Outreach Assessment NOFO_1.6.21_update SL_.docx

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Fish and Aquatic Conservation https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ Notice of Funding Opportunity – Fiscal Year 2021 Funding Opportunity Number F21AS00229 Closing Date: March 10, 2021

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100, Expiration Date: 7/31/2021 We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program- specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

A. Program Description A1. Authority Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, 16 U.S.C. 4721-28, as amended.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.608

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements A. Introduction The Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force was established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990, 16 U.S.C. 4721-28, as amended. The ANS Task Force serves to develop and implement a program for waters of the United States to prevent introduction and dispersal of ANS (also known as aquatic invasive species, or AIS), monitor, control, and study such species, and disseminate related information. Co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ANS Task Force consists of 13 Federal agency members and 13 ex-officio members. The Task Force has also established six regional panels that engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders to provide balanced advice to the ANS Task Force and coordinate issues of regional significance. The ANS Task Force, along with the regional panels and issue-specific committees, work in conjunction under the Federal Advisory Committee Act guidelines to coordinate AIS efforts amongst Federal and State agencies, the private sector, and other North American interests.

Within its Strategic plan for 2020 - 2025, the ANS Task Force identified a need to evaluate current AIS outreach efforts to ensure messaging is being applied consistently by the membership and Regional Panels and is effective to achieve desired behavioral changes. In this circumstance, The ANS Task Force defines “effectiveness” as achieving an increase in endpoints such as awareness, attitude, belief, values, knowledge, understanding, skills, and behavior. For its initial assessment, the ANS Task Force Outreach and Education Committee decided to focus on outreach efforts that target outdoor recreational users. Outdoor recreation is a priority pathway of concern by many as invasive plants and animals are transported and spread on watercraft, fishing equipment, hiking boots, and other gear. In response, several national campaigns have been developed to raise awareness about this pathway and encourage outdoor recreational users to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of invasive species. For example, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! (http://www.stopaquatichitchhikers.org) is a national education campaign launched by the ANS Task Force in 2002. It was designed to raise awareness about AIS and empower people who recreate on the water to prevent the spread of these harmful species. Currently, there is network of over 1,400 campaign partners across the country that includes federal, state, tribe, and local agencies, academia, municipalities, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages and owns the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign on behalf of the ANS Task Force and its partner organizations.

In 2006 Wildlife Forever, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, launched the “Threat Campaign” to stop the spread of invasive species using multi-media outreach and the taglines “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” and “Inspect, Clean, and Drain” to target the hunting and fishing community. In 2007, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources developed the “Clean Drain Dry” message to help recreational boat operators remember the recommended best management practices to prevent the spread of AIS. “Clean Drain Dry” quickly became a commonly shared message among Western states as programs were implemented across the landscape to stop the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels. Eventually this message took off nationally and was expanded to include other recreational water users, including anglers and waterfowl hunters. In 2009, the Wildlife Forever Threat Campaign continued, but the message evolved to “Clean, Drain, Dry” to enhance message consistency with state and federal partners.

In 2014, the ANS Task Force revised its Voluntary Guidelines to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: Recreational Activities document (https://www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/AIS_Recreation_Guidelines_Final_8-29-13.pdf), incorporating “Clean Drain Dry” as a means to provide consistent messaging to recreational water users. After the these guidelines were finalized, Wildlife Forever trademarked “Clean Drain Dry” and donated the registration to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to maintain and allow it to be used without restriction by states and other community stakeholders. In 2016, Wildlife Forever used this messaging as a foundation to develop the CleanDrainDry InitiativeTM (https://www.wildlifeforever.org/home/invasive-species/about-cd2/) to generate behavior-changing practices in recreational users that help protect natural resources from invasive species. The following year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rebranded the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Campaign, which included adopting the “Clean Drain Dry” message as a new tagline to help recreational water users remember these critical prevention steps.

Recognizing a need for messaging that targets recreation that occurs on the land as well as in the water, PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® (https://www.playcleango.org) was launched in 2012 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource with partial funding from the USDA Forest Service. The campaign’s goal is to encourage individuals to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting natural resources by changing public and worker behaviors that spread invasive species living on land or in water. In 2014, PlayCleanGo was adopted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). In 2019, the campaign’s ownership was transferred to NAISMA and PlayCleanGo has since expanded to include partner organizations across North America.

In addition to those listed above, there are many other AIS outreach campaigns that are being implemented at the national, regional, state, and local levels to target outdoor recreational users (e.g., Don’t Move a Mussel, Pull the Plug, Be a Hero Transport Zero). Although these campaigns have similar outreach and preventative goals, jurisdictions and organizations do not always coordinate. This disconnect may create confusion among users and industries, and messages associated with these campaigns may lose effectiveness in delivery.

As a step to better harmonize individual campaigns, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Wildlife Forever, and North American Invasive Species Management Association recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance coordination of invasive species prevention messaging across public lands and waters. The new agreement aims to increase the reach of national prevention campaigns and create clear calls-to-action that empower people to prevent the spread of invasive species by promoting the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, and PlayCleanGo campaign. The Memorandum of Understanding will facilitate broader adoption and placement of these national campaigns at trailheads, boat landings, and other public access points to remind recreational users to clean their gear before and after leaving protected public lands and waters to minimize the unintentional spread of invasive species. To effectively implement this Memorandum of Understanding, and improve invasive species outreach as a whole, there is a need to better understand which campaigns and messages are the most successful in motivating individuals to change their conservation-related behaviors. Assessing the most influential predictors of responsible behaviors would improve the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, ensure consistent messaging, and improve collaboration and innovation in message development.

B. Description of Funding Opportunity The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, co-chair of the ANS Task Force, requests proposals to build upon previous assessments and evaluate aspects of the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, and PlayCleanGo campaign to determine what messages and delivery strategies are most effective to achieve desired behavioral changes.

Objectives to be addressed under this assessment include:

· Determine the effectiveness of the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, and PlayCleanGo® campaigns in raising awareness of key audiences and in achieving desired behavior change results;

· Identify the messages that will have the greatest effectiveness in achieving the desired invasive species prevention behaviors moving forward;

· Determine whether other state or regional prevention brands or messages, used singularly or in combination with the national campaigns listed above, help to achieve behavior change among outdoor recreational users to limit the spread of invasive species;

· Evaluate if the current approach to co-branding the campaigns included in the MOU is effective;

· Evaluate the efficacy of umbrella brands to unite sub-messages to increase awareness and behavior change;

· Assess the extent to which Community-Based Social Marketing tools are being used to increase awareness and behavior change;

· Assess the extent to which strategies and methods such as watercraft inspection/decontamination, enforcement, and policy are being used to increase awareness and behavior change;

· Using examples, explain how different mechanisms and media tools can effectively deliver messaging and reach intended audiences; and

· Identify processes and metrics for evaluation of outreach and behavior change programs.

It is the intent that the results of this assessment will be used by the ANS Task Force, regional ANS panels, states, and partners to produce a national communications and marketing framework that increases the effectiveness and reach of outreach campaigns and encourages prevention behaviors to stop the spread of invasive species through recreational activities. Proposals submitted for this award should address how the anticipated results will assist the ANS Task Force in reaching this goal.

Following award selection, the successful applicant must provide a draft outline of the report that will be used to communicate the results of the assessment. A Review Team, composed of invited subject matter experts will review the draft outline and provide feedback to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that all anticipated deliverables will be met. Overall, the report should:

· Make and prioritize recommendations on future outreach efforts and key messages and specifically target behaviors known to stop the spread of invasive species;

· Report on the effectiveness of the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! , Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, and PlayCleanGo campaigns and their delivery mechanisms;

· Report on how well existing campaigns are integrated with barrier removal and other elements of behavior change strategies;

· Recommend prioritized best management practices for improved coordination among campaigns to elevate invasive species prevention behaviors;

· Identify, evaluate, and prioritize delivery mechanisms; and

· Identify processes and metrics for evaluation of outreach and behavior change programs.

Following the completion of the draft outline, the grantee will be required to meet with The ANS Task Force Education and Outreach committee, either in person or virtually, to discuss the work plan, and identify areas where the committee can assist (e.g., providing partner lists or campaign materials). Six months after the agreed upon work plan is implemented, the grantee must provide an accomplishment report (approximately 2 pages) to update the committee on the plan’s progress. Once the assessment is complete, the grantee will be required to present (30 – 45 minutes, in person or virtually) the findings and recommendations to the ANS Task Force.

C. Addressing the Department of Interior Secretarial Priorities Invasive species negatively impact the quality of our outdoor recreation experiences, reduce access to these areas, and threaten human health and safety. For example, invasive species can displace native populations and restrict access for navigation, waterfowl hunting, and bird watching opportunities. Often invasive species are introduced through the actions of uninformed members of the public; for example, disposing of bait, launching contaminated recreational boats, and illegally stocking a private pond can each lead to the introduction and spread of invasive species if precautions are not taken. To protect the lands and waters of the United States, the general public must understand the wide-ranging impacts of invasive species and actions that can be taken to prevent their introduction and spread.

Outreach campaigns should facilitate on-the-ground action through prevention, stewardship programs and public events that directly connect effective management of invasive species. Such efforts recognize the shared responsibilities of governments and stakeholders, as well as the benefits of collective action. Breaking down the barriers for awareness, motivation, and behaviors for appropriate actions is critical to successes in invasive species prevention. As invasive species outreach campaigns are being implemented at the national, regional, state, and local levels, evaluating the effectiveness of outreach campaigns and the most influential predictors of responsible behaviors would improve the effectiveness of message development, increase community engagement, and accomplish conservation goals within multiple jurisdictions.

The Department of the Interior has articulated a set of ten Secretarial priorities to help guide bureau efforts and ensure they are compatible with Department priorities. The DOI priorities that best align with the ANS Task Force and this funding opportunity include:

· Priority 1 - Create a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt.

· Priority 3 - Restore trust and be a good neighbor.

· Priority 9 - Reorganize the Department for the next 100 years.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding: $60,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award: $60,000 Minimum Award: $0

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service anticipates an award of up to $60,000 to conduct one outreach assessment. Proposals will be accepted from groups and individuals that demonstrate competence and experience in all areas of expertise required by the scope of services, including but not limited to: public sector marketing, community outreach, social media management, message development and delivery, optimizing voluntary engagement, evaluation of behavior change campaigns, invasive species, and prioritizing multi-phased communication campaigns. It is preferred that the assessment begin promptly after the award selection is finalized and be completed within eighteen months.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards: The USFWS anticipates one award resulting from this opportunity.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type: Grant The USFWS will not be substantially involved in projects under this funding opportunity. However, the USFWS and ANS Task Force will assist the awardee, as able and appropriate, by providing information that may assist the assessment (e.g., existing outreach materials and logo, lists of partners).

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants Unrestricted

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Does the program have a cost sharing or matching requirement? No C3. Other Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). See Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 25 for more information. Exemptions: The SAM registration requirement does not apply to individuals submitting an application on their own behalf and not on behalf of a company or other for-profit entity, State, local or Tribal government, academia or other type of organization. See below for additional detail.

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

D. Application and Submission Information D1. Address to Request Application Package Application forms and other application materials needed to apply are available on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html. If you do not have access to the Internet and require assistance, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, “Application for Federal Assistance”. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance-Individual” form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, “Application for Federal Assistance”. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

SF 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs When requesting support for a non-construction project, individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may own or operate and any entity waived by the Service from the SAM.gov registration requirements must submit a signed and dated SF-424B, “Assurances for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available on with this announcement on Grants.gov.

SF 424D, Assurances for Construction Programs Any applicant requesting support for a construction project must submit the SF-424D, “Assurances for Construction Programs”. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Project Summary Briefly summarize the project, in two pages or less. Include the title of the project, goal(s), objectives, and specific project activities. Anticipated outputs and outcomes should also be included in this section.

Project Narrative A Project Narrative that addresses the following elements must be included in the application. In general, the project statement must provide sufficient information so reviewers may verify that the proposed activities are substantial in character and design. Project Narrative should be a maximum of 15 pages (excluding resumes, references, information to support environmental compliance review requirements, budget narrative, and any supplemental information).

· Project title;

· Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project – Describe the organization or group of individuals that are bring proposed to conduct the project, expressing the specific skills and experience related to tasks to be performed. As applicable, describe how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project, and detail if/how they will be involved in conducting project activities, disseminating project results and/or incorporating your results/products into their activities.

· Information on key project personnel - Provide a list of your proposed Project Team for this assignment, identifying the Team Lead. Indicate each person’s anticipated role/title and their area(s) of expertise relevant to this project. Resumes or CV (2 page limit) should be attached for each team member.

· Statement of Need – Explain why the project is necessary and how it fulfills the purposes of the relevant program.

· A need statement with the applicant’s understanding of and familiarity with invasive species and how the proposed outcomes from this project will increase the effectiveness of outreach campaigns that encourage prevention behaviors to stop the spread of invasive species.

· Purpose - Describe the desired future state that addresses the need in whole or part.

· Objectives - State the desired outcome of the proposed project in terms that are specific and quantified.

· Objectives are meant to be realistic targets or benchmarks that, if achieved, will resolve the project need.

· Methods/Approach - Describes the methods used to achieve the stated objectives.

· Approach describes the specific conservation actions or efforts necessary to accomplish project objectives, highlighting any unique attributes.

· Approach answers the question of “how” the objectives will be accomplished by describing the actual work that will be done.

· Approach will demonstrate that the applicant will use sound design, appropriate procedures, and accepted fish and wildlife conservation, management, or research principles.

· Approach should include contingency plans in the event that an unexpected event or situation occurs.

· Any deliverables resulting from the funding should be noted in this section.

· Project Location - Provide a general description geographic scope or where the work will be conducted.

· Timetable or milestones - Describe significant milestones in completing the project and any accomplishments to date. It is preferred that the assessment begin promptly after the award selection is finalized and be completed within 18 months.

· Information to support environmental compliance review requirements (If applicable) - the Service has the responsibility for making the final determination regarding compliance with Federal laws.

· National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with NEPA.

· Endangered Species Act (ESA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with the ESA.

· National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with NHPA, such as locations of historic or cultural properties.

· Other Permits – list and provide the current status of any other required Federal permits.

· References - contact for three individuals / organizations familiar with past work.

· Supplemental information (optional) - May include letters of support, graphics, tables, citations, etc.

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Program Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative. For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the Service’s General Award Terms and Conditions. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Program Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative. For construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF- 424C, “Budget Information for Construction Programs”. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the Service’s General Award Terms and Conditions. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

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)”. 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.

Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any 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, include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR 200.306 “Cost sharing or matching” for more information.

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

(a) Applicability.

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

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

(b) Notification.

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

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

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

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

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

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

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

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 regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that 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 individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third- party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

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

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications: March 10, 2021 Application Due Date Explanation This funding opportunity will be open for the required 60 days. All applicants are required to submit the required materials to the program officer by the deadline in order to be eligible for the annual funding award.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions The award will not allow reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs.

Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she 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. Individuals are not required to submit any of the following statements regarding indirect costs.

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

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

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

We are:

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

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

· A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

· A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68, Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC). We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that Service approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

· A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements Applications should be submitted electronically using the GrantSolutions system. Applications are due by midnight Eastern Time on March 10, 2021.

Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Applications should be submitted online through GrantSolutions.gov.

To submit an application through GrantSolutions.gov

1. Register with GrantSolutions.gov Applicants must first register an account with GrantSolutions.gov and complete all steps of the registration process before they can apply through GrantSolutions.gov. Please follow this link to obtain the GrantSolutions self-registration instructions.

2. Login

· Navigate to GrantSolutions by going to www.grantsolutions.gov

· Select the LOGIN button

· Log in with your applicant/recipient account and search this announcement through the "funding opportunity" tab on the website.

3. GrantSolutions help and user-guide.

For recipient GrantSolutions user reference and training please use the following links:

· GrantSolutions website - recipient training video series

· Service recipient GrantSolutions user accounts and training website.

4. Help Desk Information If you need additional help, the GrantSolutions help desk is available for assistance on all GrantSolutions products and services. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET (closed on Federal holidays).

Phone: 1.866.577.0771 or 202.401.5282 Email: help@grantsolutions.gov

5. Proof of Timely Submission GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt.

If an eligible applicant cannot use GrantSolutions for a legitimate reason, application by email may be possible, but requires prior approval by the Program Technical Contact. If given approval to apply by email:

· Format all of your documents to print on letter size (8 ½” x 11”) paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format. Send application by email to the Service Program Technical Contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

· The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization’s authorized official. The Signature and Date fields on the downloaded standard forms are usually pre-populated with the text “Completed by Grants.gov upon submission” or “Completed on submission to Grants.gov”. Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms

· If approved, applications provided by email must be sent by the deadline in GrantSolutions.

Late applications are not eligible for consideration.

E. Application Review Information E1. Criteria Proposals received by the deadline will be evaluated and scored using the merit criteria and assigned weights described below

· Proposed Approach (50%) - The applicant’s work plan addresses all project activities, identifies specific action steps supporting each of the activities, and specifies reasonable timeframes for completion. Clearly defined deliverables that meet the objectives of this assessment

· Experience and Capabilities (25%) - The applicant’s proposed organization and identifies a team lead as well as personnel to serve on the project team that possess skills and experience related to tasks to be performed. The management structure and time commitment of staff resources support completion of project activities and preparation of deliverables

· Understanding of Project Need and Requirements (15%) - The applicant demonstrates an understanding of the scope of the project, specific activities to be completed, and deliverables to be produced. A clean connection is made between the proposed deliverables and increasing the effectiveness and reach of campaigns that encourage prevention behaviors to stop the spread of invasive species.

· Contingency plan (5%) - The applicant’s work plan has considered any potential hurdles and has an alternate course(s) of action that can be pursued to mitigate the obstacle and complete the project deliverables.

· Budget (5%) - The budget is sufficiently detailed to show how the total project cost was determined, costs appear to be reasonable.

E2. Review and Selection Process The Review Team will consist of representatives of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Education and Outreach committee, and may include other representatives as deemed appropriate by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (e.g., representatives from Federal and State agencies, academia, social scientists, invasive species managers). It is understood and accepted by the applicant that all decisions about the degree to which a proposal meets the requirements of this announcement are in the sole determination of this Review Team.

To assist in the evaluation of proposals, the Review Team may, but is not required to:

· Conduct reference checks relevant to the proposal with any or all of the references cited in a proposal to verify information…