BOR-CGB-21-F004 COHO REST GRANT PROGRAM FINAL NOFO.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Interior Region 10 Sacramento, California June 2021

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-CGB-21-F004

Klamath River Coho Restoration Grant Program Administration

A yearling coho salmon; Credit: Jonny Armstrong

Mission Statements

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Synopsis iii

Synopsis Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of

Reclamation, Interior Region 10 Funding Opportunity Title:

Klamath River Coho Restoration Grant Program (Program) Administration

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Funding Opportunity Number:

BOR-CGB-21-F004

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:

15.517

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. IV.B)

Proposals received before July 23, 2021, 1:00 p.m.

Pacific Time (PT) will be considered for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 funding.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. III.A)

Any applicant can apply

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. III.E)

No cost share required

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. II.B)

Up to $2,700,000.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. II.B)

Estimated Amount of Funding Available for Award:

(See NOFO Sec II.A)

Anticipated funding for the Klamath River Coho Grant Program for FY 2021 is $1,200,000 with $500,000 in FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024 subject to congressional appropriations.

Application Checklist iv

Application Checklist The following table contains a summary of the information that you are required to submit with an application.

What to submit

Required content

Form or format

When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

Application for Federal Financial Assistance

Budget Information

Assurances

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

See Sec. D.2.2.1 SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B and SF-LLL forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html

Title page See Sec. D.2.2.2 * Table of contents See Sec. D.2.2.3 * Technical proposal: * Executive summary See Sec. D.2.2.4 * Background data See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Project location See Sec. D.2.2.4

Project description See Sec. D.2.2.4 *

Evaluation criteria See Sec. E.1 * Project Budget: * Funding plan See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 15 * Budget proposal See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 16 * Budget narrative See Sec. D.2.2.5 Page 18 * Required permits or approvals See Sec. D.2.2.6 *

Letters of support See Sec. D.2.2.8 * Official Resolutions See Sec. D.2.2.9 ** Unique Entity Identifier and

System for Award Management

See Sec. D.3 ***

* Submit materials with your application.

** Document should be submitted with your application; however, please refer to the applicable section of the NOFO for extended submission date.

*** Should be completed prior to the application deadline; however, please refer to the applicable section of the NOFO for extended completion date.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Acronyms and Abbreviations v

Acronyms and Abbreviations 2019 BiOp Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological

Opinion, and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for Klamath Project Operations From April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2024

AF Acre Feet ARC Application Review Committee ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEC Categorical Exclusion Checklist CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CWA Clean Water Act Department United States Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement ESA Endangered Species Act FAPIIS Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System FOIA Freedom of Information Act FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact FWCA Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act FY Fiscal Year GO Grants Officer NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity PST Pacific Standard Time Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation Resource Agencies Reclamation, National Marine Fisheries Service, California

Department of Fish and Wildlife RFP Request for Proposal RM River Mile ROD Record of Decision SAM System for Award Management SHPO State Historic Preservation Office(r) SPOC Single Point of Contact SONCC Southern Oregon Northern California Coast USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USC United States Code USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USPS United States Postal Service

Contents vi

Contents Page

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Klamath River Coho Restoration Grants A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement A.3. Statutory Authority

Section B: Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding B.2. Project Funding Limitations B.3. Assistance Instrument

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements C.3. Eligible Projects

Section D: Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management D.4. Submission Date and Time D.5. Intergovernmental Review D.6. Automated Standard Application for Payments Registration

Section E: Application Review Information E.1. Evaluation Criteria E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Federal Award Performance Integrity Information System E.4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements F.3. Reporting—Requirements and Distribution F.4. Conflicts of Interest F.5. Data Availability F.6. Releasing Applications

Section G. Agency Contacts G.1. Financial Assistance Contact

Section H. Other Information H.1. Program Performance Measures H.2. Overview of Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance Requirements . 39

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Klamath River Coho Restoration Grants The purpose of the Klamath River Coho Restoration Grant Program (Program) is to provide funding for activities that improve fish and wildlife habitat within the Klamath River Basin as affected by Reclamation’s operation of the Klamath Project. Program funds are used to support local and regional on-the-ground activities that improve degraded habitat and assist in enhancing natural populations of Southern Oregon Northern California Coast (SONCC) coho salmon and its critical habitat within the mainstem Klamath River and its tributaries. Reclamation is required to support the Program pursuant to the Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion, and Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for Klamath Project Operations From April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2024 (2019 BiOp) issued by the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) on March 29, 2019 (See Exhibit A).

Administration of Program funds will be directed towards coho habitat restoration activities within the mainstem Klamath River from Iron Gate Dam at River Mile (RM) 190 to the Klamath River mouth (2019 BiOp, page 71, Figure 5). All tributaries between Iron Gate Dam and the Klamath River mouth are eligible for funding through the Program, with the exemption of the Trinity River (NMFS 2019 BiOp, page 70).

The goals (objectives) of the Program include, but are not limited to:

• Goal 1: Administering Reclamation funds for coho habitat improvement activities under this grant opportunity consistent with the 2019 BiOp;

• Goal 2: Soliciting project proposals within the specified reach of the Klamath River Basin. Inclusive of publicly advertising Program availability (via open houses, formal requests for proposals, etc.), conducting a phased approach for requesting pre-proposals, internal reviews, selections for and process to receive full project proposals, additional internal reviews, and overall selection and award notifications each fiscal year as well as post award meetings and coordination throughout project completion;

• Goal 3: Administration of all construction and non-construction activities conducted by other entities receiving funds under this grant opportunity;

• Goal 4: Facilitating meetings with the “Resource Agencies” inclusive of Reclamation, NMFS, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as well as other entities that Reclamation believes are necessary and appropriate;

Section A: Funding Opportunity Description

• Goal 6: Building on existing, previously funded Programs and sub-projects;

• Goal 7: Monitoring and reporting activities associated with selected projects and overall Program administration.

Please see section 2.2.4.4 Riparian Activities of the 2019 BiOp, (p. 180; Exhibit A) via the following link for a complete description of the types of projects the Program.

https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/publications/Klamath/19-03- 29_nmfs_biop_klamath_project_operations.pdf

A.2. Objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement

The objective of this NOFO is to invite applicants (State and local governments, nonprofit organizations and institutions, public and private institutions and organizations, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, small businesses, for-profit organizations, and Native American Organizations, to submit proposals indicating their ability and experience with administering a large, multi-faceted, multi-year grant program focusing on construction and non-construction related restoration activities with numerous local and regional sub-recipients. This NOFO covers one application submittal period ending on July 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. PT. for complete Program administration (for FY 2021 through FY 2024) The successful applicant will be selected through a competitive process that will focus on achieving the outcomes identified in this NOFO.

A.3. Statutory Authority This NOFO is issued under the authority of the

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA; 16 U.S.C.661-666c; the Act of March 10, 1934; Ch. 55; 48 Stat. 401), as amended by the Act of June 24, 1936, Ch. 764, 49 Stat. 913; the Act of August 14, 1946, Ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1080; the Act of August 5, 1947, Ch. 489, 61 Stat. 770; the Act of May 19, 1948, Ch. 310, 62 Stat. 240; P.L. 325, October 6, 1949, 63 Stat. 708; P.L. 85-624, August 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 563; and P.L. 89-72, 79 Stat. 216, July 9, 1965.

https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/publications/Klamath/19-03-29_nmfs_biop_klamath_project_operations.pdf https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/publications/Klamath/19-03-29_nmfs_biop_klamath_project_operations.pdf

Section B: Award Information

Section B: Award Information B.1. Total Project Funding Total Program cost for period FY 2021 through FY 2024 would be $2,700,000.

Reclamation will provide funding for the administration and award of coho restoration activities in the Klamath River Basin to the recipient according to the following funding cycles.

Period 1, FY 2021 $ 1,200,000 Period 2, FY 2022 $ 500,000 Period 3, FY 2023 $ 500,000 Period 4, FY 2024 $ 500,000

Funding is contingent upon appropriations, and this NOFO will be updated accordingly as the appropriation information becomes available.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations The Federal share of $1,200,000 will be provided in the first fiscal year and no more than $500,000 in Federal funds will be provided within a given Federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) through FY 2024.

B.3. Assistance Instrument Award will be made through a cooperative agreement. The Program Administrator/Recipient should expect Reclamation to have substantial involvement in the overall Program and sub-projects. Substantial involvement by Reclamation will include:

• Ensuring receipt of all deliverables including but not limited to the draft and final reports.

• Providing other additional information, clarification, data, or assistance that may be requested by the grant recipient, as determined to be practicable by Reclamation.

• Participating in meetings and coordination and communication related to grant administration, selection of projects, and funded projects, as determined to be practicable by Reclamation.

• Coordinating with the Program Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager (by having on staff or hiring an Environmental Compliance Manager as a consultant and sub-recipients (as necessary) to determine level of environmental compliance analysis required for all sub-projects whereby, Reclamation will review, edit, clarify needs, adopt, and

Section B: Award Information finalize all environmental compliance related documents under Reclamation’s purview.

At the request of the recipient, Reclamation can provide technical assistance after award of the Program or sub-award to individual projects. To discuss available assistance, contact Kristen Hiatt, Program Coordinator Supervisor, at khiatt@usbr.gov

Section C: Eligibility Information

Section C: Eligibility Information C.1. Eligible Applicants State and local governments, nonprofit organizations and institutions, public and private institutions and organizations, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, small businesses, for-profit organizations, and Native American Organizations.

C.2. Cost-Sharing Requirements No cost-share is required.

C.3. Eligible Projects

C.3.1 Eligible Projects

The principal objective of this solicitation is to have the Program Administrator/Recipient administer Reclamation funds used to support projects to improve SONCC coho salmon habitat and increase coho production in the Klamath River Basin between RM 190 and the mouth of the Klamath River inclusive of all tributaries between Iron gate Dam and the Klamath River, with the exemption of the Trinity River (Exhibit A; NMFS 2019 BiOp, page 70).

The Program Administrator/Recipient will use the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to initiate a pre-proposal phase whereby Reclamation and the Resource Agencies in coordination with the Program Administrator/Recipient will select pre-proposals for formal proposal submission. The Program Administrator/Recipient is responsible for coordinating primarily with Reclamation and then as needed with the Resource Agencies (as described on page 1 of this announcement) to formally select full proposals that rank projects based on establish ratings focusing on those that provide habitat improvements and have the greatest impact on promoting the survival and recovery of SONCC coho salmon and its critical habitat. The Program Administrator/Recipient will fund projects that comply with:

1) Reclamation’s authority under the FWCA;

2) NMFS 2019 BiOp: Sections 1.3.5.1. and 2.2.4.4 (Exhibit A, pg.

54-55 and pg. 180-195, respectively);

3) CDFW California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual, Fourth Edition, Volume II (Part IX: Fish Passage Evaluation at Stream Crossings, Part XI: Riparian Habitat Restoration, and Part XII: Fish Passage Design and Implementation; referred to as the Restoration Manual) (Flosi et al. 2010; Exhibit C);

4) Reclamation’s ESA Section 7(a)(1) requirements and include contributions to coho salmon recovery; and,

5) The overall goals and objective of the Program as outlined above in Section A.1.

The Program Administrator/Recipient will monitor all activities (construction and non-construction) conducted by others receiving funds under this grant opportunity. For projects that include construction elements, the Program Administer/Recipient will ensure that sub-recipient has a Project Manager, responsible for ensuring the project is implemented per the stamped engineering and/or professional grade construction plans and that all applicable environmental compliance requirements are upheld.

For both construction and non-construction projects, the Program Administer/Recipient will ensure overall compliance with Federal and state environmental regulations, permitting, and reporting on permits (discussed in more detailed in section H.2)) by having on staff or hiring an Environmental Compliance Manager as a consultant (previously mentioned in section B.3) who is professionally trained and well versed in the Federal requirements that Reclamation is responsible for including, but not limited to the ESA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), etc.

The Program Administer/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will serve as the main point of contact for Reclamation staff reviewing and adopting environmental documents drafted by the sub-recipients. This Environmental Compliance Manager will participate in the overall sub-project selection process to reduce the need for Reclamation to participate in additional calls/etc.

Additionally, the Environmental Compliance Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all sub-project applicants include environmental compliance budgets in pre-and full proposals (typically 10 percent of total project costs), that the sub-recipient have on staff or hire an environmental compliance consultant that is well versed in developing documents that meet Federal environmental compliance requirements (e.g., environmental assessments (EA), categorical exclusion checklists (CEC), and possibly Environmental Impact Statements (EIS(s)), etc.).

At a minimum the Program Administer/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will have the following criteria.

(Note: the sub-recipient’s environmental compliance staff or hired consultant should have similar qualifications, but it is not required as the Program Administrator/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will be assisting to ensure all documentation meet Reclamation’s standard prior to Reclamation reviews and adoption):

• A minimum of 5 years of NEPA document preparation and project management experience in environmental consulting. Experience should include simple to complex, multi-disciplinary projects; leading meetings with clients and agencies; directing project teams including subcontractors; preparing or directing staff in the preparation of technical studies and NEPA documents (e.g. EA and Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI)); and setting and adhering to project budgets and delivery schedules.

• Ability to write concise, descriptive, and complete descriptions of all the elements of both construction and non-construction projects.

• Ability to create or direct the creation of project location maps containing, township, range, section, North arrow, proposed action boundaries, a complete map legend, etc.

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, geology or other science-related field.

• A working knowledge of and experience with developing, complying, and/or assisting a Federal agency develop compliance documents or Federal and California environmental regulations including NEPA, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the CWA, the ESA, the NHPA, etc.

• A working understanding of Federal agency internal processes and procedures including, but not limited to Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, NMFS, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; interpersonal skills;

attention to detail; and organization, schedule, and budget management skills.

Further, to reduce Reclamation’s need to review initial adequacy of environmental compliance documentation on any sub-grantee projects, the Program Administer/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager will ensure that sub-grantee’s environmental compliance documents (to be completed by the sub-grantee’s staff or environmental compliance consultant) are complete, near final, and ready for Reclamation’s final review and acceptance consistent with the compliance requirements identified in the RFP process and as directed by Reclamation during post award of sub-project meetings.

Any details that Reclamation identifies as outstanding for a particular sub-grantee project will be coordinated through the Program Administer/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager who, as stated above will manage, coordinate, and assist all sub-recipients in environmental compliance documentation and consultant needs.

It is the sole responsibility of the Program Administer/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager to ensure sub-recipients have budgeted for and hired qualified staff or consultants to develop environmental compliance documents (specifically regarding NEPA analysis and cultural resource surveys and reports under NHPA and CWA). The Program Administrator/Recipient will also be responsible for all sub-receipts accurately and completely answers a series of questions or provide additional information to Reclamation about the potential environmental impacts of a proposed sub-project.

Additionally, the Program Administer/Recipient will provide Reclamation with quarterly financial and progress reports during the life of the Program. Progress reports should include a detailed breakdown of administration activities and associated costs as well as the activities and associated costs of selected projects including prioritization of projects resulting from scheduling constraints, any matching funds, habitat metrics achieved (e.g., acres restored, miles opened), pre and post project photos, and any other relevant project information (e.g., points of contact, fish population estimates, as built surveys, environmental concerns identified, fish and wildlife encounters).

Reclamation will also require from the Program Administrator/Recipient bi-weekly status of environmental compliance of all projects, upcoming program and sub-project deadlines, perceived issues or concerns, and summary of correspondence with the sub-grantees, expenditures for each program, changes to any points of contacts with sub-grantees, action items, and any other information deemed necessary by Reclamation.

Period of performance for the agreement is four years from the date of award with the anticipated end date of September 30, 2024, by which all sub-recipient projects must be completed.

The Program Administer/Recipient is required to have experience with administering projects using Federal and private funds with experience administering projects that focus on the problems facing SONCC coho salmon.

Some of the problems facing SONCC coho salmon include impeded access to their historical habitat; loss of summer and winter rearing habitat, seasonal water quality impairment; water quality and flow-related effects on the incidence of disease in certain populations, and reduced transport of sediment and large woody debris to important habitat.

The successful applicant to this funding opportunity is responsible for:

• Annually soliciting, reviewing, collating, and coordination of project proposals within the defined reach of the Klamath River Basin to fund through requests for proposals and a selection process that includes direct coordination with Reclamation and the Resource Agencies as needed.

• Annually facilitating meetings with the Resource Agencies to prioritize project proposals and discuss overall Program administration.

• Annually administering Reclamation funds for coho restoration activities under this grant opportunity. Unless exempted by Reclamation, contracts for selected project proposals will be completed by mid-June annually. In addition, contracts will be finalized with applicants within 2 months from the date the Resources Agencies agree on projects to fund and Reclamation confirms, and the Program Administer/Recipient notifies for award.

• Ensuring the sub-receipt has a Project Manager managing all construction and non-construction related activities conducted by other entities receiving funds under this grant opportunity. The Program Administer/Recipient should ensure that each project is implemented as described in the sub-recipient awarded full proposal and the associated environmental compliance.

• Monitoring and reporting activities associated with the administration of the Program as described in Section F.3. including both pre and post construction monitoring and reporting, as well as, quarterly and annual reporting for the Program and any/all summary reports requests by Reclamation.

• Establishing a public website as another method to (1) provide information about the funding (e.g., schedule of solicitation, review, and contracts;

qualifying restoration projects; amount; geographic scope); (2) annually solicit project proposals; and (3) list awarded proposals for each year.

For examples of previously funded projects, please contact Kristen Hiatt at khiatt@usbr.gov

Example projects that are likely to be funded under the Program and which the Program Administer/Recipient would manager include, but are not limited to those described in Section 2.2.4.4 Riparian Activities of the NMFS 2019 BiOp,

(p. 180), Exhibit A and also available here https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/publications/Klamath/19-03- 29_nmfs_biop_klamath_project_operations.pdf.

mailto:khiatt@usbr.gov https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/publications/Klamath/19-03-29_nmfs_biop_klamath_project_operations.pdf https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/publications/Klamath/19-03-29_nmfs_biop_klamath_project_operations.pdf

In Summary, the types of projects the Program include:

• Riparian Habitat Restoration

• Water Conservation

• Instream Habitat Improvements

• Instream Barrier Modification for Fish Passage Improvement

• Fish Passage Improvement at Stream Crossings

• Fish Screens

C.3.2 Length of Program and Projects

Administration of the Program will be four years (FY 2021 to FY 2024). All sub-projects selected for Federal funds should be completed within 1 year of contract execution Agreement unless coordinated under a different schedule and approved by Reclamation.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

Section D: Application and Submission Information D.1. Address to Request Application Package This document contains all information, forms, and electronic addresses required to obtain the information required for submission of an application.

If you are unable to access this information electronically, you can request paper copies of any of the documents referenced in this NOFO by contacting:

Leanne Henderson Grants Officer E-mail: lhenderson@usbr.gov

D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission All applications must conform to the requirements set forth below.

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The Technical Proposal to administer this Program shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) pages. The total application package shall be no more than seventy-five (75) consecutively numbered pages. If an application exceeds seventy-five

(75) pages, only the first seventy-five (75) pages will be evaluated. The font shall be at least twelve (12) point in size and easily readable. Page size shall be 8½ x 11 inches, except for an occasional larger size for charts, maps and drawings.

Applications will be prescreened for compliance to the page number limitations.

Excess pages will be removed and not considered in the evaluation of the proposed project.

D.2.2 Application Content

The application must include the following elements to be considered complete:

• Mandatory Federal Forms:

o SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance o SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs o SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs o SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)

These forms may be obtained at www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf- 424-family.html.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

• Title page

• Table of contents

• Technical proposal (limited to 30 pages) and evaluation categories:

o Executive summary o Background data o Technical project description o Evaluation criteria:

• Project budget:

o Funding plan and letters of commitment o Budget proposal o Budget narrative

• Environmental and cultural compliance requirements and documentation needed

• Required permits or approvals

• Letters of project support (do not submit separately)

• Official Board Resolution

D.2.2.1 Mandatory Federal Forms

The application must include the following standard Federal forms.

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance A fully completed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424 may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-424A Budget Information A fully completed SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs must be submitted with the application.

SF-424B Assurances A SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the project shall be included. Failure to submit a properly signed SF-424B may result in the elimination of the application from further consideration.

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities A fully completed and signed SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is required is required if the applicant has made or agreed to make payment to any lobbying entity for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered Federal action.

D.2.2.2. Title Page

Provide a brief, informative, and descriptive title for the proposed work that indicates the nature of the project. Include the name and address of the applicant, and the name and address, email address, and telephone of the project manager.

D.2.2.3. Table of Contents

List all major sections of the proposal in the table of contents.

D.2.2.4. Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria

The technical proposal and evaluation criteria (15 pages maximum) include:

(1) Executive summary

(2) Background data

(3) Project location

(4) Project description

(5) Evaluation criteria

Executive Summary The executive summary should include:

• The date, applicant name, city, county, and state.

• A one paragraph project summary that specifies the work proposed, including how funds will be used to accomplish specific project activities and briefly identifies how the proposed project contributes to accomplishing the goals of this NOFO.

• State the length of time and estimated completion date for the Program.

Background Data Identify past experience with administering projects using Federal and private funds, serving as a manager and trustee for funds arising from legal and regulatory actions involving natural resources and the environment, administering a program of similar size and scope that provides funding for the performance of projects that will improve, restore, and enhance, flows, and fish passage for coho salmon in the Klamath River and/or its tributaries between Bogus Creek and the

Salmon River, downstream of Iron Gate Dam, and administering projects that focus on the problems facing SONCC coho salmon.

Identify knowledge coordinating environmental and cultural resource compliance as described in Section III.E and consistent with Reclamation’s NEPA Handbook available here: https://www.usbr.gov/nepa/NEPA_Handbook.html (Exhibit B).

Identify any past working relationships with Reclamation. This should include the date(s), description of prior relationships with Reclamation, Assistance Agreement Number(s), and a description of the project(s).

Describe any other relevant background information.

Technical Program Description

Describe the work, in detail, including specific activities that will be accomplished as a result of this Program. This description shall have sufficient detail to permit a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal.

Provide an estimated Program schedule demonstrating the stages and duration of the proposed work, including major milestones and dates.

Evaluation Criteria

See Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria for additional details, including a detailed description of each criterion and sub-criterion and points associated with each.

The evaluation criteria portion of your application should thoroughly address each criterion and sub-criterion in the order presented to assist in the complete and accurate evaluation of your proposal.

It is suggested that applicants copy and paste the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in Section E.1. Evaluation Criteria into their applications to ensure that all necessary information is adequately addressed.

D.2.2.5. Project Budget

The project budget includes:

(1) Funding plan

(2) Budget proposal

(3) Budget narrative https://www.usbr.gov/nepa/NEPA_Handbook.html

Note: Budget proposals should not include costs that have already been incurred or are anticipated to be incurred prior to the award of the financial assistance agreement. Pre-award costs are not authorized for projects funded under this

NOFO.

Please note that the costs for preparing an application in response to this NOFO, including the development of data necessary to support the proposal, are not eligible for reimbursement under this NOFO and must not be included in the project budget.

Budget Proposal

The project budget table shall include detailed information on the categories listed below and must clearly identify all project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors.

Additionally, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget. It is advised that applicants use the budget proposal format shown below (Table 1) or a similar format that provides this information and are strongly encouraged to review the procurement standards for Federal awards found at 2 CFR §200.317 through §200.326 before developing their budget proposal.

If selected for award, successful applicants must submit detailed supporting documentation for all budgeted costs.

The table below is only a sample budget table format. We highly suggest you use this format, but you may submit the information in a different format which provides a detailed break-down of costs and justification for budgets presented in the SF-424A.

Table 1. Sample budget proposal format

Budget item description Computation Quantity type

(hours/days) Total cost $/Unit Quantity Salaries and wages

Employee 1 $ - Employee 2 $ - Fringe benefits by $ or %

Full-time employees $ - Part-time employees $ - Travel

Trip 1 $ - Trip 2 $ - Equipment

Item A $ - Item B $ - Supplies/materials

Item A $ -

Item B $ - Contractual/construction

Contractor A $ - Contractor B $ - Other

Environmental Compliance Documentation and related activities

Reporting $ - Total direct costs $ - Indirect costs - __%

Type of Rate Percentage $base $ - Total project costs $ -

Budget Narrative

Submission of a budget narrative is mandatory. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose this information. The budget narrative provides a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget proposal. The types of information to describe in the narrative include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following subsections. Costs, including the valuation of third-party in-kind contributions, must comply with the applicable cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part §200, available at the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (www.ecfr.gov).

Please provide supporting documentation as indicated for each item of cost.

Salaries and Wages Indicate the Project Manager and other key personnel by name and title. The Project Manger must be an employee or board member of the applicant. Other personnel should be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation. The labor rates must identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost for each position. All labor estimates must be allocated to specific tasks as outlined in the applicant’s technical project description. Labor rates and proposed hours shall be displayed for each task.

The budget proposal and narrative should include estimated hours for compliance with reporting requirements, including final project and evaluation. Please see Section F.3. Reporting – Requirements and Distribution for information on types and frequency of reports required.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel will be included as a portion of the stated indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately http://www.ecfr.gov/ documented as direct costs, they should be included in this section; however, a justification should be included in the budget narrative.

Fringe Benefits Identify the 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.

Travel Identify the purpose of each anticipated trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation. Note: travel costs incurred by contractors should not be included in this section but can be included in the contract cost estimate.

Equipment Budget proposals should not include the purchase of equipment. Per 2 CFR §200.33, equipment means tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes, or $5,000.

Materials and Supplies Itemize supplies by major category, unit price, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or construction. Identify how these costs were estimated (i.e., quotes, past experience, engineering estimates, or other methodology). Note: If the materials/supplies will be provided by a consultant, the costs should be included in the consultant contract cost estimate.

Contractual Identify all work that will be accomplished by consultants or contractors, 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. For each proposed contract, identify the procurement method that will be used to select the consultant or contractor and the bas.

Other Expenses Any other expenses not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and why it is necessary. No profit or fee will be allowed.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs Applicants must include a line item in their budget to cover environmental compliance costs.

“Environmental compliance costs” refer to the cost of the Program Administer/Recipient hiring or having on staff an Environmental Compliance Manager who will ensure all environmental regulations applicable to a sub-projects (e.g., including costs associated with any required documentation of environmental compliance, analyses, permits, or approvals needed relative to comply with applicable Federal environmental laws (including, but not limited to NEPA, ESA, NHPA, and the CWA) and other regulations depending on the sub-project. Such costs may include, but are not limited to:

• The cost incurred the Program Administer/Recipient or their Environmental Compliance Manager to prepare any necessary environmental compliance documents or reports

• The cost incurred by the Program Administer/Recipient or their Environmental Compliance Manager in acquiring any required approvals or permits, or in implementing any required mitigation measures on behalf of the sub-recipient/grantee

The amount of the line item should be based on the actual expected environmental compliance costs for the Program. The minimum amount budgeted for environmental compliance should be approximately 7-10 percent of the total Program cost. If the amount budgeted is less 7-10 percent of the total project costs, the Program Administer/Recipient must include a compelling explanation of why less than 7-10 percent was budgeted (e.g., Design and planning project with absolutely no ground disturbance may result in less than 7-10 percent of a sub-grantee’s project budget and therefore reduce the Program Administrator/Recipient’s level of effort and associated costs).

Reclamation advises the Program Administer/Recipient to review Reclamation’s NEPA Handbook available here:

https://www.usbr.gov/nepa/NEPA_Handbook.html (Exhibit B) to understand the level of effort/analysis the expected to complete environmental compliance reports as well as well as type of coordination expected with Reclamation’s environmental compliance staff prior to preparing environmental compliance analyses or documents. How environmental compliance activities will be performed (e.g., sub-recipients ‘staff or environmental compliance consultant in coordination with Program Administer/Recipient’s Environmental Compliance Manager) and how the environmental compliance funds will be spent, will be determined pursuant to coordination between Reclamation and the selected Program Administrator/Recipient. If any portion of the funds budgeted for environmental compliance is not required for compliance activities, such funds may be reallocated to other aspects of the sub-project or overall the Program, if appropriate and as approved by Reclamation and as consistent with the Program Administrator/Recipient’s sub-grantee/recipient financial assistance agreements.

Indirect Costs Indirect costs are costs incurred by the Program Administrator/Recipient for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one activity of the organization and are not readily assignable to the activities specifically benefitted without undue effort. Costs that are normally treated as indirect costs include, but are not limited to, administrative salaries and fringe benefits associated with overall financial and organizational administration; operation and maintenance costs for facilities and equipment; and, payroll and procurement services. If indirect costs will be incurred, identify the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable cost principles for the applicant’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

If the applicant has never received a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, the budget may include a de minimis rate of up to 10 percent of modified total direct costs. For further information on modified total direct costs, refer to 2 CFR §200.68 available at www.ecfr.gov. If the proposed project is selected for award, the recipient will be required to submit an indirect cost rate proposal with their cognizant agency within 3 months of award.

If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement and is proposing a rate greater than the de minimis 10 percent rate, include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for each rate. Information on “Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals” is available from Interior, the Interior Business Center, and Indirect Cost Services, at www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services.

D.2.2.6. Required Permits or Approvals

Applicants must state in the application whether any permits or approvals are required and explain the plan for obtaining such permits or approvals.

http://www.ecfr.gov/ https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

D.2.2.7. Official Resolution

Include an official resolution adopted by the applicant’s board of directors or governing body, or, for State government entities, an official authorized to commit the applicant to the financial and legal obligations associated with receipt of a financial assistance award under this NOFO, verifying:

• The identity of the official with legal authority to enter into an agreement

• The board of directors, governing body, or appropriate official who has reviewed and supports the application submitted

• The capability of the applicant to provide the amount of funding and/or in-kind contributions specified in the funding plan

• That the applicant will work with Reclamation to meet established deadlines for entering into a grant or cooperative agreement

An official resolution meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory.

If the applicant is unable to submit the official resolution by the application deadline because of the timing of board meetings or other justifiable reasons, the official resolution may be submitted up to 30 days after the application deadline.

D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

All applicants (unless the applicant has an exception approved by Reclamation under 2 CFR §25.110[d]) are required to:

(i) be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application;

(ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and

(iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Meeting the requirements set forth above is mandatory. If the applicant is unable to complete registration by the application deadline, the unique entity identifier must be obtained, and SAM registration must be initiated within 30 days after the application deadline in order to be considered for selection and award.

Reclamation will not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time

Reclamation is ready to make an award, Reclamation may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

D.4. Submission Date and Time The date deadlines for submitting an application are:

• July 23, 2021, 1:00 p.m. PT

Proposals received after the application deadline will not be considered unless it can be determined that the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling or by technical issues with the Grants.gov application system. Note that difficulties related to an applicant’s Grants.gov profile (e.g., incorrect organizational representative), the upload of documents to Grants.gov, or an applicant’s SAM registration are not considered technical issues with the Grants.gov system.

Please note that any application submitted for funding under this NOFO may be subjected to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (5 U.S.C. Section 552 as amended by P.L. No. 110-175), and as a result, may be made publicly available.

D.4.1. Application Delivery Instructions

The application may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) or a hard copy may be submitted to either one of the following addresses. Under no circumstances will applications received through any other method (such as email or fax) be considered eligible for award.

By mail, USPS Bureau of Reclamation overnight services, California Great Basin / Region 10 or other express delivery: Attn: Leanne Henderson

2800 Cottage Way, Room E-1815 Sacramento, CA 95825-1898

D.4.2. Instructions for Submission of Project Application

Each applicant shall submit an application in accordance with the instructions contained in this section.

http://www.grants.gov/

D.4.2.1. Applications Submitted by Mail, Express Delivery or Courier Services

Please follow these instructions to submit your application by mail, express delivery, or courier services.

• Applicants should submit one copy of all application documents for hardcopy submissions. Only use a binder clip for documents submitted.

Do not staple or otherwise bind application documents.

• Hard copy applications may be submitted by mail, express delivery, or courier services to the addresses identified in this NOFO.

• Materials arriving separately will not be included in the application package and may result in the application being rejected or not funded.

This does not apply to letters of support, funding commitment letters, or official resolutions.

• Faxed and emailed copies of application documents will not be accepted.

• Do not include a cover letter or company literature/brochure with the application. All pertinent information must be included in the application package.

D.4.2.2. Applications Submitted Electronically

Reclamation encourages applicants to submit their applications for funding electronically through Grants.gov.

Applicant resource documents and a full set of instructions for registering with Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) and completing and submitting applications online are available at: www.grants.gov/applicants/apply-for-grants.html.

• Please note that submission of an application electronically requires prior registration through Grants.gov, which may take 7 to 21 days. In addition, please note that the Grants.gov system only accepts applications submitted by individuals that are registered and active in SAM as both a user and an Authorized Organizational Representative.

• Applicants have experienced…