afrp1101 rfp.doc

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Anadromous Fish Restoration Program Notice of Availability of Federal Assistance

2011 Request for Proposals February 24, 2011 Program Overview Information

Federal Agency Name:

Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office 4001 N. Wilson Way

Stockton, CA 95205-2486 Anadromous Fish Restoration Program

Funding Opportunity Title: Stanislaus River Juvenile Salmonid Survival Study Funding Opportunity Number: AFRP1101 Announcement Type:

Initial Announcement Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number (CFDA): 15.648 Dates:

Application Deadline: Electronic copy applications must be received by Grants.gov by the close of business (COB) on March 14, 2011 (4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strongly encourages potential applicants to use Grants.gov when submitting responses to posted applications. If it is discovered that the proposal cannot be submitted through Grants.gov, the proposal may be submitted to Dwight Luginbill at Dwight_Luginbill@fws.gov. Proposals received after the date and time will not be considered for funding.

I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Legislative Authority and Background

1. The Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA; Title 34 of Public Law 102-575, Section 3406(b)(1)), authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI), in consultation with other

State and Federal agencies, Indian tribes, and affected interests, to develop and implement a program which makes all reasonable efforts to at least double natural production of anadromous fish in Central Valley rivers and streams. Further, the CVPIA requires that this program give first priority to measures which protect and restore natural channel and riparian habitat values through habitat restoration actions, modifications to Central

Valley Project operations, and implementation of the supporting measures mandated by the CVPIA. The DOI, is approaching implementation of this directive through development of an Anadromous Fish Restoration

Program (AFRP). The species and races of anadromous fish addressed by the AFRP include fall-run, late-fall-run, winter-run, and spring-run Chinook salmon; steelhead; striped bass; American shad; white sturgeon; and green sturgeon.

2. The Service and Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) are the DOI agencies responsible for implementing the

CVPIA. They are jointly and cooperatively implementing the CVPIA, with the Service assuming lead responsibility for the AFRP. The CVPIA also establishes a Restoration Fund of up to $50 million annually to assist in implementation of the fish and wildlife restoration provisions. Of this sum, DOI allocates $3 to $12 million annually to the AFRP. The AFRP then leverages these funds with other funds provided by partners in restoration projects totaling $12 to $20 million annually.

B. Purposes and Funding Priorities

1. Improve habitat for all life stages of anadromous fish through provision of flows of suitable quality, quantity, and timing, and improved physical habitat;

2. Improve survival rates by reducing or eliminating entrainment of juveniles at diversions;

3. Improve the opportunity for adult fish to reach their spawning habitats in a timely manner;

4. Collect fish population, health, and habitat data to facilitate evaluation of restoration actions;

5. Integrate habitat restoration efforts with harvest and hatchery management; and involve partners in the implementation and evaluation of restoration actions.

These objectives are addressed through implementation of projects associated with prioritized actions and evaluations in the Final Restoration Plan for the AFRP. The plan may be viewed at:http://www.fws.gov/stockton/afrp/restplan_final.cfm.

Funding priorities are based on the magnitude of the contribution of the restoration project to doubling natural production, the status of target species and races, and on Section 3406(b)(1)(A) of the CVPIA, which directs the AFRP to give first priority to: 1) measures which protect and restore natural channel and riparian habitat values through habitat restoration actions; 2) modification to Central Valley Project operations; and 3) implementation of the supporting measures mandated by subsection 3406(b) of the CVPIA http://www.fws.gov/stockton/afrp/restplan_final.cfm.

C. Project Funding is available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Anadromous Fish Restoration Program to determine reach specific juvenile salmonid survival throughout the lower Stanislaus River.

D. Scope of Work

1. Background

Rotary screw trapping of juvenile salmon on the Stanislaus River has been conducted annually since the early 1990’s in two locations. The trap at Oakdale (River Mile 40) is downstream of the majority of the spawning habitat and serves as a measure of juvenile salmon production. The Caswell trap (River Mile 8) serves to estimate numbers of outmigrating juveniles. Data from these traps has demonstrated that when early spring flows are low (less than ~1,000 cfs), few fry are detected at the lower trap. The reasons for this are unknown, though it is speculated that predation is a significant factor. It is unknown whether survival is constant throughout this migration corridor or whether in-channel mine pits (e.g. Oakdale Recreation Ponds) are contributing to losses. In order to assist AFRP in planning restoration activities, it is important to understand the spatial distribution of mortality, and especially to identify geographic areas along the migratory corridor where losses occur.

2. Project Objectives Design and implement a study to determine the geographic distribution of mortality of juvenile salmonids through the lower Stanislaus River. The study does not need to identify the source of mortality, although this information would be beneficial. The study methodology is left for the project applicant to devise, though it should take into consideration the ongoing rotary screw trapping at the Oakdale and Caswell sites as well as fish marking technologies such as Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags, Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System (JSATS), or other micro transmitter systems that have been used in similar studies in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Submissions should include the following:

1) a proposed study design

2) a description of the proposed methodology and feasibility (technical and permitting)

3) a proposed budget, split by task and year

4) a timeline based on funding being available no later than September 30, 2011

5) expected deliverables, including a final report, digital data set, photos, and permit copies

6) any cost share or in-kind and the expected amount and source

7) information to demonstrate the applicants ability to design and implement the study including similar previous projects Proposal’s Scope of Work The proposal should contain at least five tasks: 1) Study Design and Refinement, 2) Environmental Permitting, 3) Study Implementation 4) Data Analysis and Reporting and 5) Project Management.

The proposed methodology and timeline should allow for acquisition of any necessary permits.

II. Award Information The Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office (STFWO), Anadromous Fish Restoration Program anticipates up to $200,000 may be available for the initial funding for the study. Additional funding may be available in future years. Successful awards will be made through a grant. Anticipated project start date would be in FY 2011 and work may commence as early as September 2011 and an expected completion date would be no later than September 30, 2016.

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants are limited to those institutions, organizations or individuals with experience in experimental design and implementation of studies involving juvenile salmonids. Applications from federal agencies or employees of federal agencies cannot be considered.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this award. Cost-sharing or matching funds will be considered as part of the proposal evaluation process.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. This Announcement Contains All the Information Required to Submit an Application

1. Electronic Applications Materials The required Standard Form (SF) 424 form set may be accessed within this announcement at “Download Application Package” by following the instructions in the Synopsis; or at http://www.grants.gov; or by contacting Dwight Luginbill at Dwight_Luginbill@fws.gov for any of the required forms as listed in 2. Supplemental Requirements as listed below.

Grants.gov now supports the latest version of Adobe Reader (8.1.1), which is available for free download from the Adobe Website: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Only this version may be used when submitting grant applications. Other Adobe Reader versions are not supported.

2, Hard Copy Application Materials If you do not have access to the web page or have trouble downloading material, and you would like a hard copy you may mail the request to Dwight Luginbill at STFWO 4001 N. Wilson Way, Stockton, CA 95205 or call (209) 946-6400 x340. When calling the STFWO, please indicate that you are requesting the RFP and associated application forms for the Stanislaus River Juvenile Salmonid Survival Study include the RFP number AFRP1101.

Materials may also be requested via Internet by sending an e-mail to Dwight_Luginbill@fws.gov. For all technical questions, call john_wikert@fws.gov B. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Requirements This announcement contains all the information needed to submit a proposal. The project proposal is a narrative description and the budgetary information of the project. Only information that is pertinent to the project should be included. The project proposal should also indicate whether partial funding of the project is practicable, and, if so, what specific portion(s) of the project could be implemented with what level of funding.

A project proposal that is part of a longer term initiative will be considered, however, the proposed project’s objectives, benefits, and tasks must stand on their own, as there are no assurances that additional funding would be awarded in subsequent years for associated or complementary projects. An incomplete proposal will not be considered for funding.

Applications must be no smaller than 12 point font, preferably in Times New Roman type, with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, no longer than 20 pages and submitted in single-sided, electronic or hard copy.

Complete applications must include:

· Applicant name, mailing address, phone and fax number, and email address

· Budgetary information (including necessary Federal Forms, i.e. SF-424 Application for Assistance)

· Background and need for proposed work

· Justification for proposed work

· Approach including study design, hypotheses, goals, methods, equipment and facilities, data collection, any statistical analysis and quality assurance procedures, tasks

· Feasibility of the described approach, any contingencies or requirements (e.g., dependence on outcome of other projects, environmental compliance or permitting)

· Performance measures related to project goals and objectives

· Data handling and storage

· Expected products and outcomes

· Deliverables for each task

· Work schedule, including estimated start and completion dates of each task

· Applicant qualifications and experience

2. Supplemental Requirements The following table provides a summary of the supplemental forms and requirements that must be included in the application. The Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS number), Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and electronic funds transfer actions are a requirement. Potential applicants must complete these requirements before the award can be made.

What’s required Available at: When to submit Application for Federal

Assistance, Standard Form SF424 Cover sheet, 424 A & B for Non-Construction awards http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html http://www.gsa.gov/forms http://www.fedforms.gov

By March 14, 2011

Dun & Bradstreet Number

(DUNS)

www.dnb.com www.dnb.com/US/customer_service/index.html

800.234.3867 / 866.705.5711 http://www.dnb.com/us/ Will need before registering with

CCR

Registration in the Central

Contractor’s Registration

(CCR)

http://www.CCR.GOV

888.227.2423

By March 14, 2011

Electronic funds transfer

Form - ACH 3881 Form is available at the Stockton office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 209.946.6400 x340

Note: must be completed for funds transfer to occur. If your organization has a history of having received government funds/payments, you do not need to complete this form again.

By March 14, 2011

Registration Grants.gov

*Before applying for a grant opportunity on Grants.gov, an applicant must complete the registration process http://www.Grants.gov or support@Grants.gov, or you may call the Contact Center at: 800.518.4726

Registration is a 3-step process:

1. Register your organization, then;

2. Register yourself as an Authorized Organization

Representative (AOR) then;

3. Become authorized by your organization to submit applications

Please note: It may take up to two (2) weeks to complete the registration process due to unexpected delays. It is highly recommended that you begin the registration process as soon as possible

SEE THE GRANTS.GOV WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

By March 14, 2011

3. Data Universal Numbering System Number (DUNS)

On June 27, 2003, The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a Federal Register notice (68 FR 38402) that announced final policy issuance on the use of a universal identifier by grant applicants. The policy requires applicants applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003 to acquire a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. It is the responsibility of the organization seeking Federal funds to obtain a DUNS, as necessary. Grant and cooperative agreement applicants need to ensure they have a DUNS number. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-877-753-1444 or on the web at http://smallbusiness.dnb.com/manage C. Submission Dates and Times Electronic applications must be received by Grants.gov by the close of business on by March 14, 2011 (4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strongly encourages potential applicants to use Grants.gov when submitting responses to posted applications. If it is discovered that the proposal cannot be submitted through Grants.gov, the proposal may be submitted to Dwight Luginbill at Dwight_Luginbill@fws.gov. Proposals received after the date and time will not be considered for funding.

If the electronic application cannot be submitted, a hard copy must be received by the STFWO Anadromous Fish Restoration Program (address as above in section IV A. 2.), attention Dwight Luginbill, by March 14, 2011 (4:30 pm Pacific Standard Time). Hard copy applications should be printed on one side only and should not be bound in any manner. Proposals received after the date and time will not be considered for funding.

D. Intergovernmental Review

This program is not covered by Executive Order 12372. Review process is not required.

E. Funding Restrictions:

Awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Funding is contingent upon the STFWO Anadromous Fish Restoration Program’s receipt of an adequate implementation project budget for FY 2011.

V. Application Review and Selection Information A. Criteria Applications will be considered complete if they include all the information required in sections IV.B.1-3.

Complete proposals will be evaluated by at least three federal staff based on the following criteria:

1) proposed study design

Will implementation of the proposed study design succeed in stated goal?

2) feasibility (technical and permitting)

Is the proposal technically feasible?

Is the study likely to be permitted in a reasonable amount of time?

3) budget

Does the proposed budget provide good value?

4) realistic and efficient timeline

Is the timeline realistic?

Will the proposed study provide the requested information in a timely manner?

5) value of expected deliverables

Are the proposed deliverables of value?

Are there deliverables that should have been included?

6) amount of cost share or in-kind services

7) applicant’s qualifications in experimental design and study implementation

Is the applicant skilled in experimental design?

Is the applicant skilled in implementing juvenile fish studies of the kind described?

8) study goals

Are the study goals and hypotheses and analysis clearly articulated in the proposal?

B. Review and Selection Additional technical review will be conducted by reviewers external to the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program and unaffiliated with any organization submitting a proposal or proposed subcontractors. Projects selected for funding may require revision based on internal and/or external review comments. The selection recommendations of the Federal staff (and any external reviewers) will be provided to the STFWO Project Leader, who is the Selection Official. The Selection Official will make the final award decision. All applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process by the Grants/Agreements Assistant.

C. Applicant’s and the USFWS responsibilities

1. Applicant’s Responsibilities and Deliverables

a) Successful applicants shall ensure that the project complies with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations. A successful applicant is ultimately responsible for obtaining all applicable Federal, State and local permits for work to be performed under the award.

b) The Recipient shall submit a written report on a quarterly (or more frequently) basis presenting the activities that occurred and provide a description of the project accomplishments during each quarter of the calendar year beginning with the quarter covering October through December. The reports shall be submitted within 30 days following the end of each quarter.

c) The successful applicant will submit requests for reimbursement using Standard Form 270, Request for Reimbursement, no more frequently than monthly. A breakdown of funds spent, by task, must accompany each invoice. Requests for reimbursement will be made on the basis of submission by recipient of acceptable documentation and deliverables as defined by the Service. Ten percent of the total amount of the agreement may be withheld until all requirements of the agreement are accomplished. If 10% is withheld, a final invoice may be submitted for the 10% withheld once all the requirements are approved.

2. USFWS Responsibilities USFWS will provide a science-based technical review of selected proposal, may provide technical information, and may be available for assisting with products such as peer-reviewed publications or participating in study implementation.

VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notice Successful applicant will be notified after selection and confirmation of available funding, by August 30, 2011. An applicant should not initiate a project in expectation of USFWS funding, nor should they purchase materials or begin work until such time as they receive the final award document signed by an authorized Service official.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

Federal awards are subject to Federal financial administrative requirements. Please see the following for a particular application.

2 CFR Part 220 Cost Principles for Higher Education

43 CFR Part 12, Subpart D – Governmentwide

Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)

And Governmentwide Requirements for a Drug

Free Workplace

43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E – Buy American

Requirements for Assistance Programs

43 CFR Part 18 – New Restrictions on Lobbying

48 CFR Part 31.2 – Contracts with Commercial

Organizations (if work will be subcontracted out)

48 CFR Part 52.215.2 – Audit and Records

Non-Profit Organizations

2 CFR Part 215 Administrative Requirements 2 CFR Part 230 Cost Principles for Non-Profits

OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local

Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart D – Governmentwide

Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)

And Governmentwide Requirements for a Drug

Free Workplace

43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E – Buy American

Requirements for Assistance Programs

43 CFR Part 18 – New Restrictions on Lobbying

48 CFR Part 31.2 – Contracts with Commercial

Organizations (if work will be subcontracted out)

Negotiation

For profit, individuals and others excluded from coverage with OMB Circular A-122 Federal Acquisition Regulations, full text of appropriate clause may be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far 43 CFR Part 18 – New Restrictions on Lobbying

48 CFR Part 31.2 – Contracts with Commercial

Organizations

43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E – Buy American

Requirements for Assistance Programs

Governments – State, Local, and Federally

Recognized Indian tribal governments

OMB Circular A-102

2 CFR Part 225, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments

OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local

Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E – Buy American

Requirements for Assistance Programs

43 CFR Part 18 – New Restrictions on Lobbying

43 CFR Part 12, Subpart D – Governmentwide

Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)

And Governmentwide Requirements for a Drug

Free Workplace

Negotiation

C. Reporting Requirements

1. Performance and Financial Reports The successful applicant shall submit an annual interim written performance report to the project contact listed in VII no later than October 1 in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word. The report’s format must present the activities that occurred and provide a description of the project accomplishments during the calendar year. The Financial Report must use the Standard Form 425 Federal Financial Report. The reports shall be submitted within 90 days after the last day of each annual interim reporting period.

Please see the following schedule for due dates of both the Performance and Financial Reports:

Award Effective Date

Annual Interim Report End Date Annual Interim Report Due Date

(90 days after report end date)

January 1

December 31

March 31

January 2 – March 31

June 29 April 1

June 29

April 2 – June 30

June 30

September 28

July 1

June 30

September 28

July 2 – September 30

September 30

December 29

October 1

September 30

December 29

October 2 – December 31 December 31

2. Final reports

Draft final reports are due no later than 60 days after completion of the project. Final reports will be due 30 days after receipt of Service comments on the draft report. The successful applicant shall submit, within 90 calendar days of completion of the project, a final invoice. The successful applicant shall account for any real and personal property acquired with Federal funds or received from the Federal Government according to requirements of regulations referenced in the award. The final report will be provided in hardcopy and electronic copy, using Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format, and sent to: (Anadromous Fish Restoration Program Assistant's mailing and e-mail address. See Section VII.)

VII. Agency Contact(s) For technical questions associated with this project contact Anadromous Fish Restoration Program Habitat Restoration Coordinator J.D. Wikert; 4001 N. Wilson Way; Stockton, CA 95205; telephone 209-334-2968 x403; fax 209-334-2171; email: john_wikert@fws.gov. For questions of an administrative content such as forms completion and for sending hard copies such as the signature page contact Dwight Luginbill, Grants/Agreements Assistant at telephone 209-946-6400 x340; fax 209-946-6355; email Dwight_Luginbill@fws.gov.

VIII. Other Information Please note that the Federal Government is not obliged to make any awards as a result of this announcement, and only official Service grant officers can bind the Government to the expenditure of funds. If you are selected as a Federal grant recipient, the funds you receive may be subject to Federal and other taxes.

A. Proposal preparation instructions and format:

In addition to the required forms identified in Section IV, a narrative proposal is also required. The following is the format of the proposal, as well as instructions on how to complete the proposal.

1. Project information page This proposal (title of proposal) is for the fiscal year 2011: 1) name; 2) proposal title; 3) project duration; 4) lead organization name; 5) enter the name of the agency or institution to whom funds would be awarded; 6) organization contact (please provide information for the primary person responsible for oversight of the project’s operation, management, and reporting requirements at the lead institution, social title, first name, last name, street address, city, state or province, ZIP Code or mailing code, telephone (include area code and e-mail); 7) lead investigator (is the lead investigator the same as the main contact person? If not please provide information for the primary person responsible for oversight of the award operation, management, and reporting requirements at the lead institution, social title, first name, last name, street address, city, state or province, ZIP Code or mailing code, telephone number and e-mail); and, 8) provide information about additional investigators (last name, first name, organization).

2. Summary or abstract page Provide a summary of your project including the following: a brief description of your proposed project, including location, goals, objectives, the actions to be implemented, and the approach to implement the proposal, expected outcomes, and relationship to high priority needs.

3. Proposal description text

a. Problem- describe the problem that the project is designed to address including a brief narrative of the project location. Provide background, including a review of relevant past studies of and solutions (if any) to the problem, here and elsewhere, with appropriate citations of relevant reports. Clearly state the goals, objectives and hypotheses of your proposed study.

b. Approach (scope of work) - Provide study design. Describe (if applicable) all sampling, analytical, planning, and construction procedures for each objective as appropriate. Include details about methods and techniques, equipment and facilities, data collection, statistical analysis and quality assurance procedures, performance measures, and describe the criteria to be used in hypothesis testing. Clearly identify how your approach maximizes the information richness and value to decision-makers.

c. Feasibility- Demonstrate that the described approach is both feasible and appropriate to the proposed work, and that the project can be completed in the time allotted, allowing for weather and other exigencies. Any contingencies or requirements (e.g., dependence on outcome or timing of other projects, dependence on natural or operational conditions, environmental compliance and permitting) must be thoroughly addressed.

d. Permits and agreements- If applicable, explain what permits are necessary to proceed with the tasks described. Explain the current status of each permit. Explain any other constraints that could impact the schedule and the ability to implement the project. Identify the nature and approach to resolving other outstanding implementation issues.

e. Private property access and landowner permission and participation- Projects proposed on private property or that require access of private property owned by someone other than the applicant must provide written permission from the property owner. Projects conducted in the field for which specific locations have not been identified in the proposal will be required to provide access needs and permission for access shortly after notification of approval. Failure to include written permission from the property owner may result in disqualification of the proposal. This is another hard copy item that should be sent, along with other hard copy items (such as the signature page), to the STFWO Anadromous Fish Restoration Program contact person (See Section VII, Agency contacts).

f. Data handling and storage - describe how the data and other information will be handled, stored, and made accessible.

g. Expected products/outcomes - Provide a list of planned deliverables such as; reports, presentations, advances in technology, and information transfers via workshops, seminars, education programs, etc. and timing of each.

h. Qualifications. Provide brief biographical sketches of the principal participants, identifying education and relevant experience as well as contributions (e.g., completed projects, published reports on the same topic) consistent with their roles and responsibilities in the proposed project. Explain how these participants provide the range of expertise in sciences or other disciplines needed to achieve the project’s objectives.

Specify individual roles and responsibilities regarding technical, administrative, and project management. When sub-recipients are identified, explain briefly how they were or will be selected and why. Disclose or discuss any potential problems regarding the principal participants’ availability to complete their work within the projected timeline.

4. Work Schedule page

Identify the start and completion dates of each of the tasks and associated deliverables discussed above as well as other key milestones. Clearly identify which tasks are considered to be inseparable if only a portion of the project were to be funded. Identify the potential to incrementally fund and implement the proposed scope of work.

Identify how payments would relate to milestones, as applicable. Please identify project management as an independent task. Provide a time line with expected start and stop dates, and accomplishment of milestones. Tasks identified in the work schedule should match those shown in the budget.

5. Budget

Provide a detailed budget showing how requested funds will be used to carry out the project's scope of work. Costs for each major task described in the "Approach (scope of work)” section of your proposal must be presented. A task for project management should include the specific costs associated with insuring accomplishment of a specific project, such as inspection of work in progress, validation of costs, report preparation, response to project specific questions and necessary costs directly associated with specific project oversight. Applicants should also include costs associated with managing project funds, including preparation of quarterly and final reports to the funding agency. Tasks for environmental compliance, monitoring, project design, data handling, storage, and dissemination, and public outreach should also be included as appropriate for your project. Include information related to cost sharing and in-kind contributions.

Suggested Budget Format:

Months 1 to 12

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