BOR-CGB-21-F005 CVPIA HRP NOFO_after AAMD 2.23.2021.pdf

And

U.S. FISH AND

WILDLIFE SERVICE

Pacific Southwest Region

Notice of Funding Opportunity No. BOR-CGB-21-F005

Central Valley Project Improvement Act Habitat Restoration Program Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Fish and Wildlife Service Interior Region 10 - California-Great Basin Pacific Southwest Region Sacramento, California Sacramento, California

August 2020 i

Mission Statements

The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes and our commitment to 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.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

ii

Synopsis Federal Agency Names: Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Sacramento, California

Funding Opportunity Title: Central Valley Project Improvement Act Habitat Restoration Program Grants for Fiscal Years 2021 and

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

BOR-CGB-21-F005

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

15.512 (Central Valley Project Improvement Act)

Dates:

(See NOFO Sec. D.4)

Applications due April 26, 2021, 3:00 p.m.

Pacific Standard Time (PST). This notice applies to more than one fiscal years’ funding.

Eligible Applicants:

(See NOFO Sec. C.1)

Any non-federal entity is eligible to apply.

Recipient Cost Share:

(See NOFO Sec. C.4)

No cost sharing requirement, but the level of financial partnering is considered during application evaluation.

Federal Funding Amount:

(See NOFO Sec. B.2)

From $25,000 to $1,000,000 per award.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

(See NOFO Sec. B.2)

Approximately 7 to 10 per fiscal year, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and appropriations.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available:

(See NOFO Sec. B.1)

Estimated $1,000,000 for each of Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022 for an estimated total of $2,000,000.

Intergovernmental Review:

(See NOFO Sec. D.5)

This NOFO is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” A list of states that have elected to participate in the intergovernmental review process is at www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February- 2019.pdf.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SPOC-February-2019.pdf iii

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

√ What to submit Required content Form or format

When to submit

Mandatory Federal Forms:

• Application for Federal

Financial Assistance

• Budget Information

• Assurances

Section C.2.1. Form SF 424, available at:

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

Technical Proposal:

• Cover Page

• Title of Proposed Project

• Abstract

• Technical Proposal

Category

• Project Description

• Relationship of the Proposal to the Program Scoring Criteria

Section D.2.2. Page 7 *

Project Budget:

• Budget Table

• Budget Narrative

Section D.2.2. Page 14 *

Program Priority Actions Section E.1. Page 22 *

Species Benefits Section C.2.1. Page 5 *

Evidence of Landowner Support

Section C.2.1. Page 4 *

SAM Verification Section D.3. Page 19 **

ASAP Verification Section D.6. Page 21 **

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Section F.3.3. Page 38 **

* Submit with the application by April 26, 2021, 3:00 pm PST.

** To be submitted after application selection and notice of possible award.

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

Acronyms and Abbreviations ASAP Automated Standard Application for Payments CAP Cost Allocation Plan CFR Code of Federal Regulations CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database CVP Central Valley Project CVPIA Central Valley Project Improvement Act DOI U.S. Department of the Interior DUNS Data Universal Number System HRP Habitat Restoration Program NICRA Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity PST Pacific Standard Time Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation SAM System for Award Management USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service v

Contents

Section A. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description A.1. Central Valley Project Improvement Act Habitat Restoration Program Grants A.2. Objective of the Notice of Funding Opportunity A.3. Program Authorities

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. Eligible Projects

C.2.1. Eligible Projects C.2.2. Ineligible Projects

C.3. Length of Projects C.4. Cost Sharing Requirement

Section D. Application and Submission Information D.1. Access to the Application Package D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D.2.1. Application Format and Length D.2.2. Application Content Cover Page Title of Proposed Project Abstract Technical Proposal Category Project Objective(s) Proposal Proponent Location of Proposed Project Amount of Funding Request Total Proposed Project Cost Proposed Activities Proposed Project Timeline Monitoring and Management Measuring Results Résumé or Curriculum Vitae Relationship of the Proposal to the Program Scoring Criteria Literature Cited Technical Merit Budget Table and Narrative

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 vi

E.1.1. Land Protection Priority Actions E.1.2. Habitat Restoration Priority Actions E.1.3. Research Priority Actions E.1.4. Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction Priority Actions

E.2. Review and Selection Process E.3. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date

Section F. Federal Award Administration Information F.1. Federal Award Notices F.2. Reporting Requirements and Distribution

F.2.1. Financial Reports F.2.2. Interim Performance Reports

F.3. Conflicts of Interest F.3.1. Applicability F.3.2. Requirements F.3.3. Notification F.3.4. Enforcement

F.4. Data Availability F.4.1. Applicability F.4.2. Use of Data F.2.1. Availability of Data

F.5. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Section G. Agency Contacts

G.1. Financial Assistance Contact G.2. Program Coordination Contact

Section H. Literature Cited Section I. Attachments

Section A. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description

A.1. Central Valley Project Improvement Act Habitat Restoration Program Grants

The Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Habitat Restoration Program (HRP) implements actions intended to protect, restore, and enhance special-status species (excluding fish) and their habitats affected by the CVP, with a special emphasis on federally listed species. The main objectives of the HRP are to: (1) protect and restore native habitats impacted by the CVP, (2) stabilize and improve populations of native species impacted by the CVP, and (3) assist with the recovery of federal and state listed species whose populations have been impacted by the CVP.

The HRP funds a variety of actions that improve conditions for species and habitats impacted by the CVP, recognizing that a balanced set of actions is needed to meet program objectives. Emphasis is placed on certain kinds of activities considered critical to species’ protection and recovery. Applications for land protection, habitat restoration, research, and captive propagation and/or reintroduction projects will be considered for funding.

(1) Land Protection: Protection of species or existing habitats impacted by the CVP through the purchase of fee title acquisition, conservation easements, and potentially other forms of protection on lands where threats to these lands are significant. At least 50 percent of HRP funds will be targeted towards this category of activity. The HRP cannot fund any protection project which would result in mitigation credits for the award recipient or the landowner.

(2) Habitat Restoration: Restoration of CVP impacted habitats where restoration actions would markedly improve conditions for impacted species. The HRP cannot fund any restoration project which would result in mitigation credits for the award recipient or landowner.

(3) Research: Research addressing status and habitat needs to facilitate listed species recovery.

(4) Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction: Captive propagation and/or reintroduction of listed species in order to increase numbers of individuals in a population.

A.2. Objective of the Notice of Funding Opportunity The objective of this NOFO is to invite eligible applicants to submit applications for projects that benefit federally listed and other special-status species whose habitats and populations have been impacted by operation of the CVP and implementation of the CVPIA. An additional objective is to ensure the award selection process is in compliance with competition requirements related to federal financial agreements, and to ensure public participation in the HRP.

Note that prior Funding Opportunity Announcements were posted jointly for the HRP and the associated Central Valley Project Conservation Program. The NOFOs for the two programs are now separated, and that for the Central Valley Project Conservation Program will posted on Grants.gov through a separate announcement. Persons having questions about the process should contact the HRP Managers named in Section G.2.

A.3. Program Authorities This NOFO is issued in accordance with the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), Public Law 102-575, Title 34, Section 3406(b)(1). This section provides that the Secretary shall make all reasonable efforts consistent with the requirements of the section to address other identified adverse environmental impacts of the Central Valley Project (CVP) not specifically addressed in the section.

Section B. Award Information

B.1. Total Project Funding The number of financial assistance agreements awarded and amount of funding available is dependent on annual appropriations to the HRP and the number of successful applications. The total amount of funding available for projects through the HRP per fiscal year is estimated at $1,000,000 each for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 for an estimated total of $2,000,000 for awards. Successful applications may be funded over two years.

B.2. Project Funding Limitations Reclamation and the Service financial assistance may range from $25,000 to $1,000,000 for individually approved projects. Approximately 7 to 10 awards per fiscal year are anticipated, depending on requested funding amounts for selected projects and appropriations.

B.3. Assistance Instrument If substantial involvement between Reclamation/Service and the Recipient is anticipated during the performance of a project, the anticipated award instrument would be a cooperative agreement. In support of such an agreement, Reclamation/Service would provide the following:

Reclamation/Service shall collaborate and participate with the Recipient in the management of the project and closely oversee the Recipient's activities to ensure that the program objectives are being achieved as per the cooperative agreement.

This oversight shall include review, input, and approval at key interim stages of the project as identified in the Recipient’s application.

If substantial involvement is not anticipated on the part of Reclamation/Service, the financial assistance instrument will be a grant agreement. Reclamation/Service retains the rights to make awards using either grants or cooperative agreements.

The project must demonstrate allowable public benefit for financial assistance agreements.

Section C. Eligibility Information

C.1. Eligible Applicants CVPIA 3407(e) states: "Funding to Non-Federal Entities -- If the Secretary determines that the State of California or an agency or subdivision thereof, an Indian tribe, or a non-profit entity concerned with restoration, protection, or enhancement of fish, wildlife, habitat, or environmental values is able to assist in implementing any action authorized by this title in an efficient, timely, and cost effective manner, the Secretary is authorized to provide funding to such entity on such terms and conditions as he deems necessary to assist in implementing the identified action." For an application to be eligible for consideration under this NOFO, the applicant must be one of the types of organizations named above.

C.2. Eligible Projects C.2.1. Eligible Projects

The HRP has established a Priority Project Area map that delineates the specific area of California within which projects will be considered through this application. Applications for projects will not be considered that fall outside the boundaries of the program project area unless a clear “nexus” (relationship or connection) to the CVP is demonstrated in the application (see Section D.2.2, Page 11, CVP Nexus, for additional information). The Priority Project Area map can be viewed at: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html.

https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html

The Reclamation Grants Officer, and Reclamation and Service HRP Managers, will determine whether a submitted application and its proposed project are eligible for a financial assistance award. Eligibility is determined by considering, at a minimum, the following:

(1) HRP Priority Species. Eligible applications will focus on species with a “High” or “Very High” rating. Applications that focus only on species with a “Low” or “Medium” rating will not be eligible for consideration unless otherwise specifically called for in a Priority Action. A spreadsheet containing CVP priority species designations is available by clicking on the “Priority Species” link on the HRP website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/species/index.html.

(2) Geographic area. The project area must be located within the HRP Priority Project Area, or otherwise have a clear connection to HRP priorities. These factors are used in determining whether the proposed project has a CVP nexus which is necessary for the project to meet the intent and authorities of the Programs.

(3) Conformance with the NOFO.

● Proposals must conform to the goals and objectives of the HRP; successfully address a program Priority Action, and Scoring Criteria; and follow the required format.

● The HRP cannot fund any project that would be used to fulfill a mitigation requirement.

(4) Past performance of project applicant. Applications from parties who have received a federal assistance award in the past may be evaluated based on past performance. At a minimum, this would include how well the applicant, as a previous award recipient, complied with requirements for submitting reports and other requirements in a complete and timely manner; communicated and coordinated on past projects between themselves and the awarding agency;

complied with the terms and conditions of the previous grant agreement; and whether the award recipient was responsive to requested information in a timely manner.

(5) Evidence of willing seller and/or landowner support.

● Applications submitted for Land Protection, Habitat Restoration, Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction projects, and Research projects to be conducted in the field, should include evidence of willing sellers/landowner support.

● For Land Protection projects, the parcel(s) to be acquired and the willing seller(s) of the parcel(s) should be identified. The fact that a parcel to be acquired has a willing seller(s) should be supported through written confirmation submitted with the proposal. The confirmation does not have to be a formal letter, but it does need to be a type of statement that will convince those evaluating and selecting applications to award that the parcel has a willing seller(s). Funds to be awarded https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/species/index.html through this NOFO are for the specific parcel(s) identified in the proposal. No replacement lands will be considered should the land identified in the proposal no longer be available for protection. For a conservation easement, successful applicants must submit a draft conservation easement to the HRP Program Managers for review and concurrence prior to conducting the property appraisal.

● For Habitat Restoration, Research, and Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction, the parcels to be restored or selected for research or captive propagation and/or reintroduction should be identified in the application, and the willing landowner(s) of the parcel(s) identified. That the landowner(s) is willing to allow project activities to take place on his/her property should be supported through written confirmation submitted with the application.

(6) Budget Narrative. Financial assistance will not be provided to any applicant who fails to provide a budget narrative. The narrative should be separate from the budget table.

(7) Budget Table and Budget Narrative. A financial assistance award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose and specify all project costs. See Section D.2.2 for more information.

(8) SF-424 Forms. Inclusion of a completed and signed SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), 424B (Assurances), and Budget Information with the application is mandatory. Applications that do not include the required SF-424 documents may result in the elimination of your proposal from further consideration. The SF-424 documents must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the applicant to performance of the proposed activity.

(9) Listed Species Benefits. For an application to be eligible, the proposed project must provide significant habitat benefits to at least one CVP-impacted federally listed endangered or threatened species, excluding fish. For more information see the discussion on describing federal and state listed species benefits of the proposed project in Section D.2.2.

(10) Public Benefit. The proposed project must demonstrate allowable public benefit to be eligible for financial assistance.

C.2.2. Ineligible Projects

Applications for following types of projects are not eligible for a financial assistance award through this NOFO:

• Projects targeted specifically toward benefiting fish.

• Projects which would result in mitigation credits for the award recipient or the landowner.

• The project area falls outside the HRP Priority Project Area.

• Projects for which the award recipient is not current on its award reporting and audit requirements for an existing federal award may not be eligible to enter into a new financial assistance agreement.

C.3. Length of Projects The length of projects will vary by award, the length of time generally being as requested in the project schedule in the application and as outlined in the scope of the Service and Reclamation financial assistance agreements. The maximum length of award for financial assistance agreements is five years from the date of execution of the award.

C.4. Cost Sharing Requirement The HRP has no cost sharing requirement. However, partnering (i.e., cost sharing provided by contributing entities, through cash or in-kind services, toward the cost of the proposed project) is highly encouraged and the level of partnering, including in-kind contributions, is considered during application evaluation.

In-kind contributions constitute the value of non-cash contributions that benefit a federally assisted project that would otherwise be paid for through the award.

These contributions may be in the form of labor, real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, as well as the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project or program. The cost or value of in-kind contributions that have been or will be relied upon to satisfy a cost-sharing or matching requirement for another federal financial assistance agreement, a federal procurement contract, or any other award of federal funds may not qualify as a cost-share contribution for HRP financial assistance. In other words, the contribution cannot be credited twice.

Section D. Application and Submission Information

D.1. Access to the Application Package All application materials are available on-line through grants.gov. Refer to NOFO number BOR-CGB-21-F005 when searching grants.gov for required application materials.

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

D.2.1. Application Format and Length

The core of the financial assistance award application is the technical proposal.

Because each proposal is scored for technical merit, it is highly recommended that applicants strictly adhere to the following content guidelines when preparing a proposal:

● Technical proposals should have a page number on every page.

● The technical proposal is limited to a maximum of 18 pages in length.

Information to provide as part of the 18 page total includes the cover page, project description, budget narrative, and budget table. Information to provide at the end of the proposal, which is not considered part of the 18 page limit, includes: maps, figures, photographs, literature cited, SF-424s, curriculum vitae, landowner letters or emails of support, and any other information such as appendices.

● Maps, site photos, aerial or satellite imagery, figures, etc., should be submitted in color in all copies of the technical proposal.

● Margins should be 1 inch on each side, top and bottom.

● Font type and size should be Times New Roman 12 pt.

● Line spacing should be single spacing.

D.2.2. Application Content

Applicants must submit a fully completed and signed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Applications must also include an SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-construction Programs, and a completed and signed SF-424B

– Assurances – Non-Construction Programs. The forms must be signed by a person legally authorized to commit the organization to performance of the activity and who will be the official administrative point of contact during the application process. Inclusion of a properly signed and dated SF-424 is a mandatory requirement. Failure to include the form with the application will result in the elimination of the application from further consideration. The SF- 424 and its related forms may be downloaded from www.grants.gov.

Along with the SF-425 forms, applicants should submit a well-described and accurate technical proposal organized as follows. The following information should be included in the technical proposal’s 18-page limit:

Cover Page Include the name of the applicant, organization name, title of proposed project, and date.

http://www.grants.gov/

Title of Proposed Project State the title of the proposed project.

Abstract Submit a brief abstract in standard abstract format (i.e. no more than one page).

Technical Proposal Category List the category of the project activity, e.g., Land Protection, Habitat Restoration, Research, or Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction. Only one category should be named in the proposal.

Project Objective(s) Clearly state the objective(s) the proposed project would achieve. An objective is a specific action item you hope to accomplish with your project. It also spells out the specific results or outcomes you plan to achieve. I.e., “Acquire a conservation easement on 500 acres”, or “Conduct surveys at 25 sites.” Do not include detailed species benefits information in this section.

Proposal Proponent Provide the name, address, phone number, and email address of the main/primary technical point of contact.

Location of Proposed Project

● For land protection and habitat restoration projects, include the location and size of the project area in acres, as well as longitude and latitude information.

● All project applications must include a clear, detailed, full-page color map indicating local reference points, a scale bar, and the location of the proposed project or project activities within the HRP project area (https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html).

● Include locations of documented species observations from surveys or other knowledge, if any.

● Include species sampling/survey locations, if proposed.

● For land acquisition and habitat restoration projects, and for research and captive propagation and/or reintroduction projects when applicable, include photographs of the project site(s).

Amount of Funding Request Specify the amount of funds requested from the HRP.

Total Proposed Project Cost Specify the total estimated cost of the project including in-kind and cost-share contributions.

Proposed Activities For the action being proposed for funding, provide a detailed description of the project activities and of the tasks to be accomplished. If the project requires more https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/map/index.html than 1 year of work, the applicant should state this; list tasks for each phase; and separate tasks to be completed each year.

Proposed Project Timeline Include milestones (markers in a project that signify a change or stage in development) and the final completion date for each objective. Note: No project may be funded that extends beyond 5 years.

Monitoring and Management This criterion applies to Land Protection and Habitat Restoration project proposals only, unless specifically required under another category of Priority Action. Proposals should state how the protected or restored habitats would be monitored and managed in the future to achieve the benefits to the CVP impacted species and habitats described in the proposal. Grant recipients must submit a plan for monitoring and managing the project area for all habitat restoration and conservation easement land protection projects prior to close of financial assistance award agreements, and prior to close of purchase for all fee title land acquisition projects.

Measuring Results Describe how project performance would be measured when assessing the progress made towards achieving predetermined performance goals. This criterion does not apply to Land Protection project proposals.

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae Provide a résumé or curriculum vitae for each person who would be significantly involved in the proposed project.

Relationship of the Proposal to the Program Scoring Criteria Section E.2 lists the program scoring criteria and the range of points available for each scoring criterion. Described below are those criteria which the applicant must address (where applicable) according to the category of technical proposal being submitted, along with suggestions on how to address them. Each applicant is strongly encouraged to provide as much information as possible for each applicable criterion for each technical proposal, since awarding of funds is strongly tied to the scoring criteria.

(1) CVP Nexus: Indicate the proposed project’s relationship to the CVP. How has the habitat or species of interest been impacted by operation of the CVP and delivery of CVP water, such as through habitat alteration? Proposals should adequately define this relationship to be considered for evaluation.

(2) Department of the Interior Priorities: The mission of the Department of the Interior (DOI) is to protect and provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and to honor our trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes and our commitment to island communities. DOI has established priorities to help meet those missions. In evaluating applications submitted for consideration for funding, Reclamation and the Service through the HRP Technical Team will evaluate a proposed project’s ability to meet the priority(ies) that is applicable to the project. Indicate in the proposal how the project would meet one or more of the priorities below. It is not necessary to address priorities that are not applicable to your project. Scoring points will be allocated based on whether the proposed project supports one or more of the priorities listed, and whether the connection to the priority(ies) is well supported in the proposal. The following are DOI Priorities:

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt

a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment;

b. Examine land use planning processes and land use designations that govern public use and access;

c. Revise and streamline the environmental and regulatory review process while maintaining environmental standards;

d. Review the Department’s water storage, transportation, and distribution systems to identify opportunities to resolve conflicts and expand capacity;

e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands;

f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to Department lands for hunting and fishing;

g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

2. Utilizing our natural resources

a. Ensure American energy is available to meet our security and economic needs;

b. Ensure access to mineral resources, especially the critical and rare earth minerals needed for scientific, technological, or military applications;

c. Refocus timber programs to embrace the entire “healthy forests” lifecycle;

d. Manage competition for grazing resources.

4. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;

b. Expand the lines of communication with governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, tribes, and local communities.

5. Ensuring sovereignty means something

a. Support tribal self-determination, self-governance, and sovereignty;

b. Solidify mutual interests between the U.S. and the freely associated states and territories.

6. Striking a regulatory balance

a. Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden imposed on U.S.

industry and the public;

b. Ensure that Endangered Species Act decisions are based on strong science and thorough analysis.

(3) Program Priority Action: Per the Program Priority Actions specified in Section E.1., proposals must state the Priority Action and its corresponding number under the project category (Land Protection, Habitat Restoration, Research, or Captive Propagation and/or Reintroduction) under which the proposal is to be considered. Only one Priority Action should be named for each proposal. Do not include any other wording in this section other than to identify the specific Priority Action.

(4) Federally Listed Species Benefits (includes species proposed for listing):

The proposal should indicate in as much detail as possible how the project would benefit federally Endangered or Threatened species, including species Proposed for listing, and which species would benefit. Describe whether any of the species have been documented on, or in the vicinity of, the project site as indicated by California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) occurrences or other sources. Include species information in a Species Benefits Table (Attachment 1).

(5) State Listed Species Benefits: The proposal should indicate how State Endangered, Threatened, and Fully Protected species may benefit from the proposed project. Describe whether any of the species have been documented on, or in the vicinity of, the project site as indicated by CNDDB occurrences or other sources. Include species information in a Species Benefits Table (Attachment 1).

(6) Benefits to Special Status Designated Species that are not Federal or State Listed or Proposed for Listing: The proposal should describe how other imperiled CVP impacted species that are not listed, or proposed for federal or state listing, may benefit from the proposed project. Describe whether any of the species have been documented on, or in the vicinity of, the project site as indicated by CNDDB occurrences or other sources.

Include species information in a Species Benefits Table (Attachment 1).

(7) Habitat/Biodiversity: This criterion applies to Land Protection and Habitat Restoration project proposals only. Describe habitat types and species diversity within the project area, how the project would help maintain or benefit native habitat, and the importance of the habitat to the species.

Describe the before and after habitat conditions that would be projected if the project is implemented, and the types of habitat(s) to be benefitted by the project.

(8) Cumulative Benefit: Indicate how the project would contribute to conservation efforts being undertaken by other agencies or partners related to the same species or habitats in the region or within the range of the species, including through previous Service and Reclamation grants.

(9) Long-term Benefit: Address how project benefits might persist or increase over time, i.e., describe future benefits to species and habitats that are expected to result from the proposed project.

(10) Project Site Connectivity: This criterion applies to Land Protection and Habitat Restoration project proposals only. Describe where the project site is located in relation to other protected or restored habitat areas. A map showing the proposed project site location(s) relation to other protected or restored sites, either adjacent-to or in the vicinity, is encouraged. Scoring points under this criterion will be assigned based on whether the project area is adjacent-to, near, or well removed from other protected or restored habitat areas.

(11) Partners: This criterion gives consideration to financial contributions of cash and/or the equivalent in-kind services obtained from one or more sources to facilitate completion of the proposed project. The contribution is expressed as a percentage of the total cost of the project that would offset costs otherwise paid by the HRP. Information on the amount and nature of each partner contribution should be provided in order for partnering levels to be ascertained and credited. When addressing this criterion, the proposal should include a complete description of partner contributions consistent with the content of the Budget Narrative, Budget Table, and SF-424 forms. For the purposes of this criterion, the HRP is not considered a “partner.” This criterion does not apply to research project proposals. To get credit for a partner contribution the applicant should adhere to the following guidelines and parameters:

● Provide the name of each partner contributing cash or in-kind contributions toward the total cost of the project. Describe the extent of the applicant’s discussions with, and financial commitment from, the partners named in the proposal. For example, to receive scoring points under this criterion it is not sufficient to merely name as a partner “a State grant program.” It is not expected that all partner contributions be committed at the time of the submission of the application, but HRP Program Managers need to be assured that the partner contribution is real.

● Provide a description of how each partner contribution has a direct link to the current project being proposed.

● Provide evidence that the partnership contribution is genuinely and wholly committed by substantiating the contribution through a letter or email message of confirmation from the partnering entity(ies) named in the proposal. I.e., this means that not only should the funding partners be identified, but the financial commitment should be supported through documentation in the application in order for the application to receive credit under the "Partners" scoring criterion. If appropriate documentation is not included with the application, the "Partners" criterion will receive zero (0) points during scoring. The determination of "appropriate" documentation is at the discretion of the HRP Program Managers.

● Provide the amount to be contributed by each partner in cash or equivalent dollars, as well as a percentage of the total project cost.

● Equate in-kind services to dollars. If this is not done, those services will not be considered when partnering points are tallied.

● Use the format shown in Attachment 2, Sample Budget Table, to indicate partner contributions to the proposed project.

Additionally, please note the following limitations:

● Partners to the project who are not providing a financial contribution, either directly or in-kind, will not be considered in the proposal scoring or project selection.

● Partner cost sharing will only be considered for components of the proposed project.

● Funds expended on the proposed project prior to receiving the HRP financial assistance award will not be considered when awarding scoring points.

● Failure to secure partner funds from sources specified in the proposal may jeopardize the delivery of funds under a HRP financial assistance agreement.

● Per 2 CFR 200.306a, regarding federal research proposals, voluntary committed cost sharing is not expected. Therefore, partner cost sharing cannot be used as a selection factor during the review of applications or proposals under the Research category.

(12) Level of CVP Impacts: The proposal should address to what extent a species or habitat that would benefit from the proposed project has been impacted by the CVP.

(13) Project Urgency: The proposal should assign a level of urgency, i.e., major, moderate, or minimal, to the project based on the endangerment of a species, the level of threat to a habitat area, and/or the consequence to the species should the project not be carried out. A complete explanation on the rationale for the statement of urgency should be provided.

Literature Cited When applicable, applications should include a Literature Cited section.

Technical Merit Technical merit and completeness of the proposal will be evaluated considering the following elements. Failure to adhere to these elements would result in a low technical merit score.

● Adherence to the required guidelines and format as outlined in Section D.2.1.

● Use of correct Species Table and Budget Table templates (Attachments 1 and 2).

● Clear and complete descriptions of methodology for Research proposals.

● Strict adherence to the page limit.

● Use of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

● Ease of reading, i.e., clear and concise wording.

● Success in addressing all Scoring Criteria.

● Accuracy and completeness of the Budget Table.

● Inclusion of a thorough Budget Narrative that corresponds with the costs and amounts shown in the Budget Table.

● Provision of clear and concise maps, figures, tables, and photographs.

● Correct and complete citations of supporting reports and other documents.

● Establishment of baseline conditions.

● Incorporation of Literature Cited, if applicable.

● Inclusion of résumé(s) and curriculum vitae(s).

● Correct assignment of species status designations (i.e., threatened or endangered; federal or state listed; special status).

● Consistency throughout the proposal regarding which species and habitats would benefit.

● Consistency throughout the proposal on all costs (SF-424, Budget Table;

Budget Narrative; HRP Funding Request; Total Proposed Project Cost).

● Definitions of scientific terms and acronyms not familiar to a lay person.

● Clear and concise timeline/milestones for proposed objectives and tasks.

Furthermore, the scientific rigor of proposed research projects will be considered along with outside technical reviewers’ evaluations of the proposals.

Budget Table and Narrative

Applicants must provide a budget table including all of the information requested in the Budget Table template (Attachment 2), and a budget narrative containing a complete description of each cost item in the budget table, organized by budget table “Budget Item Description”. The narrative should: provide a detailed, clear, consistent, complete, and correct summary of project costs; indicate annual costs for each task; and include a description of contributions from any cost share partners. The budget narrative should include sufficient detailed information to enable the Technical Team to evaluate the reasonableness of the budgeted costs.

The budget narrative should be separate from the budget table.

The proposed project budget shall clearly identify all project costs by objectives and the funding source, i.e., HRP, Applicant, or other funding sources. The budget narrative should provide a discussion of, or explanation for, items included in the budget table. Details in the budget narrative will be used by a Service or Reclamation Cost Analyst to determine whether costs are allowable, allocable and reasonable. If the narrative does not contain the appropriate amount of detail, this may delay the award.

Applicants that incur costs prior to the signing of the financial assistance agreement may request that pre-award costs be included when calculating the total project cost and the applicant’s non-federal cost-share. Pre-award costs proposed for consideration must comply with all applicable requirements under this NOFO.

Listed below are additional instructions for addressing the budget table “Budget Item Descriptions”. Proposed project budgets may not have costs in each category. The categories are provided simply as a means to provide direction on the type of information to submit with the budget. If the budget includes expenses in these categories, follow the instructions provided. If the budget includes expenses in the “Other” category, provide information that describes how the budgeted amount was estimated, the assumptions it is based upon, etc. Multi-year projects are suitable for funding. For multi-year projects, identify costs and tasks to be conducted each year. In all cases, sufficient information should be provided to allow a determination that the budget is fair and reasonable for the proposed activity. An award will not be made to any applicant who fails to fully disclose and specify all project costs. Additionally, if more than one project option is proposed (i.e., a basic project and a potentially larger project), the budget table and narrative should make clear the costs and tasks to be completed under the basic and larger project options.

The basis of all costs in the SF-424 and the proposed budget should be documented and defensible in order for the HRP Managers and Grants Officers to determine fair and reasonable costs, regardless of whether a cost is funded by the HRP or another funding entity. This also applies to matching or in-kind costs.

If your application is selected for funding, a cost analysis will be conducted on the proposed budget prior to obligation of the award. Budgeted labor costs (labor categories, direct labor rates, hours per labor category) and fringe benefits, material costs by type, sub-recipient costs, travel, and any other direct and indirect costs are subject to evaluation. Recipients may be contacted by a Cost Analyst requesting supporting documentation for the estimated costs in the SF-424 and budget. In preparation for the cost analysis, applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of prior experience or market research that was used to develop project cost estimates (i.e. copies of invoices and salary cost breakdowns from prior similar projects) for ANY costs displayed in the SF-424 and the proposal project budget. That requirement may also apply to funds offered as cost-share by the applicant or other partner.

For land protection projects, the HRP cannot pay for land management endowments.

For additional information, see all applicable circulars related to federal financial assistance budget and audit requirements, including but not limited to:

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

Salaries and Wages – Indicate the project manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries and wages, estimated hours or percent of time, and rate of compensation proposed. The labor rates should identify the direct labor rate separate from the fringe rate or fringe cost. All labor estimates, including any proposed subcontractors, should be allocated to specific objectives as outlined in the recipient’s technical proposal description.

Clearly identify any expected salary increases over the duration of the project, the effective date, and justification for any increase.

Generally, salaries of administrative and/or clerical personnel should be included as a portion of indirect costs. If these salaries can be adequately documented as direct costs, (directly attributable to a project cost item), they may be included in this section. In order to do so, an explanation must be included in the budget narrative.

Fringe Benefits – Indicate rates/amounts, the costs to be included (i.e., retirement, vacation, health insurance, overtime, etc.), and the basis of the rate computations. Indicate whether these rates are used for purposes of the proposed project only, or whether they are fixed or provisional rates for billing purposes.

Federally-approved rate agreements are acceptable as rate computation support.

Travel – Include the purpose of the trip, destination, number of personnel traveling, length of stay and all travel costs including airfare (basis for rate used), per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel expenses. Unless otherwise justified, costs should be based on GSA mileage and per diem rates. If not, documentation should be provided showing the basis of the rates (i.e. market research, past performance, past costs, written travel policy procedures).

Equipment –Per 2CFR 200.33, “equipment” is considered to be necessary items purchased for the project that exceeds $5,000.00 in cost. Items purchased for up to $5,000.00 are considered to be supplies or materials. Itemize costs of all equipment and include information as to the need for this equipment. Specify whether the equipment is being rented or purchased. Successful applicants may be asked to provide a written copy of their procurement policy procedures.

How was equipment priced if being purchased specifically for the grant? If equipment is to be rented, specify the number of hours and the hourly rate. Local rental rates are only accepted for equipment actually rented or leased for the project. If equipment owned by the applicant is proposed for use and the cost to use that equipment is included in the budget as in-kind cost share, provide the rates and hours for each piece of equipment owned and budgeted. These should be ownership rates developed by the grant Recipient for each piece of equipment.

If these rates are not available, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineer’s recommended equipment rates for the region are acceptable. Blue book, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other data bases should not be used. Indicate what type of market research was performed to come up with the estimated cost.

Supplies and Materials – Supplies or materials are necessary items purchased for the project that cost up-to and including $5,000.00. Items that exceed $5,000.00 are considered equipment. Itemize supplies and materials by major category, quantity, and purpose, such as whether the items are needed for office use, research, or field use.

Contractual – Identify all work that will be conducted by subrecipients, consultants, or contractors, including a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for the task. If a subrecipient, consultant, or contractor is proposed and approved at the time of award, no other approvals will be required. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Costs - Reference all environmental and regulatory costs to be incurred by the award recipient (i.e.

State and local permits) that will not be covered by the Service or Reclamation.

The Service and Reclamation will be responsible for fulfilling all federal regulatory compliance requirements.

Other – Any other expenses, such as those for reporting or for the purchase of land not included in the above categories shall be listed in this category, along with a description of the item and what it will be used for.

No profit or fee is allowed.

Note: Contingency costs are not allowed unless it can be demonstrated that the costs will be incurred. They cannot be costs that a recipient believes might incur.

In order for contingency costs to be allowed, the awardee must demonstrate the probability of incurring these costs, and show that the percentage or cost amount is derived from past performance of similar work. The preferred alternative for covering unanticipated project costs that occur after the financial assistance agreement has been awarded is to seek approval for payment of those costs by the Grants Officer, then modify the grant or cooperative agreement to provide additional funds to cover those costs.

Indirect Cost – Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs based on the applicable circular cost principles for the recipient’s organization. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

Indirect costs that will be incurred during the development or implementation of a project, which will not otherwise be recovered, may be included as part of the applicant’s cost share.