NOFO S21AS00165 with Application Instructions.pdf

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

BSEE – Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

S21AS00165

12/28/2020

A. Program Description

A1. Authority Section 19(e) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (Public Law 95-372)(43 U.S.

Code 1345) authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information and joint utilization of available expertise to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to OCS operations both onshore and offshore.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Funding Opportunity Description Summary – Reference "Related Documents" for full funding description that includes specific technical areas of interest.

Ocean Energy Safety Institute 2021-2026

BSEE is seeking proposals from qualified organizations or institutions to enter into a cooperative agreement with BSEE for five years. This project will be a collaborative venture with the Recipient, including substantial involvement of the BSEE and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI) was originally established through a Cooperative Agreement in 2013 by BSEE in response to a recommendation in 2012 made by the Ocean Energy Safety Advisory Committee (OESC) after the Deepwater Horizon-incident in 2010. DOE was a member of the OESC and chaired the Spill Prevention Subcommittee of the OESC and a party to the OESC recommendations. The current OESI cooperative agreement is reaching its end, and the Parties are now embarking on OESI 2.0. DOE was not involved in the original OESI Cooperative Agreement; however, at BSEE’s invitation and DOE’s recognition of their capability and responsibility to promote the safe exploration and development of offshore energy, DOE’s Office of Oil and Natural Gas and Office Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, has agreed to become a “Party” to OESI 2.0.

The OESI reports to the Director of BSEE and is managed by a non-Federal organization that is selected through a competitive process that is repeated every several years. The Institute supports BSEE’s missions regarding offshore safety and environmental management through various means, which may include: research and development, including development and maintenance of a technology research and development (R&D) roadmap and dissemination of research results; facilitating communication and collaboration among entities involved in offshore safety and environmental management through workshops or other methods; and other topics as may be identified in the future.

The selected OESI managing organization can establish a board or steering committee consisting of relevant government agencies industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and other centers of expertise that would help to develop the OESI’s goals, strategies, and provide ongoing strategic and technical advice to the Institute.

Throughout the Nation’s history ocean energy development has transitioned from shallow water, conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs to more technically challenging deep water, high temperature, high pressure geologic systems in the Gulf of Mexico and other areas such as the Arctic. This has resulted in more complex drilling and production activities which, provides new technological challenges requiring new expertise for the personnel working on offshore facilities.

More recently, the nation has embraced renewable energy opportunities from its offshore provinces. The nation’s first offshore wind facility is in operation, and the offshore wind development pipeline in the US includes more than 25 gigawatts--comprising thousands of potential turbines--that could be installed in U.S. waters over the coming decade. Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) energy is earlier stage and not yet broadly commercialized, though the potential for marine energy to power ocean observing and environmental monitoring devices is being explored and is promising. These sources of offshore renewable energy are valuable to the nation’s energy security and strengthen the American economy, and safe and environmentally sustainable operations are integral to the development of these technologies.

Up to $40 million will be made available for the operation of the Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI) through this cooperative agreement during this 5-year period. BSEE will accept proposals for the operation and maintenance of an institute that will facilitate research and development and other related tasks to support improvements in safety and environmental protection for offshore oil and gas and wind developments. Though MHK technology is not commercialized and developing research and development for the safety of these installations would be premature, MHK is uniquely suited to power the monitoring devices themselves. OESI will be a collaborative initiative involving government, academia and scientific experts. The recipient institution(s) receiving the award will be responsible for managing OESI, providing input on yearly objectives, conducting certain work to further the attainment of those objectives, and being a focal point for collaboration on issues within the OESI mandate. While OESI will operate independently of BSEE and DOE, both agencies will be substantially involved in the institute through a Joint Steering Committee (JSC), which will include representatives from each agency with expertise related to oil and gas, offshore wind and marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) energy technologies. The JSC will provide input to OESI on its technology roadmaps, annual plans, and review and approve its major deliverables.

OESI was originally envisioned as an entity that would facilitate research and development, and implementation of operational improvements in the areas of offshore drilling safety and environmental protection, blowout containment and oil spill prevention and response. Since the original OESI was stood up, we have expanded the scope to include offshore renewable energy development considerations as well and oil and gas production and development considerations.

The objective remains the same, however: to improve the safety and environmentally sustainable development and operation of offshore energy through cooperative research, while building a collaborative model grounded upon principals of shared learning and promotion of dialogue. The first iteration of OESI will come to a close in a matter of months, and BSEE is interested in furthering the work of OESI with OESI version 2.0.

Purpose

OESI 2.0 is intended to be a joint collaborative initiative engaging the government, academia, industry, and scientific stakeholder communities. Its objective is to conduct cooperative research while building a collaborative model grounded upon principals of shared learning and promotion of dialogue and complementary research. OESI 2.0’s goal is to collaborate with academia, industry, and other non-governmental organizations to drive safety performance, energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and innovative inspection, detection, and environmental monitoring technologies, resulting in a safer workplace, improved environmental stewardship performance, and greater energy security. The purpose of funding this initiative is to establish an institute that would operate independently of the Department of the Interior (DOI) and DOE while also supporting and enhancing both Departmental programs through collaborative research and development to help identify operational improvements in the areas of offshore energy development and monitoring. In close collaboration with the JSC, the selected host institution will be responsible for managing OESI, providing input on yearly objectives through the development of an annual plan, conducting certain work to further the attainment of those objectives, and being a focal point for collaboration on issues within the OESI mandate.

Objective Build a World Class Center of Excellence for Ocean Energy Safety and Development that brings together the interests of DOI/BSEE and DOE/Office of Oil and Natural Gas, and DOE/Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for mutual benefit.

Key Tasks of the Organization responsible for managing OESI include, but are not limited to:

Develop and submit draft technology roadmaps for research leading to improved safety and environmental protection for offshore oil and gas, wind, and MHK development and operations. Development activities are expected to include establishing the strategic direction, providing leadership, manage intellectual property and data, etc.;

Once roadmaps have been approved by the JSC, develop in collaboration with the JSC and submit annual plans for activities pursuant to the approved roadmaps

Administer a world-class program of research and development (R&D), pursuant to approved roadmaps and annual plans described above, that includes offshore safety, oil and gas production, oil spill prevention and response, and offshore safety and environmental protection research and monitoring approaches related to wind and MHK power as defined below, in accordance with appropriate authorities and in conjunction with relevant federal resource agencies.

o R&D program administration includes competitive and/or non-competitive solicitations, proposal evaluations, selections and award negotiation, for specific research projects pursuant to approved roadmaps.

o Administrative Costs: In order to maximize R&D funding, BSEE and DOE expect that less than 10% of the funds will be utilized to manage the OESI.

Technology transfer of research results and insights to industry and other stakeholders and identification of research needs and gaps and recommending new research topics

Workforce development associated with the application of innovative and advanced technologies used for offshore oil and gas operations as well as offshore wind and MHK.

Collect, analyze and disseminate health, safety and environmental compliance data to highlight key issues, identify trends, and elucidate technology gaps

Identify and develop partners willing to provide non-Federal R&D investments funding and other relationships with the broader research community and stakeholders as necessary to complete and disseminate the research, as well as to prevent duplication of effort with ongoing related research projects.

Reference "Related Documents" for the full program description, that also includes “specific technical areas of interest" for oil and gas, offshore wind, MHK.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.441 Authorization Legislation Sections 19(e) and 20 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (Public Law 95- 372)(43 U.S. Code 1345-1346)

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 40,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $ 40,000,000 Minimum Award Amount $ 0

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date January 28, 2021

B4. Period of Performance Length of Project Periods 60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods

Length of Project Period Explanation of Other Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months

B5. Numbers of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B6. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement The award will be a cooperative agreement. This involves substantial involvement by the Government. The Joint Steering Committee, comprised of BSEE and DOE, will work closely with the Awardee. The JSC will contribute to the scope, operations and quality of the work of the managing organization including collaborating on technology roadmaps, annual plans, and technology transfer plans. Government personnel will participate in study designs and research on an individual project level.

B7. Other Federal Information Type of Competition Open to All Eligible Applicants

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility This Program Announcement describes the specific project that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals.

Open to:

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education and State agencies, as authorized by the OCS Lands Act, located in a State that is affected by offshore energy operations.

The award will be a cooperative agreement (see Eligibility Information below). This involves substantial involvement by BSEE and DOE in various aspects of the development and/or conduct of the project.

Eligibility Information:

The principal investigator on this award must be an employee of the applying organization. In order to be eligible the Applicant must demonstrate expertise in the areas of oil and gas, wind energy and MHK. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary expertise to execute all aspects of OESI as defined above. BSEE encourages partnerships with other organizations— e.g. state agencies, universities, non-profits, etc.—in order to accomplish this objective.

Cost Share/Match:

Contributions in matching funds towards these efforts, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, etc., or a combination of both) is very strongly encouraged. Match value for instrumentation and other equipment should be adjusted to the period of use within the project relative to the full life cycle for the item. Matching dollars cannot be from other Federal funding sources. Further information can be located at 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

200.306. All questions regarding this project, including eligibility, should be directed only to the "Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Questions" point-of-contact listed in Section G.

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

C3. Other Excluded Parties:

BSEE conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Bureau cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

D. Application and Submission Information https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=ae9aa65c79ad3446f48b51875ae6db4a&mc=true&n=sp2.1.200.d&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1306 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=ae9aa65c79ad3446f48b51875ae6db4a&mc=true&n=sp2.1.200.d&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1306

D1. Address to Request Application Package Applications must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal at “Apply for Grants.” The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.441 or Announcement S21AS00165 in the Grants.gov search engine. The announcement is also available in Grant Solutions.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance The electronic submission system requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual proposal can be submitted (go to www.grants.gov and click on “Applicants” on top menu bar, go to “How to Apply for Grants”, Register as an Organization). See Section D7 below.

Project Summary Project Narrative Project Narrative The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

Project Title:

Principle Investigator(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

iv. Fax:

v. E-mail:

Name of University/Department:

Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations Project Status: New Project Duration: (years) Proposed Start Date:

Amount Requested From BSEE:

Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

Total Project Cost:

Signature, Name, and Contact Information of University PI and Co-Investigator:

Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name, Contact Information of Sponsoring University Department Dean or Institute Director:

Signature, Name and Contact Information of Sponsoring University’s Office of Sponsored Programs

Proposal Text

The proposal must be in 11–12 point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1"-page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Text, figures, etc. in support of items 1-7 below should be no longer than 30 pages.

Please include the following in the Proposal:

1. Abstract

2. Background/Relevance: Specify the contribution to enhanced safety and environmental protection related to offshore energy production and development issues and the benefits that the public will receive from the project. Explain why the management function of OESI is important and how the proposal addresses BSEE and DOE goals. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

3. Objectives: Clearly define goals of the OESI.

4. Methods: Provide examples of expertise and capabilities in past performance of carrying out research project solicitation, evaluation selection and award; experience developing technology roadmaps; research plans; technology transfer plans; annual operating plans; and, experience in managing R&D projects including performance measures.

5. Deliverables and Planned Products: Applicants shall provide plans for executing the duties of the awardee and the deliverables including a rough timeline for these deliverables. For example, including, but not limited to, the technology roadmap, the monthly progress reports and annual report and reports for individual projects that OESI will be overseeing.

6. Staffing Plan for the OESI Managing Organization: All key personnel shall be identified by name. List the PI first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role and anticipated level of effort for each key participant offering unique or specific contributions to the project (oceanographer, geochemist, field assistant, etc.). If names of any key participants are unknown, a proposal addendum with the names and curricula vitae must be submitted prior to award.

7. Publication and Presentation: BSEE encourages publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation to appropriate professional organizations, and local, State, and/or Federal agencies as part of the project (please also see Section H). These publications and meetings should be included in the proposal and budget.

8. Bibliography: If applicable, list all references cited in the text, as well as references that are relevant to the current proposal from your past relevant work.

9. Curricula Vitae (maximum two pages) for each identified key participant. Emphasize previous experience in the development of technology roadmaps, annual plans, technology transfer plans, management of research projects, and other activities related to a world class center of excellence that the proposal addresses.

10. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching fund grantors, contractors, and sub-grantees.

11. Budget Spreadsheet: In addition to the SF-424a Budget Information form below, include information in a format which provides personnel, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, and indirect costs on an annual basis for both the requested BSEE funds and for the anticipated match funds.

12. Budget Justification Narrative: See below. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the “DOI Standard Award Terms and Conditions”. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

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

Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form.

Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the “DOI Standard Award Terms and Conditions”. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

Budget Narrative/Detailed Spreadsheet 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.

Budget Justification Narrative This information will provide more details than the SF-424A form and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Please include the following:

1. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation and estimated number of hours. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

2. Fringe Benefits/Labor Overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement, if available.

3. Lab Analyses, if applicable. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

4. Supplies, if applicable. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318–326.

5. Equipment, if applicable. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. “Special-purpose equipment” means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant’s operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Awardee. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier Awardee. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318–326 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

6. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used.

List the contemplated sub-Awardees by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

7. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

8. Publication Costs. Indicate an estimate of labor and other unique costs associated with preparation of the draft final report. If publication of results of the research in the peer-reviewed literature (identify likely publications) is anticipated, include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page, or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

9. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

10. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items 1–9.

11. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant’s organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the Applicant’s Federal cognizant audit agency. [If applicable.]

12. Amount Proposed. Total items 10 and 11.

13. Multi-year Projects. The Applicant shall provide summary information as well as a detailed budget for each year.

Conflict of Internet Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

Please reference the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act for additional details.

(a) Applicability.

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

(b) Notification. (1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients.

(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1112&rgn=div8 https://www.doi.gov/pam/programs/acquisition/fair-activities-inventory-reform-act agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award.

Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

Single Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 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.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”.

If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application.

Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov.

There are third- party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. 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.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Register on the SAM.gov website. “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM page also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Application Due Date 12/28/2020 Application Due Date Explanation mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

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

States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs: Individuals Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award.

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

We are:

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

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

A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award 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 [“Program Title”], which has a Department of the Interior-approve indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR) 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that 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 [insert Bureau Here] to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that [Insert Bureau Here] 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 the indirect costs are 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.

Prohibited Uses of Awards Funds Reimbursement of Pre-Award Costs No

D7. Other Submission Requirements Please be aware that the electronic submission process requires first time users to register using an e- Authentication process. This registration process can be somewhat complex and can take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if you start just a few days before the due date. If you are from a university, contact your Office of Sponsored Programs. They may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the application.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the application package, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Briefly, when you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status: 1. Confirmation screen

2. Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link) 3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors) 4. Agency Retrieval

CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen.

After you submit your grant application package, a confirmation screen will appear on your computer screen. This screen confirms that you have submitted an application to Grants.gov.

NOTIFICATION 1: Submission Receipt Email Within two business days after your application package has been received by the Grants.gov system, you will receive a submission receipt email which indicates that your submission has entered the Grants.gov system and is ready for validation. This email also contains a tracking number for use while tracking the status of the submission as well as a “Track My Application” link, to use to see the progress of your submission.

NOTIFICATION 2: Submission Validation Receipt Email – This is the important one!

After you receive the submission receipt email, the next email you will receive will be a message validating or rejecting your submitted application package with errors. The Grants.gov system is designed to check for technical errors within the submitted application package. Grants.gov does not review application content for award determination. Grants.gov will not post the application mailto:support@grants.gov if there are errors. Failure to correct errors and submit by the date and time for closing may not be a reason for accepting a late application.

NOTIFICATION 3: Grantor Agency Retrieval Email Once your application package has passed validation it is delivered to the grantor for award determination and further approval. After the grantor has confirmed receipt of your application, you will be sent a third and final email from Grants.gov. The grantor may also assign your application package an agency specific tracking number for use within their internal system. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS E- MAIL

WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE

CONTRACTING OFFICER.

If you need help entering your proposal, you can reach the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1- 800- 518- 4726. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and they are closed on Federal Holidays.

During the application period an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is revised and indicating that the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. See Section 11, Application Preparation Instructions, which describes requirements for the proposal and other application components.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and allow time for possible computer delays. Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission. A proposal received after the closing date and time will NOT be considered for award. If the USGS determines that a proposal will not be considered for award due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

D8. Application Checklist SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance or Application for Federal Assistance-Individual

SF-424B or D, Assurances

Project Narrative

Budget Narrative

Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation (when applicable)

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activites (when applicable)

SF-424A or C, Budget Information

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points: 100 In developing their applications, applicants should bear in mind the following review criteria:

Technical and Programmatic (30%) Are all elements outlined within the key tasks effectively understood and a description provided of how each element will be addressed? Is there a complete and precise, technically sufficient description of the design and methodology for the required services? Is there a clear statement of how each project deliverable will be accomplished, including major tasks that will lead to achieving the goal, the strategies to be employed, required staffing, and other required resources? Are there any innovative approaches, techniques, or design aspects proposed that will enhance the project? Does the applicant demonstrate a clear understanding of the state of the art across all of OESI's intended research areas, and make a compelling case that they can make significant advancements?

Organizational (40%) Does the proposed project team, considering both the prime applicant as well as its partners, possess the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to complete the tasks, including all of the elements listed within the project key tasks? Does the prime applicant institution have the organizational capacity to lead completion of all deliverables? Is there a clear structure to ensure effective coordination between project partners and prime applicants? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to carry out research including project solicitation, evaluation selection and award; experience developing technology roadmaps; research plans; technology transfer plans; annual operating plans; and, experience in managing R&D projects including performance measures? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to produce the results needed? Are the proposed project management and staffing plans realistic and sufficient? Is the proposed budget realistic, does it provide sufficient cost detail/narrative, and does it represent good value relative to the anticipated results? Is their sufficient evidence that the applicant will be able to complete their work within the 60-month project period? Is their sufficient evidence the applicant and their partners can arrange for adequate space, facilities, and all equipment necessary to produce the required deliverables?

Past Performance (30%) Is the applicant experienced in developing and producing technology research and development roadmaps? Does the applicant have experience operating and managing a highly technical research and development program? Does the applicant have experience in offshore energy research and development activities and risk assessment?

E2. Review and Selection Process The proposal will be reviewed by BSEE and DOE personnel. Reviewers have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline of the proposal.

E3. CFR - Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by BSEE 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…