Denali Commission_FY24FOA.pdf

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Agency: Denali Commission

Date: January 17, 2024

Title: Program Grants

Announcement Type: New Grant

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: DC-WP-24-001

Assistance Listing: 90.100 Denali Commission Program

Application Deadline: April 12, 2024, 7:59 PM AKST (11:59 EST)

Application Submittal: Submit on grants.gov – see page 15

Program Description: The Denali Commission solicits applications for rural projects (including but not limited to energy, healthcare and community wellness, climate adaptation, broadband, housing, sanitation, and transportation) and workforce/economic development programs to encourage infrastructure development in rural Alaska.

Applications must contain three components to be eligible for funding consideration:

1. Completed signed and dated Application Package (Exhibit 2)

2. Attachments limited to 10 pages (or 12 pages if energy or transportation applications)

3. Completed Pre-Award Risk Assessment (Exhibit 3)

Please read the instructions carefully and in their entirety before starting the application process.

Applicants may direct administrative questions to:

Janet Davis Grants Officer, Denali Commission jdavis@denali.gov

(907) 271-1414 or (907) 271-3036

Applicants may direct program-specific questions to the relevant Program Manager, listed on the Denali Commission website at https://www.denali.gov/about/our-staff/.

Denali Commission 550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1230

Anchorage, AK 99501

907.271.1414 (P)

888.480.4321(TF)

www.denali.gov http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:jdavis@denali.gov https://www.denali.gov/about/our-staff/

Funding Opportunity Announcement DC-WP-24-001

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT DC-WP-24-001

1. Background

The Denali Commission (Commission) was established in 1998 as an independent federal agency to promote rural development throughout Alaska. The Commission is funded primarily via federal congressional appropriation and guided by its annual Work Plan. The Commission also receives transfers from the State of Alaska, other federal agencies, and other funders. In addition, the Commission was provided funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL, also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021).

The Commission has various mechanisms for implementing funding including needs assessments and competitive applications. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) announces competitive based funding.

2. Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for this solicitation is Section 305 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998, which authorizes the Commission, acting through the Federal Co-Chair, to award grants. The funding authority for grants under this FOA is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103);

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328); and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58); and any new Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2024.

3. Eligibility

Eligible projects must benefit residents of the State of Alaska. Eligible applicants include municipal, borough, state, and Tribal governments; Indian Tribes as defined by Title 25 US Code § 5304; regional housing authorities; universities; regional Tribal non-profit organizations; and non-profit organizations.

For-profit Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) entities may apply; however, grant income is considered income and, therefore, taxable.

4. Federal Award Information

The Commission will form review committees comprised of at least three Commission staff and/or subject matter experts to evaluate proposals by program area per the evaluation guidelines in Section 8. The review committees will use the evaluation criteria to determine their recommendations for funding consideration by the Federal Co-Chair. The Federal Co-Chair is authorized to make awards and will do so based on the review committees' recommendations and other relevant considerations. In addition, the Federal Co-Chair has the discretion to change funding levels by program area and may do so in response to demonstrated need. The Commission reserves the right, consistent with agency policy and guidance, to make additional awards under this announcement using funds appropriated by other laws (e.g. future appropriations or transfers), partially fund proposed projects, and/or adjust the period of performance of proposed projects as appropriate.

The Commission will release funds via Financial Assistance Awards (FAA). An FAA is a document that describes the agreement between the Commission (the federal awarding agency) and the recipient. It includes the information stipulated in 2 CFR 200.211 and an example FAA is included at Exhibit 1.

The Commission manages all FAAs using a publicly available Interactive Project Database. Recipient https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.211 https://cf.denali.gov/index.cfm?fuseAction=AwardSearch.CheckSearchCriteria Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Please provide a funding breakdown of how much of the available funds is from BIL/IIJA and prior year appropriations. And if the Commission plans to include FY2024 funds, please provide how much would be made available in an update if 2024 enacted bills are passed.

Jocelyn Fenton This isn’t the place to put funding breakdown, yes FY24 funds will be used if a budget is passed.

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Sorry I should be more clear. I’m not requesting that it be included in the text. I am asking for my own purposes. See also slight suggested language adjustment.

guidelines and requirements are provided in Recipient Guidelines and Requirements (RGR).

Applicants must complete an application package, which includes two standard elements required for an award from the Commission:

• Standard Form (SF) 424, also referred to as the Application for Federal Assistance along with scope, schedule, and budget information (Exhibit 2) and

• Pre-Award Risk Assessment Questionnaire (Exhibit 3)

In addition, successful applicants are required to:

• register in the System for Award Management (SAM),

• provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and

• maintain an active SAM registration with up-to-date information. https://www.sam.gov

Pre-award negotiations between the Commission and the successful applicant will determine the exact award amount. Incurring pre-award costs is at the applicant’s own risk and generally not eligible for funding; however, pre-award costs, defined in 2 CFR 200.458,may be allowed as a result of pre-award negotiations between the Commission and a successful applicant. The period of performance will be determined on a project specific basis and aligned with the project schedule.

5. Funding Restrictions

Award funds may not be used for lobbying or intervention in federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. Award funding must be authorized by the statutory authority and may not be used to sue the federal government or any other government entity. In accordance with applicable law, regulation, and policy, any recipient of funding must agree to comply with restrictions on using award funds for unauthorized lobbying, fundraising, or political activities (i.e., lobbying members of Congress or lobbying for other federal grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts). The Commission reserves the right to make financial decisions regarding actions or costs incurred that are contrary or damaging to the intent and purposes of the award objectives. All costs incurred under this program must be allowable under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E.

6. Funding Timeline

DISCLAIMER: Fiscal Year 2024 federal appropriations (budget) have not been finalized. The timeline below is subject to enacted appropriations. The Commission anticipates the following schedule for the award making process under this FOA:

Anticipated action Anticipated date of activity FOA publication January 5, 2024 FOA deadline April 12, 2024, 11:59 PM AKST Application review and award determination Spring 2024 Applicant notification June 2024 Award negotiation Summer/Fall 2024 Award execution and availability of funding for project activity January 2025 https://www.denali.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/FINAL-RGR-10-01-20182.pdf https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB What’s an example of pre-award costs?

Jocelyn Fenton Provided link

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Slight suggested language adjustment

Janet Davis accepted

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Will the Commission make additional FY24 funds available under this NOFO when an appropriations bill is enacted? If so, I recommend added a disclaimer here or elsewhere that the available funding amount may be updated subject to FY24 Appropriations.

Will the Commission plan to provide an updated timline in the future, after FY24 appropriations are enacted?

7. Funding Opportunity Description and Program Information

DISCLAIMER: Fiscal Year 2024 federal appropriations (budget) have not been finalized. The availability of funding below is subject to enacted appropriations. The total estimated amount available for awards under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is $15.75 million—which includes about $4 million for prior year appropriations and $11.75 million for IIJA/BIL funds. An additional $20 million may be made available for awards under this FOA subject to the availability of future appropriations. Any selection and award under this FOA is subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

This FOA announces the anticipation of availability of funds for the following program areas and solicits proposed projects throughout rural Alaska from eligible applicants. The Commission is limiting applications: Any one applicant is eligible to submit ONE application per community per program area and must submit a separate Application Checklist (Exhibit 2) designating the program area for each application.

For example, Applicant X may submit one application under the Transportation Program on behalf of Community 1 and one application under the Transportation Program on behalf of Community 2. That same Applicant X may then also apply under the Energy Program on behalf of Community 1 and under the Infrastructure Fund on behalf of Community 1. If applicable, each applicant must prioritize its applications by numbering them 1, 2, 3, etc. on the Application Form (Exhibit 3).

The Commission anticipates the following funding commitments by program area:

Program Area Anticipated Funding Available via this FOA

Amount Available as of Publishing

Maximum Request Amount

A. Transportation Surface Transportation Waterfront Transportation

$15,000,000

$5,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000

B. Infrastructure Fund $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $2,000,000 C. Energy $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $750,000 D. Facilities for

Healthcare and Community Wellness

$500,000 $0 $300,000

E. Village Infrastructure Protection

$1,500,000 $500,000 $500,000

F. Sanitation $150,000 $0 $150,000 G. Housing $900,000 $0 $300,000 H. Broadband $250,000 $0 $150,000 I. Economic

Development $200,000 $0 $150,000

J. Workforce Development

$800,000 $250,000 $400,000

Total $35,800,000 $15,750,000

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Slight suggested languge adjustment

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB

NEW TEXT

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB

NEW TEXT

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Can the Commission please provide a table of how much funding was awarded for each of the program areas in last year’s competition?

Jocelyn Fenton Sending via email

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB

DELETION

Duffy, Anna L. EOP/WHO Might be helpful to add a third column that specifies the max amount per category that applicants can apply for (ex. for transportation, $2M)

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB OMB recommends removing the anticipated funding column and only including the amount available as of publishing. OMB recommends linking or discussing the FY24 work plan to illustrate how funding would be distributed

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Recommendation withdrawn as of 1/16/2024. See recommended language above to allow for this display of anticipated funding.

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB The PB24 requests $20m, therefore the anticipated funds for FY24 appropriations should equal $20m. The difference here is $20,050,000 when it should be $20,000,000. You can adjust the anticipated funds down by $50,000.

Janet Davis The anticipated funding available reflects funds from both our FY24 appropriation and our IIJA funds, for which we created a plan to distribute over a 5 year period through annual FOA’s.

Recommendation withdrawn as of 1/16/2024. See recommended language above to allow for this funding display of anticipated funding.

The Commission intends to make multiple awards as a result of this FOA, subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other relevant considerations.

A. Transportation

Applicants may request awards up to $2,000,000 for the “Transportation” program area. The funds made available for this program area come from a federal congressional appropriation via the subcommittee for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Other Related Agencies. Transportation projects will not be considered under the Infrastructure Fund.

1. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION

The Commission anticipates making seven or more awards for planning, design, engineering, and construction of roads and other surface transportation infrastructure.

Airport projects will not be considered. Priority is placed on the construction of essential access routes within remote Alaska Native Villages and other rural communities, and for the construction of roads and facilities necessary to connect isolated rural communities to a road system.

Consideration of applications will include but is not limited to:

• Road development or improvement

• Road safety improvements, including surface repair, dust control, fence repair, etc.

• Trail upgrades or improvements

• Drainage and/or drainage structure development or improvement

• Bridge development or improvement

• Planning activities and/or design for new or improved transportation projects

• Match funding for a transportation project funded by another grant program

• Other transportation projects except airport projects

The costs of repair and upgrade of equipment necessary to complete a project should not exceed 15 percent of the proposed construction project.

2. WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS

The Commission anticipates making three or more awards for planning, design, engineering, and construction of docks, waterfront transportation improvements, development, and related infrastructure.

Consideration of applications will include but is not limited to:

• Barge landing, dock, harbor, and/or waterfront development or improvement

• Match funding for a waterfront improvement project funded by another grant program

Transportation-specific project details are allowed an extra two pages and will be evaluated as follows:

Program Specific Evaluation Criteria – Surface and Waterfront Transportation Maximum Score (points)

• Enables regional connectivity and supports opportunities for multi-modal transportation connections (10 points)

• Improves community health and safety (5 points)

• Improves access to services (e.g., solid waste disposal site, sewage lagoon, water source, health care facility, airport, or port) (5 points)

• Supports planned land use, and the pursuit of housing and economic development opportunities (5 points)

B. Infrastructure Fund

Applicants may request awards of up to $2,000,000 for the “Infrastructure Fund.” The Commission anticipates making five or more awards under the Infrastructure Fund section of this FOA. Eligible projects include those that fall clearly within the Commission’s existing program areas (defined in Sections 7. C. through J.) . As noted above, transportation projects will not be considered under the Infrastructure Fund. Energy projects considered under the Infrastructure Fund must respond to Energy Program specific criteria (see next section). The funds made available for the Infrastructure Fund come from the BIL.

C. Energy

Applicants may request awards of up to $750,000 for the “Energy” program area. The Commission anticipates making two or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $750,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Consideration of applications will include but are not limited to:

• Repairs to existing community energy infrastructure, including renewable generation facilities, diesel powerhouses, electrical distribution systems, and bulk fuel tank farms

• Funding for unexpected cost overruns on energy projects already underway

• Gap funding (no more than 50 percent of the total project cost) for a project to develop community energy infrastructure that has been approved for funding through an established program at a federal or state agency

• Funding to meet non-federal match requirements for awards already secured or anticipated from another federal agency

• An assessment or pre-feasibility study for a community energy project that, upon its completion, would make the next phases of project development eligible for other grant funding or financing

For this FOA, a “renewable energy project” is one that contributes to the generation of power or heat with wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, or hydropower resources using methods proven effective in Alaska.

Please explain why the Commission has changed the evaluation criteria for transportation (not in the FOA, but for OMB purposes)

Janet Davis After further review, it was decided to consolidate the Program-Specific Evaluation Criteria to address both Surface and Waterfront projects.

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB I don’t think I understand the difference between a project that falls within the existing program area and one that is compatible with. What is the difference?

Jocelyn Fenton Removed. The program areas capture what we’re looking for.

McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB Can Federal funds actually be used to meet non-Federal match requirements?

Janet Davis Yes, per our FY23 Annual Appropriations (which have been continued through the CR). PL 117-328

Applicants’ energy specific project criteria will be evaluated as follows:

Program Specific Evaluation Criteria – Energy Maximum Score (points)

• Compelling impact and project need (12 points):

o Why has this project been proposed over other energy projects in the community, and how does it contribute to the community’s longer-term energy goals?

o If applicable, what is the current status of the proposed project in the most recent AEA RPSU or BF priority list? If your project is not in the top 5, provide a compelling justification for why your project should be funded before others higher on the needs-based priority list.

o What is the community’s cost of relevant energy (for power or heat) relative to the project’s anticipated impact (e.g., how much money might be saved or what environmental impact to the community will be achieved from the avoided cost or use of diesel)?

• Sustainability (5 points): Does your scope of work include a long term operations and maintenance plan, business plan, and/or local management capacity for the new or modified infrastructure to maximize the value of the funding invested?

• Project feasibility (8 points)

• Has the technology been proven for application in Alaska?

• Does the project use resources that are sustainable and available?

• Does the project have an acceptably low level of risk in development and ongoing operations?

• Does the proposed project have an acceptably high level of anticipated performance reliability?

• Does the project include a reasonable expectation of meeting permitting and regulatory requirements?

• What is the anticipated net savings in fuel consumption, operations and maintenance, and/or capital costs over the life of the project?

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s regular federal congressional appropriation and the BIL.

D. Facilities for Healthcare and Community Wellness

Applicants may request awards of up to $300,000 for the “Facilities for Healthcare and Community Wellness” program area. The Commission anticipates making three or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $300,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Repairs and/or improvements to existing facilities for healthcare and/or community wellness

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Please explain why the Commission choose to change the critera (not in the FOA, but for OMB purposes).

Janet Davis After further review, it was decided to consolidate the Program-Specific Evaluation Criteria to address both Surface and Waterfront projects.

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB My comment is for the Energy evaluation criteria, not the transportation criteria.

McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB I believe the Commission will do the selecting based on applicant proposals.

Janet Davis Yes - thank you for the language change.

McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB Should impact be both economical and environmental? There is currently no other place for environmental consideration in the evaluation criteria.

Janet Davis We agree with the language proposed.

McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB As written, I don’t think this bullet has a score associated with it.

Reformatted; this bullet is associated with the previous listed.

• Funding for unexpected cost overruns on a project already underway

• Gap funding (no more than 15 percent of the total project cost) for a project funded through an established program

• Planning activities and/or design for new or improved facilities for healthcare and/or community wellness

• Other facility projects benefiting community health and wellness

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation.

E. Village Infrastructure Protection (VIP)

Applicants may request awards of up to $500,000 for the “Village Infrastructure Protection (VIP)” program area. The Commission anticipates making three or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $500,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

This program assists rural communities subject to the environmental threats of erosion, flooding, and/or permafrost degradation. Eligible projects include actions to reduce the risk of damage to public infrastructure and residential housing from local weather events and climate-related hazards and/or repair or replacement of public infrastructure that has been damaged by these hazards. Projects should include actions to reduce future risk and improve local capacity to respond to extreme weather events.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Repair of flood damaged or displaced boardwalks, including anchoring mechanisms to reduce future flood damage to boardwalks

• Replacement and/or upgrade of damaged utility connections with flexible connections able to tolerate differential movement between the pipe and structure

• Renovation of building foundations to protect public structures from damage due to permafrost degradation, including elements to prevent future damage to the structure from permafrost degradation

• Relocation of public infrastructure and/or residential housing from a flood- or erosion-prone site to a more favorable site

• Removal and disposal of storm and/or flood debris from community roadways

• Implementation of emergency erosion protection measures to prevent localized damage to core infrastructure (large coastal or riverine erosion protection projects including rock revetments or bulkhead works are beyond the scope of this program unless paired with other funding)

• Match funding for a climate adaptation project funded by another grant program

• Other climate adaptation projects

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual appropriations and BIL appropriation.

F. Sanitation

Applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for the “Sanitation” program area (water, wastewater, and/or solid waste). The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $150,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB What determines this threshold for gap funding?

Jocelyn Fenton In this case, we’ve discussed as a team and thought this is a comfortable amount to consider a gap without high risk to complete a project.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Repairs and/or improvements to existing sanitation facilities

• Funding for unexpected cost overruns on a project already underway

• Gap funding (no more than 15 percent of the total project cost) for a project funded through an established program

• Planning activities and/or engineering design for new or improved sanitation facilities

• Other sanitation projects

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation.

G. Housing

Applicants may request awards up to $300,000 for the “Housing” program area. The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $300,000 via the Infrastructure Fund.

Structural problems to achieving affordable housing in rural Alaska are driven by insufficient scale, long supply chains, building inefficiency and imported resources. Eligible projects include those that address the lack of affordable housing and structural challenges of building housing in rural Alaska, including the financing models, construction methods, and partnerships.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Statewide, regional, or community assessment of housing inventory or needs

• Innovative research, design, or planning to address the housing shortage in Alaska

• Funding for unexpected cost overruns on a public housing project already underway

• Gap funding up to 15 percent of the total project cost

• New housing projects

• Housing refurbishment or improvements projects

• Projects that support housing, including foundations, land preparation, utilities, etc.

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation.

H. Broadband

Applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for the “Broadband” program area. The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $150,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Eligible projects include those that address the lack of affordable broadband and the structural challenges of providing affordable broadband in rural Alaska. Applicants should address how their project would complement Internet for All and fill an unmet need.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Technical assistance

• Mapping and project planning

• Other broadband projects

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation.

https://www.internetforall.gov/ Duffy, Anna L. EOP/WHO It might be making an explicit reference to funding already going to states under the Internet for All program b/c project applicants should address how their project would complement Internet for All and fill an unmet need

I. Economic Development

Applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for the “Economic Development” program area. The Commission anticipates making one or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $150,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Eligible projects include those that create or retain economic activity that may be sustained after the project ends.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Technical Assistance

• Planning activities and/or engineering design

• New business activity

• Resource development or other value-added activity

• Projects that unlock basic sector activity (new money entering an economy)

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation.

J. Workforce Development

Applicants may request awards of up to $400,000 for the “Workforce Development” program area.

The Commission anticipates making two or more awards. Applicants may request awards greater than $400,000 via the Infrastructure Fund. Eligible projects include those that improve human capacity focused on infrastructure improvements in rural Alaska. Projects with the reach and scalability to engage as many people as possible, fill identifiable skills gaps, and may be sustained after the project ends are preferred.

Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• Expanded scope and reach of existing training programs, including apprenticeships and technical and community colleges

• Technology to enhance training programs

• Training for future employees

• Improved access to training programs for rural residents

• Workforce development for pending or planned projects

The funds made available for this program area come from the Commission’s annual federal congressional appropriation and the BIL.

8. Application and Evaluation Criteria

Applicants must use Exhibit 2, Application Form, to provide the required information for Application Sections A, B, and C (see the table below). Appendix documents, including up to two additional pages allowed for responses to Energy and Transportation project specific criteria, should be submitted separately as one combined or multiple documents.

Applications must include all required sections (listed below), adhere to the evaluation criteria, and not exceed specified page limits. One page is defined as one side of a standard 8 ½-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper. Applications must have a standard font no smaller than 11-point, margins of at least 1-inch, and numbered pages.

Duffy, Anna L. EOP/WHO Can we call out apprenticeships and technical and community colleges?

Application Section Page Limit

A. SF-424

B. Project information

1. Project executive summary

2. Infrastructure Fund application (yes or no)

3. Program area classification

4. Distressed or non-distressed community classification

5. Statewide Threat Assessment Grouping

6. Project narrative

a. Description of community served

b. Project purpose, problem to solve, and outcomes

c. Project scope and schedule by task with milestones and deliverables

d. Organization, capacity, and delivery method

e. Partnerships and leveraged funds

f. Budget and funding narrative

C. Budget and funding summary table 1

D. Appendix (not required but will support application) 10

E. Program specific responses, as applicable 2* Total (maximum page limit) 20 or

22* *Two extra pages in Appendix allowed to respond to required Program Specific criteria; see instructions in Energy and Transportation Sections. Energy projects submitted under the Infrastructure Fund must also respond to the Energy program specific criteria.

Evaluation criteria and associated points are summarized in the following table. Sections 8.A and B. below give supporting information on what to provide in the required sections in the application form (Exhibit 2).

Evaluation Criterion Maximum Score (points) Distressed Communities and/or Disadvantaged Communities 10 Environmentally Threatened Communities 10 Project Narrative 15 Scope of Work and Schedule 20 Organization, Capacity, and Delivery Method 10 Partnerships and Leveraged Funds 20 Budget/Resources 15 Total 100 Program Specific Evaluation Criteria (if applicable) 25

A. Application Form

Each “application” will consist of the Application Form (Exhibit 2), and an appendix, if necessary. The Application Form is intended to assist applicants by ensuring all elements for an eligible application have been provided. Please note, required program specific criteria for Energy and Transportation projects are NOT included on the Application Form. For these types of projects an Appendix is necessary.

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB To confirm, is this referencing responses needed to receive the 25 points for program specific criteria?

Jocelyn Fenton Yes

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Why do only some programs have a specific evaluation criteria?

Because they have more measurable metrics to provide (see the energy and transportation sections)

a. Application for Assistance, Standard Form (SF) 424

The first section of the application form is the Application for Assistance SF-424, the following fields are mandatory:

• 1. Type of Submission (answer: Application)

• 2. Type of Application (answer: New)

• 8.a Legal Name (answer: Applicant Name)

• 8.b Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (enter applicant EIN)

• 8.d Address

• 8.f First Name, Last Name, Title, Telephone Number, Email, and Mailing Address of Point of Contact

• 9. Applicant Type (answer: state government, Tribal government, non-profit, educational, healthcare, etc.)

• 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project

• 16. Congressional District of Applicant (AK) and Project (AK)

• 17. Project Start and End Dates

• 18. Estimated total funding available (enter all secured or anticipated funding sources, noting what funding, if any, is 100% secured)

• 20. Is application delinquent on any federal debt? (answer: yes or no)

• 21. Agree to statements made

• Authorized Representative (add information)

b. Project Information

The second section of the application form is the Project Information, the following fields are mandatory:

a. Executive Summary

Provide a brief (4-6 sentences) overview of your proposed project, including what primary action will be taken and when, for what purpose or need, and to benefit what population over what period of time.

b. Infrastructure Fund

Select either yes or no, you are or are not applying under the Infrastructure Fund section of the FOA.

c. Program Area

Select which program area best fits your proposed project.

d. Distressed Communities and/or Disadvantaged Communities (10 points)

Applicants must identify if the community served is distressed and/or disadvantaged.

• Distressed communities are those identified in the Commission’s 2023 Distressed Communities Report https://02e11d.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Distressed-Communities-Report-1.pdf https://02e11d.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Distressed-Communities-Report-1.pdf McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB Is it intentional to have both bullets and numbers?

Yes, the number references the fields on the SF-424 form that are mandatory.

• Disadvantaged communities, as defined in Memorandum M-21-28 (whitehouse.gov ) include Alaska Native Villages and communities that are not on the road system (that experience high transportation cost burden and/or low transportation access, high housing costs, high energy costs, limited water access/affordability, and may encounter disproportionate impacts from climate change).

Proposed projects benefiting distressed communities and/or disadvantaged communities will receive 10 preference points (total). For projects that benefit more than one rural community, preference points will be averaged by community designation.

e. Environmentally Threatened Communities (10 points)

Applicants must identify if the community served is an Environmentally Threatened Community, identified as those in the Commission’s 2019 Statewide Threat Assessment. Proposed projects benefiting environmentally threatened communities will receive up to 10 preference points. For projects that benefit more than one rural community, preference points will be averaged by community designation.

For this FOA, a community may identify as Group 1 if at least one of its environmental threat rankings (erosion, flooding, or thawing permafrost) is Group 1. Similarly, a community may identify as Group 2 if at least one of its environmental threat rankings is Group 2 and as Group 3 if at least one of its environmental threat rankings is Group

3. See table indicating preference points below:

Group Preference Points

1 10 2 7 3 4

f. Project Narrative (15 points)

Applications must include a:

• community description, characterizing the community and population served by the proposed project

• problem statement, describing why the proposed project is needed

• project description, presenting the proposed project and how it addresses the problem/need

• impact/value statement, describing the impact and/or value of the proposed project to the community and population served – this may include descriptions of improved sustainability and/or greater community resilience

g. Scope of Work and Schedule (20 points)

• project background, impact and value of the project

• concise scope of work, outlining step-by-step tasks using verbs describing https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.52/02e.11d.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Statewide-Threat-Assessment-Final-Report-20-November-2019.pdf https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.52/02e.11d.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Statewide-Threat-Assessment-Final-Report-20-November-2019.pdf McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB Recommend also adding a reference to M-21-28 which defines disadvantaged communities M-21-28 (whitehouse.gov)

McClure, Elisabeth L. EOP/OMB Recommend including the hyperlink for ease of access (from the comment above this one)

Hyperlink added in Memo title.

accomplishments

• timeframe (schedule) showing timelines of tasks with milestones and deliverables

h. Organization, Capacity, and Delivery Method (10 points)

• description of the applicant’s organization, including its structure, leadership, relevant programs, and unique perspective/expertise

• summary of the organization’s experience managing federal grant programs and/or similar projects, including the experience of key personnel (resumes may be included in the appendix)

• description of the delivery method, describing how the tasks outlined in the scope of work will be carried out and by whom (information about contractors may be included in the appendix, as appropriate)

i. Partnerships and Leveraged Funds (20 points)

Applications benefit by having established partners and measurable monetary or in-kind contributions to the project. Half of the points in this category (Point Preference) will be given to applications in the following manner:

Percentage of Project Matched by other funds Preference Points

80% or more 10 50% to 79% 5 20% to 50% 3 1% to 20% 1

No Other Funds 0

The remaining 10 points will be attributed to extent of detail provided on the following:

• all project supporters and stakeholders, including loans, funding from other sources, and in-kind participation; clarify secured or pending partnerships

• all work to date, for example, funding, community plans, letters of support, agreements with other parties, and/or prior completion of tasks or phases that support the current phase of the project

• future (planned) work with partners to manage and complete the project, including plans for future operations and maintenance

• creative approaches to partnerships that go beyond financial commitment, including community outreach, leveraged resources, or other in-kind support that demonstrate breadth of support

j. Budget/Resources (15 points)

• financial contact information (the person who will submit financial reports), their email address, and their phone number

• narrative description of the budget by cost category, by task, and funding

Reynado, Kharl M. EOP/OMB Are awardees able to appeal for more funding either during this process or after awards have been granted (signed by FCC)? I am thinking of a situation where infrastructure costs end up being greater than originally anticipated. Would the Commission grant more funds, or would the Commission encourage awardees to seek the additional funding through other sources?

We always encourage finding other funding sources, and have had applicants approach for additional funds. I anticipate this FOA receiving applications we received last year, requesting additional funding to fill gaps discovered in the last year through bids..

summary, to accompany the tables below

• budget table included in Application Form to provide the following:

“Budget by Cost Category” table following the SF-424 budget format “Budget by Task” table corresponding precisely to the scope of work and explaining project activities that drive expenses “Funding Summary” table clearly identifying the amount requested in response to this FOA and all resources coming from other sources

The budget, by cost category and by task, must cover the total cost of the proposed project not just the funding requested of the Denali Commission. The funding summary must show the total funding picture, including the amount requested now, funding coming from other sources, and any remaining gap (if any) so that the total cost of the proposed project is shown in the table provided in the Application Form.

All costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E. Applicants must provide a budget narrative that clearly explains the various cost elements of the project, the calculations used to derive line-item subtotals, and other funding expected for the project. Applicants must describe funding from other sources, cash or in-kind contributions, and plans to meet any remaining gap (if any). For the “Budget by Cost Category” table, applicants must include the following cost categories, as applicable.

Personnel & Fringe: Include personnel labor rates and fringe benefits as line items in the budget. Only include costs for employees working directly on the grant project. Include the number of staff, type of personnel (job title), hourly wage (or salary), and total cost to the grant. Costs should be consistent with those paid for similar types of work within the applicant’s organization. Fringe benefits included in the application must be consistent with benefits paid to all the applicant organization’s employees. Fringe benefits are only for the percentage of time devoted to the grant project. This “Personnel” cost category is limited to those individuals directly employed by the applicant’s organization. The labor cost for individuals working on the project but not employed by the applicant’s organization should be included in the “Contractors” category below.

Travel: Summarize costs for travel required for project implementation. Provide the purpose, method of travel, number of people traveling, number of days, and estimated cost for each trip. If details of each trip are not known at the time of application submission, provide the basis for determining the amount requested.

Equipment: Include costs for those items which are tangible, nonexpendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit, unless the applicant has a clear and consistent written policy that results in a different threshold. Include a description, quantity, and unit price for all equipment owned by the applicant’s organization that will be charged to the project. Each item of equipment must be identified with its corresponding cost. List fuel, maintenance, and operator costs under their appropriate headings, such as supplies, contracts, or personnel/labor as appropriate. General-purpose equipment must be justified as to how it will be https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E used during project implementation.

Equipment that costs less than $5,000 should be included under “Supplies” or “Other Direct Costs.” The costs for rented or leased equipment should be included in the “Contractors” or “Other Direct Costs” category, depending upon the procurement method.

Supplies: Supplies are tangible personal property other than equipment. If supplies are requested, include a justification of why they are needed for project implementation. It is not necessary to document office supplies in detail (for example, reams of paper, boxes of paperclips, etc.). However, applicants should include a quantity and unit cost for higher-cost items such as computers and printers.

Contractors: Include the estimated costs for labor (fully burdened), travel, materials, equipment, and freight for those activities to be performed by an individual or organization, other than the applicant, in the form of a procurement relationship. Applicants should include detailed budget information regarding all known contracts and indicate the basis for the estimated contract costs.

Other Direct Costs: Include costs that do not fit any of the categories mentioned above, such as rent for buildings used to conduct project activities, utilities, leased equipment, employee training tuition, etc. “Other Direct Costs” must be itemized.

Indirect Costs (unless waived): Indirect costs are an allowable cost under Commission awards. Indirect costs are incurred for common or joint objectives that benefit more than one project. If claiming an indirect cost rate, the applicant must include, in the Appendix, a signed copy of the negotiated rate agreement valid as of the date of the application. If the rate is not approved by the application due date, provide instead the letter of renewal or letter of request sent to the cognizant agency. A cognizant agency is the Federal agency responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and approving cost allocation plans or indirect cost proposals. Applicants that do not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement can use the 10 percent de-minimis rate referenced in 2 CFR 200.414. For any contract or subgrant to a federal grant, indirect rates may be applied to the first $25,000.

Cost sharing/Match: For construction grants where the Commission is the primary funder (50 percent or more of the total budget), cost sharing (match) is required as follows. (See Section 8.A.a. above for definitions of distressed and non-distressed communities.)

For distressed communities: Commission funds shall be available for construction projects in an amount not to exceed 80 percent of the project cost. Therefore, a cost share (match) of at least 20 percent of the project cost is required.

For non-distressed communities: Commission funds shall be available for construction projects in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the project cost.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414

Therefore, a cost share (match) of at least 50 percent of the project cost is required.

Cost sharing (match) is an evaluation criterion, regardless of amount, as described in the previous section. “Cost sharing or matching” is defined by 2 CFR 200.306 as “the portion of project costs not paid by Federal funds (unless otherwise authorized by Federal statute).” Detail all funding (resources) coming from other sources and the funding provided by the applicant itself.

When the Commission is not the primary funder, Commission funds may be used to pay a non-federal share (match) on other federal funds.

B. Appendix

Applicants may provide additional information unable to detail in space provided in the form, or relevant supporting material such as maps of the service area, photographs, plans, designs, resumes of key personnel, information about contractors, letters of support, and/or other documents in an appendix. The use of maps, photographs, or other figures is encouraged. Supporting material referenced in the application but included in the appendix counts only against the 10-page limit of the Appendix.

9. Application Submission

Applicants must submit applications via www.grants.gov. Applicants must be registered in Grants.gov.

Guidance is provided on that website. Email, facsimile or hardcopy applications can be accepted if pre-arranged with Commission staff. The Commission will not consider applications received after the deadline.

Deadline: April 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM AKDT Direct Questions to:

Janet Davis, Grants Officer projects@denali.gov Denali Commission 550 W. 7th Ave, Suite 1230 Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Email Subject Line: Work Plan Grants – [Program Area]

No new information or instructions will be posted after April 12, 2024. It is the responsibility of applicants to periodically check www.grants.gov for any new information or instructions and comply with any new information or instructions.

10. Application Review, Evaluation, and Selection Process

The Commission will conduct a merit review process per 2 CFR 200.205. First, the Commission will screen applications for eligibility and consistency with program objectives. Only those applications meeting these initial criteria will be forwarded for review.

Next, the Commission will form review committees comprised of at least three Commission staff and/or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:jdavis@denali.gov http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.205 subject matter experts to evaluate applications by program area. For the transportation program, Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) members assist the review committee. Reviewers will score each application based on the evaluation criteria described in this FOA, and a combined review committee score will be the basis for ranking proposed projects by program area. Lastly, the review committees, headed by the Commission Program Managers, will put forward their recommendations for consideration by the Federal Co-Chair.

The Federal Co-Chair is authorized to make awards and will do so based on the recommendations of the review committees, and other relevant considerations. In addition, the Federal Co-Chair has the discretion to change funding levels by program area and may do so in response to demonstrated need. The Commission reserves the right, consistent with agency policy and guidance, to make additional awards under this FOA and/or partially fund proposed projects.

Applicants will be notified within 10 business days of the approval by the Federal Co-Chair of the review committee’s recommendations.