6.2.22 updated Foa_Content_of_F22AS00368.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Science Applications

F22AS00368 Science & Implementation Support in the Southeast Fiscal Year: 2022

F22AS00368

Due Date for Applications: 07/13/2022

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description Authority:

Science Applications Program (CFDA 15.670) authority: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act— Cooperation of agencies (16 U.S.C. §661).

Migratory Bird Joint Ventures (CFDA 15.637) authority: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act— Cooperation of agencies (16 U.S.C. §661) and Endangered Species Act—International cooperation (16 U.S.C. §1537)

Migratory Bird Monitoring, Assessment and Conservation (CFDA 15.655) authority: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act—Cooperation of agencies (16 U.S.C. §661)

Assistance Listing Number:

15.670,15.637, 15.655 Background, Purpose and Program Requirements:

The Service is the primary fish and wildlife conservation agency within the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, tasked with a diverse array of responsibilities related to conservation and societal valuation of public trust resources. The Migratory Bird and Science Applications programs of the Southeast Fish & Wildlife Service seek to maximize the conservation of birds and other trust resources by jointly working to maintain bird populations at prescribed levels, provide leadership in conservation and management of trust species and their habitats, manage data and information for use in decision making, and ensure the meaningful inclusion of multiple partners and stakeholders in landscape-scale planning and implementation of conservation actions. This funding opportunity will address advancement of specific Department of the Interior, national and regional conservation priorities through projects that support the development and use of targeted science to support delivery of conservation actions. Project proposals will identify the specific approaches and outcomes that will advance those priorities and objectives as described below. The Department of the Interior seeks to address the intersecting challenges of COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity and climate change by

1. Identifying steps to accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters. We are investing in climate research and environmental innovation to incentivize the rapid deployment of clean energy solutions, while reviewing existing programs to restore balance on America’s public lands and waters to benefit current and future generations.

2. Strengthening the government-to-government relationship with sovereign Tribal Nations. We understand that Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, as well as honoring the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, must be the cornerstones of federal Indian policy.

3. Making investments to support the Administration’s goal of creating millions of family-supporting and union jobs. This includes establishing a new Climate Conservation Corps Initiative to put a new generation of Americans to work conserving and restoring public lands and waters, increasing reforestation, increasing carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, protecting biodiversity, improving access to recreation, and addressing the changing climate.

4. Working to conserve at least 30% each of our lands and waters by the year 2030.

We will work to protect biodiversity, slow extinction rates and help leverage natural climate solutions by conserving 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030. This relies on support for local, state, private, and Tribally-led nature conservation and restoration efforts that are underway across America.

5. Centering equity and environmental justice. The impacts of the multiple crises in the United States are not evenly distributed in our society. Communities of color, low-income families, and rural and Indigenous communities have long suffered disproportionate and cumulative harm from air pollution, water pollution, and toxic sites.

At every step of the way, Interior will engage diverse stakeholders across the country, as well as conduct formal consultation with Tribes in recognition of the U.S. government’s trust responsibilities.

National-level priorities of the Science Applications and Migratory Programs include:

1. Supporting the 3 Billion Bird Movement (3BBM). Based on the percent loss of birds and the Service’s unique roles and capacities, Headquarters has established six teams to prioritize and amplify ongoing efforts to have an immediate and positive impact for bird conservation: Shorebirds, Seabirds, Grassland Birds, Forest Birds, Aerial Insectivores and Collisions.

2. Advancing the conservation of At-Risk Species and Birds of Conservation Concern.

We build-on proactive and voluntary conservation approaches to support species that are in decline or listed as federally threatened or endangered. Specific activities include: Identifying knowledge gaps related to species sustainability, then prioritizing when and how to fill knowledge gaps; Providing technical assistance, tools, and coordination to inform conservation strategies, conservation delivery, and management actions; and, Developing partnerships that integrate actions to reduce threats affecting at-risk and declining species.

3. Catalyzing Collaborative Landscape Conservation. We work with others to create an ecologically connected network of lands and waters to support fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats. Specific activities include Helping lead, coordinate, and support integration of on-the-ground landscape conservation efforts across FWS programs and partners for species sustainability; Developing and supporting implementation of spatial data tools to inform conservation solutions for changing landscapes; and Developing conservation strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

4. Providing High Quality Science and Decision Support. We provide processes, guidance, information, and tools that inform decision-making for regional and national conservation priorities. Specific activities include: Assessing, identifying, and securing reliable science and decision support tools for programs and partners; Advancing the Service’s science excellence through items such as the science integrity policy, peer review, national science awards/recognition, and FWS facilitated scientific journals; and, Coordinating and helping lead the Service's data management program, including policy and guidance, improving data management practices and implementing open data principles.

The overarching objective of this funding opportunity is to support projects that advance the regional visions of the Southeast FWS and the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy

(SECAS, http://secassoutheast.org/). Together, these visions provide the comprehensive vision for a desired future conservation landscape that will guide decision making to generate more robust conservation outcomes in the Southeast United States.

The Southeast Region’s Science Applications and Migratory Bird programs seek to advance the DOI, National & Regional objectives by increasing the relevancy of information used to inform conservation decisions. In the past, the Program has received over $2 million dollars annually to support landscape conservation throughout the southeast U.S., including the U.S. Caribbean.

Depending on the level of funding available this year, we will support up to 10 projects addressing the themes listed below. Typical project funding levels range from $50,000 to $500,000. We are seeking science projects that address the following four theme areas:

Theme 1: Decision Support We are seeking research projects that identify, develop, assess, improve, and secure reliable science and decision support tools for programs and partners. Of particular interest are tools or data that enable estimation of species responses to plausible future scenarios, assess biotic integrity of major ecosystems, &/or enable integration of ecosystem service values into the Southeast Blueprint and other conservation decision support tools.

Theme 2: Knowledge Gaps We are seeking research projects that identifying & fill knowledge gaps related to the sustainability of birds and other trust species. Of particular interest are studies that fill information gaps that currently prevent the conservation community from setting Biological Objectives for trust species, especially federally listed species and the 5 bird groups identified by the 3BBM.

Theme 3: Assumption-driven Research We are seeking research projects that test the assumptions underlying management actions and our collective understanding of ecosystem processes. Of particular interest are projects that lay the groundwork for developing or improving decision support tools that guide management decisions at landscape scales.

Theme 4: Outcome-based Monitoring We are seeking research projects that test the efficacy of conservation decisions by assessing species response. Of particular interest are investigations that test the predictions of decision support tools & data.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $500,000 In the past, the Program has received over $2 million dollars annually to support landscape conservation throughout the southeast U.S., including the U.S. Caribbean. We anticipate using this call notice of funding opportunity to support projects during fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $500,000 Minimum Award $25,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding $100,000 Expected Award Date September 30, 2022 Typical project funding levels range from $25,000 to $500,000. Matching funds and/or leveraging of other funds and/or past work are highly encouraged but not required.

Demonstrations of how the current project is relevant to conservation decision making, builds off past federal investments, and/or fills voids in existing decision support tools and data is critical.

Contracts and/or agreements need to be finalized by September 30 of each funding year, and project start dates should begin shortly thereafter, but in accordance with the individual project needs and goals. Awards are intended to be complete within a single fiscal year, but exceptions can be made for projects whose scope addresses the above DOI, National and Regional goals, but require a longer project period to assure success. Renewals and/or extensions are not guaranteed and are dependent on subsequent year’s appropriations from Congress. The program will utilize this notice of funding opportunity for both competitive and single source awards as needed to achieve the programs objectives as outlined above.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards Depending on the level of funding available, we expect to support up to 10 projects addressing the listed themes.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant CA - Cooperative Agreement Projects will be awarded as a grant or cooperative agreement under this announcement. For cooperative agreements, the Service anticipates being substantially involved by performing one or more of the following activities:

Participating and working closely with the recipient in carrying out the scope of work, including training recipient personnel or detailing Federal personnel to work on the project effort.

Reviewing and approving one stage of work before the next stage can begin.

Prior to award, reviewing and approving proposed modifications or sub-awards.

Helping select project staff or trainees.

Directing or redirecting the work because of interrelationships with other projects.

Reserving the right to immediately halt an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met.

Limiting recipient discretion with respect to scope of work, organizational structure, staffing, mode of operations and other management processes, coupled with close monitoring or operational involvement during performance under the award.

Regional Project proposals selected for funding, will be issued a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument. Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network partners that submit Regional Project proposals that qualify as CESU projects will be subject to the CESU indirect cost rate cap (currently 17.5%).

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 23 – Small businesses Additional Information on Eligibility Proposal activities must be based within the Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies geography (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, USVI, VA, WV).

Projects that extend into other parts of the U.S. or the Caribbean will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Matching funds and/or leveraging of other funds and/or past work are highly encouraged but not required. When including matching funds or in-kind support from partners, please include supporting letters indicating the level and extent of the commitment.

C3. Other All applicants that are part of a CESU agreement are required to use the indirect rates established under that agreement.

There is no limit on the number of pre-proposals an applicant may submit.

Foreign Entities or Projects:

State Sponsors of Terrorism: This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions: This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.

In-Country Licenses, Permits, or Approvals: Entities conducting activities outside the U.S.

are responsible for coordinating with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities as necessary to obtain all required licenses, permits, or approvals before undertaking project activities. The Service does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws, regulations, policies, or procedures of the foreign country in which they are conducting work.

Excluded Parties:

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

D. Application and Submission Information D1. Address to Request Application Package The Migratory Bird and Science Applications programs will use a 2-stage process to select and award projects. In Stage 1, interested parties are asked to submit a pre-proposal via Grant Solutions following the guidance in Section D2 by June 17, 2022. In Stage 2, the selection committee will evaluate pre-proposals as they arrive and request full proposals from selected projects no later than July 1, 2022. Full proposals and complete application packages are required to be submitted via Grant Solutions by the NOFO end date (7/13/2022). We will not consider full proposals from interested parties that have not completed Stages 1 and 2.

Program Website Link

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. The form must be complete and signed by an Authorized Representative. For all applicants except individuals and https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx commercial entities, the Authorized Representative’s signature on a standard application form submitted to the Service represents their certification that the entity’s financial management system meets 2 CFR §200.302 financial management requirements. The non-Federal entity’s financial management system must be sufficient to:

1. Permit the preparation of required reports;

2. Trace funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the entity has used such funds per Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award;

3. Provide for the requirements in 2 CFR §200.302(b); and

4. Comply with §200.334 Retention requirements for records, §200.335 Requests for transfer of records, §200.336 Methods for collection, transmission, and storage of information, and §200.337 Access to records.

If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature on or submission of the SF-424 form in GrantSolutions also represents their certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

When completing the SF-424 Application form, enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in Box 18a, Estimated Federal Funding. Include any other Federal sources of funding in Box 18e. Estimated Other Funding and identify any such sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), do NOT include your Social Security Number on this or any other document to be submitted with your application! When completing the SF-424 Application form, individuals must enter in Box 8b. Employee/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) the substitute number “444-44- 4444.” Individuals may register in SAM.gov but are not required to have a SAM.gov registration. For individuals without a SAM.gov registration enter in Box 8c. the substitute Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) “KA5HQCLKUVW1 “

Note: All documents not filled out online in Grant Solutions that require a signature must be hand signed, digitally, or electronically signed. Typing your name in is not acceptable.

Full Proposals should be submitted in Word or pdf format. Submit budget sheets separately in Excel or pdf format.

SF 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may own or operate, and entities waived from the SAM.gov registration requirements by the funding bureau or office must submit the signed and dated SF-424B, Assurances for Non- Construction Programs form. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. All other financial assistance applicants must complete the “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations” as part of their SAM.gov entity record.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB Number 4040-0019) Applicants must complete and submit the Project Abstract Summary form. The Project Abstract Summary form must provide a brief award description. The description must be in plain language that the public can understand without viewing the full application proposal. It should include a brief, simple description of the project purpose, activities to be performed, deliverables https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.334 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.336 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.337 and expected outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipient activities, if known at the time of submission.

Do not include personally identifiable, sensitive, or proprietary information in the award description as this is available to the public. Use only English characters, numbers, punctuation, and standard symbols. Use of non-English, non-standard characters (also referred to as special or extended ASCII characters) will result in the award description failing to be reported correctly to USASpending.gov. Award descriptions are limited to 4,000 characters or less. Applicants should check the length of the award description and proofread for proper grammar and spelling.

For applicants applying through Grants.gov: Applicants must download and complete the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form from the full text announcement. To submit the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form with the application, applicants must add the form as an attachment to the Grants.gov “Attachments” form that is included in the application package.

For applicants applying through GrantSolutions-Grants Management Module (GS- GMM): Applicants must enter the information in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a document in place of entering the information directly into GS-GMM Project Abstract Screen.

Project Narrative Pre-proposal Narrative Instructions:

1. Pre-proposals must be submitted in GrantSolutions by June 17, 2022.

2. Pre-proposal length is 2 pages. This is a pre-proposal, be concise. No appendices or attached documents other than curriculum vitae are allowed (see below for CV guidance).

3. Use 12-point Times New Roman font for all text. Do not change fonts, heading or subheadings. Allowable margins for all submitted documents are 0.5 inches on all sides.

4. Do not submit endorsement or support letters or budget sheets with your pre-proposal.

5. If you have questions, please contact: Jerome Barksdale at jerome_barksdale@fws.gov or 904- 731-3251 and he will put you in touch with the appropriate members of the program.

6. Selected preproposals will be invited to submit full proposals.

Pre-proposal Elements Title: A short, descriptive title that captures the project’s purpose or goal.

Project applicant(s): For Principal applicant (bold name) provide agency, address, phone number, and email. List only the name, email, and agency/organization of other applicants.

Brief project description: In 50 words or fewer, briefly summarize the proposed project.

Management implication or application: In 350 words or less, describe the management implications and applications of the project. Describe what your project will accomplish including the issue, question, or opportunity that will be addressed by the project.

Total Funds Requested: Funding, including indirect. See Sections C3 and D6 of this Notice for more information on CESU member requirement.

Project dates: Provide start and completion dates. Start dates must be after September 1, 2022 Geographic extent: Please provide a brief description of the extent of the project. Also provide the latitude/longitude(s) in degree decimal format for your project. If it is a large project area, pick a central/focal point.

mailto:jerome_barksdale@fws.gov

Rationale and objectives:

1. Explain why this project should be conducted and why the proposed work is necessary and significant.

2. Briefly describe how the proposal addresses either the National-level priorities of the Science Applications and Migratory Programs or the four theme areas for the Science Applications and Migratory Bird programs for the Southeast.

3. Describe the specific management objective or task addresses a critically important need in the Southeast.

4. State the hypothesis or research/management question(s) to be addressed.

5. List objectives numerically in the sequence they will be completed. Objectives are statements that are related to scientific understanding based on interpretation of data analysis; objectives are not methodological steps (e.g., collect data, conduct experiments, analyze data, write report).

Objectives identify a pattern, process, or relationship among variables to be described, and can be used to evaluate progress of a project. Objectives should be worded to reflect the research questions to be answered, the hypotheses to be tested, and the processes to be described. A set of objectives are ideally related to each other. When little information exists to formulate questions and hypotheses then research objectives focused on description are appropriate.

6. Provide a description of stakeholder coordination, collaboration, or involvement.

Methods: Provide a brief description of proposed methods as they relate to each objective:

include study design, data collection procedures, analytical methods, reporting, and time frame.

Deliverables/Products: Provide a concise description of the report types, investigation data/information, and products (journal pubs, databases, workshop reports, electronic files) that will be provided upon project completion.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Include 1 page resume or curriculum vitae (CV) for each applicant(s) listed above. The resume or CV should illustrate the applicant(s) capabilities to complete the project. Resumes do not count towards the 2-page pre-proposal limit.

Non-duplication Assessment: Include search terms & search results from USGS ScienceBase demonstrating that the proposal does not duplicate existing research. This Assessment does not count towards the 2-page pre-proposal limit.

Full Proposal Narrative Instructions:

1. The Full Proposal needs to include all the elements of the pre-proposal but with greater detail on Rationale & Objectives, Methods, Deliverables/Products, and any other items requested by the programs when the Full proposal is invited.

2. All applications must include a Data Management Plan for the project that demonstrates how the data & information will be preserved, maintained & accessible beyond the Period of Performance.

3. A completed application package includes the Full Proposal, Data Management Plan & all other forms required by the Grant Solutions Application Package (e.g., SF-424, Budget Narrative, Conflict of Interest Disclosure).

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A Budget Information form for Non- Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov or in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

Budget Narrative Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class Category” totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays). Describe any proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306 for more information.

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

a. Applicability.

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

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

b. Notification.

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

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112

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 §18 and 31

USC §1352.

d. Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

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 §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, 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, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, 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.

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

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html 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 regard 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 regard to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration:

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register as a financial assistance recipient in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaced the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made 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 the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). Entities already registered in SAM.gov should review their registration to confirm that they are registered as a financial assistance recipient, which requires completion of the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations”. See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “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. Applicants can 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 made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 07/13/2022 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM., ET, on the listed application due date.

The Migratory Bird and Science Applications programs will use a 2-stage process to select and award projects. In Stage 1, interested parties are asked to submit a pre-proposal following the guidance in Section D2 by June 17, 2022. In Stage 2, the selection committee will evaluate pre-proposals as they arrive and request full proposals from selected projects no later than July 1, 2022. Full proposals and complete application packages are required to be submitted by the NOFO end date (7/13/2022). We will not consider full proposals from interested parties that have not completed Stages 1 and 2.

Pre-proposals and full proposals in Word or pdf format must be submitted in Grant Solutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/).

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. The State Single Point of Contact list is available on the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website.

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, you must not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

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 (DOI) is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center (IBC) will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted by Organization:

U.S. state or local government entities receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding must include the following statement in their application and attach a copy of their most recently negotiated rate agreement:

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

U.S. state or local government entities receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding must include the applicable statement from this list:

We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR 200, Appendix VII. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award].

We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We have not prepared an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR §200, Appendix VII and elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until we choose to establish a rate per 2 CFR §200. We understand we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs 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.

All other organizations must include the applicable statement from this list and any related documentation in their application. Please note, an organization with a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may not elect to charge the 10% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs during the period covered by their current negotiated rate.

We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award, we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement.

Attached is a copy of our current rate agreement.

We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement. 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. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

We are an organization that has never negotiated an indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award]. 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. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

We are an organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate. In the event an award is made, we elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until such time as we negotiate a different rate with our cognizant agency. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if during the award period we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs to the award. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

We are an organization submitting a [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”] project proposal, which has an indirect cost rate cap of [insert rate; CRU is currently 15%; CESU is currently 17.5%]. In the event we receive an award, we understand that if we have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate we must charge the program’s capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have current negotiated (including provisional) rate, we understand we must charge the capped indirect cost rate against Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR §200.1.

We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements The Service uses the GrantSolutions system to manage financial assistance applications and awards. Applicants must register in and conduct any subsequent award business with the Service in GrantSolutions. To apply, your organization and organization officials must be established in GrantSolutions. To register your organization in GrantSolutions, send an email to help@grantsolutions.gov with the following information:

Subject: New Organization Request

Organization/Individual Name Point of Contact first and last name, email, and phone number Organization Type SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals or Service-waived entities) Organization Employer Identification Number (Applicants that are INDIVIDUALS DO

NOT include your social security number) Address

Organizational details should match those in the organization’s SAM.gov registration. To establish organization official accounts and user role(s), complete a Recipient User Account Request Form for each official and email it to help@grantsolutions.gov. The GrantSolutions entity user roles are: Authorizing Official (ADO); Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD); Support Specialist (GSS); Financial Officer (FO); and Financial Support Staff (FSS).

mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov.

All roles can do the following: enter applications, amendments, and reports, view awards, and view and create notes. The ADO and the PI/PD roles can also submit applications, amendments, and reports. The FO role can also submit reports.