BLAG.[FY21].NOFO_508_2020-1222 FINAL.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Financial Assistance

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Title Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: P21AS00227

Announcement Type Initial

CFDA Number: 15.928

Issue Date: 01/01/2021 Application Due Date: 12/31/2021

Agency Contact Information

Name ABPP Staff

Address 1849 C Street NW

Mail Stop 7XXX

Washington DC 20240

Phone 202-354-2037

Email abpp_blag@nps.gov

Table of Contents

Section A: Program Description

Section B: Federal Award Information

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

3. Other

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Contents and Form of Application Submission

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Evaluation of Applicant Risk

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Section H: Other Information:

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424B

Appendix B - NPS Standard and Special Award Terms and Conditions

Section A: Program Description

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Funding Opportunity Title: ABPP FY20 Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants

Funding Opportunity Number: P21AS00227

Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.928

Legislative Authority: 54 U.S.C. 308103

Federal Regulations: 2 C.F.R. § 200, 2 C.F.R. § 1402, 36 C.F.R. § 59.3

Other Authority: Executive Order 13933

Program Background Information and Objectives:

The National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) supports the identification, research, evaluation, interpretation, and protection of historic battlefields and associated sites on a national, State, and local level.

NPS ABPP offers Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAGs) to assist state and local governments and, when applicable, their nonprofit partners acquire and preserve eligible Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands. Funding for the BLAG program is made available from the

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is awarded competitively. Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match. Grants are available to purchase 1) land in fee simple or 2) permanent, protective interests in land (easements) at Civil War battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and the principal battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 identified in

NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of

1812 Sites in the United States (2007) (“Survey Reports”).

Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications for acquisition of lands at eligible battlefield and associated sites rated as Preservation Priority I and II properties will be given precedence in processing, evaluation, and award recommendations. Eligible battlefields and associated sites (“eligible sites”) have been assigned a battlefield or “survey” code in the aforementioned (“Survey Reports”). Boundaries for most eligible battlefields are defined in NPS survey data. Eligible acquisitions should lie within the boundaries of eligible sites, with priority given to proposals to acquire land within the “core” area of the battlefield. Battlefield boundary and

“core” area maps are available on the NPS ABPP website. Applications to acquire lands associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites identified as “Needing Further

Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and

War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), must select defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register Bulletin No. 40: Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and Registering America’s Historic Battlefields and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21:

Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. If the land to be acquired overlaps the https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/Boundaries-Completed.pdf battlefield boundary, a majority (more than 50%) of the land must be within the boundary for the proposal to be eligible for funding.

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NPS ABPP encourages projects that promote and expand preservation as well as enhance our understanding of the origins of the United States. Special thematic priority will be given to applications that address the histories and legacies of those who experienced the armed conflicts that led to American independence at Revolutionary War battlefields and other related sites.

NPS ABPP BLAG funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a National Park. Grant recipients are encouraged to provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or interests in lands acquired with NPS ABPP financial assistance in a manner consistent with the preservation goals of the program. Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity and will be subject to the LWCF non-conversion requirements. Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners who acquire land or an interest in land with financial assistance under this program must convey a perpetual protective easement on the land to the State

Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization acceptable to the National Park

Service and SHPO.

Secretary of the Interior Priorities:

This program supports Secretary of the Interior Priorities1a and 1c:

• “Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.”

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

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

This program supports the priorities listed above by providing financial and technical assistance to state and local governments (as grant recipients) and to conservation or preservation organizations (as subrecipients) for projects and partnerships related to local and regional community needs and interests. BLAG funds support the efforts of state and local governments in the preservation of battlefield lands through the acquisition of fee simple or permanent protective interests in eligible properties.

Section B: Federal Award Information

Anticipated Federal Funding: $17,400,000.00

The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined once final FY

2021 appropriations have been made. This NOFO will be cancelled if FY 2021 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Non-Federal Entity Cost Share:

The non-Federal entity must provide a cost match of minimum of 50% of the total project cost.

Contributions for cost match must be made from non-Federal sources which may include cash, loans (see Section C.2.), and/or in-kind contributions.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded: 15-30

Each activity or project under this agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available Per Award:

An estimated range of $30,000.00 to $2,000,000.00 of funding is anticipated for each award.

The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

Anticipated Start Date:

Projects receiving funding through this Notice of Funding Opportunity will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made.

Anticipated Term of the Agreement:

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated at three years, depending on the negotiated project statement of work. Projects receiving funding through this NOFO will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made. Prior to the expiration of an awarded grant agreement, modifications may be proposed by either party and will become effective upon written approval of both parties.

Types of Agreement:

Grant Agreement - A legal instrument of financial assistance between The National Park

Service and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6304:

An executive agency shall use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the United States Government and a State, a local government, or other recipient when:

(1) The principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer a thing of value to the State or local government or other recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring (by purchase, lease, or barter) property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government; and

(2) Substantial involvement is not expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement.

Substantial Involvement:

No substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated.

Other Information:

Projects funded under this program constitute “undertakings” as defined by Section 106 of the

National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (54 U.S.C. 306108). See Section F.2.a. of this

Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.

Depending on the project, per Executive Order 13933, information may be required that will enable the NPS to assess whether the project includes reasonable measures for protection of the property from vandalism or other damage, including measures to protect any monuments, memorials, or other statues. This may include, as applicable, including provisions in the easement to impose reasonable measures to protect the project site.

Section C: Eligibility Information

Announcement Closing Date: December 31, 2021, 11:59pm ET

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received and may be submitted at any time up until the closing date of this announcement. An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the closing date of this announcement will result in the application being excluded from consideration. This includes but is not limited to late and incomplete application packages.

1. Eligible Applicants

In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308103(b), Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program, this funding opportunity is limited to state or local governments. Tribal governments or nonprofit organizations may acquire an interest in an eligible site by partnering in an application from a state or local government which has jurisdiction over the property to be acquired or put under easement. The government agency will be the grant recipient and serve as a pass-through entity for Federal funds to the nonprofit organization (2 C.F.R. § 200.74 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.86).

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308103(d), non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50% is required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. The non-Federal entity must be willing to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost from non-Federal sources as evidenced by a letter of commitment from the funding source or awarding entity that is addressed to the applicant.

Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, loans, and/or in-kind contributions. Non-Federal entity cost share contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A (reference section D, Application and

Submission Information).

For purposes of this program, applicants may use a loan as non-Federal cost share. However, if the loan is secured by the land to be acquired, the lending institution must agree in writing that it will subordinate its own interest in the property to the terms of the grant, particularly the LWCF non-conversion (54 USC 200305(f)(3)) and conservation easement requirements. The applicant must include this explicit, written agreement from the lending institution in the proposal package.

3. Other

There are no limits to the number of applications an applicant may submit.

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

An Application Package has been included within this Notice of Funding Opportunity for your convenience, found in Appendix A. The Application Package contains four mandatory forms, which must be submitted with your proposal, forms include: form SF-424 (Application for

Financial Assistance), form SF-424A (Budget Information), form SF-424B (Assurances), and

SF-LLL (Lobbying). The Application Package can also be accessed and downloaded from the

Synopsis page of this announcement in Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in

Section G of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

2. Contents and Form of Application Submission

You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms, in accordance with the instructions below, as required by this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information.

• Project Narrative – Proposal Submission Format

The Project Narrative must identify the property to be acquired with the following information: name and address of property (“Tract”) and eligible battlefield or associated site where property is located, including survey code assigned in the Civil War Sites

Advisory Commission’s Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and/or the NPS

ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of

1812 Sites in the United States (2007) [“Survey Reports”]. Applicants must also state the

Preservation Priority assigned to the eligible battlefield or associated site in the Survey

Reports and should provide the National Register Information System (NRIS) database number for any properties, including National Historic Landmarks, listed in the National

Register of Historic Places.

Applications to acquire lands associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites identified as “Needing Further Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to

Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the

United States (2007), must select defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register Bulletin No. 40: Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and

Registering America’s Historic Battlefields and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21:

Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. (The Project Narrative may reference documentation substantiating boundaries that is provided as a separate attachment to the application).

The Project Narrative should specifically address each of the review criteria and questions (see Section E):

• Historical Significance and Integrity

• Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities

• Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability

• Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant and partners

The Project Narrative should address the Secretary of the Interior Priorities and briefly explain how the proposed project will:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf

• Advocate or plan for balanced stewardship and use of public lands or foster relationships with organizations that do, and/or

• Expand lines of communication with Governors, state natural resources offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

The Project Narrative must be no longer than 5 pages, text no smaller than font size 11, and document with 1-inch margins. The 5-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and resumes (Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and SF-LLL are not counted as part of the 5-page limit). Additional information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included as attachments.

• Standard Form 424 (SF 424) - Application for Federal Assistance

This form must be signed by the authorizing representative and submitted with the application.

• Standard Form 424A (SF 424A) - Budget Information

Applicants must provide an estimated cumulative budget for the total project in the proposal. The estimated budget must align with the proposed scope of work presented in the Project Narrative. Unit cost estimates shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients.

Budget Narrative – In addition, applicants shall include a detailed Budget Narrative description of the items included in line 6.h. (“Other”) of the SF-424A, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306(b) (See Section C.2. of this announcement). The

Budget Narrative must include cost centers to distinguish expenses allocated to Federal and non-Federal sources. Expense categories can include, but are not limited to: Purchase

Price, Appraisal, Appraisal Review, Environmental Assessment, expenses relating to

Section 106 review and consultation, Property Surveying, Title Search and Insurance, Recording Fees, Settlement and Legal Fees.

• Standard Form 424B (SF 424B) – Assurances This form must be signed by the authorizing representative and submitted with the application.

• Standard Form 429 and Standard form 429B (SF 429 and SF 429B) – Real Property

Status Report These forms are required if the real property is acquired with Federal funds, with recipient cost share or matching funds, or as an in-kind contribution under the award. For properties that have been appraised, this form must be signed by the authorizing representative and submitted with the application.

• Indirect Costs If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs may have those costs disallowed.

NPS ABPP BLAG awards use the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) described in 2

CFR § 200.68 in calculating indirect costs. MTDC include all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first

$25,000 of each subaward.

In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), if you have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of MTDC. If this methodology is chosen, it must be applied in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414 and must be consistently used for all federal awards. Proposals shall document that a negotiated indirect cost rate has never been received and the applicant is electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10%.

• Other Documents Required by the Program -

Applicants must also submit:

o Applicant Cover Letter – A succinct description of the property to be acquired and summary of the overall preservation strategy and the disposition of the property at completion of the project, including identification of the easement holder, acknowledgment of Land and Water Conservation Fund Act requirements

(see Section F(2)(b) of this announcement), and the Applicant’s affirmative commitment to serve as grant recipient (Recipient) and, if there is a Subrecipient, as a pass-through entity for Federal funding consistent with 2 CFR §200.331;

o Schedule for Completion – A statement detailing estimated dates for major milestones in the acquisition project, including acquisition/purchase of the property (or interest), any planned transfer of the property, recordation of deed and/or easement, as well as any proposed ground-disturbing activities or other activities that have the potential to affect historic properties or resources;

o Section 106 Initiation Correspondence– Copies of invitations from the Applicant and/or nonprofit partner inviting the appropriate State Historic Preservation

Office(s) (SHPOs) and other by-right and interested parties to consult on the proposed acquisition (undertaking), in conformance with responsibilities delegated to the Applicant by the NPS ABPP Programmatic Agreement. This correspondence should include a narrative description of the undertaking

(including any activities with the potential to affect historic properties or resources that are proposed as part of the acquisition and preservation strategy);

both a narrative definition and map of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the undertaking; and, a description of historic resources within the APE and the research efforts undertaken to identify these resources by the Applicant and/or nonprofit partner (as described in 36 CFR 800, “Protection of Historic Properties, the Section 106 implementing regulations);

o Section 106 Recommendation Letter – A copy of correspondence from the appropriate SHPO(s) stating their effects assessment of the acquisition/undertaking, including activities proposed as part of the acquisition https://www.nps.gov/subjects/battlefields/upload/ABPP-FY16-Programmatic-Agreement_Fully-Executed.pdf and preservation strategy that may have the potential to affect historic properties or resources (a preliminary assessment is acceptable);

o Easement Holder Letter – A letter or statement addressed to NPS ABPP and signed by an authorized representative of the organization agreeing to hold and enforce a perpetual preservation easement on the property under terms acceptable to both NPS ABPP to the appropriate SHPO(s). The letter should acknowledge the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Section non-conversion requirement

(54 USC 200305(f)(3)) and should describe the qualifications of the proposed easement holder, including recent experience (within 5 years) holding and enforcing preservation easements and documentation demonstrating how cultural resource specialists who will assist with development and enforcement of the easement meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification

Standards. (Note: See Section F(2)(d) of this announcement for required easement clauses for acquisitions in which a nonprofit organization will hold an easement over properties acquired in fee-simple by another nonprofit organization.)

o Preservation Letter of Agreement (only for projects in which a State governmental agency will acquire and manage the property) – A statement from the Applicant of their intention to record a Preservation Letter of Agreement, in lieu of an easement, with the deed of sale and requiring the following stipulations

(when permitted by State law): perpetual duration of acquisition; allowance for public access; commitment to maintain the historic features and landscape of the property; restrictions on development to activities needed for interpretation and visitor access; SHPO review and approval of pre-development plans (including survey, evaluation and documentation of historic resources and design/construction documents); acknowledgment of the Land and Water

Conservation Fund Act Section non-conversion requirement (54 USC

200305(f)(3)).

o Willingness to Sell documentation – A copy of a letter stating willingness to sell or contract to purchase signed and dated by the landowner;

o Battlefield/parcel map – Map depicting the property to be acquired with reference to the core and study area boundaries of associated eligible battlefields; the project’s APE for Section 106 purposes; boundaries of any properties listed in the

National Register of Historic Places within the project area; and existing buildings, structures, and potential historic resources within the project area;

o Associated GIS shapefiles, or geodatabases, including metadata compliant with

NPS Spatial Data Transfer Standards and FGDC;

o Three to four photos of the property (or interest) to be acquired; photos should be in high-def JPEG format and georeferenced, including one aerial image via

Google Earth, and should include a narrative caption and credits for potential use in NPS ABPP announcements;

o Statement of Overlap—A disclosure if any overlap exists between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-file:///C:/Users/carato/AppData/Local/Temp/1/MicrosoftEdgeDownloads/eaa26c85-c9f3-4bdd-a071-cf50bfd9644d/Notice-1997-pdf.pdf file:///C:/Users/carato/AppData/Local/Temp/1/MicrosoftEdgeDownloads/eaa26c85-c9f3-4bdd-a071-cf50bfd9644d/Notice-1997-pdf.pdf

Federal). If no overlap or duplication exists, a statement similar to the text below is required:

“[Insert Applicant Name] affirms that no overlap or duplication exists between the proposed project in this application and any other active or anticipated project in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-

Federal).”

If any overlap or duplication does exist, applicants must provide a description of the overlap, including when the overlapping or duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the Project Narrative or as a separate attachment to the application. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be overlapping or duplicative of the funding requested from NPS, the applicant must immediately notify the NPS point of contact. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount; and, o National Register or National Historic Landmarks documentation (recommended)—

Copies of documentation for any property within the project area listed in the

National Register of Historic Places, if applicable, are recommended but not required.

If selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant (unless exempt under 2 CFR §25.110) is required to:

(a) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

(b) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application (currently a DUNS number);

(c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal Awarding Agency.

Registration processes for SAM can be found at https://www.sam.gov

A financial assistance agreement will not be made with an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that an agreement is ready for award, a determination may be made that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award. That determination may be used as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

https://www.sam.gov/

In addition, in order to submit an application through Grants.gov an applicant must have an active SAM registration and register for submission permissions through the Grants.gov website.

Utilize the following link to guide you through this process:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

4. Submission Dates and Times

This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until December 31, 2021, or until it is succeeded by another issuance. Applications and associated required documents shall be submitted to the National Park Service no later than December 31, 2021, 11:59pm ET.

5. Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372 “Intergovernmental

Review of Federal Programs.” Applicants subject to EO 12372 must contact their State’s Single

Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State’s process. The names and addresses of the SPOC’s are listed in the OMB’s home page at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/

6. Funding Restrictions

Costs incurred by the applicant prior to the start date of the period of performance of a Federal award are only allowable with written approval by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

7. Other Submission Requirements

Applications must be submitted to the National Park Service through Grants.gov by the deadline identified in paragraph 4 above. Applications submitted by other means or not received by the deadline will not be considered.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact the NPS American Battlefield Protection Program at 202-354-2037 or abpp_blag@nps.gov.

START THIS PROCESS EARLY DON’T DELAY!

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/ http://www.grants.gov/ file://///INP2204CRFS02/ABPP/Battlefield%20Land%20Acquisition%20Grants%20(BLAG)/Administrative%20Documents/Notice%20of%20Funding%20Opportunity/abpp_blag@nps.gov

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria Proposals submitted under this announcement are evaluated through a merit review process and will be first reviewed for the following initial screening factors by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer:

• The applicant is eligible for award based on the criteria identified in Section C

• Applicant is SAM.gov registered with no active exclusions (reference Section D, paragraph 3)

• All required documents have been submitted (reference Section D, paragraph 2)

Following this initial screen, applications will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:

Criterion 1

Public and Program Interests of the

NPS

Weight: 25%

The NPS ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant provides for the protection of sites where historic battles were fought on American soil during several of the most significant armed conflicts that shaped the growth and development of the United States, including the American

Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War. Applications should describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the property to be acquired (“Tract”) in a narrative statement addressing the following factors and considerations:

• Cite the Priority ranking(s) of the associated battlefield lands as defined in the CWSAC

Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) or the NPS ABPP Report to

Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the

United States (2007) [“Survey Reports”].

• If the battlefield is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (including National

Historic Landmarks), describe the significance and integrity of the battlefield lands as stated in relevant NRHP documentation. (The property may be listed individually or as part of a larger district and may hold significance and retain integrity in areas and periods of significance related to events before or after the battle events).

• Is the property associated with any other NPS designations or certifications (e.g.

National Trails System, National Heritage Areas, and other commemorative programs)?

Describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the Tract by addressing the following factors:

• Describe the location and acreage of the Tract in relation to the boundaries of an eligible battlefield(s) identified in the Survey Reports (e.g. inside/outside battlefield boundary, within core or study area, acreage in each area); Eligible battlefields and associated sites (“eligible sites”) have been assigned a battlefield or “survey” code in the aforementioned (“Survey Reports”). Boundaries for most eligible battlefields are defined in NPS survey data. Eligible acquisitions should lie within the boundaries of eligible sites, with priority given to proposals to acquire land within the “core” area of the battlefield.

Battlefield boundary and “core” area maps are available on the NPS ABPP website.

• If the lands to be acquired are associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites identified as “Needing Further Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), please describe defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register Bulletin No. 40: Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and Registering America’s Historic Battlefields and/or National Register

Bulletin No. 21: Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. (The Project

Narrative may reference documentation substantiating boundaries that is provided as a separate attachment to the application);

• Describe how the Tract contributes to the significance and integrity of the entire battlefield. Please identify historic resources/character-defining features located on the

Tract, if known, and any evaluations or determinations of eligibility completed by state or local preservation officials. Please reference maps included in the application package.

• Describe the use of the property since the Survey Reports were completed. How has the battlefield and, specifically, the Tract been altered since the Survey Reports were completed?

• Describe the current use of the Tract and any buildings and structures, including roads, on the property. Please reference photographs included in the application package.

Special Thematic Consideration – National Semiquincentennial

As the United States of America approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of

Independence in 2026, NPS encourages projects that promote a deeper understanding of

American history and culture and that advance civic education and knowledge of our core principles of government. This special consideration is not necessarily limited to projects that will help to preserve Revolutionary War battlefields.

• Describe how this project will help Americans better understand the histories and legacies of those who experienced the armed conflicts that led to American independence at Revolutionary War battlefields and other related sites.

Criterion 2

Technical Merits of the Proposed Effort Weight: 25%

Applications should demonstrate how the preservation of the eligible property will be accomplished within its geographic and thematic contexts and how proposed activities will affect historic resources. Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities should be addressed through the following considerations and by referring to the required map:

• Describe any known cultural or archaeological resources on the property. Please reference any completed survey and evaluation documentation (including National

Register of Historic Places documentation) and/or describe how the project will identify and assess effects on all historic resources on the property.

• Describe the proposed short-term and long-term preservation outcomes, including any proposed activities, treatments, or uses that have the potential to affect historic https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf resources. Please reference the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes.

• Describe any encumbrances on the property (e.g. existing easements, utility easements, right-of-way easements, mineral rights, timbering rights). Describe how the encumbrances will impact preservation outcomes.

• Describe immediate and long-term stewardship strategies, including maintenance, monitoring, and any plans for outreach or interpretation. (Who is responsible? What?

When?)

• Describe the Tract’s natural environment and stewardship strategies for the natural resources within the cultural landscape (e.g. farmland, erodible soil, pasture, wetlands, ponds, hammocks, bogs, forest).

Regarding the Tract to be acquired and placed under easement, please address the following:

• Describe any issues that need to be resolved before an enforceable easement can be drafted as well as any conditions that need to be written into the easement.

Criterion 3

Clear and Obtainable Objectives Weight: 25%

Applications should demonstrate the actions proposed in this effort are clearly defined, including timelines, and describe threats and how the project responds to both threats and stewardship opportunities. The project narrative and supporting information demonstrate that the preservation goals are achievable, that the project is sustainable, and that the preservation strategy is appropriate the selection of the preservation tool and objectives of the preservation strategy. Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability should be addressed through the following considerations:

Statement of Threat

• What is the nature, extent, and level of severity of the threat(s) to the battlefield as a whole and to the specific tract/property to be acquired/placed under easement?

• Describe why acquisition of the property at this time is the most appropriate preservation strategy for the battlefield and, if applicable, other alternatives considered?

Preservation Strategy

• Eligible tracts must be outside the legislative boundaries of any associated National

Park Service units. What is the closest National Park unit, and where is the tract proposed for acquisition in relation to the unit (i.e. how far away is it from the unit, is it adjacent to the unit boundary)?

• Describe any abutting, adjacent, or nearby conserved land or conservation efforts including prior BLAG acquisitions.

• Is this a new preservation effort or connected to a larger, ongoing preservation effort?

https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four-treatments/landscape-guidelines/ https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four-treatments/landscape-guidelines/

• Describe how this project contributes to local and/or regional preservation strategies

(e.g. for battlefield, for campaign, etc.)

• Describe how the project will meet the goals of the ABPP (e.g. preservation in perpetuity, 6(f)(3) requirements, preservation tool, etc.)

• Describe any preservation alternatives to fee simple acquisition or easement purchase that were considered and explain why acquisition / easement is the most appropriate strategy.

Future Sustainability

The application narrative should also address additional preservation interests and community values supported through the proposed acquisition:

• Describe how the acquisition of this Tract will advance local interest in the preservation of the battlefield. Please describe why this place is important to the local community or to other stakeholders.

• Describe accomplished and planned outreach and consultation activities, including involvement of SHPO(s), local authorities, public stakeholders, underserved communities, and tribes in project planning and identification of goals/preservation outcomes.

• Will any historically under-represented community or perspective benefit from the preservation of this property?

• Describe any projected or planned impacts to the surrounding community (i.e.

economic benefits of heritage tourism).

Criterion 4

Qualifications, Experience and Capabilities to Achieve Objectives Weight: 15%

Applications should demonstrate that involved organizations will achieve the proposed conservation effort. Qualification, Experience and Capacity should be addressed through the following considerations and supported the by referring to the required Application Cover letter and Easement Holder letter:

• Describe the Applicant’s experience with similar projects, and, if applicable, describe the outcomes of past projects and/or completed BLAG acquisitions.

• List and describe all preservation partners who will contribute to completion of this project, noting any past experience in battlefield preservation/acquisition or cultural resource management. If applicable, please note any staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards.

• Describe the proposed landowner’s ability and plan to maintain the property in compliance with the terms of the easement.

• Describe the easement holder’s experience stewarding properties that are cultural landscapes (e.g. battlefields), experience managing properties that contain cultural resources, and/or experience holding easements on properties that were acquired with a

BLAG. If applicable, please note any relevant certifications (e.g. certified land trust) and identify staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation

Professional Qualification Standards.

• If applicable, per Executive Order 13933, describe the easement holder’s experience with protection of grant-assisted property from vandalism or other damage and the ability to implement and manage reasonable measures to prevent vandalism or other damage.

Criterion 5

Secretary of the Interior Priorities Weight: 10%

The NPS ABPP BLAG program has identified the Secretary of the Interior priorities noted in

Section A, Program Description that are advanced through this effort. The application must include a description of how the proposed acquisition aligns with the following:

• “Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.”

• “Expand lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.”

Criterion 6

Budget Review and Review of Non-Federal Cost Share

Applications must include a required SF-424 section 18, SF-424A and Budget Narrative that address the following considerations:

• Are the budgeted items eligible for BLAG funding?

• Is the budget reasonable to accomplish project tasks and activities?

• Are budget items necessary to accomplish project activities?

• Is the budget justification sufficient to explain project costs in detail?

• Are expenses clearly allocated to Federal and non-Federal sources?

• Are the sources of all project costs clearly described?

In addition, since the program requires a 50% non-Federal cost share, the application must:

• Identify all sources for funds that constitute the required non-Federal match in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.306;

• Provide a letter of commitment from the sources of all funds sources that constitute the required non-Federal match;

• If the required non-Federal match includes an in-kind Landowner Donation, provide documentation of the donated value (e.g. appraisal or SF-429B that documents the Fair

Market Value and documentation of negotiated purchase price).

2. Review and Selection Process

NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above.

a. Initial Review

Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the Applicant is eligible for an award based on the criteria identified in Section C; (2) the required documents have been submitted (reference Section D, paragraph 2); and (3) applicant is SAM.gov registered with no active exclusions (reference

Section D, paragraph 3). If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the

NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review

All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will go through a merit review process. The merit review panel will conduct the review based on the criteria outlined section E.1. Each criterion will be reviewed and assigned a rating of “Exceeds”, “Meets”, or

“Does not meet” based on whether it exceeds, meets, or does not meet the criteria.

c. Policy Factors

The following program policy factors may also be considered in making the selection:

- Availability of funds

- Review of Applicant Risk

- Requirements outlined in program specific authorities: Grants are available for the fee simple acquisition of land, or for the acquisition of permanent, protective interests in land

(easements), at Civil War Battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory

Commission's (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and at

Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields and associated sites identified as principal sites in the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program’s

(NPS ABPP) Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and

War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007). Funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a National Park unit. Recipients or subrecipients should provide for the appropriate public access (entry or viewable from public right-of-way) to and enjoyment of any lands or interests in lands acquired with assistance from this program, subject to necessary and reasonable measures on the part of the beneficiary to protect the historic features of the battlefield from damage or loss.

Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity. In any case where a local government or a private, nonprofit organization acquires land or an interest in land with assistance from this program, it must convey an acceptable perpetual protective easement on the land to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or other organization acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.

d. Selection

Based upon their review, the merit reviewers will categorize each proposal into one of three categories:

- Category 1: Proposal meets or exceeds the program interests of the NPS with a strong confidence that the objectives of the agreement will be met based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant.

- Category 2: Proposal meets some of the program interests of the NPS, or there is a marginal confidence that the objectives of the agreement will be met based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant.

- Category 3: Proposal either does not meet the program interests of the NPS, or there is low confidence of meeting the objectives of the agreement based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience and capabilities of the applicant

Category 1 proposals are anticipated to be funded if funding is available. Category 2 may be funded after Category 1 proposals, if funding is available, but additional clarifications may be requested prior to funding. Category 3 proposals will not be funded.

e. Budget Review

The proposed budget will be reviewed to ensure all costs are necessary, reasonable, allowable, and allocable for the activities to be conducted. Costs will also be reviewed to determine cost realism and feasibility relative to the objectives contained within the project narrative. Deficiencies, as well as suggested adjustments, may be noted for discussion purposes if an applicant is selected for award. Although the budget evaluation does not affect the comprehensive merit review criteria noted above, the budget information may be considered as a deciding factor for selection if the budget does not support the technical aspects of the proposal, or if adequate funds are not available to support the proposed effort.

f. Discussions and Award

The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the non-Federal entity is capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance

Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

3. Evaluation of Non-Federal Entity’s Risk

In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.205, applications selected for funding will be subject to a pre-award risk assessment which may include a review of information contained within the applicant’s proposal, past audits, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information

System (FAPIIS), and/or past performance on previous Federal financial assistance awards.

Negative information that leads to a non-Federal entity being designated as “Medium Risk” or

“High Risk” may result in specific conditions, as identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.207, being incorporated into the final award, or a decision to not proceed with a final award.

If an application is selected for a master cooperative agreement, or a stand-alone cooperative agreement in which the Federal funding is…