4_NOFO_BBNWR Lagoons.docx

National Wildlife Refuge System Enhancements Back Bay NWR, Virginia

Federal Program: Department of the Interior, United States (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Northeast Region, Division of Refuges Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 16.654 Authorizing Legislation: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 2901 to 2911); Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742(a) to 754); Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k to 460k(4)); National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd); Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1701 to 1706); Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa to 47011); The National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1997 (Public Law 105 57); National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Act of 2004 (Public Law 108 327); Federal Aid for Highways, HR 4348 (23 U.S.C. 201 to 204 and 206, Public Law 112 141).

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: 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.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100 (Expiration Date: 7/31/2021) I. Program Description Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in the Northeast Region intends to award funds to a single organization for a period not to exceed three years. The funds support the Department of Interior’s priorities to modernize our infrastructure and restore trust and be a good neighbor as funds are intended to restore the function of NWR property and modernize infrastructure. The project will remediate a series of lagoons that formerly received waste from hog production activities, using innovative, cost-effective technologies that will allow re-establishment of hydrologic connectivity and wildlife habitat while improving water quality. The NWR will collaborate with agriculture waste management and habitat restoration professionals from North Carolina State University (NCSU) to restore the property’s ecological function within the Refuge and surrounding watersheds. The project is needed to improve water quality at the Refuge, and to address health and safety concerns of the lagoons. The property is not functional due to lack of ecological habitat, impaired water quality, and no recreational opportunity. The restoration project will transform the property into migratory bird and wildlife habitat with hydrologic connectivity. Project design will incorporate specific habitat elements of the ecosystem and will provide recreational opportunity to visitors.

Water quality improvements will directly benefit downstream communities, serving as a significant contribution to a larger state-led watershed effort to improve water quality in Nanney Creek. This project will be a vital example of conservation stewardship for neighboring communities who rely on the Refuge and the watersheds for economic livelihood and recreation. Through infrastructure improvements and restoration, the Refuge will build trust within the surrounding community.

II. Federal Award Information The Back Bay NWR, Region 5, intends to make a sole source award of a cooperative agreement to NCSU with an estimated project period of January 2019 – December 2021. It is the Service’s obligation to provide incremental funding up to the total anticipated award amount and is contingent upon: 1) satisfactory Recipient performance and, 2) the availability of funds. No legal liability on the part of the Service exists unless and until the Service obligates funds and notifies the Recipient in writing that funds are available for the purposes of this award.

Back Bay NWR will award an initial amount of $128,248 in fiscal year 2019, and as noted above, contingent upon the availability of funds, an additional incremental amount of $281,744 in fiscal year 2019. Additional incremental amounts totaling approximately $313,051 will be awarded in FY2020 and FY2021 in a Cooperative Agreement, to the Recipient who is uniquely qualified to complete project activities due to their technical expertise in hog lagoon evaluation and closure techniques and their expertise in innovative habitat restoration to improve water quality. NCSU is a national leader in animal waste management research, particularly in coastal environments, assisting states and producers in managing their industry and solving water quality impairment challenges associated with waste lagoons. NCSU faculty, staff and students have completed many similar projects and have unique access to equipment and facilities needed to effectively evaluate, design, and implement lagoon remediation and habitat restoration. Project activities include determining site hydrology and collecting/analyzing samples for macro and micro nutrients that must be considered in the closure plan. Monitoring wells will be installed and instrumented to record depth of groundwater. These activities will be conducted in the first six months of the project. Project activities also include mapping and closure design. This funding also includes the determination of the volume of the accumulated bottom sludge from the lagoons and to support development of plans to close the lagoons and improve the access and public usability of the site. Design will begin in the last quarter of year 1, overlapping with other activities, and will be finalized in year 2 when all data has been collected and analyzed. Funds needed in fiscal year 19 include those necessary to award a contract for three lagoon closures in coordination with riparian forest and meadow restoration. Incremental funding in fiscal year 20 and fiscal year 21 will be used to perform site assessment, project design, and lagoon closure for the two lagoons at the Meiggs property.

The NWR intends to make one award per fiscal year. The NWR will be substantially involved in project activities awarded under this funding opportunity. In particular, the NWR will be responsible for the following:

· Provide funds to the Recipient to complete the activities;

· Participate in overall project management and monitoring;

· Provide logistical support, including materials and equipment as necessary to perform projects on lands managed by each Refuge;

· Work with the Recipient in the development and review of project actions to meet goals and objectives of this agreement;

· Provide guidance, technical support, and review of project plans, as needed or requested, to develop specific plans and identify potential concerns;

· Provide technical assistance to the Recipient to complete regulatory permitting/ environmental compliance, as necessary;

· Prior to award, review and approve proposed modifications to the scope of work or budget; and

· Immediately halt an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met.

Cooperative Agreement awards made under this announcement will be modified during the performance period (FY2019 – FY2021) to add additional funding as needed and as available to provide for continuation of work.

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants This is a notice of intent to award to a single source. All potential applicants were eligible.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing is not required.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name) or any entity with an exception approved by the Service under 2 CFR 25.110(d). All other applicants are 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. The Service 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 Service 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.

Prohibition on Issuing Awards to Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements: Domestic (U.S.) non-Federal entities requiring their employees or contractors to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements that prohibit, or otherwise restrict, such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information are not eligible to compete for or receive a Federal award. See Pub. L. 113-235, Title VII, Division E, Section 743 for more information.

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

IV. Application Requirements A. Requesting Paper Application Package Forms are available on Grants.gov B. Application Form and Content Requirements To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an applicant must submit the following:

1. 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. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity 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).

2. SF 424, Assurances Applicants must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. Complete either the SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424D, Assurances for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424 Assurances forms include a statement that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. Signing the required SF-424 Assurances form does not make you or your organization subject to laws that are otherwise not applicable to you or your organization. Changing, crossing out, or making notations on the form before signing has no impact on the applicability of law.

3. Project Narrative Project Summary:

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will assist with improvements and modernization of infrastructure through animal waste lagoon closure, site remediation, and habitat restoration in Back Bay NWR, Virginia Beach, VA. The lagoons have the potential to negatively impact water quality in the Nanney Creek and Beggars Bridge Creek watersheds and they pose a concern for human health and safety. The lagoons also impair migratory bird and wildlife habitat and prohibit public access and recreational opportunities in and near the property. The project will improve water quality and wildlife habitat while providing enhanced recreational opportunity for the public.

Project title:

Infrastructure Improvements to Lagoons at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, VA Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project:

NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will manage and oversee implementation of this project and will utilize a combination of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality expertise, and environmental consultants and contractors for site assessment and project design. Contractor procurement will follow the University’s established procedures.

Statement of need:

Back Bay NWR acquired two properties in 2001 that were formerly used for hog production. The properties include buildings and structures associated with operations and five waste lagoons. All buildings and structures have been demolished or removed on one property (Knight), and waste lagoons have been left intact to allow nutrient reductions to occur over time. Funds under this award are to be used for animal waste lagoon and site assessment, and project design at the Knight property. Additional funding is anticipated for construction and implementation of lagoon closure, site remediation, and habitat restoration at the Knight property. Additional funding is also anticipated to address two animal waste lagoons at the second property location, Meiggs.

Goals and objectives:

The long-term, overarching goal of the project is to close animal waste lagoons at two Back Bay NWR properties that negatively impact water quality and prohibit public access. The overall project will improve infrastructure, water quality, and habitat for visitors, migratory birds, and wildlife.

Activities and Future Funding Needs:

For the initial funding, the first objective (Task 1) will be to perform site assessment at the Knight property. The second objective (Task 2) will be to complete project design for the three lagoons at the Knight property. The project design will meet all state and federal laws and standards, and will include lagoon closure methods. Additional funding is anticipated for construction and implementation costs associated with lagoon closure and habitat restoration, as well as to address the second property, the Meiggs property.

Methods and Timetable:

North Carolina State University Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will start work upon signature of the award. The project will be completed by December 31, 2021.

Task 1 activities are expected to be completed by December 31, 2020. Initial activities will include topographic mapping of lagoons and site characteristics (i.e. streams, ditches, pre-existing infrastructures); installation of groundwater wells for hydrological gradient determination and groundwater testing; wastewater sludge sampling and analyses; and any additional tasks required to prepare the project design.

Groundwater sampling will be performed to determine presence and concentration of selected macro- and micronutrients. Results of groundwater testing will be a key factor in the closure method design of each lagoon (included in Task 2).

Task 2 activities are expected to be complete by December 31, 2021. Activities will include engineering grading and site plans; restoration plans; required details and specifications for construction; and project construction budget. Activities will also include lagoon closure methods, such as wastewater and sludge disposition methods, application rates, and schedule. Final lagoon closure designs will rely on the mass and concentration of micro- and macronutrients in the liquid and sludge as well as appropriate application sites within economical transportation distances if sludge land application is feasible.

Information to support environmental compliance review requirements:

NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will work with the Service to complete environmental compliance review for the project.

Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement:

NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will work with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure project design and construction meet all state and federal regulations for waste lagoon closures. Water quality assessments will also be coordinated with VDEQ, particularly in the Nanney Creek watershed where two monitoring stations are sampled. Back Bay NWR reviewed and approved this proposal, and will continue to provide input as plans are developed.

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

NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will provide annual and financial interim reports to the project officer who will convey these reports to National Wildlife Refuge System in Region 5 throughout the Task 1 and 2 phases of project planning.

Restoration monitoring will also be carried out following project implementation, with a minimum visual inspection of the sites to ensure adequate vegetation establishment has occurred to prevent erosion. Groundwater and surface water monitoring will be conducted on a monthly basis for the first six months following project completion; after the first six months monitoring will be done twice a year. Sample size will be 500 mL and analysis will be in accordance with Standard Methods. Sample analytes will include total nitrogen and phosphorus levels, ammonium, nitrate/nitrite, along with any other parameters that could potentially be affected by closure operations.

Information on key project personnel:

Personnel involved from NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering include: Dr. John Classen, Associate Professor and Mark Rice, Interim Director, NCSU Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center.

Contact Information for NCSU:

John Classen, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering North Carolina State University 3110 Faucette Drive, Campus Box 7625 Raleigh, NC 27695-7625 919-515-6755 classen@ncsu.edu

The NWR point of contact is:

Doug Brewer Refuge Manager, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge 1324 Sandbridge Road Virginia Beach, VA 23456 757-301-7329 x3101 Doug_brewer@fws.gov

Project location map:

4. SF-424, Budget Information NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instruction outlined below for budget forms.

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form. Complete either the SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles as detailed in the Service’s “Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions”. Please note: Show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section, use the first row 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 Federal program appears on the first page of this Funding Opportunity.

5. Budget Narrative NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instruction outlined below for 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.

6. 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, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget and skip the next section.

7. Indirect Costs: Organizations NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instruction outlined below for indirect costs.

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 All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application to the Service, 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, please use one of the statements above or below] 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 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. 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 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.

8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instructions outlined below for conflict of interest disclosure.

Applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter that might place the recipient, including their employees and subrecipients, in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest include direct or indirect financial interests; close personal relationships; positions of trust in outside organizations; consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization; and decision-making authority related to the proposed project. Conflicts of interest are those circumstances real or perceived that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, or the applicant’s employees or subrecipients, in matters pertaining to the proposed project. Applicants must notify the Service in writing in their application if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal program receiving this application or who otherwise may be involved in the review and selection of their proposal. The term employee means any individual to be engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award application. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the rejection or disqualification of the application.

9. Single Audit Reporting Statement NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instructions outlined below for the 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 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.

10. Certification Regarding Lobbying NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instructions outlined below for 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.

11. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instructions outlined below for disclosure of lobbying activities.

Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 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 on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

12. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement NCSU Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will follow the instructions outlined below for overlap/duplication 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.”

13. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

· SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance or Application for Federal Assistance-Individual

· SF-424B or D, Assurances

· Project Narrative

· SF-424A or C, Budget Information

· Budget Narrative

· Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation (when applicable)

· Conflict of Interest Disclosure (when applicable)

· Single Audit Reporting Statement (when applicable)

· SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (when applicable)

· Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Failure to provide complete information may cause delays, postponement, or rejection of the application.

V. Submission Requirements A. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration These requirements do not apply to any individual applying for funds as a private citizen or any entity with an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d). All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and provide that number in the application; complete SAM.gov registration before submitting an application; and continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times when the entity has an active Federal award or application under consideration. 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.

1. Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 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.

2. Register with SAM Register on the SAM.gov website. The official website address is http://www.sam.gov. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM” webpage 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. Foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

B. Submission Dates and Times N/A. This is a notice of a single source financial assistance award. This announcement is for notification purposes only.

C. 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 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.

D. Submission Instructions N/A. This is a notice of a single source financial assistance award. This announcement is for notification purposes only.

VI. Application Review Information A. Criteria This is a notice of a single source financial assistance award. This announcement is for notification purposes only.

B. Review and Selection Process This is a notice of a single source financial assistance award. This announcement is for notification purposes only.

Prior to award, the Service 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 Service may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Service may choose not to fund the selected project.

The Service 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 Service 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 Service will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR 200.205. Service programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Service’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 Service is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Service will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Service 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 the award.

VII. Federal Award Administration A. 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 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. 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. Applicants whose projects are not selected for funding will receive written notice, most often by e-mail, within 30 days of the final review decision.

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.

B. Award Terms and Conditions See the Service’s “Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards.

C. Payments Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by the Service program. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank outside the U.S. are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services (ITS) System. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer (EFT). The Service will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment, including identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment requests, as applicable, in all Notices of Award.

D. Reporting Requirements The Service will include recipient-specific reporting requirements, including the required reports, reporting frequency, and report due dates in all Notices of Award, as applicable.

1. Financial Reports All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. See Service policy 516 FW 1, Monitoring Financial and Performance Reporting for Financial Assistance for more information.

2. Performance Reports Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final performance report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. See Service policy 516 FW 1, Monitoring Financial and Performance Reporting for Financial Assistance for more information.

3. Significant Developments Reports Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates that have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Service in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify the Service in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

4. Real Property Reports Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period. The Service will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, as applicable.

5. Conflict of Interest Disclosures Recipients must notify the Service immediately in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that arise during the life of their Federal award. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter that might place the recipient, including their employees and subrecipients, in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest include direct or indirect financial interests; close personal relationships; positions of trust in outside organizations; consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization; and decision-making authority related to the award. Conflicts of interest are those circumstances real or perceived that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient or the recipients’s employees or subrecipients in matters pertaining to the award. Recipients must notify the Service in writing if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may have been involved in the review and selection of the award. The term employee means any individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of the award.

6. Other Mandatory Disclosures The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that receive a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

VIII. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s):

Kathryn Owens, Deputy Refuge Manager Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kathryn_Owens@fws.gov (757)301-7329 ext.3102 image1.jpg