7.14.2025 Foa_Content_of_F25AS00296.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

2025 White-nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes

Funding Opportunity Number

F25AS00296

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: F25AS00296

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.684

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000

Expected Number of Awards: 30

Award Ceiling: $75,000

Award Floor: $10,000

Proposals must adhere to the sub-caps for categories (a) and (b), as described below. The total award maximum is $75,000, so projects may not request the maximum amount from both categories.

a. Up to $50,000 may be used for activities that address Priorities 1 and 2. More information about priorities is in the Program Description, below.

1. Conduct and support WNS treatment and management research and implementation.

2. Implement conservation strategies for WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species

b. Up to $50,000 may be used for activities that address Priorities 3 through 6. More information about priorities is in the Program Description, below.

3. Conduct bat population monitoring

4. Conduct WNS and Pd surveillance

5. Build and maintain local expertise

6. Engage with the WNS National Response Team

NOTE: Funding may not be used for land purchases, general forestry actions, fulfilling consultation and permitting requirements, or offsetting costs of curtailment or construction.

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

IMPORTANT: The Service will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all proposals received by an initial deadline on 8/15/2025. At this time, each proposal will be a) recommended for an award, b) declined for an award, or c) deferred for a decision after the final deadline. The Service will award up to 80% of the available funds for this funding opportunity to proposals submitted for the initial deadline.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

For technical support related to the application and grant administration process, contact Shelley Dobona, Office of Conservation Investement. Shelley_Dibona@fws.gov

With programmatic questions, contact the regional or national coordinators of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's WNS program:

• Jeremy Coleman, National WNS Coordinator; Phone: 413-253-8223, Jeremy_Coleman@fws.gov https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 mailto:Shelley_Dibona@fws.gov mailto:Jeremy_Coleman@fws.gov

• Jonathan Reichard, WNS National Assistant Coordinator; Phone: 413-253-8258, Jonathan_Reichard@fws.gov

• Christina Kocer, Northeast WNS Coordinator (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV and DC); Phone: 413-335-4482, Christina_Kocer@fws.gov

• Richard Geboy, Midwest WNS Coordinator (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI); Phone:

812-334-4261 x210, Richard_Geboy@fws.gov

• Pete Pattavina, Southeast WNS Coordinator (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VI); Phone: 706-208-7511, Pete_Pattavina@fws.gov

• Mike McGrath, Mountain-Prairie WNS Coordinator (CO, KS, MT, NE, ND, SD, UT, WY); Phone: 406-475-2965, Mike_McGrath@fws.gov

• Jennifer Smith-Castro, Southwest WNS Coordinator (AZ, NM, OK, TX); Phone: 505- 621-9060, Jennifer_Smith-Castro@fws.gov

• Erin Adams, Pacific Northwest WNS Coordinator (ID, OR, WA); Phone: 360-584-6118, Erin_Adams@fws.gov

• Bronwyn Hogan, Pacific Southwest WNS Coordinator (CA, NV, Klamath Basin); Phone:

916-215-9502, Bronwyn_Hogan@fws.gov

• Nichole Bjornlie, Alaska WNS Coordinator (AK); Phone: 907-786-3488, Nichole_Bjornlie@fws.gov

Executive Summary White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). WNS is confirmed in 12 bat species in North America, including three that are federally listed as endangered and one that is proposed to be listed.

WNS has led to severe declines in multiple hibernating species of bats, although impacts vary among affected species and locations. Severity of the disease is unclear for multiple recently or not yet exposed species.

The goal of this funding opportunity is to provide financial assistance to our partners at U.S.

State and Tribal agencies to fulfill information needs for conserving bats, implement management actions for WNS and susceptible bat species, and actively engage in the National Response to WNS and North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is offering financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies and departments of States, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related to the management of WNS.

Since 2010, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of coordinated bat conservation and recovery efforts. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in or seeking to engage in bat management and conservation efforts. Supported activities will include implementing conservation actions for bats, supporting scientific information gathering, training local personnel, managing WNS and the causative fungus, monitoring bat populations, and maintaining expertise in bat conservation and management in state and tribal agencies.

Successful proposals for this program will be plans of action relevant to the current status of WNS in the applicants’ locations and will address context-specific conservation needs of WNS impacted bat species and disease management. Funding priorities are intended to support mailto:Jonathan_Reichard@fws.gov mailto:Christina_Kocer@fws.gov mailto:Richard_Geboy@fws.gov mailto:Pete_Pattavina@fws.gov mailto:Mike_McGrath@fws.gov mailto:Jennifer_Smith-Castro@fws.gov mailto:Erin_Adams@fws.gov mailto:Bronwyn_Hogan@fws.gov mailto:Nichole_Bjornlie@fws.gov relevant projects in State or Tribal jurisdictions, whether WNS is already affecting resident bats or the fungus has recently or not yet arrived.

Successful applications to this funding opportunity will present effective and efficient plans to meet all of the following objectives:

• Benefit hibernating bat species in the United States.

• Advance the stated priorities of this funding opportunity and the WNS National Plan.

• Build upon or advance the current state of knowledge of bats.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Additional Information on Eligibility Applicants must be in good standing on previously awarded federal grant agreements as demonstrated by the following outcomes:

• A record of meeting proposed objectives, performance, and delivery requirements on past awards

• No avoidable past performance delays or issues and responsiveness of recipient to Service communications to resolve issues

• A record of successful use of funds previously awarded to the applicant from USFWS WNS funding programs. Applicants who have relinquished or surrendered funds from previous awards from the USFWS WNS funding programs must demonstrate that they did everything possible to have avoided this outcome.

Applicants with existing financial assistance awards from the WNS program must have demonstrated progress toward successful completion of the funded objectives to be eligible to receive an additional award.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRANTS.GOV

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

GRANTSOLUTIONS

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Disease Management: Funds are awarded to prepare for and respond to WNS in the United States. Activities include conducting disease and pathogen surveillance and testing and implementing WNS mitigation strategies. The goal is to understand location-specific status of WNS and take appropriate action to reduce the impacts of the disease on native bats.

Species Conservation: Funds are awarded to help protect hibernating bat species and important habitat to support their survival year-round. Activities include population monitoring to understand the need for and results of conservation actions. The goal is to reduce non-disease stressors on hibernating bat populations.

Collaboration and Communication: Funds are awarded to support State and Tribal engagement in the National Response to WNS and the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat), and to engage public and private partners in bat conservation locally.

Activities include coordinating monitoring, research, and management efforts and conducting outreach. The goal is to support State- and Tribe-led management activities for bats.

Program Description White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). The disease quickly emerged as a primary threat to countless species of hibernating bats after its discovery during the winter of 2006-2007. WNS has been confirmed in 12 bat species in North America, including three federally listed as https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration threatened or endangered and one currently proposed for listing. WNS has led to severe declines in multiple hibernating species of bats, although impacts vary among affected species and locations. Severity of the disease is unclear for multiple recently or not yet exposed species.

Implementation of the WNS National Response seeks to conserve and recover bat species affected by WNS through financial and technical support to States and Tribes for their management planning and actions, pathogen and disease surveillance, coordination of research activities, collaboration with partners, development and use of disease treatments, and population monitoring. The Service’s WNS program is coordinated and funded through the branches of Ecological Services and Science Applications. Grants awarded through this funding opportunity will be administered by the Service's Office of Conservation Investment (formerly Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, WSFR). Grants will be competitively awarded based on merit review of proposed actions for their applicability and feasibility to advance the priorities identified in this notice, which contribute to meeting the objectives of the WNS National Plan (WNS Response Plans).

Program Priorities in 2025

1. Conduct and provide support for WNS treatment and management research and implementation, including, but not limited to the following tools: Bat Fungal Disease Immunogen (BFDi; a vaccine for WNS); roost cleaning or disinfection; management of hibernacula to improve microclimate conditions; and field-testing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), probiotics, or anti-Pd RNAi.

2. Conduct bat population monitoring to inform management, with a focus on developing, advancing, and maintaining long-term data streams for monitoring bat populations using protocols and data archiving standards of NABat

3. Conduct WNS and Pd surveillance in concert with National and State WNS plans or priorities.

4. Implement conservation strategies for WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species with the goal of improving survivorship or resilience through restoration or improvement of important bat roosts; guarding bats from disturbance, predation, or other threats; and conserving and preserving important roosting locations for WNS-affected and WNS-vulnerable bat species, with a focus on long-term protection and resilience into the future.

5. Build and maintain local expertise and partnerships for long-term capacity to advance management and monitoring of bats.

6. Engage with working groups, committees, workshops, and meetings of the WNS National Response Team.

Collaborations are encouraged. Collaborative projects that describe the contributions of multiple partners to enact conservation strategies may be more competitive than projects conducted by a solitary organization or agency.

Projects are subject to compliance with the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act. Documentation of compliance with these regulations must be approved prior to initiating potentially impactful work.

Certified Local Governments are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (American250). This may include, but is not limited to, preservation, planning, interpretation, public engagement, and rehabilitation projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et. seq.; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 661-666; Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C. § 742 et seq.

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

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:

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

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

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

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

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

Required for non-construction projects

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

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

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative

Proposals must not exceed 6 pages in length (excluding required forms, letters of support/collaboration, environmental compliance documentation, and literature cited) and must have a minimum font size of 11 pt.

a. Project title

b. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant’s organization and all participating entities and/or individuals collaborating to complete the project. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis.

c. Statement of Need: The statement of need should be a concise paragraph describing why the applicant is requesting funds and how the funds will advance the State’s or Tribe’s https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance objectives for managing bats affected by or vulnerable to WNS. If the applicant is using different funding to contribute to the objectives stated for this funding opportunity, those activities and funds should be described.

d. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the program/project seeking funds and the specific objectives to be addressed with the proposed funding. Objectives are the specific outcomes to be accomplished to reach the stated goal(s). The project’s objectives must be clear and specific with measurable outcomes and deliverable within the project’s proposed timeline. Describe how the objectives address the priorities of this funding opportunity (i.e., specifically identify the priority(ies) from the list above and explain hos it is addressed). Additionally, describe how the proposed activities build upon previous work to advance the applicant’s long-term goals.

e. Species and Locations: Identify the species affected by the proposed activities. Clearly describe the geographic scope of the proposed activities.

f. Project Activities, Methods, and Results: Identify the proposed activities to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). The proposed project activities narrative must be sufficiently detailed for reviewers to clearly connect the activities with the project costs. Provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity and the anticipated results.

g. Project Timeline: Provide a timeline indicating when project milestones will be met and activities completed by quarter of each year in the proposed project period.

h. (If applicable) Proposals that seek funds for the enhancement, restoration, or protection of important bat roosts must provide the following information:

• a clear description of the estimated abundance of each species present at the location of the action and the conservation need or problem they face;

• a clear description of the measures proposed and how the action mitigates the problem;

• a quantified estimate of the benefit from the proposed action, e.g., linear feet of subterranean habitat restored or protected, number of bats protected, etc.;

• justification for cost of the project and an analysis of cost efficiency;

• names and affiliations of the partners who will contribute to the work;

• and the project’s timeline and future monitoring.

• In proposals where an easement will be purchased, describe who will hold title to the easement, manage the easement, and if it is ready to implement. Include a copy of the letter from the willing seller.

i. Environmental Compliance: Provide all necessary environmental compliance documentation for your project, including compliance for National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

If the project is also protecting a site and Federally Endangered or Threatened species are present, provide letters of coordination with the relevant Service’s Field Office and national or regional species recovery lead.

NOTE: Bat roost conservation supported through this funding opportunity can occur on non- Federal, publicly owned or managed land; on private property; or on Federally owned or managed land. Applicants seeking funds to meet this priority on Federally owned or managed land should contact the WNS regional coordinator in their area to discuss options. Projects proposed on Federal land should demonstrate significant contributions or involvement from the Federal partner

j. Permitting: All participants working in conjunction with the proposed activities must be covered by necessary Federal, State, and local permits, and landowner permissions must be secured prior to project initiation. Applicants submitting proposals to support animal-based experiments, whether in conjunction with universities or not, will be expected to demonstrate compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act with satisfactory review of animal use protocols by an established Animal Care and Use Committee or related State wildlife veterinarian (as appropriate). Treatment and decontamination actions also require demonstrated compliance with FDA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory agencies.

k. Sustainability: Identify how the actions to be completed in the project period contribute to complementary or long-term management objectives for bats in the jurisdiction where the project is located. Describe anticipated future funding needs to implement or sustain outcomes of funded activities.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

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

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

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

A table in the budget narrative should be used to clarify use of requested funds. The table should include, at a minimum, these budget categories:

a. Salaries and benefits (include names, responsibilities, and time commitments);

b. Project related expenses (e.g., travel, communications, supplies, consultants, etc.);

c. Equipment (purchases of tangible, personal property over $10,000.00 that will be used for one year or more, unless the applicant's capitalization policy indicates a lower amount); and

d. Indirect costs (if any).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

Note: In order for tuition to be eligible and allowable, it must comply with regulations as written in 2 CFR 200.466.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

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

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

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

Other Required Information

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package GrantSolutions - https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ - Search for the funding opportunity using the Program name and/or CFDA Number 15.684. Or, search for the funding opportunity name: 2025 White-nose Syndrome Grants to States and Tribes.

Grants.gov - https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Or contact - Shelley Dibona, Office of Conservation Investment, 413 253-8509 or Shelley_Dibona@fws.gov

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/12/2025

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

IMPORTANT: The Service will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all proposals received by an initial deadline on 8/15/2025. At this time, each proposal will be a) recommended for an award, b) declined for an award, or c) deferred for a decision after the final deadline. The Service will award up to 80% of the available funds for this funding opportunity to proposals submitted for the initial deadline.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.466 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Submission Instructions Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system. You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply:

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the

FWS, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for construction-related activities except culvert replacements and dam removals, AND

Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except projects supporting Service-specific initiatives), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than $10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years)

If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below. Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below.

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM., ET, on the listed application due date.

IMPORTANT: The Service will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all proposals received by an initial deadline on 8/15/2025. At this time, each proposal will be a) recommended for an award, b) declined for an award, or c) deferred for a decision after the final deadline. The Service will award up to 80% of the available funds for this funding opportunity to proposals submitted for the initial deadline.

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

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

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

https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Subject: New Organization Request

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

• Entity type

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

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

• Address

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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

The Service will determine that each applicant has NO record of any of the following outcomes with previously awarded grants through WNS National Response Implementation (Listing Assistance #15.684):

• Failure to meet proposed objectives, performance, and delivery requirements.

• Failure to communicate with the Service about delays and issues with meeting objectives.

• Avoidable return or surrender of significant funds upon completion of the project.

• Insufficient progress toward successful completion of currently funded projects.

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

25.205 for more information.

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

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

Merit Review Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria in order to rank them in competition for available funds:

Project Responsiveness and Relevance (20%)

• How well does the proposed work address priorities for this funding opportunity (identified above)?

• Does the project have a high likelihood of making a significant contribution to conservation or protection of WNS impacted or vulnerable species?

Project Need (25%)

• Does the project build upon and advance the applicant’s ability to manage WNS and bats?

• Does the project have specific, achievable outcomes that address clear needs of the applicant?

• Are impacted species listed (Federally, State) or Species of Special Concern?

Project Impact (20%) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

• How well will the project benefit species or populations affected by or vulnerable to

WNS?

• How important are the affected bats to the persistence and recovery of the species?

• How many species and individual bats of each species will benefit from the activities?

Budget (20%)

• Is the project a cost-effective contribution to bat conservation in the applicant’s region?

• Does the budget balance cost of activities with duration of the project?

• If the site is on Federal land, has the Federal partner committed to planning, supporting, and completing the project?

Project Feasibility (15%)

• Will the proposed activities produce lasting conservation benefits for bats?

• Are the proposed activities and timeline realistic for achieving the goals and objectives of the project within the period of performance?

• Are key personnel well-positioned to successfully complete the project and communicate the results?

The Service may employ additional review criteria to prioritize projects based on the following considerations.

• Does the proposal address ALL components of the project narrative identified above?

• Does the project utilize appropriate partnerships within the project area?

• How much funding, in total, has the applicant’s agency received in previous grants from the Service’s WNS program? Has the applicant demonstrated ability to accurately plan the budget for previously awarded projects (if applicable) and utilize awarded funds effectively?

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

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

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

The review panel will include national and regional coordinators of the Service’s WNS national response team. At least three reviewers will evaluate each proposal on the criteria listed above.

Subject matter experts may be requested to provide reviews of projects if deemed necessary by the review committee. All elements of review will be submitted and maintained electronically by the national assistant coordinator for the Service’s WNS program. The Service will evaluate recommendations from the review committee and seek consensus funding decisions from the Service’s national and regional WNS coordinators. The Service is responsible for all final decisions. The National WNS Steering Committee will be notified of the final award decisions.

The Service may offer partial awards to applicants not selected for full funding. If an applicant indicates that a project cannot be completed with partial funding, a lower ranked proposal that can be supported with available remaining funds may be awarded instead of a higher ranked project.

An applicant may receive less funding than requested if an activity identified in the grant has been deemed ineligible, insubstantial, or in conflict with priorities of the funding opportunity.

Applicants may be asked to adjust project objectives, tasks, and budgets to best utilize the reduced award amount.

The Service reserves the right to reject an application in its entirety where information is uncovered that raises a significant risk with respect to the responsibility or suitability of an applicant.

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

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

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR

200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

AWARD NOTICES

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

Anticipated Project Start Date: 12/01/2025

Anticipated Project End Date: 05/01/2027 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.206(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458

Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the form of a notice of award document. Notices of award will be generated and sent to the applicant through GrantSolutions. Award recipients are not required to sign/return the Notice of Award document. Acceptance of an award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

Awards are based on the final application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the Notice of Award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation;

and special award terms and conditions. Recipient acceptance of a Federal award from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with all terms and conditions applicable to the award.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

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

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

The use of grant funds requires adherence to established protocols and methodologies developed and recommended by the national WNS working groups for surveillance, diagnostics, population monitoring, conservation and recovery, and disease management, as well as the Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and National Environmental Policy Act, as appropriate.

Some proposed activities may entail significant workload by the applicant to comply with regulatory requirements of the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Historic Preservation Act prior to funds becoming available. Awards cannot be given an effective date prior to the completion of all required compliance documentation.

As a condition of any award, grantees will use the data management infrastructure of the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) to report any acoustic monitoring, capture efforts, roost counts, and tracking conducted as funded activities. These records must be entered prior to completion of the grant reporting period. Proposed population monitoring activities are not required to occur with the specific monitoring protocols of NABat, nor in the highest priority grid cells of a state or jurisdiction, but must meet the minimum required data fields to be contributed to the program. Monitoring using specific NABat protocols and priority locations will be prioritized over efforts using other protocols, unless those differences are strongly justified. Completed upload of all appropriate monitoring data is a requirement for meeting the terms of the grant agreement. It is required that any records are submitted with precise locations to increase the utility of the records, although data sharing permissions can be set to a coarser resolution. If this is not possible, contact your regional WNS coordinator (above).

https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions

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

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).

Progress reporting for the grant must include identification of NABat projects, and the relevant WNS regional coordinator and/or national assistant coordinator should be included as a collaborator, with, at minimum, a read-only role for each funded project. Standard reports including data visualization outputs generated by NABat are accepted to fulfill award reporting requirements for project activities funded through this opportunity.

Other Information https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329…