution. See 2 CFR 200.306 for more information on the requirements for cost sharing.

Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. The Department of the Interior’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems web page provides more information on unmanned aircraft and related equipment and software.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information Application Checklist

Use this checklist to verify that an application is complete. If you are unsure whether any item in the list is applicable to your project or agency, contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment.

• SF-424 form, Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424C form, Budget Information for Construction Programs or SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (note that the totals on the form should match the totals on the SF-424 and Budget Narrative)

• Project Abstract Summary form

• Project Narrative

• Budget Narrative

• Maps, Drawings, and/or Photographs (if applicable)

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure

• Uniform Audit Reporting Statement

• SF-LLL form, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (if applicable)

• Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

• Indirect Cost Statement and if applicable, a copy of your current NICRA (only if a current copy is not on file in your Regional Office of Conservation Investment).

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package To request a copy of the application package in another format, contact:

Nick Popoff

Phone: 413-362-9067

Email: nicholas_popoff@fws.gov

If you need immediate assistance, please call our customer service center at 1-800-344-9453. If you have a hearing impairment or a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Early and frequent communication with your Regional Office of Conservation Investment can help you avoid potentially disqualifying errors or omissions in your application.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 07/22/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date. Applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions or Grants.gov. The Service recommends submittal early enough to address any unforeseen technical complications. The Service will not consider applications received after the due date.

Revision and resubmission of an application is allowable until the closing date and time identified in this Notice. Applicants requesting assistance with an application are encouraged to contact the Regional Office of Conservation Investment at least four weeks prior to the due date.

Technical assistance with applications is contingent upon availability of staff and is not guaranteed.

The Service must verify that an applicant has submitted sufficient compliance and permitting information when applicable. If a project is expected to require documentation to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, or other laws or regulations, the Service recommends prompt submittal of any necessary information to the Regional Office of Conservation Investment as soon as possible after notification of selection for an award.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download and complete the “Project Abstract Summary” form from the full text announcement.

To submit the form with the application, add it as an attachment to the Grants.gov “Attachments” form that is included in the application package.

Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions, follow these steps:

1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:

• Subject: New Organization Request

• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)

• Entity type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)

• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)

• Address

• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone)

This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.

3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.

Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

6. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

Enter information directly in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a Project Abstract Summary as an attachment.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://login.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

Evaluation is based on requirements identified in this Notice of Funding Opportunity and in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200). If you are unsure about any of these requirements, contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

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

Merit Review Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination);

and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s Executive Order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary Order on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.

Project selection criteria may be applied to evaluate and rank applications (50 CFR 85.30) when the Service receives a total request for CVA funding that exceeds the amount available from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund in a Federal fiscal year. In FY 2026, the Service expects to receive sufficient funding to support the total request. Applicants are not required to respond to the criteria in applications for FY 2026 CVA funding.

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/section-85.30

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

When total requested funding exceeds the amount available from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund in a fiscal year, the Service uses the following procedure to allocate the available funding and support as many projects as possible. The highest scoring applications are prioritized, and the Service issues partial awards based on a proportional ratio. The Service will attempt to provide funding to each applicant to address the critical need of preventing pollution from recreational boat sewage. We will fully fund each eligible application requesting $50,000 or less if funding levels permit. No application will receive more than 10 percent of the total available funds. After applying these limits, the Service will:

1. Rank all eligible applications in descending point-score order.

2. Determine the percentage of each application’s total score compared to the total possible score. The maximum score of 50 points is used for all applications in determining the percentage. Note that all Coastal States now have a plan. Therefore, the Service does not score for plan development when using the scoring criteria.

3. Determine funding based on the percentage in Step 2 for those applications with Federal CVA funding requests greater than $50,000. For example, applications receiving a perfect score (100 percent) will receive the full Federal funding request (if they clear the 10 percent of total available funds threshold), applications with a percentage of 80 percent (score of 40 points out of 50 possible) will receive 80 percent of the Federal funding request, and applications with a percentage of 60 percent (score of 30 points out of 50 possible) will receive 60 percent of the Federal funding request, and so on as funding levels permit.

4. Make additional adjustments as needed to ensure the full amount of available funding is awarded.

5. Adjust the matching share, if applicable.

The Service Director makes the final selections for awards, and the selections require review and approval by the Department of the Interior before the Service may obligate Federal funding in an award.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR

200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 03/01/2027

Anticipated Project End Date: 02/28/2030

The Service may not obligate funds to an award until the award is approved by the Department of the Interior. The Service will notify applicants approved for an award as soon as possible. A typical period of performance is two or three years.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

See the FWS General Award Terms and Conditions for national policy requirements for FWS awards. Special terms and conditions will be detailed in award notices.

Reporting The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Recipients must submit performance reports in TRACS…