HCPPA Foa_Content_of_F21AS00171.FINAL.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Ecological Services https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund:

Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Planning Assistance

Fiscal Year: 2021

F21AS00171

Due Date for Applications: 03/09/2021

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.

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html

Table of Contents

A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

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

A1. Authority

A. Program Description

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

16 U.S.C. §1535 15.615

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

As many species listed as endangered or threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) spend at least part of their life cycle on non-Federal lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recognizes success in conserving and recovering these species depends largely on working cooperatively with States and Territories (hereafter, “States”).

Section 6 of the ESA authorizes the Service to provide Federal financial assistance to eligible State agencies to support the development and implementation of conservation programs for the benefit of resident listed species. This financial assistance, provided in the form of competitive grants, is made available through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund

(CESCF) Grant Programs. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) applies specifically to CESCF Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Planning Assistance Grants.

This NOFO fully describes application eligibility, evaluation, and selection. It should be read in its entirety as much of the information has changed from previous years. Given the significant investment of time and money associated with projects funded through this program, we also recommend you coordinate with the appropriate Service point of contact (Section G) before starting work on a project or application.

Prior to 1982, non-Federal landowners undertaking otherwise lawful activities that were likely to take listed species risked violating section 9 of the ESA, which prohibits the "taking" of a listed species. In the 1982 amendments to the ESA, Congress established a voluntary mechanism under section 10(a)(1)(B) that authorizes the Service to issue to non-Federal entities a permit for the "incidental take" of endangered and threatened wildlife species. An HCP must accompany the application for an incidental take permit to demonstrate how the applicant intends to meet minimization and mitigation commitments to meet the permit issuance criteria under section

10(a)(2)(B) of the ESA. The commitments made by the applicant in the HCP become part of the permit.

In some States, HCPs have become a broad-based, landscape-level planning tool. In addition to conserving listed species, HCPs often include conservation measures for candidate or at-risk species, as well as other rare species in the plan area. By including these species in the HCP, developers and landowners can also help prevent their decline or need for future listing under the ESA. Should a non-listed species that is covered under the HCP become listed during the permit term, the HCP can provide a seamless process to authorize the take to the newly listed species and eliminate the need to amend the permit. Thus, landowners have an incentive to conserve both listed and unlisted species that may become listed in the future.

HCP development, especially when covering large areas, can require a significant investment of time and money. Providing Federal financial assistance, in the form of competitive grants, is an added incentive for entering into the HCP process beyond the regulatory assurances these plans provide.

HCP Planning Assistance Grants

Established in fiscal year 2001, the HCP Planning Assistance Grant program provides funding to

States to support the development of new HCPs as well as the renewal or amendment of existing

HCPs. The development of HCPs that include only candidate or at-risk species (i.e., no listed species covered by the HCP), such that the HCP would be in place if the species is listed, is also supported through this program. Funding may be used to support HCP development and planning activities such as document preparation, public outreach, baseline species surveys, habitat assessments, and inventories. The preparation of environmental compliance review documents, such as National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), is also an eligible use of grant funds.

While unlisted species can be included on a section 10(a)(1)(B) permit, only the following species proposed for inclusion on the permit will be considered when evaluating applications for funding through this opportunity.

Federally listed species: Species listed as threatened or endangered by through section 4 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Candidate species: Species for which the Service has sufficient information on biological status and threats to propose them as endangered or threatened under the ESA, but for which development of a proposed listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. The current list of candidate species is available at:

http://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/candidate-species.html.

At-risk species: For the purposes of this funding opportunity, at-risk species are those that are the subject of a positive 90-day finding but not yet the subject of a proposed rule; species that are the subject of a proposed listing rule but not a final rule; species for which the

Service has initiated an ESA status review and has announced the review in the Federal

Register, and species included on the National Listing Workplan. A full list of at-risk species can be found in the NOFO Attachments.

Large-scale and multiple-species planning efforts with the greatest potential contribution to species conservation will be prioritized. These HCPs can significantly reduce the burden of the

ESA on small landowners by providing efficient mechanisms for compliance, distributing the economic and logistical impacts of endangered species conservation among the community, and bringing a broad range of landowner activities under the plan’s legal protections.

The HCP Planning Assistance grants support the following Department of Interior priorities for

Federal financial assistance.

http://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/candidate-species.html

B1. Total Funding

B. Federal Award Information

Restoring trust with local communities

Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and

Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

Striking a regulatory balance

Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

The Service recognizes that, in the exercise of their general governmental powers, States possess broad trustee and police powers over fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats within their borders. Unless preempted by Federal authority, States possess primary authority and responsibility for protection and management of fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. The Section 6 cooperative agreements entered into by the States and Service reflect a common commitment to actively advance the purpose and policies of the ESA, including providing a means to foster relationships with partners, reduce conflicts between listed species and economic development, and promote the long-term conservation of listed species and the ecosystems on which they depend. These grants encourage the cooperative implementation of the ESA by leveraging Federal investment in species recovery and demonstrate the Service’s commitment to cooperative conservation at the local level. Through these grants, the Service works collaboratively with State governments to manage and conserve listed species and their habitats in a manner that respects State management authority over wildlife resources.

Estimated Total Funding

$11,300,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award

$ 1,000,000 Minimum Award

$ 10,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding

Expected Award Date June 30, 2021

The Service may award an estimated $11.3 million through this opportunity. The maximum award is $1 million. In FY 2019, the Service awarded approximately $10.2 million through 13 grants ranging from $358,000 to $1 million.

Applications may address new or ongoing work. If a project supports the continuation of previous or ongoing work, a brief discussion of accomplishments to date and a justification for the continuation of work must be provided. While applications for ongoing work may be approved, funding will be awarded as a new grant with discrete objectives and deliverables. If a

C1. Eligible Applicants

C. Eligibility Information project is selected for funding, the Service is under no obligation to provide additional funding in connection with the project in a future competitive award cycle.

The Service intends to make award recommendations within 90 days of the closing date of this opportunity. Following review and approval, the Service’s Regional Offices will make pre-award notifications and outline the process for finalizing awards. The Service intends to make pre-award notifications by June 30, 2021, and obligate funds within 120 days. The maximum period of performance (PoP) for a grant awarded through this opportunity is three years, beginning on the effective date established at the time of grant approval or the date of award obligation, whichever is earlier.

Awarded grant funds must be expended in a timely manner or returned to the Service for reallocation through the next competitive award cycle. If an approved project cannot be completed within the award’s PoP, the State Director/Commissioner may request an extension of up to 12 months from the Assistant Director of Ecological Services. However, the Service will not consider requests to extend the PoP for projects that received additional consideration under the project readiness evaluation criterion (see Section E1) during merit review. Requests to amend awards that will impact project scope or scoring may only be considered with appropriate justification and will require elevated review through the Director’s Office, if first approved by the Assistant Director. Any project awarded funding that will not be used, and from which funds are deobligated, may be eligible for funding in a future competitive award cycle.

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

In FY 2019, the average grant award was $785,000. The Service estimates 14 grants may be awarded through this opportunity should the average grant amount remain consistent with previous fiscal years.

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

Eligible Applicants

00 – State governments

Additional Information on Eligibility

Only State agencies that have entered into a Cooperative Agreement pursuant to Section 6(c) of the ESA and have provided the information necessary for the annual renewal (reconfirmation) of their Cooperative Agreement are eligible to apply for funding. Applicants that have not fulfilled both criteria will not be considered. While funding may only be awarded to States, individuals or groups such as counties or conservation organizations may work with a State agency that has a cooperative agreement on conservation efforts that are mutually beneficial, as a subgrantee.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

Yes Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

In accordance with section 6(d) of the ESA, the minimum non-Federal cost share is 25 percent of the total project cost, i.e., the amount requested from the program plus the amount of non‐ Federal cost share. Other funds related to the project, but not designated as cost share, should not be included in the total project costs when calculating minimum non-Federal cost share.

If a proposal involves the collaboration of two or more States, the minimum non-Federal cost share decreases to 10 percent of the total project cost. The project proposal and budget must reflect the work and responsibilities to be carried out by each of the cooperating States. The source(s) of the non-Federal cost share is up to the applicants and may come from more than one source. Each cooperating State is responsible for submitting performance and financial reports related to the joint project. Incomplete work by any one of the cooperating States may result in recovery of Federal funds from all States, if it is determined that the joint cooperative objective will not be accomplished.

In accordance with 48 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1469(a), Amendment of Subsection (d), the Regional Director shall waive up to $200,000 of the required match for each grant awarded to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Non-Federal cost share requirements are detailed in 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 81.8(b) and allow the cost share to be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, in accordance with the regulations at 2 CFR 200.306. The amount of non-Federal cost share will be considered in the evaluation and ranking of applications (Section E).

C3. Other

Applications must include a list of discrete activities proposed for funding and each must have an identified start and end point. Examples of discrete activities include developing public outreach brochures, gathering baseline data for an HCP, preparing a draft HCP, or NEPA document. For proposals involving an ongoing project, funding cannot be sought to support activities to meet deliverables that were identified for completion through prior year funding. For example, if a prior HCP Planning Assistant grant was awarded to a State to complete a draft NEPA document, funding from this notice cannot be sought to complete a draft NEPA document.

Projects must be consistent with approved or draft species recovery plans. In no case will proposed work be in conflict with approved recovery plans [50 CFR 81.2].

Projects must involve voluntary conservation efforts within the United States.

An application cannot include Service Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) costs.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D. Application and Submission Information

State administrative costs must either be assumed by the State or included in the application in accordance with Federal requirements.

Applications may not be submitted to cover administrative costs alone.

Foreign Entities or Projects:

This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the

United States.

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.

Applicants can request paper application packages through the appropriate contact listed below in Section G.

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html

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

Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may own or operate and any entity waived from the SAM.gov registration requirements by the funding bureau or office must submit the signed and dated SF-424B, Assurances for Non- Construction Programs form. The SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Project Narrative Project narratives should be complete but concise, addressing all stated eligibility and evaluation criteria. Applicants should only include information on species eligible for consideration under this funding opportunity, as defined in Section A. Narratives that clearly address the criteria in an organized manner will facilitate application review and scoring.

Project Title

Statement of Need

The need for the proposed project in relation to the purposes of the HCP Program. Identify the conservation issue, problem, or opportunity to be addressed by the planning effort as well as the species to benefit. Provide evidence to demonstrate that the need is real and not perceived, such as results from surveys, research, or other data. Identify the negative result of taking no action.

Purpose

The purpose describes the desired future state to addresses the need. For example, providing regulatory streamlining opportunities while promoting species conservation.

Objectives

Objectives are specific outcomes to be accomplished during the project’s period of performance pursuant to the stated need. Objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. For example, drafting the final five chapters of the HCP and holding three stakeholder meetings by September 21, 2021.

Methods/Approach

This section of the narrative should describe the specific conservation actions necessary to accomplish the project objectives.

Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project

List all subrecipients or partners and briefly describe their role(s) in the project.

Anticipated Outcomes/ Expected Benefits

This section of the narrative should describing the plan’s expected contributions to species conservation and potential to streamline regulatory burdens.

Timetable

The project timetable describes significant milestones in successfully completing the project. Timetables will be used to assess project readiness and should clearly demonstrate how the project is likely to be accomplished within the requested period of performance. Include a brief description of any due diligence completed to date.

Project Location/ Maps

This section of the narrative should describe the proposed plan area, habitat type(s), and relevant ecosystem/watershed characterization. Although not required, maps or photographs that characterize the existing state of the plan area may be included in the application.

Information to support environmental compliance review requirements

The Service has the responsibility for making the final determination regarding compliance with

Federal laws.

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

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

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

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

SF-424A, Budget Information

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 in 2 CFR 200. 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.

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.

Budget narratives must be sufficiently detailed to show that the project is cost effective and that costs are both necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the purposes of the proposed project. Indicate whether partial funding of the project is practicable and, if so, what specific portion(s) of the project could be implemented with what level of funding. The budget narrative should provide sufficient detail for reviewers to understand how costs were estimated. Reviewers must be able to clearly see that costs are realistic and are commensurate with the project needs and timeframe. Applications will be disqualified if reviewers cannot determine that applications meet this threshold.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1112&rgn=div8 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5

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

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

Lobbying Activities” 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 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html 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. 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 03/09/2021

Application Due Date Explanation

Applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions.gov. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. The Service will not review or consider applications received through GrantSolutions after 11:59 PM EST on

March 9, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to verify the completeness of their application package before submission using the checklist provided below.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424B, Assurances

Project Narrative

Maps & Photographs

SF-424A, Budget Information

Budget Narrative

Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation

Conflict of Interest Disclosure (when applicable)

Single Audit Reporting Statement

Certification Regarding Lobbying & SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (when applicable)

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com

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

For applications involving a previously funded planning effort, funding cannot be sought to support activities to meet deliverables that were identified for completion under prior year awards. For example, if a prior HCP Planning Assistant grant was awarded to a State to complete a draft NEPA document, funding from this notice cannot be sought to complete a draft

NEPA document.

The Service will not fund work in conflict with species approved recovery plans [50 CFR 81.2].]

An application cannot include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) costs.

State administrative costs must either be assumed by the State or included in the proposal in accordance with Federal requirements. Grants may not be submitted to cover administrative costs alone.

Generally, only expenses incurred and budgeted during the period of performance are reimbursable; the period of performance begins with the effective date established at the time the grant is approved. However, a State may request reimbursement of pre-award costs for certain necessary expenses detailed in the grant application. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the approval of the grant where such costs are necessary to comply with the proposed period of performance. Such costs are allowable only if the grant is awarded, only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the award, and only with the written approval of the awarding agency (2 CFR 200.458).

Neither the Federal funds awarded through this opportunity, nor the associated non-Federal cost share, may be used to satisfy regulatory requirements of the Endangered Species Act, including complying with a biological opinion under Section 7, fulfilling Federal mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring requirements of an HCP permitted under Section 10, or any other Federal regulatory mitigation requirement (e.g., mitigation for Clean Water Act permits).

Land acquisition is not eligible for consideration under this funding opportunity.

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 https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ 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 to be submitted with Application

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

We are:

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

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

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

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

https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1bfd0da1190f850482e94794cca23a5d&mc=true&node=20190830y1.1

E1. Criteria

E. Application Review Information

D7. Other Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted through GrantSolutions.gov.

Follow these steps 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 & training please use the following links:

• GrantSolutions website - recipient training video series

• FWS recipient GrantSolutions user accounts & 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.

1. Number of Listed and Candidate Species Benefitted Maximum Points: 15

Applications in support of planning efforts that proposed to identify a greater number of listed and candidate species on the section 10(a)(1)(B) permit will be prioritized.

Score: Number of listed and candidate species benefitted.

10+ species (15 pts)

5-10 species (10 pts) 1-5 species (5 pts) https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Quick-Sheet-Grantee-Request-Process.pdf http://www.grantsolutions.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-training-videos/ https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-FF09W00000/SitePages/GrantSolutions-Recipient-User-Accounts.aspx mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov

2. Number of At-Risk Species Benefitted Maximum Points: 10

Applications in support of planning efforts that proposed to identify a greater number of at-risk species on the section 10(a)(1)(B) permit will be prioritized.

Score: Number of at-risk species benefitted.

Greater than 5 species (10 pts) 1-5 species (5 pts)

3. Magnitude of Conservation Benefit Maximum Points: 20

The purpose of this criterion is to evaluate the potential magnitude of conservation benefit the

HCP will provide to eligible covered species. To score maximum points, the applicant must document that the HCP will potentially result in a major benefit to at least one eligible species.

High conservation benefit to covered species

75% or greater of the species’ range-wide habitat or an essential piece (as identified in a draft or final recovery plan or similar conservation document) of habitat is covered by the Plan area, A major population necessary for recovery or to preclude the need to list is covered by the Plan area, A source population that provides individuals for future emigration is covered by the

Plan area, or

Major threats to the species will be eliminated.

Medium conservation benefit to covered species:

26-74% of the species’ range-wide habitat is covered by the Plan Area, Implementation of Plan will provide some protections for populations, contribute to recovery, or help preclude the need to list, but other actions are still necessary to achieve these goals.

Low benefit to covered species:

25% or less of the species’ range-wide habitat is covered by the Plan area, Individual populations(s) to be covered contribute little to the overall recovery of the species or may not contribute to precluding the need to list the species, Threats addressed are not imminent, or

Habitat within the Plan area is unoccupied.

Score: The magnitude of species benefit the project is expected to provide to covered species.

High benefit to species conservation (20 pts)

Medium benefit to species conservation (15 pts) Low benefit to species conservation (5 pts)

4. Size of Plan Area Maximum Points: 10

HCPs that cover a large area are more likely to consider landscape-level or ecosystem-level planning issues. This type of regional planning benefits numerous species within an ecosystem while streamlining ESA compliance for the smaller landowners within the Plan area.

Score: Larger plan areas will be prioritized.

Greater than 10,000 acres (10 pts) 10,000 acres or less (5 pts)

5. Stakeholder Participation Maximum Points: 15

Stakeholders are public or private entities that will play a significant role in the development,…