P26AS00060 SWBRPP NOFO.docx

National Park Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Fiscal Year 2027 Southwest Border Resource Protection Program

Funding Opportunity Number

P26AS00060

FAMD-1443-001-2026-01

FAMD-1443-001-2026-01 Page 2 of 20 Table of Contents

Appendix A - Application Package

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: P26AC00060

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.963

Estimated Total Program Funding: $250,000 - $600,000

Expected Number of Awards: 10-15

Award Ceiling: $50,000

Award Floor: $15,000

Award Floor/Ceiling Explanation:

Each activity or project under anticipated agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through award negotiations, including project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

An estimated range of $15,000 to $50,000 of funding is anticipated for each award. The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

Cost Sharing Required?

No

Closing Date Explanation Applications must be received in Grants.Gov by September 8, 2026, 11:59 PM, (Eastern Time). Note: this is not a postmark date.

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.

Have Questions?

Contact: Krista Muddle, imr_swbrpp@nps.gov or 303-895-7586 or Katie Gaertner, katie_gaertner@ios.doi.gov or 720-595-4942

Executive Summary The Southwest Border Resource Protection Program (SWBRPP) provides financial assistance to NPS units, as well as educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and local and State agencies to improve resource stewardship, achieve international cooperation, provide meaningful interpretation, and conduct scientific research, which will lead to increased appreciation and understanding of our shared natural and cultural heritage along our international border with Mexico.

Several national parks located along the U.S. border with Mexico have recently experienced serious resource damage due to illegal cross border activities including drug traffickers and illegal immigrants traversing the parks. Other national park units within the desert southwest have also experienced impacts on their natural and cultural resources. Thousands of miles of unauthorized roads and trails have been created, major ecological processes and the migration patterns of wildlife have been disrupted, important historic sites have been vandalized, and archaeological sites have been looted. Program funding is available for conducting scientific research and monitoring of species, as well as conservation, interpretation, and preservation projects designed to help protect and preserve natural and cultural resources located near or along our international border.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

☒ State governments ☒ County governments ☒ City or township governments ☒ Special district governments ☒ Independent school districts ☒ Public and State controlled institutions of higher education ☒ Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) ☒ Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) ☒ Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education ☒ Private institutions of higher education ☒ Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility

In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 101702(a), Transfer of Service Appropriated Funds, this funding opportunity is limited to State, local, or Tribal governments or other public entities, educational institutions, or private nonprofit organizations.

Foreign Entities or Projects: This program does not provide funding to foreign entities Recipients, however, are not prohibited from subcontracting or otherwise providing funding to such organizations or entities.

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

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

Non-Federal cost sharing is not required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. However, criteria for voluntary committed cost share contributions will be considered in the evaluation of applications.

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).

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.

Applications must be received by September 8, 2026, 11:59 PM, (Eastern Time). Note: this is not a postmark date.

Complete Application Packages must be submitted to the National Park Service by the deadline. See Submission Instructions.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact: Katie Gaertner, katie_gaertner@ios.doi.gov or 720-595-4942

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals Applicants must work with and benefit an NPS unit in the Interior Regions 6, 7, and 8 (Intermountain Region) along the U.S. – Mexico border as well as a protected area in Mexico by addressing cultural or natural resource issues shared by both countries. These parks include Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Big Bend National Park, Amistad National Recreation Area, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Site, Padre Island National Seashore, Saguaro National Park, Tumacácori National Historical Park, Chamizal National Memorial, Coronado National Memorial, and Chiricahua National Monument.

Please note that applicants can work with other Interior Regions 6, 7, and 8 (Intermountain Region) parks near the U.S.-Mexico Border or not otherwise listed to support cultural or natural resource issues shared by both countries. All projects must not interfere with any Executive or Secretary’s Orders to secure the U.S. – Mexico border. Those involved in carrying out all projects or programs funded by the SWBRPP are expected to fully cooperate with all law enforcement personnel working toward securing the border.

The projects and activities will be individually authorized by separate awards, with each project or activity having a separate work plan and budget developed cooperatively between the NPS and the recipient. The types of projects eligible for funding based on inputs and activities to achieve program goals and objectives may include:

Research & Monitoring

· Cultural Resource examples:

· Identification, research, and evaluation of archeological and historic sites

· National Register of Historic Places nominations

· National Historic Landmark nominations

· Natural Resource examples:

· Wildlife habitat management

· Inventory and monitoring of invasive plants and animals

· Impacts from ecological changes to endangered species

· Assessments of the effects of border activities on threatened and endangered species Conservation & Preservation

· Cultural Resource examples:

· Stabilization, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic structures, archeological sites, trails, and landscapes

· Conservation of collections

· Natural Resource examples:

· Reestablishment of natural processes and ecological systems

· Monitoring resource damage caused by human development

· Protection and conservation of endangered and threatened species

· Integrated pest management planning

· Restoration of native wildlife and vegetation, including removal of exotic species Interpretation, Education & Tourism

· Professional training and exchange such as:

· Student intern programs

· Workshops, seminars, symposia, training programs

· Binational conferences

· Informational network gatherings

· Development of interpretive materials, programs, workshops

· Geo-tourism

Progress reports are required to measure whether the anticipated goals are being achieved. Final outcomes are measured and assessed through completion reports. Photographs are encouraged to minimize the need for any site visits or audits.

Program Description The SWBRPP provides technical assistance and project funding to parks along the international border to achieve common goals with our Mexican partners and maintain cooperative relationships. Projects that receive funding have been instrumental in mitigating impacts on cultural and natural resources that are enjoyed by visitors to the various public lands in the borderland’s region. They engage new partners and communities in environmental stewardship and increase appreciation and understanding of our shared cultural and natural heritage for both residents and visitors.

There are no program-specific eligibility criteria for beneficiaries or program participants other than award recipients.

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

Legislative Authority 54 U.S.C. §101702(a) Cooperative Agreements, Transfer of Service Appropriated Funds: authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of NPS appropriated funds to funds to State, local and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park Service programs pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 6305.

Type of Award Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement). Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement may include:

· NPS is involved with the non-Federal entity in describing the goals, jointly developing the scope and the activities to be accomplished. This must be combined with other substantial involvement, such as providing technical assistance or any of the statements listed below, that goes beyond Federal stewardship responsibilities.

· NPS staff will assist the non-Federal entity in selecting projects, providing orientation to park resources, overseeing assignments, teaching new skills, distributing tools and equipment, and providing technical assistance and safety training.

· NPS will provide cultural/environmental programs to the team members including park tours, educational programs, talks on the history of the park, and other similar programs in a variety of media, and will coordinate among other NPS units in the area to provide joint educational programs and field trips to NPS and other related sites.

· NPS staff will work together with the non-Federal entity to jointly organize and deliver seminars, workshops, and types of training programs for the purpose of promoting historic preservation to non-government entities, States, Tribes, and local governments and the general public.

· NPS will provide the services of a Program Coordinator to serve as liaison to (the non-Federal entity) for the work under this agreement. This includes consulting and working specifically with the non-Federal entity’s program coordinator.

Other Information: Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Contents and Format Pre-Application Requirements Applications must be received in Grants.Gov by September 8, 2026, 11:59 PM, (Eastern Time). Applications submitted by other means or not received by the deadline will not be considered.

Prior to submitting an application, 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 submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders, including but not limited to the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on 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.

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

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

Detailed Budget

Note: A sample template is provided in Appendix A but use of this template is not required.

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative The proposal is a narrative description that should specifically address each of the review criteria (see Merit Review Criteria) The proposal text must be no longer than 5 pages, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 5-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and resumes (Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-LLL, and the statement of indirect charges are not counted as part of the page limit). Additionally, only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

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 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).

· This program is completely separate from the CESU program, therefore, the 17.5% indirect cost rate will not be accepted.

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.

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.

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement: U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $1,000,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Letters of Support: Letters of support from each NPS unit involved in the project as well as potential partners should accompany the proposal to document the willingness to participate in the project if selected, with a short description of how they will be involved.

Multi-year Project: Due to laws governing Federal financial assistance, funding support will only be provided for projects per the requirements of this Notice of Funding Opportunity in the anticipated term of the agreement listed above. Projects that are continued from formerly funded SWBRPP projects are allowed.

Recipients who pass Federal funds to subrecipients and contractors must ensure that the entities understand and comply with the applicable award statutes, regulations, and agency requirements. Applicants should describe in their application their administrative controls and plans for subrecipient and contractor oversight, compliance, and evaluation.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service. Applications must be electronically submitted by September 8, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline. Note: Per 2 CFR 1402.204 (f) Bureaus and offices must consider the timeliness of the application submission. Applications that are submitted beyond the announced deadline date must be removed from the review process. Application preparation time may take several weeks, so please start the application process as soon as possible. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

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 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 1-800-518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact Katie Gaertner by phone at 720-595-4942 or email at katie_gaertner@ios.doi.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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.

In accordance with 54 U.S.C. §101702(a), this funding opportunity is limited to State, local, or Tribal governments or other public entities, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations. For-profit organizations, foreign organizations, and governments outside the United States and its territories are not eligible to apply.

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 selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)

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

Merit Review NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria in the Project Narrative application requirement. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed project narrative of the following criteria elements. It is highly recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled by criterion.

Criterion 1

Project Addresses an Impacted Shared Resource

Weight 25%

Project addresses a critical need of a shared cultural and/or natural resource(s) between an NPS unit(s) and a protected area(s)/site(s) in Mexico. Delaying the project will result in extensive or likely irreversible damage to the resource or create a health and/or safety hazard to humans. Project addresses the impacted resource(s) through scientific research, monitoring, conservation, preservation, interpretation, education, and/or tourism.

Projects will be evaluated based on how well the proposal:

· demonstrates how the resource is shared by both the U.S. and Mexico

· describes the need, urgency, and threat the project addresses and how the activities are necessary and will mitigate that threat

· describes how the project ensures preservation and/or conservation

· thoroughly articulates the project timeline and how the project will be completed successfully within the period of performance

Criterion 2

Partnership Participation

Weight 25%

Projects must include engagement with at least one partner from Mexico such as a non-governmental organization, private entity, governmental land management agency, Tribe or educational institute. The project must also benefit at least one NPS unit and one Mexican protected area/site.

Projects will be evaluated based on how well the proposal:

· demonstrates that partnerships involved in the project leverage additional resources such as staffing, additional funding, in-kind goods and services etc. (Additional funds or in-kind support cannot be from a Federal source)

· results in the development of a new partnership(s) or enhances an existing one(s)

· demonstrates a strong, robust relationship with one or multiple partners

· defines and describes substantive roles and contributions by each of the partners involved in the project

· describes how the partnerships involved in the project will sustain and continue to support shared resources between the U.S. and Mexico after the project is complete

· demonstrates that the benefiting unit(s) support the proposed project

Criterion 3

Cost Effectiveness

Weight 10%

The budget is well-developed, describing costs associated with specific tasks, and reflects reasonable costs and the allocation of funds. The benefits, in relation to the cost, are high. Costs are realistic, well-researched, clearly spelled out in a detailed budget, and apportioned for each deliverable/product or result. All work elements are specifically identified with their associated costs; all expenses are necessary, reasonable, and appropriate. Partner costs and contributions are clearly identified.

Projects will be evaluated based on how well the proposal:

· identifies costs that are necessary and unavailable through other sources

· includes expenses that are reasonable, allowable and allocable

· includes a budget that displays specific line items with adequate descriptions of cost

· notes leveraged resources that are allowable and fully secured (as evidenced by a letter from the source)

Criterion 4

Substantial Outcome

Weight 20%

Assesses the proposal’s ability to address the critical need identified in Criterion 1 via a substantial outcome: implementation of the proposal demonstrates a considerable positive impact, value added, improved capacity, and/or tangible result(s). Outcomes must be clearly defined and reasonable; demonstrate significant benefits; and support efforts, partners, and/or places in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Projects will be evaluated based on how well the proposal:

· implements specific management prescriptions

· includes key information necessary for implementing management actions

· describes how the project will improve long-term capacity and/or success of a program/partnership

· describes how the project enhances deeper resource connections, conservation, and stewardship

· describes how the project produces resolutions that benefit multiple organizations, particularly on both sides of the border

· demonstrates how the project will produce results that do not require subsequent actions (beyond anticipated monitoring) or needed information

· demonstrates that the expertise necessary has been identified demonstrates that compliance requirements will be met

Criterion 5

Project Increases Understanding and Appreciation of Shared Heritage

Weight 20%

Project supports stewardship of resources by increasing public engagement in conservation and preservation of U.S. and Mexican shared resources and heritage. Projects build intellectual and emotional connections between visitors and resources, encouraging them to care about and connect to the shared resource. Projects increase public access to new or existing recreation opportunities within the shared resource.

Projects will be evaluated based on how well the proposal:

· creates new stewardship opportunities, or comprehensively enhances the quality of existing ones

· utilizes innovative techniques or systems to engage the public reaches audiences in both countries

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

· 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.

NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

a. Initial 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 EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO 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 non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will be eligible for the Comprehensive Merit Review. Each criteria element will be scored on a 0-5 point scale:

The following numerical rating values may be assigned: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0.

The scoring of each criterion must be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application narrative. To assist in assigning an appropriate score, the following will be used as a guideline:

c. Selection The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors, and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding. Program policy factors include:

· Geographic distribution of project performance and impact

· Leveraging Federal funding

· Project addresses a critical resource

· Variety of project partners

· Leveraging of programmatic resources

d. Discussions and Award The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is capable of complying with the requirements of the Department of Interior (DOI) Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

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 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: 05/01/2027

Anticipated Project End Date: 05/01/2029

POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

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

NPS will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

As authorized by 2 CFR § 200.340(a)(4), awards made under this announcement may be terminated in part or its entirety by the Federal agency if an award is determined to no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.

The Recipient must ensure effective oversight of all activities carried out under the Federal award, including any subawards issued to subrecipients. Subrecipient performance will be evaluated through routine monitoring to verify compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward, as well as to assess progress toward achieving project goals and objectives. This oversight includes review of financial and performance reports, verification that the subrecipient maintains adequate internal controls to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of reporting, and compliance with applicable requirements, and confirmation that funds, property, and other assets are safeguarded and used only for authorized purposes. Subrecipients are responsible for providing all information necessary to assess performance, including timely submission of required reports and notification of any significant developments to the Recipient. The Recipient should incorporate subrecipient performance and metrics in reports to the NPS

Geospatial Data If you receive financial assistance from the DOI, recipient must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

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

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

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 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 over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Performance will be regularly evaluated to determine recipient adherence to program goals and Agency and Administration priorities, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and with all current and applicable Executive Orders and Secretary Orders.

Recipients of NPS awards must include the following information in performance reports:

· a comparison of actual accomplishments to the milestones established by the financial assistance agreement for the period,

· a summary of performance metrics measured including outputs and outcomes,

· the reasons why the project did not meet established milestones, if applicable,

· the status of milestones not met from the previous reporting period, if applicable,

· whether the project is on schedule and within the original cost estimate,

· any additional pertinent information or issues related to the status of the project, and

· information on subawards accomplishments, milestones, performance metrics, delays, and oversight activities completed, if applicable.

The recipient must use metrics that track and measure the expected performance measures to the program’s intended outcomes. The following are possible activities and inputs to achieve program goals and objectives.

· Assessment of threats or urgent needs impacting the shared resources

· Reports or inventories prepared for management use

· Provides clear information on the condition of shared cultural and natural resources

· Actions and plans to address identified threats and urgent needs for resources

· Results in decisions that improve long‑term resource management

· Habitat restoration or invasive species removal

· Monitoring resource damage caused by human development and/or pests

· Measurable improvement of resource conditions and reduced risks of future deterioration and cultural resource damage

· Improved ecosystem health from restored habitats and resource preservation actions

· Preservation and management work completed results in long‑lasting benefits

· Public engagement or stewardship events conducted

· Tools created to expand understanding of shared heritage

· Visitors gain clearer understanding of shared cultural and natural resources

· Increase in public visits and economic growth from geo-tourism

· Audiences develop stronger appreciation and engagement

Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify NPS 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 NPS 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.

Other Information

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 NPS. 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). NPS 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.

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF424, SF424A, SF-424C, SF424B, SF-LLL, detailed budget template

FAMD-1443-001-2026-01

image1.emf

SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf

The document you are trying to load requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. You may not have the Adobe Reader installed or your viewing environment may not be properly configured to use Adobe Reader.

For information on how to install Adobe Reader and configure your viewing environment please see http://www.adobe.com/go/pdf_forms_configure.

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) win2k

D:20061002180508- 04'00'

D:20061002180508- 04'00'

OMB Number: 4040-0004

Expiration Date: 11/30/2025

* 1. Type of Submission:

* 2. Type of Application:

* 3. Date Received:

4. Applicant Identifier:

5a. Federal Entity Identifier:

5b. Federal Award Identifier:

6. Date Received by State:

7. State Application Identifier:

* a. Legal Name:

* b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN):

* c. UEI:

* Street1:

Street2:

* City:

County/Parish:

* State:

Province:

* Country:

* Zip / Postal Code:

Department Name:

Division Name:

Prefix:

* First Name:

Middle Name:

* Last Name:

Suffix:

Title:

Organizational Affiliation:

* Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

* Email:

* If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):

* Other (Specify):

State Use Only:

8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:

d. Address:

e. Organizational Unit:

f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:

Application for Federal Assistance SF-424

Type of Submission is required. Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions.

Type of Submission: Select one type of submission in accordance with agency instructions. One selection is required.

Type of Application: Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions. One selection is required.

Type of Application is required. Select one type of application in accordance with agency instructions.

* 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:

Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:

Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:

* Other (specify):

* 10. Name of Federal Agency:

11. Assistance Listing Number:

Assistance Listing Title:

* 12. Funding Opportunity Number:

* Title:

13. Competition Identification Number:

Title:

14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):

* 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:

Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.

Application for Federal Assistance SF-424

Form Attachments:

* a. Federal

* b. Applicant

* c. State

* d. Local

* e. Other

* f. Program Income

* g. TOTAL

Prefix:

* First Name:

Middle Name:

* Last Name:

Suffix:

* Title:

* Telephone Number:

* Email:

Fax Number:

* Signature of Authorized Representative:

* Date Signed:

18. Estimated Funding ($):

21. *By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications** and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award.