blm ca l15as00117 challenge cost share - california.docx

[Attachment B] Budget Detail Page 7

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:

Challenge Cost Share Projects – CALIFORNIA ONLY- California State Office/Districts Offices/Field Offices

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:

L15AS00117

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Request for Applications Date Issued: May 12, 2015

CFDA NUMBER & TITLE:

15.238 - Challenge Cost Share

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY:

CHALLENGE COST SHARE, 31 USC 6305, PL 101-512

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:

July 12, 2015, 8:00 a.m. California Time

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

CALIFORNIA ONLY

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

for Federal Financial Assistance

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Leona B. Parker, California Grants Management Specialist Telephone530-252-2558, Email: lparker@blm.gov Technical Contact see each CCS Project data sheet posted in Grants.gov

Version 2 3/2015

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Authority This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Federal Financial Assistance Funding Opportunity is being announced under the following legislative authority: CHALLENGE COST SHARE, 31 USC 6305, PL 101-512, dated 11/5/90, states "the Bureau is authorized hereafter to negotiate and enter into cooperative arrangements with public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, to implement challenge cost-share programs."

2. Description of Program and/or Project

b. Objectives:

The objective of the California CCS program is to have a cost effective, local-level cost share program with non-federal partners to implement conservation or other public land management projects for the good of the general public and public resources, including:

· Research, monitoring and inventory of resources (e.g. wildlife, fish, and plant populations and habitat, cultural or historical sites, recreation use of facilities such as trails);

· Implementation of habitat improvement projects;

· Protection or documentation of cultural or historic resources;

· Providing for enhanced recreational experiences;

· Development and implementation of species conservation and recovery plans;

· Environmental education;

· Conservation planning and implementation;

· Conservation projects for native plant communities; and

· Eradication projects for noxious and other weeds in areas of special concern.

Cost-share projects submitted under this program are/will be developed in coordination with local BLM office Staff. The potential recipient will apply under the proper project number listed on the announcement.

Partners can match BLM funds in a variety of ways:

· The non-federal match may include cash; in-kind goods, services or labor; or project materials.

· If volunteers are used then labor contributions should be calculated using www.independentsector.org.

· Applicants should use local rates for other in-kind valuation of contributions (equipment operators, equipment use, professor salaries).

· Your match will be explained in the project proposal and listed on the budget attachment.

c. Public Benefit:

The purpose/objective of these projects are for the public to learn about and gain experience in public land and resource management including: an ecosystem-based/landscape approach to natural resources management, recreation management, outfitter guiding permitting, visitor services, cultural and natural resources, visitor and youth education, interpretive services, communications and outreach, mining compliance, wildlife, grazing, botany, forestry, invasive species, and fisheries, among others. These projects will give opportunities for recipient(s) to work with BLM and be involved in hands-on conservation land management and restoring resources and providing public outreach for visitor safety and benefit.

Benefits to be achieved through collaboration are resource monitoring, inventory, protection, rehabilitation, visitor services, recreation access, and outreach services to improve access to and stewardship of public lands. Additional, benefits for the partner organization are hands on field experience under the guidance of an experience land manager, technical and safety training; expertise in conservation and natural resources, experience in developing public stewardship and satisfaction from accomplish important work for the conservation of public land.

The proposed agreements will also assist in the support of BLM’s mission, which is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. This program will result in increased engagement in the areas of play, learning, service, and work throughout California, which supports creating the next generation of public land stewards nationwide.

3. Program/Project Performance Goals These goals will reflect back to the project(s) in Grant.gov (NOTE: The numbers at the beginning of each line are the numbers you need to reference when inquiring about the project)

- 43026 Welcome Center - AL0000 -Public Outreach through Interpret & Envir Educ (Programs/Events Deliv)

- 42172 Partnership 4x4 Safety Course Cow Mtn RA - ID0000 -Trails Annual Maintenance (Miles)

- 42172 Partnership 4x4 Safety Course Cow Mtn RA - BY0000 -Inventory Linear Recreation Resources (Miles)

- 42409 Bear Creek Reveg - JP0000 -Implement Threatened & Endangered Species Recovery Actions Number

- 63917 Coastal Gateway - AL0000 -Public Outreach Through Interpret & Envir Educ (Program/Events Deliv)

- 26955 Big Morongo - JI0000 -Maintain Lake/Wetland/Stream/Riparian Projects (Number of projects)

- 26955 Big Morongo - AL0000 -Public Outreach Through Interpretation & Envir Educ (Programs/Events Deliv)

- 67716 Flat Tailed Horned Lizard - MR0000 -Monitor Species Populations (Number)

- 54866 Lacks Creek Trails - IE0000 -Trails Deferred Maintenance and Construction (Number of projects)

- 66309 Interagency Trail Coordinator MV0000 - Monitor Linear Recreation Management Objectives (Miles)

- 66348 Susanville Ops AL0000 -Public Outreach Through Interpretation & Envir Educ (Programs/Events Deliv)

- 66348 Susanville Ops BY0000 -Inventory Linear Recreation Resources (Miles)

- 56870 NLCS Pacific Crest Trail ID0000 -Trails Annual Maintenance (Miles)

- 42365 Partnership Cow Mtn Rec ID0000 -Trails Annual Maintenance (Miles) **** There could be other FY15 projects/codes added up to the closing date of this announcement if late funding is received.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Instrument

a. Successful applicants may be awarded either a Financial Assistance Grant or Cooperative Agreement.

b. If a cooperative agreement is used, substantive Bureau of Land Management (BLM) involvement will consist of the following: Each office will have a certified Program Office assigned to administer new agreements. The BLM Program Officer (PO) will collaborate with the recipient's Project Manager/Principal Investigator (RPM/PI) to manage all stages of project development, implementation, and evaluation. Responsibility for project management, control, and direction will be shared by the recipient and the BLM, however the BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan if the project is not staying on schedule and/or technical issues arise.

2. Expected Number of Awards: One (1) per project number or None for a Cooperative Agreement

3. Total Funding Expected to be awarded through this Announcement: per project description posted in Grants.gov.

4. Expected Individual Award Amounts: depending on the project it will range from $100,000.00. to $00,000.00 (only when funds are available and funds may not be available each year).

5. Anticipated Start Date: August 2015 or upon award.

7. No Obligation to Award The BLM is under no obligation to award funds for this project. Only BLM Grants Management Officers (GMO) may obligate funds for financial assistance.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

· Qualified Youth or Conservation Corps only

· Nonprofit organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).

· Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Cooperative and Joint Venture Agreements, restricting eligibility to Public and State controlled Institutions of Higher Education, and include a negotiated indirect cost rate not to exceed (NTE) 17.5%).

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Application Package This announcement includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.

a. Provide a valid DUNS number (Dun & Bradstreet Universal Numbering System) on its application. DUNS numbers are nine-digit numbers established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. DUNS numbers may be obtained free of charge from Dun & Bradstreet, Inc., at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling them at (877) 930-5228.

b. Be registered in SAM (System for Award Management, www.SAM.gov) before submitting its application. SAM is the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS. There is no fee to register at this site. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at: http://www.sam.gov.

c. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

Form Name and Number

a. Project Proposal (Attachment A)

1) Attachment B is a suggested project proposal template and may be used when submitting your proposal. The proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a type-face no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15 page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).

2) All proposals are confidential.

b. Budget Detail (Attachment B)

1) Use the Budget Detail form (Attachment B) to present the breakdown of your estimated costs by category needed to accomplish project activities. Estimated costs should be described in sufficient detail so that they may be checked for reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed. Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detail breakdown of how the cost were arrived out. No profit or fees are allowable.

2) Budget details should be broken down into the following categories:

(a) Personnel Costs. Salaries or wages of employees working directly on this agreement project indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries or wages and estimated hours or percent of time to be spent on the agreement.

(b) Fringe Benefit Costs. The costs of fringe benefits of employees working directly on this agreement project. Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

(c) Travel Costs. The estimated costs for travel related to agreement activities. Include the purpose of trip, destination, and number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel-related expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation. If applicable, indicate that the costs are per your organization's written travel policy. Current Federal per diem rates (the maximum allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel) may be found at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.

(d) Equipment Costs. Equipment is defined as expendable tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one (1) year and an acquisition cost of more than $5,000.00, or a value which reaches the capitalization threshold level established by the organization for financial statement purposes.

(e) Supply Costs. The costs of consumable supplies and materials to be used for agreement activities. List each item and quantity individually.

(f) Contractual Costs. Include estimated costs of proposed professional and technical consultants and contractors participating on the project. Identify all work that will be accomplished, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval. Procurement procedures must comply with 2 CFR Parts 200.317 through 200.326.

(g) Construction Costs. The cost of any construction directly related to the project activities.

(h) Other Costs. The cost of items not listed above and which do not fit in any other category, such as the cost of duplicating and printing, equipment rental, postage, etc. No profit or fee will be allowed.

(i) Total Direct Costs. The sum of categories (a) through (h).

(j) Indirect Costs.

(1) If indirect costs will be charged to the project, complete this section and show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

(2) Include a copy of any federally approved negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).

(3) If your organization has never had a NICRA, the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO) may allow an indirect cost rate of up to 10% of your base modified total direct costs (MTDC). MTDC includes all salaries and wages, fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subgrants and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each. Include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for your rate.

(4) Information on obtaining a NICRA, "Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals," is available from the Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Indirect Cost Section, at http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx.

(k) Total Costs. The total of both direct and indirect costs estimated to be expended on this agreement's activities.

4. Submission Dates and Times See announcement cover sheet for the deadline (date and time) for submission of applications. Applications must be received by the BLM prior to the posted deadline. Any application received after the deadline for submission may not be considered for award unless it can be determined the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling.

a. All applicants should register at www.Grants.Gov and all applications should be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov unless other arrangements are made and approved of in advance of the submission deadline. If you have any questions or problems with the registration or application submission process, contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4726, or go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/troubleshooting.html for online help.

b. Applications submitted through www.Grants.gov are considered to be electronically signed applications.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Total of 100 points will be used to evaluate each proposal received. The relative importance to be placed on the merit review evaluation stated in the second level evaluation with corresponding weights assigned to each criteria. Proposals will be evaluated and weights assigned by appropriate BLM Program Officer’s in the specific field office where project resign.

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this funding opportunity announcement and which are determined to be outside the scope of the CHALLENGE COST SHARE, 31 USC 6305, PL 101-512, dated 11/5/90, states "the Bureau is authorized hereafter to negotiate and enter into cooperative arrangements with public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, to implement challenge cost-share programs."

Award will be made to responsive, responsible applicants submitting proposals which conform to the funding opportunity announcement and are most advantageous to the Government considering the evaluation factors listed below.

The evaluation process will be comprised of the following three screening levels:

1. First Level Screening --Basic Eligibility

b. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.

2. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation

a. Merit Review Evaluation. Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria using numerical scoring based on a 100 point maximum score.

1) Purpose and Objectives (Maximum score 20/100 Points):

2) Technical Approach (Maximum score 20/100 Points):

3) Qualifications, Experience, Past Performance (Maximum score 60/100 Points):

3. Third Level Review Pre-award Clearance and Approvals

Following the described review process, BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as:

a. Risk Management. The BLM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate the risk posed by the supporting applicants’ projects before it awards Federal funds.

2) Budget review is based on the following:

If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized. If the BLM determines that a Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award

If the results of pre-award reviews and clearances are unsatisfactory, consideration of funding for the project may be withdrawn.

4. Application Selection Process

a. Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by an ad hoc evaluation team assembled to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award using the above evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or more qualified personnel familiar with the program and who have been certified to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for award.

b. Reviews are treated as confidential documents. Once award decisions are made, applicants may request in writing a written summary of the evaluation of their application/proposal.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Uniform Guidance (Effective December 26, 2014) On December 26, 2013, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published its Final Rule for the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards with guidance for agency implementation (see 2 CFR Part 200 and Federal Register Volume 78, No. 248). The Uniform Guidance streamlines the Federal Government's administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards including grants and cooperative agreements. The Uniform Guidance supersedes OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110, and A-122; Circulars A-89, A-102, and A-133; and the guidance in Circular A-50, Audit Follow-up.) The Uniform Guidance provides a government-wide framework for Federal awards management, and is a key component of a larger Federal effort to more effectively focus Federal resources on improving Federal awards performance and outcomes while ensuring the financial integrity of taxpayer dollars in partnership with non-Federal stakeholders. This OMB guidance reform will reduce the administrative burden for non-Federal financial assistance recipients while reducing the risk of waste, fraud and mismanagement.

2. Federal Award Notices

a. Any award made from this announcement will be based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and will be regulated by OMB's Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

b. Acceptance. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down of funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Costs may not be incurred before the effective date listed on the award. Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, carries with it the responsibility to be aware of, and comply with, the administrative and national policy requirements and terms and conditions of award.

3. Reporting

Periodic submission of Federal Financial reports (SF-425), Performance/Progress reports, and Youth Employment reports (if applicable) will be required under this financial assistance agreement. Submission of financial and performance/progress reports may be required either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Submission of youth employment reports (if applicable) is required quarterly.

4. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. By accepting additional Federal funding under the current Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreement in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. OMB guidance is available at the following web site: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subtitleA.tpl

b. Administrative Requirements.

1) 2 CFR Part 200 Subparts A through D - Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost Principles.

2) 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F - Audit Requirements. Non-Federal entities that expend $750,000.00, or more, in federal awards in a single year shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.

3) Indirect Facilities and Administration (F&A) Costs.

(a) 2 CFR Part 200.414 - Indirect (F&A) Costs

(b) 2 CFR, Appendix III to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)

(c) Appendix IV to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Nonprofit Organizations

(d) Appendix V to Part 200 - State/Local Government-wide Central Service Cost Allocation Plans

(1) The provisions of 2 CFR 200.414(c) require Federal agencies to accept federally negotiated indirect cost rates. The BLM has applied the following policies, procedures and general decision-making criteria for deviations from negotiated Indirect Cost Rates for financial assistance programs and agreements.

(2) Distribution Basis. For all deviations to the Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, including statutory, regulatory, programmatic, and voluntary, the basis of direct costs against which the indirect cost rate is applied must be:

(i) The same base identified in the recipient’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, if the recipient has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement; or

(ii) The Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base in cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, with prior approval of the Awarding Agency, when the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages) and the use of the MTDC still results in an overall reduction in the total indirect cost recovered. MTDC is the base defined by 2 CFR 200.68, "Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)."

(iii) In cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, under no circumstances will the Department use a modified rate based upon Total Direct Cost or other base not identified in the federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or defined within 2 CFR 200.68. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that the reduced rate is applied against a base that does not include any potentially distorting items (such as pass-through funds, subcontracts in excess of $25,000, and participant support costs) and is based on the requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.68; 2 CFR 200.414(f); 2 CFR 200 Appendix III, Section C.2.; 2 CFR 200 Appendix IV, Section B.3.f.; and Appendix VII, Section C.2.c.

(3) Indirect Cost Rate Reductions Used as Cost-Share. Instances where the recipient elects to use a rate lower than the federally negotiated indirect cost rate, and uses the balance of the unrecovered indirect costs to meet a cost-share or matching requirement required by the program and/or statute, are not considered a deviation from 2 CFR 200.414(c) as the federally negotiated indirect cost rate is being applied under the agreement in order to meet the terms and conditions of the award.

c. Program Legislation and/or Regulations.

5. Standard Award Terms and Conditions

a. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (contact your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

b. Funding.

1) Awards shall be funded subject to availability of BLM funding. Initial funding does not guarantee additional funding in subsequent years.

2) Once the grant or cooperative agreement is signed by a BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO), funding is obligated and the recipient may incur approved costs beginning on the effective date of the award and as specified in their submitted and approved budget.

c. Payment Mechanism. BLM requires the use of the United States Department of the Treasury, Financial Management System, Automated Standard Application for Payment system (ASAP). The ASAP system (https://www.asap.gov) is a recipient-initiated, on-line payment and information system. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project reimbursable costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

d. Conflicts of Interest. The Recipient must establish safeguards to prohibit its employees and sub-recipients from using their positions for purposes that constitute or present the appearance of a personal or organizational conflict of interest. The Recipient is responsible for notifying the Grants Management Officer (GMO) in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest which may include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient and/or recipient's employees and sub-recipients in the matter.

6. Special Award Terms and Conditions

a. Liability, Insurance, and Indemnification. Recipients of awards arising from this announcement will be required to agree to the following:

1) Liability. The BLM assumes no liability for any actions or activities conducted under this agreement except to the extent that recourse or remedies are provided by Congress under the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 USC 2671.

2) Insurance. The recipient will be required to (1) obtain liability insurance or (2) demonstrate present financial resources in an amount determined sufficient by the Government to cover claims brought by third parties for death, bodily injury, property damage, or other loss resulting from one or more identified activities carried out in connection with this financial assistance agreement.

3) Insured. The federal government shall be named as an additional insured under the recipient's insurance policy.

4) Indemnification. The recipient hereby agrees:

(a) To indemnify the federal government, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), from any act or omission of the recipient, its officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, as appropriate) (1) against third party claims for damages arising from one or more activities carried out in connection with this financial assistance agreement and (2) for damage or loss to government property resulting from such an activity, to the extent the laws of the State where the recipient is located permit. This obligation shall survive the termination of this agreement.

(b) To purchase public and employee liability insurance at its own expense from a responsible company or companies with a minimum limitation of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per person for any one claim, and an aggregate limitation of three million dollars ($3,000,000.00) for any number of claims arising from any one incident. The policies shall name the United States as an additional insured, shall specify that the insured shall have no right of subrogation against the United States for payments of any premiums or deductibles due thereunder, and shall specify that the insurance shall be assumed by, be for the account of, and be at the insured's sole risk. Prior to beginning the activities authorized herein, the recipient shall provide the BLM with confirmation of such insurance coverage. Each policy shall have a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage and identifying the assistance agreement number.

(c) To pay the United States the full value for all damage to the lands or other property of the United States caused by the recipient, its officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, agents as appropriate).

(d) To provide workers' compensation protection to the recipient’s officers, employees, and representatives.

(e) To cooperate with the BLM in the investigation and defense of any claims that may be filed with the BLM arising out of the activities of the recipient, its agents, and employees.

(f) In the event of damage to or destruction of the buildings and facilities assigned for the use of the recipient in whole or in part by any cause whatsoever, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the BLM to replace or repair the buildings or facilities. If the BLM determines in writing, after consultation with the recipient that damage to the buildings or portions thereof renders such buildings unsuitable for continued use by the recipient, the BLM shall assume sole control over such buildings or portions thereof. If the buildings or facilities rendered unsuitable for use are essential for conducting operations authorized under this agreement, then failure to substitute and assign other facilities acceptable to the recipient will constitute termination of this agreement by the BLM.

(e) Flow-down. For the purposes of this clause, "recipient" includes such sub-recipients, contractors, or subcontractors as, in the judgment of the recipient and subject to the Government's determination of sufficiency, have sufficient resources and/or maintain adequate and appropriate insurance to achieve the purposes of this clause.

(f) Identified Activities. All activities carried out in connection with financial assistance arising from this funding opportunity announcement.

b. Recipients must successfully complete an appropriate Defensive Driving Course before operating a Government-owned vehicle (GOV).

c. Recipients must successfully complete appropriate safety and training requirements before operating Government-owned equipment, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or other Government-furnished property (GFP).

d. Recipient/Sub-recipient Personnel Security and Suitability Requirements.

1) Performance of this grant/cooperative agreement requires recipient/sub-recipient personnel to have a Federal government-issued personal identification card before being allowed unsupervised access to a DOI facility and/or information system. The Program Officer will be the sponsoring official, and will make the arrangements for personal identity verification and card issuance.

3) Recipient and sub-recipient employees are required to give, and to authorize others to give, full, frank, and truthful answers to relevant and material questions needed to reach a suitability determination. Refusal or failure to furnish or authorize provision of information may constitute grounds for denial or revocation of credentials. Government personnel may contact the recipient or sub-recipient personnel being screened or investigated in person, by telephone or in writing, and the recipient agrees to make them available for such contact.

4) Alternatively, if an individual has already been credentialed by another agency through OPM, and that credential has not yet expired, further clearance may not be necessary. Provide the sponsoring office with documentation that supports the individual’s status.

5) During performance of the grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will keep the Program Officer apprised of changes in personnel to ensure that performance is not delayed by compliance with credentialing processes. Cards that have been lost, damaged, or stolen must be reported to the Program Officer, Grants Management Officer, and Issuing Office within 24 hours. Replacement will be at the recipient’s expense. If reissuance of expired credentials is needed, it will be coordinated through the Program Officer.

6) At the end of grant/cooperative agreement’s performance, or when a recipient/sub-recipient employee is no longer working under this grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will ensure that all identification cards are returned to the Program Officer. Before starting work under this agreement, a National Agency Check (NAC) will be conducted to verify the identity of the individual applying for clearance. Upon successful completion of the NAC process, an identification card will be issued and access granted.

7) Simultaneously, a NAC with Inquiries (NACI) will be initiated to determine the individual’s suitability for the position. If the NACI adjudication is favorable, nothing more needs to be done. If the adjudication is unfavorable, the credentials will be revoked. In the event of a disagreement between the recipient and the Government concerning the suitability of an individual to perform work under this grant/cooperative agreement, DOI shall have the right of final determination.

8) This requirement must be incorporated into any sub-grants/cooperative agreements that require sub-recipient personnel to have unsupervised access to a Federally controlled facility for more than 180 calendar days or unsupervised access to a Federally controlled Level 3 or 4 information system.

9) Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Training. Before the recipient, or any of its employees or sub-recipients, are granted access to the BLM Federal computer system they must first successfully complete the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Online Course. This course was designed specifically for users of Federal computer systems. The course is a Web-based training product that explains the importance of Information Systems Security and takes approximately one hour to complete. This course is mandatory for all Departments of the Interior employees, contractors, recipients, and all other users of DOI computer resources. Topics covered in the course include: threats and vulnerabilities, malicious code, user responsibilities, and new developments affecting Information Systems Security.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

For questions, contact one of the individuals listed on the front cover of this announcement.

H. OTHER INFORMATION: Apply under each project number thru Grants.gov

END OF ANNOUNCEMENT

Version 1 1/2015

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

California State Office, Grants & Cooperative Agreements

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Instructions: A Project Proposal must be submitted with the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Financial Assistance for all Financial Assistance Agreements. A new proposal must be included with any request for modification which involves a revision to funding, project scope, period of performance, or key personnel.

Organization Name:

Name & Title of Person Submitting Proposal:

2. Technical Approach:

Describe how the project will be conducted. The project design must contain enough detail to show the development of the project, including the relationship between the partners, and objectives. Clearly describe the techniques, procedures, and methodologies to be used; the data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation; the expected program/project goals and/or outcomes; and the procedures for evaluating project effectiveness, including appropriate performance goals and the probabilities of obtaining them.)

The proposal must include the detailed project plan/schedule. The project plan must be supported by a narrative description of each of the activities to be undertaken. The schedule should include proposed work, reporting, major tasks, and project milestones including the identification of the anticipated start and ending dates of all major stages/tasks of the project proposal. The following table may be used to summarize the project schedule.

Start Date Planned Completion Date

3. Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance:

(Describe who will carry out the project activities. List all project personnel, including consultants, contractors, sub-recipients, etc., and their contact information. Describe their responsibilities and the amount of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to successfully achieve the stated objectives. i.e., continuation of existing project, location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost-share ability, technical expertise or other unique qualifications)

[Attachment A]

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

California State Office Grants & Cooperative Agreements

BUDGET DETAIL

Instructions: Starting with the same budget amounts as listed on the SF-424A Budget Information form, use this worksheet to show details of the estimated costs. Provide enough information that costs may be analyzed for reasonableness as compared to costs or work of similar size and scope. Use the Narrative boxes as necessary to explain each cost.

CALIFORNIA ONLY

Date:

Organization Name:

A) PERSONNEL (SF-424A Object Class Category 6a.)

The cost of salaries & wages, not including fringe benefits, paid to Recipient employees working directly on this agreement. Indicate Key Personnel with an asterisk (*). Provide more detail in the Narrative Box if needed.

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

Narrative:

B) FRINGE BENEFITS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6b.)

The cost of fringe benefits, such as health insurance, vacation, FICA, etc., paid to Recipient employees working on this agreement. List employees or positions below, and their fringe benefit rates as percentages of their salaries. List what are included as fringe benefits in the Narrative Box.

(BLM Amounts budgeted in Section A above)

(if applicable)

BLM

Narrative:

C) TRAVEL (SF-424A Object Class Category 6c.)

LODGING & PER DIEM - The cost of lodging & meals while travelling for agreement activities. Give details and purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal rates may be found online at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287.

Proposed Travel Lodging & Per Diem

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

To:

From:

To:

To:

To:

Day

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - The cost of reimbursement for estimated mileage traveled for agreement activities. Give details and the purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal mileage reimbursement rates may be found online at: www.GSA.gov.

Proposed Travel Mileage Reimbursement

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

To:

To:

To:

To:

Mile

OTHER TRAVEL COSTS - The costs of airfare, bus fare, car rental, etc., required for agreement activities. Explain the details and the purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box.

Proposed Other Travel Reimbursement

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

To:

To:

To:

Narrative:

D) EQUIPMENT (SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment) The cost of equipment (items with a useful life of more than one (1) year and a cost of $5,000+ per unit). Explain the need and purpose of the equipment in the Narrative box below.

(if applicable)

BLM

Narrative:

E) SUPPLIES (SF-424A Object Class Category 6e. Supplies) The cost of materials and supplies used directly on this project, such as safety glasses, work gloves, office supplies, etc. Explain the details and purpose in the Narrative box below.

(if applicable)

BLM

Narrative:

F) CONTRACTUAL (SF-424A Object Class Category 6f. Contractual) The cost of contracted services and/or sub-recipient agreements. Provide names and explain the details and purpose of the costs in the Narrative box below. NOTE: Contracts must be competed per the Uniform Administrative Rules.

(if applicable)

BLM

Narrative:

G) CONSTRUCTION COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6g. Construction) The cost of construction.

(if applicable)

BLM

Funds

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