Chesapeake Gateways FY24 NOFO P24AS00031.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

NOFO Title NPS Chesapeake Gateways Grants NOFO Number: P24AS00031 Announcement Type: Initial CFDA Number: 15.930 Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network

Issue Date: July 10, 2023 Application Due Date: November 3, 2023 Time: 11:59 PM Eastern

Note: Per 2 CFR 1402.204 (f) Bureaus and offices must consider the timeliness of the application submission. Applications that are submitted beyond the announced deadline date must be removed from the review process.

Program Technical Contact: Administration Contact:

Name Eddie Gonzalez Name Patrick Reidy Phone 202-868-0175 Phone 215-597-5949 Email Chesapeake_grants@nps.gov Email patrick_reidy@nps.gov

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Table of Contents

A Program Description 3

A1 Authority 3 A2 Program Background, Objectives, and Goals 3 A3 Chesapeake Gateways Grants Webpage 4 A4 Grant Themes 4

B Federal Award Information 6 B1 Total Funding 6 B2 Expected Award Amount 6 B3 Anticipated Award Funding and Dates 6 B4 Number of Awards 6 B5 Type of Award 7

C Eligibility Information 7 C1 Eligible Applicants 7 C2 Cost Sharing or Matching 8 C3 Other 8

D Application and Submission Information 8 D1 Address to Request Application Package 8 D2 Content and Form of Application Submission 8 D3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 12 D4 Submission Dates and Times 13 D5 Intergovernmental Review 13 D6 Funding Restrictions 13 D7 Other Submission Requirements 15

E Application Review Information 15 E1 Criteria 15 E2 Review and Selection Process 17 E3 CFR – Regulatory Information 19 E4 Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates 19

F Federal Award Administration Information 19 F1 Federal Award Notices 19 F2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements 20 F3 Reporting 20

G Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 22 G1 Program Technical Contact 22 G2 Program Administration Contact 23 G3 Application System Technical Support 23

H Other Information 23

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A. Program Description

A1. Authority

Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-312, title V, Sec.502(a), Oct. 30, 1998) TITLE V—CHESAPEAKE BAY INITIATIVE SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ‘‘Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998’’. SEC. 502. CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS. (a) CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS AND WATERTRAILS NETWORK.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Administrator’’), shall provide technical and financial assistance, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector— (A) to identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; (B) to identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay; (C) to link the Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections as determined by the Secretary; (D) to develop and establish Chesapeake Bay Watertrails comprising water routes and connections to Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and (E) to create a network of Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites and Chesapeake Bay Watertrails.

Assistance Listing: 15.930 Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network

Federal Regulations: 2 CFR § 200, 2 CFR § 1402

A2. Program Background, Objectives, and Goals

For thirty years, the NPS has been a key partner in the collective efforts to conserve and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed and to connect all people to the stories, places and experiences that makes the Chesapeake special. Stories, places, and experiences are centered around the program’s overarching interpretive themes found in the Chesapeake Gateways - Updated Framework.

The NPS Chesapeake Gateways is a partnership network and a community assistance program that has successfully provided innovative and impactful technical and financial assistance to support a wide range of partner work from network collaboration, interpretive planning to exhibits and signage to youth programs to watertrails development, to travel and marketing programs and public access site planning and implementation. In addition to the new grants, the program will continue to offer technical assistance to the network and enter into strategic cooperative agreements that advance Chesapeake Gateways.

From its founding, the NPS Chesapeake Gateways program has also been linked with goals and commitments of the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Federal/Multi-state partnership to restore the Chesapeake. Today, the NPS leads on four Chesapeake Bay Program goals related to public access, land conservation, stewardship/diversity, and education. In addition, NPS Chesapeake

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Gateways staff and funding assists in co-convening the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership, the watershed-wide, large landscape collaborative of more than fifty federal and state agencies, Tribes, land trusts, and other non-profit organizations which fosters collective action to conserve and restore culturally and ecologically important landscapes to benefit people, nature, and economies throughout the watershed. Together the collaborative is striving to protect 30 percent of the watershed by 2030. With more than 18 million people now living in the watershed, it is ever more apparent that regional, local, and individual actions influence every aspect of the Bay, its rivers, climate, the landscape, and our communities.

Ecological health, human health, economic vigor, inclusive stories, equity, access, and quality of life are interdependent. NPS Chesapeake Gateways seeks to put people at the center of all our work. In response to this, the new Chesapeake Gateways grants are focused on equity, inclusion, accessibility, and engagement to meet community and partner needs, advance the new Chesapeake Gateways Strategic Plan, and align with Executive Order 13895, which states: “By advancing equity across the Federal Government, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.”

NPS Chesapeake Gateways office is offering this new Chesapeake Gateways competitive grant opportunity to renew and continue to advance these important efforts as framed in our Strategic Plan and under the broad authorities of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.

A3. Chesapeake Gateway Grants Webpage

Please go to the Chesapeake Gateways Grants webpage to access application information, frequently asked questions (FAQ), training schedule, and other resources:

https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm.

Grant Workshops

The NPS Chesapeake office will be holding trainings on the grant program to assist in understanding the components of the application and submission process. Current available training dates are listed on the Grants webpage. Future trainings may be added. To be alerted to future webinars, send an email with your contact information to Chesapeake_grants@nps.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

NPS Chesapeake Gateways has compiled a list of frequently asked questions. They can be found on the Grants webpage: https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm.

A4. Grant Themes

All grant submissions shall present projects or programs which: (A) identify, conserve, restore, and/or interpret natural, recreational, historical, and/or cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed ; and (B) identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay.

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Grant submissions must also clearly provide a public purpose. Public purpose means for the purpose of providing facilities, programs, or services for the benefit of the public. These grants should represent a public purpose by enhancing public education of and public access to the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways and landscapes, by target communities and the general public. (See Section H2 for a definition of public access and public purpose).

In addition to a public purpose, this grant opportunity is focused on funding projects and programs that advance one of two Strategic Themes listed below from the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Strategic Plan 2021-2026. (See links to other resources in Section H3.)

Please see the PDF version for the full announcement and additional information.

Additionally, please visit https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm.

Grant Theme: Advance a Major Inclusive Interpretive Initiative with an Equity Lens

CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS bring out more complete narratives of our storied landscape. The Chesapeake watershed is rich with heritage, from the natural resources to the diverse peoples who have lived here through time— from pre-colonial history to today. Some stories are familiar, some untold or under-appreciated, and some are yet to be uncovered. Together, we will:

1. ENGAGE underrepresented places

2. HELP tell underrepresented and full stories

3. FACILITATE galvanizing conservation and quality-of-life messaging

4. STRENGTHEN the ladder of engagement

Sample Actions and Initiatives

• Develop meaningful relationships and engagement with underrepresented places and communities to listen, learn, and understand how the Chesapeake Gateways network can support community interests and needs, and help tell important stories.

• Research and document sites, landscapes, cultures, and stories important to Black, Latino, Native American, Asian-American, and other underrepresented communities across the Chesapeake watershed.

• Facilitate and support Chesapeake Gateways to assess and more fully understand their diverse communities and audiences and their needs and interests.

• Identify, recruit, and develop Chesapeake Gateways sites and partners that can present underrepresented stories.

• Develop inclusive interpretation, programming, and experiences for underrepresented communities that includes key interpretive themes of the Chesapeake Gateways network.

(See Section H for a sample of interpretative themes.)

• Link culture and nature through interpretation, education, messaging, and initiatives.

Clearly combine cultural traditions and history with contemporary resource challenges, ecological sustainability, and resilience initiatives to convey a stewardship ethic.

Grant Theme: Promote Resilient and Vibrant Communities & Landscapes Through Tourism, Sustainability, Conservation & Local Economies

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CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS recognize the Watershed’s heritage is a living history played out over a large landscape. Sustaining livelihoods while conserving resources is a core component of our work. Farming, fishing, heritage tourism, and access to nature are all things that make the Chesapeake special, and we must support them. Together, we will:

1. PROMOTE and MARKET the Chesapeake watershed experience

2. PROMOTE a stewardship ethic

3. FACILITATE collaboration for landscape and community conservation

4. ADVANCE equitable access to the outdoors

5. GROW landscape, heritage-based, sustainable economies

Sample Actions and Initiatives

• Make public lands and open spaces more welcoming and accessible to diverse communities. Share and advance standards for equitable access to parks, green space, water, etc. Expand access to green spaces in communities where they are needed.

• Develop and encourage new and enhanced opportunities to connect with underrepresented communities through inclusive and welcoming events, festivals, places, and programming with existing or prospective Chesapeake Gateways places (See Section H2 Definitions for description of Chesapeake Gateways places.).

• Deploy inclusive volunteer programs and campaigns to engage new audiences in Chesapeake stewardship with existing or prospective Chesapeake Gateways places and partners.

• Advance watershed-wide land conservation and public access collaboration through projects and programs that support the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership.

• Link Chesapeake Gateways and nature-based and cultural tourism of Gateways with economic initiatives for local resilience and community sustainability, especially tied with sectors closely linked with Chesapeake heritage, such as crafts, working lands and maritime activities.

B: Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $1,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $150,000

Minimum Award $25,000

The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

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Anticipated Award Date: Summer 2024

PLEASE NOTE: While applicants can be from outside the Chesapeake watershed, only projects that take place in the watershed will be considered. Projects that take place outside the watershed will not be considered.

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards Small Grants: $25K-$50K: approximately 10-12 grants expected Large Grants: $51K-$150K: approximately 3-4 grants expected

Proposals may include more than one action or activity, but the maximum award for any proposal is $150,000.

PLEASE NOTE: While applicants can be from outside the Chesapeake watershed, only projects that provide a public purpose and take place in the watershed will be considered.

Projects that take place outside the watershed will not be considered.

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type

G - Grant NPS Chesapeake Gateways encourages proposals that include and uplift partnerships. Final selections will also consider geographic distribution, diversity of awardees, and thematic distribution. This grant program is not designed to support annual maintenance and operations.

Grants may not be used for acquisition of property or services of direct benefit to the Federal government, including support of the day-to-day operations of a Federal agency. This does not preclude applicants from working with Federal entities in their projects. Applicants developing partnerships with Federal entities should work with Federal points of contact to ensure that proposed projects meet the public purpose criteria for financial assistance and may contact NPS with eligibility questions.

Please visit the program website for additional information:

https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm.

C: Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

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07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 22 – For profit organization other than small businesses 23 – Small businesses

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No

C3. Other

Excluded Parties:

NPS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The NPS cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

Foreign Entities or Projects:

This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

Additional information is available at https://www.nps.gov/locations/chesapeakebaywatershed/grants.htm and in the full PDF announcement.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Project Narrative

• Project Narrative - Proposal Submission Format The project narrative is an opportunity to describe and provide details on the proposal that specifically address at least one of the strategic themes (see Section A4) and each of the review criteria (see Section E). The proposal text must be no longer than 8 pages, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 8-page limit includes all text, Chesapeake Gateways Grants Program NOFO, page 9 figures, and references. (Project team resumes, Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF- LLL, and the statement of indirect charges are not counted as part of the 8-page limit).

Only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included in the narrative.

Extra information will not be considered.

Narrative Components

• Project Overview

1. Purpose, Goal(s), and Objective(s)

2. Strategic theme(s)

3. Deliverable(s) - specific product(s) or project outcome(s)

4. Project Location within the watershed (Please note: projects outside the watershed will not be considered.)

5. Key Tasks and Milestones

• Strategic Intent

1. Connection to Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act - All projects must provide public benefit. How well do projects identify, conserve, restore, and or interpret natural, recreational, historical, and or cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and (B) identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay.

2. Connection to Chesapeake Gateways Strategic Themes—How will this project advance at least one of the two strategic themes in Section A4? All projects must support at least one strategic theme.

3. Connection to Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Engagement Objectives—How does the project address community engagement, equity, inclusion, and/or accessibility? Does the project build long-term relationships with underrepresented communities to address community identified needs?

4. Innovation in Project Intent—How innovative is the proposed approach to understanding the chosen theme(s) and intended impact? Innovative research, planning, programming, and projects in equitable public access, conservation, community engagement, education, and recreation are core to the work to advance Chesapeake Gateways.

• Organization/Applicant Overview

1. Organization mission alignment—How does the project fit into the proposing organization’s mission and does the organization have the capacity to fulfill the project?

2. Project Team’s skills and experience, including staff, volunteers, partners and consultants—Name, title, and responsibilities. Optional resumes may be submitted. Resumes do not count toward the 8-page limit.

3. Proposed Partners—Does the project include existing or new partnerships?

Optional letters of support may be submitted. Letters of support do not count toward the 8-page limit.

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• Optional Narrative Components (Do not count towards 8-page limit.):

1. Project Resumes—Proposals may include resumes of key project contacts

(no more than 3 pages per resume). Resumes must be submitted with the Grants.gov application to be considered.

2. Letters of Support—Letters of support from key partners or constituents can be included (no more than 2 pages per letter). Letters should be current, signed by an authorized representative, and correspond to the project or applicant. Letters must be submitted with the Grants.gov application to be considered.

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

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

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

Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications and representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. All the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

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

The budget should account for any costs related to compliance requirements if the project will involve construction or archeology.

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Project Abstract Summary Please complete and submit with your application package the Project Abstract Summary form with the following information:

• Funding Opportunity Number;

• Goals and Objectives of your proposed project;

• Summary of Project Activities;

• Performance Goals including milestones and expected outcomes;

• Who will benefit from your project.

This information will be transmitted to USASpending.gov and be viewable by the public.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

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

(a) Applicability.

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

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR §200.318 apply.

(b) Notification.

(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

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

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

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

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Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

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

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

The SF-LLL is required only when both the above criteria are met.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement If the project proposed in this application is funded through another Federal financial assistance award, in part or in whole, the applicant must provide a statement detailing the potential funding overlap in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted or copy of Federal financial assistance award covering activities covered under this proposal. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount. If no such overlap

Chesapeake Gateways Grants Program NOFO, page 13 or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects”.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaces the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s).

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Applications November 3, 2023

Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

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D6. Funding Restrictions The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

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

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

We are:

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

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

• A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

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

• A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., Chesapeake Gateways Grants Program NOFO, page 15 salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in §2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

• A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

Criterion 1 Connection to Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act (10 Strong Connection – 00 No Connection)

Weight 25%

CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS financial support is made under authority by the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998. The language of the Act specifically states that projects must: (A) identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed ; and (B) identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay.

The reviewers will evaluate how successfully projects connect to the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act. How well do projects identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and how well do projects identify and utilize the collective resources as Chesapeake Bay Gateways sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay.

Criterion 2 Connection to Chesapeake Gateways Strategic Themes (10 Strong Connection – 00 No Connection)

Weight 15%

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CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS is about treasured resources and important stories, and about the people of the Chesapeake watershed, in all their splendid diversity The CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS Strategic Plan is structured into four strategic themes, representing a collective aspiration for near- and long-term impact across the watershed.

The reviewers will evaluate how successfully projects connect to one or more of the two target strategic themes. Did the application define the specific strategic theme(s)? What are the project goals and objectives under the specific theme(s) and how will the applicant attain those goals and objectives?

Criterion 3 Connection to Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, & Engagement Objectives (10 Strong Connection to 00 No Connection)

CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS is a network of people, places, programs, and stories providing opportunities to enjoy, learn about, and help conserve the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Included in the network are assorted natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges, and interpretive and orientation facilities. The NPS Chesapeake Gateways strategic plan stems from a recognition that the benefits of the watershed have not been equally shared by all people or all communities.

The reviewers will evaluate how well the proposal addresses equity, inclusion, accessibility, and engagement objectives. Does the project build long-term relationships with underrepresented communities to address community identified needs? How is the intended audience engaged in the project?

Criterion 4 Innovation in Project Intent (10 More Innovative to 00 Not Innovative)

The vision for CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS is a network that welcomes people to the Chesapeake watershed’s outstanding benefits and provides inclusive experiences that inspire a robust stewardship ethic. Innovative research, planning, programming, and projects in equitable public access, conservation, community engagement, education, and recreation are critical parts of the work to restore and protect the nation’s largest and most productive estuary. Innovations will be essential to expand storytelling to be inclusive of untold stories or under told stories.

Innovation in community engagement will be essential to include all communities in project planning and implementation.

Innovation takes many forms. The reviewers will evaluate how innovative the proposed project is at addressing the chosen theme(s) and intended impact. For planning or data collection projects, does the applicant define who would be involved in the planning or data collection process? How is the project innovative to the audience, to the organization, or the broader

Chesapeake Gateways Grants Program NOFO, page 17 programmatic landscape? Is this the first time the organization has done such a project? Is this the first time the target community has been included or are they working with a new partner?

Criterion 5 Clarity of Project’s Operational Plan (10 Strong Plan to 00 No Plan)

Projects need to have well defined objectives, activities, costs, deliverables, and expected outcomes. A well-crafted budget and project narrative of your scope of work must clearly convey to reviewers your intent and your plan for accomplishing your objectives Uncertainty about your fiscal and operational approach will undermine your proposal.

The reviewers will evaluate how effectively the budget and project narrative convey the intent of the project.

Criterion 6 Team’s Capacity to Implement Project (10 Strong Capacity to 00 No Capacity)

CHESAPEAKE GATEWAYS depends on a network of people and partners to conserve and steward the special places in the watershed important to communities, visitors, and the nation, for this and future generations. Success of each project will depend on the capacity of each proposing organization and the team of volunteers, staff, partners and/or consultants assembled to plan and implement the project.

The reviewers will evaluate whether each proposing organization has envisioned and assembled a team with the necessary skills to accomplish the project Does the project team have the relevant subject matter expertise and experience? How well does the applicant demonstrate the ability to meet administrative and technical grant requirements? Do partners demonstrate a commitment and connection to the project?

E2. Review and Selection Process

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

The program may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Bureau is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is

Chesapeake Gateways Grants Program NOFO, page 18 not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

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

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

a. Initial Review

Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; and (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination). If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review

All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will be eligible for the Comprehensive Merit Review. Each criteria element will be scored on a 0-10 point scale:

10 Superior (100 % of weighted average) 8 Good (80 % of weighted average) 6 Satisfactory (60 % of weighted average) 4 Marginal (40 % of weighted average) 2 Poor (20 % of weighted average) 0 Not

Acceptable (No score)

The following numerical rating values may be assigned: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0. The scoring of each criterion must be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application narrative. To assist in assigning an appropriate score, the following will be used as a guideline:

Rating Descriptive Statement

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10 Superior: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates that it will meet the Government's performance requirements, and demonstrates no weaknesses.

8 Good: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates a likelihood of meeting the Government's requirements, and demonstrates only a few minor weaknesses.

6 Satisfactory: Applicant addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's performance requirements. The Application contains weaknesses and/or a number of minor weaknesses.

4 Marginal: Applicant addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's performance requirements. The Application contains significant weaknesses and/or a significant number of minor weaknesses.

2 Poor: Applicant addresses some aspects of the criterion and demonstrates some doubt in the likelihood of successfully meeting the Government's requirements. Significant weaknesses are demonstrated and clearly outweigh any strength presented.

0 Not Acceptable: Applicant does not address all aspects of the criterion and the information presented indicates a strong likelihood of failure to meet the Government's requirements.

c. Selection

Merit review recommendations will be forwarded to NPS Chesapeake Superintendent for review and consideration. The NPS Superintendent may also consider geographic distribution within the Chesapeake watershed, diversity of awardees, thematic distribution, and the amount of funds available to make final recommendations of the applications to be forwarded for funding. The final recommendations will be forwarded to the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer for final selection.

PLEASE NOTE: While applicants can be from outside the Chesapeake watershed, only projects that take place in the watershed will be considered. Projects that take place outside the watershed will not be considered.

d. Discussions and Award

The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

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See the Department of the Interior’s Award Terms and Conditions below (Section F2.) for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards. The Service will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates Estimated date of Federal Award: Summer of 2024. Estimated date notifying successful and unsuccessful applicants: Spring of 2024.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive a notification of the selection of their application for funding. NPS will notify the applicant selected for award by approximately May 31, 2024. A notice of selection is not an authorization to begin performance on an agreement. This notice will detail the next steps in the awarding process. Once all clearances and reviews have been conducted, a cooperative agreement or grant will be sent for signature.

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