Application Instructions M20AS00178.pdf

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M20AS00178

A. Program Description

A1. Authority Section 19(e) of the OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) (Public Law 95-372)(43 U.S. Code 1345 (e)) authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information and joint utilization of available expertise to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to OCS operations both onshore and offshore. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is authorized by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 USC 1346) to undertake environmental studies in any area or region included in any oil and gas lease sale or other lease in order to establish information needed for assessment and management of impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by OCS oil or gas or other mineral activities in such area or region. 30 CFR 556.1300 implements 43 USC 1346 and states that studies will be planned and carried out in cooperation with the affected States and interested parties and, to the extent possible will not duplicate studies done under other laws. 30 CFR 556.1300 (c) states that the Director may initiate studies for an area or region not identified in the leasing program. 30 CFR 556.1300(e) states that information available or collected by the studies program will, to the extent practicable, be provided in a form and in a timeframe that can be used in the decision making process associated with a specific leasing action or with longer term OCS minerals management responsibilities.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) mission is to manage exploration and development of the nation’s offshore mineral and energy resources in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. BOEM’s decision-making process for managing the nation’s offshore resources is supported by environmental analyses, scientific research, and indigenous knowledge (Kendall et al., 2017). The Environmental Studies Program of the BOEM is offering a competitive opportunity to conduct research on beluga whale “sisuaq” hunting and Iñupiaq ways of knowing in Kaktovik, Alaska.

Purpose The purpose of this agreement is to conduct cooperative and collaborative sociocultural research in Kaktovik, North Slope Borough, Alaska. The research goal is to learn where, when, and how people in Kaktovik hunt beluga whales and the cultural value and importance of beluga harvest for the community. The desired outcome is co-production and sharing of historical, cultural, spatial, and temporal knowledge about subsistence beluga hunting. The purpose of gaining this knowledge is primarily to support environmental impact analyses, but also includes community engagement, Tribal consultation, harvest monitoring, and co-management of the beluga harvest.

BACKGROUND

Beluga whales are the most abundant whale in the Beaufort Sea and provide an important source of food, subsistence activities, and cultural identity for people living in the North Slope Borough (ABWC, 1995; NSB, 2014). Beluga is a core subsistence species for Kaktovik. In 2011, the community widely shared beluga, and 76 percent of households reported using beluga whale for subsistence purposes; households in Kaktovik used, on average, 121 pounds of beluga in 2011 (Kofinas et al., 2016).

To better understand beluga hunting and to be successful, this study must coordinate with other efforts, including the Beluga Whale Management Plan and co-management and monitoring programs of the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee (ABWC, 1995, 2004, 2016; Fernandez- Gimenez, 2006). The study must also align with beluga research, monitoring, and management conducted by the North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management (DWM) (e.g., Frost and Suydam, 2010; Harcharek et al., 2018).

OBJECTIVES

Establish a trusting and working relationship with hunters, Elders, Tribal leaders, and other beluga experts in the community, the North Slope Borough, and the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee.

1. Learn and apply Iñupiaq ways of knowing throughout the research (e.g.., using traditional and local knowledge in study design).

2. Document the history of beluga hunting in Kaktovik.

3. Document if, how, and why beluga hunting has changed overtime.

4. Collect, evaluate, and map baseline temporal and spatial data about patterns of beluga hunting (i.e.., where, when, and how often).

5. Document how people hunt belugas (e.g.., organized community hunts, opportunistically).

6. Describe how people process belugas (e.g.., butchering procedures).

7. Learn and document the cultural value of belugas and beluga harvest.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A 3-year project proposal would be developed to respond to the objectives. Researchers shall conduct the study in collaboration with Kaktovik and follow community-based, participatory methods (e.g.., Stinger, 1999; Worden, 2018). The recipient would hire at least one graduate student and one local resident to provide research assistance; other local hires may be used where appropriate and to the extent practicable. Researchers shall budget for and provide appropriate honoraria to research assistants living in Kaktovik.

In the first year, researchers will review and synthesize existing information about beluga harvest patterns and related activities in the eastern Beaufort Sea and specifically Kaktovik; they will consider relevant ethnographies, harvest reports, and documents cited in this Announcement (also see Section H). The recipient shall coordinate with the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee and the North Slope Borough, DWM to obtain and review harvest records and other available documents (e.g.., Braund, 2010; Galginaitis, 1990; Harcharek et al., 2018; Jacobson and Wentworth, 1982: Kofinas et al., 2016).

Early in the planning stages, the researchers shall approach the Native Village of Kaktovik, City of Kaktovik, and Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation to describe the study and gain their input for the final study design. The researchers shall work to establish a trusting relationship with Elders, hunters, and other residents of the community. The recipient shall budget resources and time for building relationships before decisions are made (Ball et al., 2015:12). The researchers shall establish formal and informal preliminary contacts as appropriate in order to proceed with work in the community.

Researchers shall strive to follow the principles of conducting research with indigenous communities (IARPC, 2018). They shall meet with community leaders and other residents to discuss how to best plan the research and conduct the project. Discussions and decisions should include which hunters and Elders are most knowledgeable about belugas, who should be interviewed, which methods would be most appropriate, and what types of products and documentation would the community like to receive.

During years two and three, researchers will be present at Kaktovik for two seasons to document aspects of beluga harvest. Using direct observations, open-ended conversations, and participatory techniques, researchers will collect and record details about harvest and processing of beluga whales. Researchers will combine methods, including subsistence mapping, participant observation with field notes, and key informant interviews to the extent practicable. Beluga hunters, Elders, and other key informants will be selected to participate using a referral technique called snowball sampling (Bernard, 2006). Nine or fewer interviews will be audio recorded and modeled after established ethnographic techniques (e.g., Bernard, 2006; Braund, 2010, 2013).

Study products shall include a map of subsistence use areas for beluga searching, herding, and harvesting and a synthesis report in narrative format, incorporating literature review, indigenous knowledge, maps, data tables, figures, excerpts from transcripts, photographs, and other results (e.g.., Byers and Roberts, 1995; Waugh et al., 2018). Researchers shall ask the community how to best develop audience-appropriate presentations and products such as written summaries in glossy brochures or short videos in documentary format. Researchers shall produce at least one community or educational deliverable.

DATA MANAGEMENT, ARCHIVING, AND SENSITIVITY: The recipient shall provide copies of data files to the BOEM in a format that meets Federal data standards (e.g.., meeting minutes, field observations, transcripts, audio recordings, maps). The recipient shall use the data format specifications found at https://www.boem.gov/esp-data-and-information-specifications.

The recipient shall provide copies of data files to an appropriate Federal data repository and archive data and reports at an appropriate repository in Alaska. Some of the information collected in Kaktovik may be sensitive or proprietary and not suitable for public dissemination.

The recipient shall consult with community leaders and the BOEM to determine if any of the information provided by key informants is not suitable for distribution outside the community. If they determine certain information has crossed a threshold of sensitivity, the recipient shall disseminate data and reports without sensitive data.

TASKS: Tasks to be completed include, but are not limited to:

1. Prepare a project management plan.

2. Establish contacts and relationships in Kaktovik.

3. Hire one graduate student and one local research assistant.

4. Review and synthesize historic documents, harvest records, and other literature.

5. Hold pre-planning meetings with community leaders and hunters.

https://www.boem.gov/esp-data-and-information-specifications

6. Collect data in Kaktovik over two hunting seasons.

7. Prepare progress reports, mid-term review, and final report.

8. Properly archive and store the audio-recorded interviews at an appropriate repository.

9. Draft a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal in collaboration with local partners and the BOEM.

10. Deliver at least one oral or poster presentation at a regional professional meeting (e.g.., the Alaska Marine Science Symposium).

11. Deliver one presentation of findings and one educational product in Kaktovik for the community and members of the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee.

See Sections F.3 and H for reporting requirements.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.423 Authorization Legislation Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 350,000 The total amount of federal funds available for this multi-year award is anticipated to be $350,000.

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $ 350,000 Minimum Award Amount $ 175,000

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date December 01, 2020

B4. Period of Performance Length of Project Periods

Other

Length of Project Period Explanation of Other 40-month project period with three 12-month budget periods (additional months included in final period).

Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months Multi-year Proposals If the proposed work is such that more than one year is required to complete the research, then a multi-year proposal is appropriate, and the applicant shall write the proposal accordingly. Proposals shall clearly define the work to be completed in each year, and the evaluation panel reserves the option to fund only the first year of a multi-year proposal. Funding for subsequent years of a multi-year cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory progress demonstrated by the Recipient. Progress will be determined through technical review of quarterly progress reports and other work identified by the BOEM Project Officer. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall include a 15% retainage of the project’s total anticipated budget request. The BOEM Project Officer shall provide continuation notices at least 60 days prior to the end of each funding period.

B5. Numbers of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B6. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement The award will be a cooperative agreement. This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct. BOEM will be involved in all aspects of the study. BOEM research managers will assist the recipient in designing the study and developing the methodology. BOEM will work collaboratively with the recipient to ensure a transparent process for selecting hunters and key informants. BOEM will assist the recipient to identify the most appropriate approaches to data analysis and presentation of results.

BOEM will work collaboratively with the recipient to compare results and insights with existing data and management plans of the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee and the North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management. BOEM will also compare study results and insights with existing data from state and federal studies, including previous BOEM studies examining subsistence practices. BOEM scientists will be engaged with the recipient to provide advice and assistance during collection of observations and data analysis to achieve high social scientific standards. BOEM will help the recipient with report writing and review and presentation of results as appropriate.

B7. Other Federal Information Type of Competition Open to All Eligible Applicants

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility This Program Announcement describes the specific projects that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified below. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals. This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project(s): Subsistence Harvest and Iñupiaq Knowledge of Beluga Whales for Kaktovik (North Slope Borough), Alaska

Open to:

Eligible recipients include the State of Alaska, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education of the State of Alaska and the North Slope Borough.

Eligibility Information: Research projects are required to have a staff member of the applying organization as the Principal Investigator (PI). Cooperative research between interested organizations—i.e., state agencies, public universities, and non-profits in affected states—is always encouraged.

Cost Share/Match: Contributions of matching funds towards these efforts, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, etc., or a combination of both) is very strongly encouraged. Match cannot include value associated with collection costs for samples previously collected. Match value for instrumentation and other equipment should be adjusted to the period of use within the project relative to the full life cycle for the item. Matching dollars cannot be from other Federal funding sources. Further information can be located at 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.306. All questions regarding this project, including eligibility, should be directed only to the “Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Questions” point-of-contact listed in Section G.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing/Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

C3. Other Excluded Parties:

BOEM 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 The application must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal. The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.423 or Announcement M20AS00178 in the Grants.gov search engine. The announcement is also available in Grant Solutions.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance The electronic submission System requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual proposal can be submitted. Go to grants.gov and click on "Applicants" for instructions.

See Section D.7 below.

Project Summary Subsistence Harvest and Iñupiaq Knowledge of Beluga Whales for Kaktovik, Alaska (National Studies List (NSL) #AK-20-06 )

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY: Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI’s reputation and ability to uphold the public’s trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted to https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity or its equivalent as provided by the recipient’s organization or State law.

Project Narrative Proposal Cover Sheet The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

a. Project Title:

b. PI(s):

https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

iv. Fax:

v. E-mail:

c. Name of Agency/University/Department:

d. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

e. Project Status: New/Continuation

f. Project Duration: (years or months)

g. Proposed Start Date:

h. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date

i. Proposed Completion Date:

j. Amount Requested From BOEM

k. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match (if appropriate)

l. Total Project Cost

m. Signature, Name, and Contact Information of PI and Co-Investigator

n. Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name, Contact Information of authorized executive of Sponsoring Agency/University/Department

o. Signature, Name and Contact Information of Sponsoring Agency's Administrative Office or University’s Office of Sponsored Programs

Proposal Text The proposal must be in 11-12 point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1" page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Text, figures, etc. in support of items a-n below should be no longer than 15 pages. Please include the following in the Proposal:

a. Abstract

b. Background/Relevance to BOEM Issues, Information Needs, and Research Topics: Give a brief introduction to the research problem. State how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Explain why the work is important. Specify the contribution to science related to oil and gas development and the benefits that society will receive from the study.

Proposals should describe why the research is important to Alaska offshore oil and gas development issues. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

c. Objectives/Hypotheses: Clearly define goals of the project.

d. Methods/Analyses: Provide a clear description of planned methodologies and analyses.

e. Archived Materials: Pursuant to Task 8 (See Section A.2 of this Announcement), the recipient shall develop a protocol as part of the Project Management Plan to ensure there is an appropriate repository to properly archive and store the audio-recorded interviews and other data files. The place of the archive could be in Kaktovik, Utqiaġvik, and/or Fairbanks. The recipient shall archive data in collaboration with an appropriate partner such as the library at the Kaktovik school, Iñupiat Heritage Center, and/or Project Jukebox at University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Data shall be archived within one (1) month of the end of performance.

f. For studies involving field work, or as otherwise appropriate, applicants shall provide plans for Logistics, Safety Management, and necessary Permits/Interagency Coordination/Local Coordination.

g. Project Management/Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers and local hires) shall be identified by name. List the Principal Investigator first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role and anticipated level of effort for each key participant offering unique or specific contributions to the project (research design, social science expertise, data collection, field assistant, etc.). If names of any key participants are unknown, a proposal addendum with the names and vitae must be submitted prior to award.

h. Performance Measures: Applicants shall suggest specific measures that will be used to monitor project progress, including progress of sub-awardees (e.g. quality and timely deliverables, timely completion of fieldwork or other project components, draft peer-reviewed articles). These performance measures will be incorporated in the cooperative agreement award and reviewed as part of any continuation request

i. Timeline (including deliverables): Provide for submission of the draft final report four months before project end date to ensure adequate time for BOEM review, revisions to draft, and publishing.

j. Critical Starting Dates (e.g. for season-limited field work): Starting dates prior to May 15, 2021 will require specific justification.

k. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: List product(s) (reports, analyses, maps, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered during the performance period. Quarterly, midterm, draft and final reports and draft and final technical summaries are required.

Required deliverables shall also include, as appropriate, maps, electronic data files and no less than 20 digital images related to the research activity.

l. Publication and Presentation: Manuscript for Peer Review: Pursuant to Task 9 (See Section A.2 of this announcement), The recipient and research partners shall submit a social scientific manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal. The draft manuscript must be provided to the Project Officer two (2) weeks prior to submission. The purpose, content, and message of the manuscript will be discussed and planned by the recipient, partners in Kaktovik, and the Project Officer. If published, reprints shall be provided to Kaktovik and the BOEM. The journal article must contain an acknowledgment of support and funding under the cooperative agreement number. Presentation at Regional Science Meeting: Pursuant to Task 10 (See Section A.2 of this announcement), the recipient shall prepare and deliver one poster or oral presentation at a regional professional meeting. The purpose of the presentation will be to communicate the procedures, methodologies, results, implications, and recommendations of the study. The recipient is encouraged to co-present with partners from Kaktovik to the extent practicable. The recipient shall provide the Project Officer with a copy of the presentation materials two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting, allowing time for review and feedback if necessary. (See Acknowledgement of Sponsorship in Section F.3).

m. Community Presentation and Educational Product: Pursuant to Task 11 (See Section A.2 of this announcement), the recipient shall prepare and deliver a presentation about the research that is appropriate for audiences in Kaktovik. The recipient shall schedule the presentation in coordination with partners in Kaktovik and the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee. The recipient shall give the presentation and provide the materials to

Kaktovik before the end of performance. The recipient shall develop and deliver an educational product for use at the Kaktovik school. Educational products are intended for use by students and their classroom teachers (or informal educators outside the classroom). Examples include hands-on activities; developing and using models; and exercises that use mathematics, geographic information, computer mapping technology, or interpretation of data. The recipient shall relate the educational product to the study by using data or other information from the research, turning it into activities or exercises a teacher could use in or outside the classroom. The target audience should be teachers and students in high school, roughly grades 9–12. The recipient is encouraged to consult with teachers at the Kaktovik school to plan and design an educational product that is suitable to local needs, preferences, and resources. The recipient should visit https://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Studies-Program-Teacher-Resources/, https://edit.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/news/upload/Youth-S-O.pdf, and http://oceanliteracy.wp2.coexploration.org/brochure/ for guidance. The recipient shall submit the educational product to the BOEM with the Final Report.

n. Local and Scientific Outreach: Applicants are encouraged to disseminate research results to relevant local communities. At a minimum outreach must include provision of a separate executive summary glossy brochure in language appropriate to a non-science, lay audience and either a) an 8½” x 11” poster suitable for mailing to local village organizations and public display on local bulletin boards or b) a formal presentation of study findings to an appropriate audience at local schools or public gatherings.

o. Bibliography: List all references cited in the text, as well as references that are relevant to the current proposal from your past work in the field.

p. Curricula Vitae (maximum two pages) for each identified key participant. Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the proposal addresses.

q. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching fund grantors, contractors, and sub-grantees.

r. Budget Spreadsheet and

s. Budget Justification Narrative (see below).

SF 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

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.

Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the “DOI Standard Award Terms and Conditions”. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

Budget Narrative/Detailed Spreadsheet 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 https://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Studies-Program-Teacher-Resources/ https://edit.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/migrated/news/upload/Youth-S-O.pdf http://oceanliteracy.wp2.coexploration.org/brochure/ https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions 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.

Budget Spreadsheet In addition to SF-424a Budget Information form, include information in a format which provides personnel, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, and indirect costs on an annual basis for both the requested BOEM funds and for anticipated match funds (if appropriate).

Budget Justification Narrative This information will provide more details than the SF-424a form and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable and allocable. Please include the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. List positions and rate of compensation for Agency/University employees.

b. Fringe Benefits/Labor Overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement, if available.

c. Tuition. Requests for funds for tuition must identify the student by name, if known. The total compensation (including tuition funds, stipend, etc.) requested for the individual must be commensurate with the services to be performed by that individual. Students must be identified by name prior to any tuition payments.

d. Data Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

e. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318-326.

f. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. "Special-purpose equipment" means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available.

General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318-326 and managed in accordance with 2

CFR 200.313.

g. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

h. Educational and Community Outreach. Identify planned outreach activities and clearly identify associated costs, as appropriate.

i. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip.

Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown. Applicants are encouraged to include in the proposal a plan to present findings at one to two meetings.

j. Publication Costs. Indicate an estimate of labor and other unique costs associated with preparation of the draft final report. If publication of results of the research in the peer-reviewed literature is anticipated, include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

k. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

l. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items a - k.

m. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant's organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the Applicant’s federal cognizant audit agency.

n. Amount Proposed. Total items l and m.

o. Multi-year Projects. The Applicant shall provide summary information as well as a detailed budget for each year. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall comprise a minimum of 15% of the project’s total anticipated budget. Also see Section B.4

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.

Please reference the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act for additional details.

(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 subrecipients, 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 subrecipients.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1112&rgn=div8 https://www.doi.gov/pam/programs/acquisition/fair-activities-inventory-reform-act

(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.

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 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 on the “Packages” tab of 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”.

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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.

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.

mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com

D4. Submission Dates and Times Application Due Date 10/23/2020 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., Alaska Time, on the listed application due date.

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 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.

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.

• 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 BOEM 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 BOEM 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 [“Program Title”], which has a Department of the Interior-approve 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 the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR) 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that 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 BOEM to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that BOEM 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 the indirect costs are 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.

Prohibited Uses of Awards Funds Reimbursement of Pre-Award Costs

D7. Other Submission Requirements Please be aware that the electronic submission process requires first time users to register using an e- Authentication process. This registration process can be somewhat complex and can take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if you start just a few days before the due date. If you are from a university, contact your Office of Sponsored Programs. They may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the application.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the application package, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Briefly, when you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status: 1. Confirmation screen

2. Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link) 3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors) 4. Agency Retrieval

CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen.

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