BIA-SAFE-FY23-ICWA Instructions File.pdf

Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs

SAFE - BIA – Public Safety

09/15/2023

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding B2. Expected Award Amount B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates B4. Number of Awards B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants C2. Cost Sharing or Matching C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information D1. Address to Request Application Package D2. Content and Form of Application Submission D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) D4. Submission Dates and Times D5. Intergovernmental Review D6. Funding Restrictions D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information E1. Criteria E2. Review and Selection Process E3. CFR – Regulatory Information E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information F1. Federal Award Notices F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) G1. Program Technical Contact G2. Program Administration Contact

G3. Application System Technical Support H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority

I. Authority

This ICWA grant is funding that is provided through non-recurring appropriations made by the Congress in its annual appropriations to the BIA. These funds are provided on a year-to-year basis and may or may not be provided in future years. In FY 2023, Congress appropriated a total of $2.0 million for off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of ICWA (25 U.S.C.

1932), which reflects an increase of $500,000.00 above the FY 2022 funding level. The BIA will be distributing a total of $2.0 million to eligible Indian Organizations under this grant solicitation. Additional authorizing statutes for the program include:

• Section 202 of ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932)

• P.L. 93-638, ISDEAA of 1975, as amended

• P.L. 101-630, The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act

• P.L. 114-165, Native American Children’s Safety Act (NACSA) of 2016

• 25 CFR part 23, ICWA

• 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq., ICWA of 1978

• 2 CFR, Grants and Agreements, Volume 1, 1-299

• 43 CFR part 18 (31 U.S.C. 1352) New Restrictions on Lobbying

• Indian Child Welfare Act Title II Authorities

15.144

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A. Background

On January 13, 1994, Indian Affairs (IA) published in the Federal Register (59 FR 2248) regulations revising 25 CFR part 23, the rules that govern the Title II ICWA grant program. The announcement converted the previous competitive ICWA grant award process to initiate a noncompetitive award system for eligible Federally recognized Tribes.

In FY 1995, the eligible Tribes began to continuously access their recurring ICWA funds in the Tribal Priority Allocation (TPA) budget Sub activity section of the Tribe's budget system. The funding process managed centrally by IA for off-reservation Indian Organizations was discontinued after the conversion to the noncompetitive process for eligible federally recognized Tribes. The BIA last awarded the ICWA off-reservation grants to Indian Organizations in FY

1994. Rather, some federally recognized Tribes have contracted with off-reservation Indian Organizations, if and where needed.

In FY 2020, the Congress appropriated $1.0 million specifically to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932). In FY 2021, the Congress allocated again $1.0 million for the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the second consecutive fiscal year. In FY 2022, Congress allocated $1.5 million for the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the third consecutive fiscal year. In FY 2023, Congress allocated 2 million, additional $500,000 for the ICWA, to fund off-reservation programs authorized by section 202 of the ICWA (25 U.S.C. 1932) for the fourth consecutive fiscal year.

These are considered one-time funding for the earmark as included in the four consecutive fiscal year appropriations act.

B. Items to Consider Before Preparing an Application, Funding Limitations, 2-year Timeframes and No-Cost Extensions

Awards are subject to available funding. The BIA’s obligation under this solicitation notice is contingent on receipt of available appropriated funds. No liability on part of the U.S.

Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the awarding officer for this grant. No liability may arise until the recipient receives notice of such availability and is confirmed in writing by the grants officer.

C. Mandatory Components and Requirements for Applications

The mandatory components, and requirements for applications identified below, must be included in the application. The required forms may be downloaded from this solicitation on grants.gov, under the “PACKAGE” tab. If the forms are unable to be downloaded from the PACKAGE tab, select the “FORMS” tab. From the FORMS dropdown menu, select the second item “SF-424 Family”. This will open the page with a table titled “SF-424 FAMILY FORMS.”

From this table, download the following required forms:

• Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

• Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)

• Key Contacts

• Project Abstract Summary

Click on the PDF letters to download each document.

The following are the required documents:

• Project Narrative o Executive Summary o Technical Summary

• Documentation of Authority to Apply

• Resume(s)

• Budget Narrative (Excel Spreadsheet with line items)

Project Narrative

The Project Narrative includes an Executive Summary and a Technical Summary. The Project Narrative must not exceed 20 pages.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $2,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $200,000 Minimum Award $80,000

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

Anticipated Award Date October 15, 2023

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility Authorized Tribal organizations, as defined at 25 U.S.C. 5304(l)may apply individually or as a consortium for a grant under this notice. Indian Organization, solely for purpose of eligibility for grants, means any legally established group, association, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity which is owned or controlled by Indians, or a majority (51 percent or more) of whose members are Indians. A consortium is created by an agreement or association between two or more eligible applicants who enter into an agreement to administer a grant program and to provide services under the grant to Indian residents in a specific geographical area when its administratively feasible to provide an adequate level of service within the area. An applicant may not submit more than one application nor be the beneficiary of more than one grant under this notice.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No

C3. Other

Excluded Parties: BIA conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. BIA 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

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Project Narrative Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.

For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200.

Detailed Budget Narrative The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A or SF424C.

Budget Narrative

Provide a budget narrative that describes separately all major line-item grant expenditures such as personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, direct client services, contractual, indirect costs, or other major expenditures. Budget narrative must correlate to the project scope of work and clearly break the project down into defined tasks with an associated budget line item for each task. Include justification for each task and identify cost.

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

(a) Applicability.

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

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 and 31 USC 1352 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”.

If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal 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 BIA, the applicant must immediately notify the BIA 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.

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 an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaces the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made 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 the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s).

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)

Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “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. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 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 made to the entity’s IRS information. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Applications 09/15/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

Addresses For Further Information Contact

D5. Intergovernmental Review

Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions

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

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

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

We are:

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

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

• A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either:

“Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

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

• 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 BIA 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 BIA 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 BIA.

• A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”, which has a Department of the

Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of 17.5%. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from BIA to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that BIA approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

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

D7. Other Submission Requirements

Executive Summary

An Executive Summary includes an overview or an initial assessment of the project and includes a description of the specific ICWA services and activities the Indian Organization provides to Indian communities. The Executive Summary must outline the Organization’s understanding of the ICWA and explain the existing working relationship with Indian child and family service programs, specifically in reference to family reunification and the prevention of Indian family breakups. This section will describe the challenges or needs faced by the communities served and how the goal/vision for this proposal will meet those needs. At a minimum, the proposal should include a description of:

• The proposed project and Tribal communities served, including geographic location, the population in the service area, and available information relevant to ICWA.

• The existing ICWA services provided to Tribes in context to readiness to exercise the project’s objectives and goals. The description must identify strengths and gaps in ICWA services where relevant. Provide examples of other Tribal or Federal project and/or similar projects for which funding is being requested.

• The deliverable services that the project is expected to develop and the resources available to implement proposed project(s) to Tribes in service deliverable area.

Technical Summary

The Technical Summary is a narrative description of the program’s skills and abilities, which includes the Scope of Work (SOW) outlining what will be done. This section must provide a clear link between the proposed activities provided to Tribes and need identified in the Executive Summary. It must clearly state the project’s measurable goals, objectives, activities, methodology used, including culturally defined approaches, which the applicant will incorporate to achieve the identified goals and objectives. Indicate the project purpose (i.e., start up, expansion, or replacement), describe the proposed project and what it will accomplish (e.g., number of children and families it will service, service area, type of services).

• SOW: The SOW must include a detailed outline of the project(s) deliverables, timeline, and milestones that will enhance ICWA services provided to children and families. The SOW explains how the applicant will measure and/or track its objectives and outcomes of the proposed project (performance measures), and why the methods utilized will achieve the stated goals. Tools may include quarterly performance reports and other data collected during reporting period.

• Deliverables: Is the result that clearly defines each item(s) that the project will deliver.

Whether it is a product or a service, state the reason why the task/item is being executed in the project for the customer – Tribe.

• Timeline: Is the road map that outlines the project from start to finish. The document delineates the major phases across the schedule of the project’s duration.Milestones:

Breaks down the timeline into manageable parts or tasks. This document should help to monitor the project’s progress and assist the planned schedule. Key milestones, such as, project kickoffs, meetings, hand offs, and how proposed project activities and services will reach the population identified.

• Performance Measures and Outcomes: Is the process that the applicant will use to collect data and analyze the services provided to the organization, individual, group, or system (e.g., number of Indian children and families supported in family reunification foster and adoptive homes).

Documentation of Authority to Apply

Applicants applying as an Indian Organizations must submit documentation of authority that demonstrates Tribal support (e.g., a Tribal resolution, letters of support, cooperative service agreements). The documentation must give the Tribal Organization authority to apply for the grant and contain authorized signature(s) by the application due date. Applicants applying as a Tribal consortium must submit documentation of authority to apply from each Tribe and include a copy of the bylaws or other governance documents that allow the consortium’s action with the application. This documentation must give the consortium authority to apply for the grant, contain authorized signature(s), and be submitted by the application due date.

Resume(s)

Provide the resumes (with areas of expertise) of key consultants and personnel, and the nature of their involvement, including their relationship to the applicant as Tribal staff, consultant, subcontractor, etc. This information may be included as an attachment to the application and will not be counted towards the 20-page limitation.

Budget Narrative

Provide a budget narrative that describes separately all major line-item grant expenditures such as personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, direct client services, contractual, indirect costs, or other major expenditures. Budget narrative must correlate to the project scope of work and clearly break the project down into defined tasks with an associated budget line item for each task. Include justification for each task and identify cost.

Critical Information Page

Applicants must provide proof of its Indian Organization or consortium status as defined in Section II of this notice. Applicants must include a list and the contact information of the Indian Organization Project Lead(s) and personnel. The list must include those individuals that will oversee the project work, make authorized decisions, and is responsible for submitting the quarterly, annual, and the final reports, plus quarterly financial status reports. The designated lead personnel may not be a consultant. The designated Indian Organization Project Lead(s) is authorized to make decisions on the grant activities.

a. Federal Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number:

Each Indian Organization must verify that it is actively registered in SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/SAM), have a Federal UEI number.

a. Active ASAP Enrollment with the BIA

Each Indian Organization must be actively enrolled with the BIA in the Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system to receive the grant. This information must be provided in the critical information page.

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

Executive Summary Maximum Points: 30 Description Weight XX% itle Secretary of the Interior Priorities

Specific Details Identify which of the Secretary of the Interior priorities, noted in Section A, Program Description, your project aligns with, and provide detail as to how your project meets the priorities.

Executive Summary (30 points): The Committee will evaluate the applications based on the clarity and content outlined in the Project Narrative [Executive and Technical Summaries, Section VIII, B (1)]. The Committee will assess if the application:

• Demonstrates an understanding of the ICWA.

• Describes examples of other Federal project and/or similar projects for which funding is being requested.

• Describes the current Indian population served and if it operates existing child and family service programs, application contents emphasize the prevention of Indian family breakups and how project(s) will complement these existing services.

• Describes how the applicant understands the challenges faced by the community and how the proposed project clearly defines how it will address these challenges.

• Offers a clearly defined description of the project for the service area that describes service population and geographic area.

• Describes specific services and/or activities with recent baseline data with plans that address gaps in services identified.

Project Objective, Technical Description, and Scope of Work Maximum Points: 25

Project Objective, Technical Description, and Scope of Work (25 points)

This criterion will evaluate the project objective, technical description, and scope of work as described in Section VIII, B (2). The clarity of the described work and the appropriateness of the project in terms of meeting the intent and goals of the grant. The Committee will assess if the application:

• Includes activities, in the proposed project, that directly relates to the intent and provisions of the grant.

• Offers examples that reflect an understanding of the social problems or issues affecting the resident Indian client population (including cultural issues) that the applicant proposes to serve and provides a clear link between the proposed activities and the needs identified of the population to be served.

• Includes the technical barriers created by existing public and private programs, for example, availability of transportation, distance between community to be served, specific needs of the Indian clientele and how the proposed project will reach population in the service area identified.

• Presents measurable goals, objectives, and a timeline for implementation of proposed projects that are clearly defined and describes how it will measure its progress in achieving projects goals and objectives.

• Includes documentation that the Indian Organization or consortium has authority to apply for the grant, is legally established, and submits letters of support from the Tribe(s).

Deliverable Products (25 points)

The Committee will evaluate the extent to which the expected outcome and budget proposal meets the applicant’s stated goals, based on the deliverables described below. The Committee will assess if the application:

• Presents a narrative that includes a needs assessment, quantitative data, and demographics of the Indian population to be served.

• Estimates the number of Indian people or families served based on available data.

• Offers a narrative description of the program; the program goals and objectives are stated in measurable terms.

• Includes culturally defined approaches and/or procedures by which the applicant will accomplish the identified goals and objectives.

• Explains the internal monitoring process or describes how it will measure the project’s progress and accomplishments.

• Provides a budget narrative that separately describes all major line-item grant expenditures, and it correlates to the project scope of work.

• Clearly breaks the project down into defined tasks with an associated budget line item for each task; includes justification for each task and costs identified.

• Has a budget that includes how the cost of goods and services are determined and how they will fulfill the objectives of the project.

• Has a reasonable budget, based on the resources needed to implement the project(s) in the identified specific geographic location.

Deliverable Products Maximum Points: 25 The Committee will evaluate the extent to which the expected outcome and budget proposal meets the applicant’s stated goals, based on the deliverables described below. The Committee will assess if the application:

• Presents a narrative that includes a needs assessment, quantitative data, and demographics of the Indian population to be served.

• Estimates the number of Indian people or families served based on available data.

• Offers a narrative description of the program; the program goals and objectives are stated in measurable terms.

• Includes culturally defined approaches and/or procedures by which the applicant will accomplish the identified goals and objectives.

• Explains the internal monitoring process or describes how it will measure the project’s progress and accomplishments.

• Provides a budget narrative that separately describes all major line-item grant expenditures, and it correlates to the project scope of work.

• Clearly breaks the project down into defined tasks with an associated budget line item for each task; includes justification for each task and costs identified.

• Has a budget that includes how the cost of goods and services are determined and how they will fulfill the objectives of the project.

• Has a reasonable budget, based on the resources needed to implement the project(s) in the identified specific geographic location.

Key Personnel and Administration Maximum Points: 20 Key Personnel and Administration (20 points)

The BIA, Director will approve all final award selections. The BIA will notify all award applicants in writing.

The Committee will evaluate key personnel experience working with Tribal communities on ICWA related matters. The Committee will assess how the Indian Organizations performs administrative functions and produces quality project deliverables. The Committee will assess if the application:

• Provides proof of its Indian Organization or consortium status.

• Includes resumes that demonstrate key personnel have ICWA experience, and position descriptions.

• Submitted the Federal Assistance form (SF-424).

• Includes a UEI Number.

• Includes certification that the bookkeeping and accounting procedures used meet existing

Federal standards for grant administration and management.

• Includes verification, in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3201 et seq. (Pub. L. 101-630), title IV, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, that character and background investigations of key personnel is or will be conducted.

• Demonstrates compliance with a Drug-Free Workplace.

Demonstrates financial management capability by providing its most recent audit report

Criterion 5 Maximum Points: 0

Cost Share Weight XX% Review of non-Federal Cost Share

If an applicant's proposed cost sharing will be considered in the review process (as opposed to being an eligibility criterion described in Section C.2), address how it will be considered (e.g., assign a certain number of additional points to applicants who offer cost sharing, or to break ties among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors).

Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 Cost sharing or matching, under Federal research proposals, voluntary committed cost sharing is not expected. It cannot be used as a factor during the merit review of applications or proposals for research projects.

E2. Review and Selection Process

Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program 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 Bureau 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.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee

Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

See the BIA Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards. BIA will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive a notification of the selection of their application for funding. BIA will notify the applicant selected for award by insert date. A notice of selection is not an authorization to begin performance on an agreement.

This notice will detail the next steps in the awarding process. Once all clearances and reviews have been conducted, a cooperative agreement or grant will be sent for signature.

Work cannot begin before the non-Federal entity receives a fully executed copy of the grant/cooperative agreement which contains the signature of the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. Any pre-award costs incurred prior to the receipt of a signed agreement or written notice signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer authorizing pre-award costs, is at the applicant’s own risk. A signed grant/cooperative agreement signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer is the only authorizing document to begin performance.

Organizations whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible.

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards.

Data Availability Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315:

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

F3. Reporting

Financial Reports All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. The only exception to the interim financial reporting requirement is if the recipient is required to use the SF 270/271 to request payment and requests payment at least once annually through the entire award period of performance. We will describe all financial reporting requirements in the Notice of Award.

Performance Reports Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

Significant Development Reports Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Bureau in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify BIA in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Real Property Reports Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period.

The Bureau will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, in the Notice of Award when applicable.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures Recipients must notify the program immediately in writing of any conflict of interest that arise during the life of their Federal award, including those reported to them by any subrecipient under the award. Recipients must notify the program in writing if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may have been involved in the review and selection of the award. The term employee means any individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award. Recipients may not have a former Federal employee as a key project official, or in any other substantial role related to their award, whose participation put them out of compliance with the legal authorities addressing post-Government employment restrictions. See the U.S. Office of Government Ethics website for more information on these restrictions. BIA will examine each conflict of interest disclosure based on its particular facts and the nature of the project and will determine if a significant potential conflict exists. If it does, BIA will work with the recipient to determine an appropriate resolution. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies BIA may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of the award.

Other Mandatory Disclosures The Non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non- Federal entities that receive a Federal award including the terms and conditions outlined in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM.

Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR

200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Reporting Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance If the total value of your currently active grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts from all Federal awarding agencies exceeds $10,000,000 for any period of time during the period of performance of this Federal award, then…