7.2.24 Foa_Content_of_F24AS00365.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Refuges https://lakesuperiorcollaborative.org/headwaters-to-coast-initiative/

F24AS00365 Wisconsin Headwaters to Coast Initiative Fiscal Year: 2024

F24AS00365

Due Date for Applications: 09/30/2024

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Assistance Listing Number

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals

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

A1. Authority Fish and Wildlife Act Community partnership enhancement 16 U.S.C. §742f(d)

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act—Cooperation of agencies 16 U.S.C. §661

Fish and Wildlife Act — Refuge education program enhancement 16 U.S.C. §742f(e)

National Wildlife Refuge System Admin Act—Administration 16 U.S.C. §668dd(b)(4)

Inflation Reduction Act—Weather Events Pub. L. 117-169 [H.R. 5376], § 60302, 136 Stat. 2079

A2. Assistance Listing Number

Assistance Listing Number 15.654

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The Headwaters to Coast Initiative (H2C) is a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded project to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), initiated in 2022 to develop a partner-driven, watershed-wide conservation blueprint for the Lake Superior basin of Wisconsin that covers the four counties of Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas and Iron in northern Wisconsin. H2C is a community-based program that provides technical and financial assistance primarily through cooperative agreements to conservation partners and stakeholders. The mission of the H2C is to bring people together to prioritize and coordinate conservation projects that meet the ecological, social, and cultural needs of current and future generations in Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin.

The H2C Initiative was designed to address barriers to collaboration across agencies, organizations, and projects to more strategically address the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss. H2C provides a framework for collaboration that places conservation challenges, opportunities, and individual projects into a broader conservation context, may provide technical support to small agencies, and enable a partnership to take on larger projects and issues that may be too challenging for one agency working alone.

Funding for projects will be considered that are developed or endorsed by multi-partner, collaborative teams which may include the Lake Superior Collaborative. Projects should address one or more of the following six conservation and social priorities identified by partners and fall within the Wisconsin, Lake Superior basin geography; 1) Habitat Connectivity and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title16/pdf/USCODE-2018-title16-chap9.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title16/pdf/USCODE-2018-title16-chap5A.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title16/pdf/USCODE-2018-title16-chap9.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2018-title16/pdf/USCODE-2018-title16-chap5A.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-117publ169/pdf/PLAW-117publ169.pdf

Functionality, 2) Healthy Habitats and Biodiversity, 3) Water Quality and Hydrologic Integrity,

4) Climate Resiliency, 5) Inclusive Community Engagement and 6) Prepare for and Address Current and emerging Threats or other GLRI priorities identified in the most recent GLRI Action Plan. The number of acres restored and/or the miles of stream restored will be used as the measures of success and must reported.

Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the H2C Initiative are requested to consult with a local USFWS biologist BEFORE developing or submitting an application (see Agency Contacts at the end of this announcement)

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals

• The headwaters to coast promotes locally led conservation through partnerships in the

Wisconsin Lake Superior basin. The funding opportunity aims to deliver financial assistance in coordination with Federal, Tribal, State, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners. This work can be completed on public or private lands, working lands, Tribal land, urban areas, and underserved communities to achieve the following goals.

Habitat connectivity and functionality. Integrate projects at a landscape level to improve connectivity and functionality. This priority recognizes that interconnected habitats and migration corridors are vital to fish and wildlife conservation. The work of this initiative can leverage other partnering agency program efforts to preserve function in high-quality habitats and strategically restore highly impacted areas.

Healthy habitats and biodiversity. Promote and maintain diverse and self sustaining native plant and animal populations through protection of existing high quality habitats and, or restoration. Implement habitat projects within priority areas that prevent decline or support recovery of species of greatest conservation concern, including Federal listed species, birds of conservation concern, pollinators, interjurisdictional fish, and Great Lakes restoration initiative priority habitats or species and groups. This priority supports the Service's conservation mission and our role as stewards of Federal trust species with intent to make improvement in select species status.

Water quality and hydrologic integrity. Rehabilitate and maintain a diverse, healthy, and self regulating fish and aquatic community, dominated by indigenous species and supporting sustainable fisheries. This priority recognizes that water quality is important to people, plants, and animals. Projects will need to be resilient to hydrologic extremes, high precipitation events, droughts, and temperature increases.

Climate resiliency. Implement conservation projects that address threats associated with climate change and maximize climate resilience through resistance, adaptation, or redirection under the RAD framework to advance ecosystem health and benefit communities of fish, wildlife, plants, and people. This priority recognizes that we need to prepare for, recover from, or adapt to the impacts of climate change and prevent those impacts from growing worse.

Inclusive community engagement. Engagement in conservation related work is inclusive of input from local communities, underserved and indigenous populations, which depend on the land and waters for livelihood, recreation, and social and cultural value that influence the overall well being of human lives.

Current and emerging threats. Prepare for and address current and emerging threats or other Great Lakes Restoration Initiative priorities identified in the most recent GLRI action plan. This priority recognizes the need to minimize current and emerging environmental threats through strategic conservation such as controlling invasive species, early detection, rapid response, and minimizing the risk of plant and animal diseases.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $2,500,000 Total amount of financial assistance per annum is subject to availability of funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $500,000 Minimum Award $1

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding $400,000 Expected Award Date October 15, 2024 To be considered for FY 2024 funding applications needs to be received by July 1, 2024. All applications received after will be awarded after the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2024.

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant CA - Cooperative Agreement The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be substantially involved in projects under this funding opportunity. In particular, the Service will be responsible for the following: 1) Vetting potential projects with partners, 2) conducting site or field visits to potential project areas, 3) coordinating proposed project/s ideas with other partners and, 4) providing technical assistance to partners throughout the project implementation phase.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities 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 21 – Individuals 22 – For profit organization other than small businesses 23 – Small businesses 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) 99 – Unrestricted (i.e. open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility The Headwaters to Coast Initiative staff reserves the right to reject projects that do not align with the H2C conservation blueprint, regional strategic plans, or Great Lakes Restoration Initiative priorities. Applications must be submitted through Grant Solutions at:

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/. Applications submitted through Grants.gov will not be evaluated. 501(c)(3) applicants should be prepared to prove status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and tribal applicants may be required to provide an authorizing tribal resolution.

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Cost sharing is not required, although it is highly encouraged. Cost share may be monetary or in-kind contributions and will vary from project to project.

C3. Other

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 Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the H2C Initiative are requested to consult with a local USFWS biologist BEFORE developing or submitting an application (see Agency Contacts at the end of this announcement).

Program Website Link https://lakesuperiorcollaborative.org/headwaters-to-coast-initiative/ 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

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 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". For instructions on completing the SF-424, please reference the Instructional Video: Completing the SF424.

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 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, 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 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZb5DyVcCk973cI_AVHushgcEmEMS6aUH 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 Project Narrative

Briefly summarize the project. Include the title of the project, geographic location, and a brief overview of the need for the project, goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes consistent with this funding opportunity.

In no more than five (5) pages of text plus attachments, please provide the following information:

• Project title. Provide a descriptive project title in fifteen (15) words or less.

• Project personnel. Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals, including details on their expertise, skill, or significance to the project. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis.

• Statement of need. Identify the specific concern, problem, or issue to be addressed or opportunity to be leveraged; the consequences of not addressing the need; and how the proposed project aligns with the Headwaters to Coast Initiative’s objectives. Describe the project’s relevance to previous or on-going work, if applicable.

• Project objectives. State the objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) of the project and how they relate to Headwaters to Coast Initiative objectives. List the milestones that must be reached to achieve the objectives.

• Relevance to other conservation plans. Describe how the project will support or complement existing conservation plans. Identify only the most relevant plan(s) and quote the language from the plan that the project addresses. Examples include the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Lake Superior 2020 -2024 Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lake Superior Action Plan (2022), Lake Superior Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, and many other local, state, regional, or Tribal conservation plans.

• Species and habitats. List the primary species and habitats expected to benefit from the project and describe how they will benefit.

• Funding requested. State the total amount of funding requested from the Headwaters to Coast Initiative in this proposal.

• Activities. Activities are the specific actions to be taken to fulfill the project objectives.

Describe who is carrying out the activity, what is involved, how it will be carried out (method), and when the activity will be carried out. Methods should be accepted “best management practices”, based on sound science, and be cost-efficient. The proposed project activities should be commensurate with the funding requested.

• Timeline. Provide a timeline of when significant project events or milestones are anticipated, including engineering and design completion, construction start, monitoring, estimated completion dates of each proposed activity, and anticipated project end date.

Indicate % probability of completion (to the nearest 10%) within one (1) year of receiving funding and within two (2) years of receiving funding, being as accurate as possible. Only projects proposed to be completed within two (2) years of receipt of funding will be considered.

• Project location. Indicate where the project will take place in Wisconsin: County, Congressional District, road crossing, roadway name, stream name, and watershed name (if applicable), 8-digit HUC #, TRS information, and GPS Coordinates (Precise GPS coordinates-decimal degree format). Maps and other materials are included as attachments.

• Environmental compliance. Provide sufficient information to support environmental compliance review requirements. Are there any federally listed species that occur in the project area? Is there a dam or other structure listed as a historic site within the project area? All federally funded projects that disturb ground must request State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and/or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) review and clearance before proceeding. Is the project site on Tribal Lands or does the project site potentially have religious and cultural significance to Tribal partners?

• Expected project results. Describe the anticipated project outcomes and major deliverables. Include any of the following measures relevant to the project: anticipated number of acres of wetlands restored, enhanced, or protected, number of acres of uplands restored, enhanced, or protected, number of miles of stream/shorelines restored, enhanced, or protected, number of miles of streams opened to aquatic organism passage, number of fish passage barriers removed, number of outreach/education activities, number of habitat assessments or other activities.

• Project evaluation. Describe the post-project monitoring and evaluation plan for the project, including who is responsible for implementing it and what metrics will determine success, based on the project objectives. Describe how the project will be maintained in the future.

• Climate resilience. Describe how the project addresses climate resilience, including how it helps to prepare for, recover from, or adapt to the impacts of climate change or prevent those impacts from growing worse.

• Inclusive community engagement. Describe how the project addresses inclusive community engagement, stakeholder input, and/or impacts to under-represented or under-supported communities.

• Other benefits. If there are other benefits not addressed above, please describe them here (e.g., public safety or other social benefits like land access, recreation, infrastructure improvement, educational or economic opportunities, etc.).

• Risks or possible negative effects. Describe any potential risks or negative effects or outcomes.

• Anticipated future funding needs. If the project has multiple phases, indicate how the proposed activities support the overall project plan and what the anticipated final cost of the entire project will be.

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). In “Section B – Budget Categories” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested for each Object Class Category. For the SF-424A “Contractual” category enter estimated contractual costs only. Do not include subaward costs in the “Contractual” category. Enter estimated subaward costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For more information about subrecipient and contractor determinations, see 2 CFR §200.331. For instructions on completing the SF-424A, please reference: Instructional Video: Completing the

SF424.

SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Program Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424C Budget Information form for Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

SF-429 Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Applicants seeking approval to acquire real property under an award must complete and submit the SF-429, “Real Property Status Report (Cover Page)” and the SF-429-B, “Real Property Status Report Attachment B (Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish)” for each parcel of real property to be acquired, improved or furnished. These forms are required if the real property is acquired with Federal funds, with recipient cost share or matching funds, or as an in-kind contribution under the award. The SF-429 forms are not available with this announcement on Grants.gov; they are available on the Grants.gov Post-Award Reporting Forms page. Please submit these completed forms as attachments to your application.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZb5DyVcCk973cI_AVHushgcEmEMS6aUH https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZb5DyVcCk973cI_AVHushgcEmEMS6aUH https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms

Category” totals were determined. Include a complete description of each cost category. 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 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 known at the time of application, include an estimated number of subawards and the dollar amount anticipated for each subaward. 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. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. Recipients may not earn, make, or keep any profit resulting from any financial assistance awards. These costs are not allowable and should not be included in any proposed costs.

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.

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 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://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 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 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 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 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 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://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ 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/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html 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). 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. 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.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Applications 09/30/2024 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM., ET, on the listed application due date.

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

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In order for applications to be considered for funding in FY 24, they must be submitted by July 1, 2024. Applications received after July 1, 2024 may not be awarded until the following fiscal year.

To the extent possible, awardees must commence work within 60 days of the effective date of an award and be completed within two years.

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.

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.

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/indirect-cost

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) indirect cost rate agreement we must charge the capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand we must request prior approval from the awarding program to use the 2 CFR 200.1 Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) base instead of our approved base and that we must submit such requests with our application, including a calculation showing how use of the MTDC base results in an overall reduction in the total indirect costs recovered. 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. If we have never negotiated a rate, we understand we must use the de minimis rate of 10% of MTDC.

• We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements

GrantSolutions Application Procedures 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. The following information must be included in your email and must match your organization’s SAM.gov entity record:

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

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).

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. At a minimum, registered organizations must https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov.

assign someone to the ADO and PI/PD roles. For GrantSolutions registration, submission, and other assistance contact their Customer Support by telephone at 1-866-577-0771 or by email at help@grantsolutions.gov. To access GrantSolutions, users must establish a Login.gov account at https://login.gov/. For assistance, contact their customer support by telephone at (844) 875-6446 or submit a request for assistance online at https://login.gov/contact/.

To apply through GrantSolutions, log in to GrantSolutions. If this is your first application submission, click on the "Begin an application" link that appears on screen. If you have previously applied, click on the "Funding Opportunity" link in the blue header bar at the top of the screen. Either action should take you to the "Competing Announcements-Application Kits" list screen.