DHS-USCG-2015-001.pdf

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

National Non-Profit Organization Grant Program

Overview Information

Issued By: DHS-United States Coast Guard

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 97.012

CFDA Title: Boating Safety Financial Assistance

Funding Opportunity Announcement Title: National Non-Profit Organization Grant Program

Authorizing Authority for Program: 46 U.S.C. 13102

Appropriation Authority for Program: 46 U.S.C. 13107 (All awards are subject to availability of funds.)

FOA Number: DHS-USCG-2015-001

Key Dates and Time

Application Start Date: November 2014

Application Submission Deadline Date: 02/13/2015 at 11:59:59 PM EDT

Funding Selection Date: N/A

Award Date: May 2015

Other Key Dates: N/A

Application Submission Extension Permitted: No

Intergovernmental Review Required: No

FOA Executive Summary

Program Type: Continuing (Date of Origin for Program: 10/01/1972)

Opportunity Category: Mandatory/Competitive

Application Process: DHS makes all funding opportunities available through the common electronic “storefront” Grants.Gov, accessible on the Internet at http://www.Grants.Gov. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions please call the Grants.Gov customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726.

Components/Directorates must ensure applicants and recipients use the appropriate OMB Standard Forms when applying for financial assistance. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.Gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.Grants.Gov , select “Apply for Grants,” and then select “Download Application Package.” Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this announcement. Select “Download Application Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package. To download the instructions, go to “Download Application Package” and select “Instructions.”

Eligible Applicants: Non-Profit Organizations (501 (c) 3) (For additional information, see the Eligibility Criteria section of this FOA.)

Type of Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

The substantial involvement of the Coast Guard in this cooperative agreement includes review and approval of all timelines; review of all deliverables before public release; and approval of all subcontracts and personnel funded.

Cost Share or Match: N/A

Maintenance of Effort: N/A

Management and Administration: Management and administrative costs are allowable, subject to programmatic review. Indirect costs are allowable. Applicants claiming indirect costs must provide a copy of the Indirect Cost Negotiation Agreement covering the period of performance.

file:///C:%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5Csheath%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CContent.Outlook%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CMicrosoft%5CWindows%5Cstacey.street%5CLocal%20Settings%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5Clwatson6%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5COLK2F%5Cgrants.gov http://www.grants.gov/ file:///C:%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5Csheath%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CContent.Outlook%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CMicrosoft%5CWindows%5Cstacey.street%5CLocal%20Settings%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5Clwatson6%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemporary%20Internet%20Files%5COLK2F%5Cgrants.gov

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Program Overview and Priorities: The purpose of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program is to reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths on America’s waterways and provide a safe enjoyable experience for the boating public. The program also encourages greater non-profit organizations participation and uniformity in boating safety efforts. A listing of the U.S. Coast Guard Areas of Interest are in Appendix A.

II. Funding Information

Estimated Available Funding $5.3M

Number of Awards: Multiple

Projected Award Start Date(s): 05/01/2015

Projected Award End Date(s): 09/30/2016

Period of Performance: 05/01/2015 through 09/30/2016

Is an extension to the period of performance permitted? Yes. Recipients must request an extension in writing 30 days prior to grant award end date.

Additional Funding Information: This program is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.

III. Eligibility Criteria

Ref: 46 U.S.C. 13103

In order to apply for a grant, an organization must be eligible for funding. Title 46 United States Code, section 13103(c) authorizes Federal financial assistance for "support of national boating safety activities of national non-profit public service organizations." The Coast Guard has developed the following test for eligibility, based on Federal law and regulations, legal rulings and interpretations, and guidance from other Federal agencies.

Organizations do not have to be boating-related. Any organization meeting the following qualifications is eligible to apply:

1. It must be a nongovernmental organization. (City, County or State governments or municipalities, for example, are not eligible).

2. It must be accorded a non-profit organization tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3). You must provide a copy of the IRS letter designating your organization as a non-profit organization (26 CFR 1.501(c) (3) -1 elaborates on the test for exemption). Contracts or subcontracts to profit-making or taxable organizations are allowed. However, these activities must be explicitly spelled out in the grant project narrative, and be limited to administrative, clerical, or technical functions.

3. It has the ability to provide public boating safety benefits that are national in scope or dimension. It must demonstrate that its benefits will be effectively extended nationwide, extending beyond a state or region. A national membership base does not suffice.

4. It must be primarily in existence to provide “public service” and serve the general public.

Fraternal, lobbying or religious organizations are not eligible.

Subcontracts to profit-making businesses, colleges or universities are allowed. However, the grantee organization is required to maintain all project records, provide the point of contact, and maintain funding accountability. If a profit-making organization or college or university performs a portion of the contract, the project proposal and grant agreement shall lucidly describe its activities. Non-profit organizations that are associated with profit-making or taxable organizations are eligible for grants if they meet all the eligibility requirements above.

EXCLUSIONS

The following organizations are not eligible for funding: (1) colleges and universities; (2) hospitals; (3) governments or governmental organizations; (4) churches; (5) municipalities; (6) local units of national organizations; and (7) organizations that do not have an impact at the national level. These organizations that are excluded from applying for funding may contract with a recipient organization.

IV. Restrictions on Use of Award Funds

All expenditures under this program must be for allowable recreational boating safety costs.

V. Application Review Information and Selection Process

The applications are first reviewed for eligibility and completeness. The project cost portions of the proposals are reviewed ensuring that they meet Federal requirements. Applications are then subjected to a merit review performed by Subject Matter Experts. Subject Matter Experts review each application for technical merit, personnel qualifications, and the degree to which a proposal offers potential value and measurements to Program goals as stated and described in the Proposal Rating Criteria section below. The Subject Matter Experts typically review 60-80 applications annually. The Non-Profit Organization Grants Coordinator prepares the top-ranked grant award recommendations for review and approval to the Director of Prevention Policy that has final approving authority.

APPLICATION RATING CRITERIA

The Coast Guard has funded a wide variety of projects related to boating safety, ranging from highly technical engineering studies to the development of public service announcements. The sole requirement is that the project must have the potential to benefit recreational boating safety at the national level.

The following generic criteria are used during evaluations:

1. The extent to which work under the grant is intended to support the National Recreational Boating Safety Program mission, goals and objectives:

Mission: To ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating experience by implementing programs that minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage while cooperating with environmental and national security efforts.

RBS Performance Goals: To reduce the annual number of recreational boating causalities nationwide. The following objectives can be found in the Coast Guard Strategic Plan http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/News/489.PDF.

The objectives to meet the Performance Goal are as follows:

Objective 1: Safety Education Certificates and Successful Course Completions.

Objective 2: Boating Safety Outreach.

Objective 3: Advanced and/or On-Water, Skills-Based Boating Education.

Objective 4: Life Jacket Wear.

Objective 5: Operator Compliance – Navigation Rules.

Objective 6: Boating Under the Influence.

Objective 7: Manufacturer Compliance.

Objective 8: Operator Compliance – USCG Required Safety Equipment.

Objective 9: Boating Accident Reporting.

Objective 10: Research and Development.

Objective 11: Effectiveness of Non-Profit Organization Grants

2. Feasibility (probability of project success). An estimate of overall likelihood of achieving the stated project goals. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

a. The likelihood of the activity leading to the desired results;

b. The technical and managerial competence of the staff, the adequacy of equipment and organizational capacity to perform the proposed project as evidenced by its previous successful completion of work similar to that proposed for funding;

c. The reasonableness and consistency of the timetables and milestones relative to the available resources; and

d. The adequacy of specific delivery systems to ensure that the output is used.

3. Impact/cost (its cost effectiveness). An estimate of external consequences and projected http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/News/489.PDF benefits of the project’s output in relation to its cost. It includes consideration of:

a. Whether proposed project fits criteria noted in the solicitation for projects of particular interest;

b. The overall merit of the proposed project or activity. (Does the project support overall the Recreational Boating Safety goals?)

c. The value of intended output to nationwide recreational boating safety including the likelihood of the project spurring other beneficial actions and its consistency with the direction of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program; and the project cost and proposals for cost sharing.

VI. Post-Selection and Pre-Award Guidelines

Award Notices: Award notices will be issued prior to June 30th.

Administrative and Financial Requirements: Quarterly Federal Financial Reports (SF-425) are required. They are due within 30 days after the end of each quarter with a final report due within 90 days after the end of the federal fiscal year.

Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Annual Performance Reports (narrative) are due within 30 days after the end of each quarter.

GRANT AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS

After the Program Director approves the grant awards, the organizations are informed of the decision, and negotiations begin. In most cases, the procedure is simple. A grant agreement is prepared and the required parties sign it once the grant negotiation is completed. However, there are exceptions:

• If the organization is a new grantee of the Coast Guard, or has never received Federal funds before, its accounting system must be examined and approved.

• The proposal itself may have to be revised to accommodate Grant Review Team recommendations.

• The project budget may have to be revised.

Note: Organizations awarded a grant cannot use the grant funds to pay for work performed prior to the grant start date. Payments cannot be processed until the award agreement is signed by the United States Coast Guard.

After mutual acceptance of the revised proposal, a formal grant and/or cooperative agreement is drafted and signed. The grantee will also be required to sign a special condition award agreement that will indicate what grant deliverables will be required upon grant completion. Agreements must be signed and funds obligated before June 30, 2015. After the agreements are signed, each grant project is assigned a Grant Technical Manager. That individual remains as the grantee's primary point of contact during the life of the project, and should:

1. Provide technical assistance as required;

2. Review and approve grantee's progress reports and requests for payments;

3. Provide required Federal forms, explain how to fill them out; and

4. Act as liaison between the grantee and any other Coast Guard staff elements the grantee may be required to deal with (Coast Guard financial management personnel, for example).

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

SF-425 Forms-Federal Financial Report

All SF-425s must be submitted on a quarterly basis and it must be submitted with the Final Report. The SF-425 ensures that the grantees are managing their funds properly. Grantees should also provide a breakdown of expenditures on a quarterly basis. Failure to submit a timely SF-425 can result in funds being withheld.

Automated Standard Application for Payments

ASAP is a system through which national non-profit organizations receiving Federal funds can draw payments preauthorized by the Coast Guard through the U.S. Treasury. ASAP.gov is an Internet payment and information system developed jointly by the Financial Management Services (FMS) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Grantees will request all payments through ASAP. Once a payment request has been made, the Non-Profit Organization Grant Coordinator will review the request and approve it based on the following terms:

• Quarterly Financial Report (SF-425) is submitted on a timely basis and up to date.

• There are no outstanding programmatic issues.

For additional information, refer to the following sites:

http://www.asap.gov http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/background.html

In accordance with the above, recipients are requested to keep a record of all transactions for the project in an accounting system that is agreed upon by both parties and one that will withstand an external audit. All contracts shall be in accordance with government standards, and records of bids and proposals shall be kept for audit purposes.

PLEASE NOTE: Recipients shall maintain advances of Federal funds in interest-bearing http://www.asap.gov/ http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/background.html accounts, unless the conditions listed below apply: (1) The recipient receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year, (2) The best reasonably available interest-bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $250 per year on Federal cash balances, or (3) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.

For those entities where the Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) (Public Law 101-453) and its implementing regulations do not apply, interest earned on Federal advances deposited in interest-bearing accounts shall be remitted annually to Department of Health and Human Services, Payment Management System, P. O. Box 6021, Rockville, MD 20852 with a copy of said payment letter provided to the Coast Guard. Interest amounts up to $250 per year may be retained by the recipient for administrative expenses. See 49 CFR Part 19 Section 19.22 (k&l).

PLANNING AND PROGRESS REPORTING

After the grant award, and to allow for sufficient time for review of each project, recipients are to submit a work plan delineating:

1. When the various tasks are projected to be completed.

2. When reviews should be conducted. If the grant is for the design, development, production, final edit, duplication and distribution of a program or publication, a review or series of reviews is required prior to production and prior to final edit. These reviews will be conducted by the Coast Guard. A minimum of two weeks should be scheduled for each review.

3. All products should be field-tested to assure quality products.

4. When progress reports may be expected. It is suggested that a concise progress report shall be submitted each quarter outlining the tasks completed and the tasks remaining.

The progress reports should convey to the Coast Guard the status of the project and any changes to the schedule outlined in the plan. (Depending on the scope of the change, an amendment to the grant and/or cooperative agreement may be initiated.)

5. When on-site inspection or review is required. In some cases it may be considered appropriate or necessary to have a Coast Guard Subject Matter Expert on scene to observe a test or filming, for example, or to meet with the project team. This should be noted in the plan submitted so the Coast Guard Grant Technical Manager may plan travel.

THE FINAL PRODUCT

The final product of the grant shall:

1. Incorporate all technical changes directed by the review process of the Coast Guard Grant

Technical Manager.

2. If applicable, contain final edits of media, artwork and film that adhere to the Coast Guard Guidelines for Media (available from the Coast Guard Grant Technical Manager).

3. Have an appropriate statement indicating that the project was done under a Coast Guard Grant (see Programmatic Terms and Conditions #4 in Appendix C). Credits may include other organizations but may not be used as a recruiting or advertising mechanism.

4. Include an executive summary of the work done to complete the project (i.e., a summary of the literature search, review of past projects, design methodology, and development process). This executive summary should be no more than two pages in length.

5. Include an abstract that describes the grant product or products and intended uses that would be suitable for publication in a magazine or newsletter that could serve as an announcement of the completion of the grant project.

6. Include web site links, master copies or originals of any printed, film, video or other media materials in a compatible Coast Guard format. This will allow the Coast Guard to have on file materials from which copies or segments can be taken to address other audiences or a specific need.

7. Attend the 2016 International Water Safety Summit (to be determined) and present your awarded grant project. This venue will also be an excellent opportunity for the awarded applicant to discuss and present previous grant awarded projects.

VII. DHS Contact and Resource Information

Carlin Hertz, Non Profit Organization Grants Coordinator: Tel. (202) 372-1060 E-Mail: Carlin.R.Hertz@uscg.mil

VIII. Other Critical Information

For information on Coast Guard Grant Product Guidelines and Copyright, please visit http://www.uscgboating.org/grants/nonprofit_grants.aspx

Each grant recipient will be required to collaborate with other recreational boating partners concerning the implementation of their awarded grant.

AUDITS

Effective December 26, 2014 Non-Profit Organizations that expends $750,000 or more during the grant cycle of the awarded fiscal year must have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. This change is in accordance with the new Audit Requirements from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

mailto:Carlin.R.Hertz@uscg.mil http://www.uscgboating.org/grants/nonprofit_grants.aspx

IX. Application Instructions

The criteria for eligibility must be met, all the required forms and certifications must be appended to the application, and the completed proposal must be signed and dated in order for an application to be considered for funding. Please note certification forms to be signed are found as mandatory documents to be submitted in the Grants.Gov application package.

Components/Directorates must ensure applicants and recipients use the appropriate OMB Standard Forms when applying for financial assistance. Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.Gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.Grants.Gov , select “Apply for Grants,” and then select “Download Application Package.” Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this announcement. Select “Download Application Package,” and then follow the prompts to download the application package. To download the instructions, go to “Download Application Package” and select “Instructions.”

Applications received after the February 13, 2015 deadline will NOT be considered for funding. Application packages that are not properly completed may not be accepted. Please note that one completed application must be submitted in order to be considered for funding. The checklist must be completed and attached to your grant application package (see Appendix B).

The funding for each grant awarded under this application package must be expended by project end date (extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis and may require a detailed timeline outlining justification for an extension). When submitting via Grants.Gov, we recommend all attached documents be submitted in one PDF file. If you experience difficulties accessing information or have any questions please call the Grants.Gov customer support hotline at (800) 518-4726.

PROJECT NARRATIVE

The project narrative should be described in sufficient detail to ensure the project can be weighed against other proposals. Applicants should refer to the application rating criteria to ensure that the application being submitted meets all of the requirements. It should include, at a minimum, the following:

1. A short abstract that includes what the project will accomplish. Applicants should quantify as best as possible and if possible and relevant, explain why this approach is better than other similar current or past approaches.

2. A brief description of the organization. In addition, the narrative must outline how the organization’s project will be “National in scope.” The organization must demonstrate that its benefits will be effectively extended nationwide, extending beyond a state or region.

3. The name of the official representative authorized to sign for the organization.

4. A statement that the organization is a national non-profit public service organization and a copy of the IRS letter designating the organization as tax exempt (as a 501(c) (3) organization).

5. A specific description of the proposed project that demonstrates the need for assistance (needs assessment) and states the objectives (short-term and long-term) and methods (methodology) of the project. Identify results and benefits to be derived. Please also identify how the project will clearly demonstrate the linkages to reduce deaths, injuries or damage and environmental impact of recreational boating on a national basis. Also describe the methods the organization will use to monitor the progress of the program and what measures of accountability will be used to evaluate the project results. For more information please see the National RBS Strategic Plan (http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/News/489.PDF).

6. A schedule of quantitative monthly or quarterly accomplishments. Accomplishments should be quantified to the extent feasible, and listed in chronological order.

7. Clearly state how their work will be measured and determined successful.

8. Quantify the scope of their work as much as possible. For example, educated 10,000 students in FY14; will educate 20,000 students in FY 15.

9. Demonstrate that the timeline is reasonable and show that the project is able to be completed within the timeframe provided by the grantee.

10. Acknowledgement that your agency will present your awarded grant project at the FY 2016 International Safety Summit (site to be determined).

11. Resumes of the principal participants in the proposed project(s) (short one-paragraph bios are not acceptable).

12. A statement that the project proposal does not contain proprietary information or a statement identifying the information that is considered proprietary. Note any special considerations that are relevant to the project, i.e. special permission requirements or clearances, and certifications. Special concerns should be identified, i.e. special treatment of proprietary or privileged information in the application, individual privacy matters, etc.

13. The name of any government agency that now audits the organization on a regular basis and date of last audit.

14. A bibliography, i.e., any citations to any literature pertinent to the project or referenced in the application package.

15. Non-Profit grant recipients will be required to submit a travel policy outlining the most cost effective way grant funds are utilized when traveling. This includes the selection of air travel, rental cars, lodging, meals, etc. The travel policy should also specify who will be traveling, the purpose of traveling, the location, the estimated time frame of travel http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/News/489.PDF and the means of transportation. It is advised that grantees use federal per diem rates or less.

16. A list of the Non-Profit’s Board of Directors outlining duties, responsibilities, etc will be required.

BUDGET NARRATIVE

A detailed budget narrative should correspond with the SF-424A Section B. It should include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Direct Costs

a. Personnel - Identify salaries and wages of the personnel associated with the project.

Include both principal project participants and support staff. Specify what type of appointment the individuals are under (full-time or part-time), and amount or percentage of time that will be devoted to the project

b. Fringe benefits - contributions to employee benefits (i.e. social security, pension funds, etc.)

c. Travel - Delineate proposed travel and associated costs. Specify whether foreign or domestic, mode of transportation, and class of travel. Identify number of trips, places to be visited, the purpose, anticipated dates of travel, number of travelers, etc. Please itemize these costs with justifications.

d. Equipment - List any equipment required for project and indicate whether it will be purchased or leased.

e. Supplies - List materials and supplies as separate line item in budget.

f. Contractual - Indentify consultant services, subcontracts, and identify subcontractor (if known) and service or product to be provided.

g. Construction – Non-applicable for non-profit organization grants

h. Other - Estimate any publication, distributions or other extraordinary expenses.

i. Indirect charges - Specify the indirect cost rate and what Federal agency negotiated the rate and when. Provide a copy of a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement. If no indirect cost rate has been negotiated, specify the overhead rate and itemize what is covered under the rate. In order for an indirect cost rate to be approved, it must have an approved indirect cost rate from your cognizant agency.

2. Delineate costs for proposed activities sufficient to establish their source.

3. Separately list in the financial plan any expenses of $2000 or more. Items under $2000 can be consolidated by category.

4. If applicable, include the cost of a project audit.

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM CERTIFICATION

Organizations that receive less than $1 million annually in Federal grants must attach a certification signed by the certifying official stating that the organization has a functioning accounting system that meets the criteria below. The applicant organization may also designate a qualified entity (include the name and address in the documentation) to maintain a functioning accounting system that meets the criteria below. The certification should attest that the organization’s accounting system provides for the following:

• Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federally sponsored project.

• Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally sponsored activities.

• Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property and other assets.

• Comparison of outlays with budget amounts.

• Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds.

• Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability and allowability of costs.

• Accounting records, including cost accounting records that are supported by source documentation.

• You can just submit a statement signed by the executive director that you meet these criteria.

INDIRECT COST RATE

Effective December 26, 2014, Non-Profit organizations that have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, may elect to charge an indirect cost rate of 10% of total direct costs which may be used indefinitely.

Any Non-Profit organization that has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate may apply for a one-time extension of a current negotiated indirect cost rates for a period of up to four years.

This extension will be subject to the review and approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs. If an extension is granted the Non-Profit Organization may not request a rate review until the extension period ends. At the end of the 4-year extension, the Non-Profit organization must re-apply to negotiate a rate.

A Non-Profit organization which has not previously established an indirect cost rate with a Federal agency and opts to charge a rate different than 10% of total direct costs shall submit its initial indirect cost proposal immediately after the organization is advised that an award will be made and, in no event, later than three months after the effective date of the award.

Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates and opt not to extend the approved negotiated rate must submit a new indirect cost proposal to the cognizant agency within six months after the close of each fiscal year. During the Indirect Cost Rate review period, the Coast Guard may withhold the indirect cost rate portion of the grant until an agreement is finalized.

IX. Application and Submission Information

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via Grants.Gov. Eligible applicants are encouraged to contact the Coast Guard to discuss their questions regarding the application submission requirements. The merits of the proposal itself are not discussed. Along with the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, the application must consist of the following:

• An Application Checklist

• A completed SF-424A Budget Information

• Narrative: Proposed Project, Objectives, Methods, Expected Results and Benefits

• Detailed Budget Narrative (corresponding to SF-424A)

• Resumes of principal participants (if applicable)

• Reporting Schedule

• Signed Certifications and Assurances o Form ED-80-0013 Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying o SF-424B Assurances – Non Construction Programs

• 501 (c) (3) letter regarding non-profit status

• Acknowledgement of a federally approved accounting system

• List of Board of Directors

• Travel Policy

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: AREAS OF INTEREST

The U.S. Coast Guard is particularly interested in receiving grant applications specific studies/projects this fiscal year, listed below. However, we also encourage proposals addressing other boating safety concerns.

1. Conduct Elements of a Year-Round Safe Boating Campaign

2. Outreach and Awareness Conference

3. Standardize Statutes and Regulations

4. Accident Investigation Seminars

5. Life Jacket Wear Rate Study

6. Voluntary Manufacturing Standards Development

7. Targeted Boating Safety Knowledge and Skills Awareness Training

8. “Boating Under the Influence” (BUI) Detection and Enforcement Courses

9. Media “toolbox”

With your application, you are to list and describe to us the tools you will use to measure your application’s performance toward achieving program goals or toward achieving a specific objective that will result in the achievement of Program goals. For some examples of tools for evaluating programs or projects, we invite you to explore this CDC website:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/demonstr.htm.

The following list includes items of specific interest to the U.S. Coast Guard; however, potential applicants should not be constrained by the list.

1. Conduct Elements of a Year-Round Safe Boating Campaign. This area of interest would conduct national campaigns throughout the year that are coordinated with other safety initiatives and media events, and would—

• Align with the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan, particularly Objective 2: Boating Safety Outreach

• Target specific boating safety topics and specific boater market segments;

• Reach boaters at the local level;

• Educate boaters about the consequences of drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or other irresponsible behavior on the water;

• Educate boaters about reporting boating accidents;

• Stress the importance of wearing life jackets;

• Educate boaters on the “New Life Jacket Standards,” as published by the Coast Guard;

• Educate boaters on propeller strike dangers and avoidance, particularly emphasizing the use of engine cut-off switch (lanyards and electronic devices);

• Stress the importance of boater safety training; and

• Emphasize that boat operators are responsible for their own safety and that of their passengers.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/demonstr.htm

2. Outreach and Awareness Conference. This area of interest would use a single national conference, to focus on the topics discussed under the first area of interest, in support of the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan’s Objective 2 – Boating Safety Outreach.

Conference organizers must focus on professional development opportunities for conference participants while making every effort to ensure affordability to gain maximum attendance.

The conference must provide opportunities for grant recipients, as appropriate, to present results of completed grant projects and on plans for using new Coast Guard grants. Three to six months after the conference, the organizers must survey participants on the long term impacts of the conference and include survey results in their final report.

3. Standardize Statutes and Regulations. This area of interest would foster measurable standardization and reciprocity among State boating safety statutes and regulations and how they are administered and enforced, especially with respect to accident reporting, boater education, and life jacket wear requirements. Hands-on coordination of state efforts and the establishment of cooperative environments where state officials can discuss issues regarding this topic are encouraged. This standardization should be compatible with other State boating safety efforts and promote RBS program effectiveness, the use of Coast Guard-recognized boater education programs, and improved administration of Coast Guard-approved vessel numbering and accident reporting systems. A further desired outcome of this area of interest is an updated comprehensive guide to State recreational boating safety laws and regulations.

4. Accident Investigation Seminars. This area of interest would develop Coast Guard-approved curriculum and materials for seminars for Federal and State recreational boating accident investigators in support of the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan’s Objective 9 – Boating Accident Reporting. The curriculum must cover the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 6102 and 33 CFR parts 173 subpart C, part 174 subparts C & D (in particular the accident-reporting system administration requirements of 33 CFR 174.103), and part 179.

Between four and eight 60-student regional seminars are desired, as well as between two and four advanced courses at an appropriate location designed to garner maximum participation at the lowest cost. Three 20-student regional train-the-trainer seminars would also be required with seminar locations agreed to with the Coast Guard. Each seminar would reserve at least four places for Coast Guard marine investigators to be assigned by the Coast Guard. Each regional seminar must cover an overview of recreational boat accident investigations, witness interviews, collision dynamics, evidence collection and preservation, diagramming, and report writing with an emphasis on adherence to definitions and detail in the accident narrative, with particular focus on human factor causal elements. The advanced seminars must include instruction in the investigation of video-simulated accidents with actual recreational boats used as training aids.

5. Life Jacket Wear Rate Study. This area of interest would provide alternatives to achieving reliable estimates of nationwide recreational boater life jacket wear rates. This estimate will directly address the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan’s Strategy 4.1 – Track and Evaluate Life Jacket Wear Rates. Plans presented should lay out the advantages and disadvantages and projected costs of an annual, biannual, and every three years study. Plans can include the use of paid or volunteer observers, and must be based on actual observation of a representative sample of boaters on high-use lakes, rivers, and bays, ideally conducted in different locations at different times of the year to accurately capture the impact of the seasonal nature of boating. Methods for developing estimates must be replicable and must be able to collect data by number, type, length, operation, and activity of boats and by boater age and gender.

6. Voluntary Manufacturing Standards Development. This area of interest would develop and carry out a program to promote the formulation of technically sound voluntary standards for building recreational boats and associated equipment such as electronics. Development of these standards will address the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan’s Strategy

7.3 – Manufacturer Outreach. The standards must help reduce accidents in which stability, speed, operator inattention, and navigation lights are factors. For example, standards could be developed for labeling fly-bridge capacity or horsepower rating, or for minimizing operator distraction, or for determining the effects of underwater or decorative lighting.

7. Targeted Boating Safety Knowledge and Skills Awareness Training. This area of interest would build a sustainable network of training providers to target traditionally underrepresented groups in boating. The program should have structured, engaging, in-depth opportunities for learning basic boating safety and for practicing on-the-water boating safety skills. The curriculum used must be based on appropriate elements of the national skills standards being promulgated through the ANSI (or other comparable) process and available currently in draft form, and must compliment the national knowledge standards. This effort must support Objectives 2 and 3 of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program Strategic Plan – Boating Safety Outreach and Advanced and/or On the Water, Skills Based Boating Education.

8. “Boating Under the Influence” (BUI) Detection and Enforcement Courses. This area of interest would develop and conduct train-the-trainer and BUI detection and enforcement training courses for State and local marine patrol officers, Coast Guard boarding officers and others. The goal of the training would be to give students the knowledge and skills they need to deter recreational boater alcohol use and alcohol-related accidents. Additionally, the area of interest would support the execution of a focused national outreach effort to highlight the dangers of BUI through education and enforcement. This outreach effort would be targeted to run during a specified time frame during a time of high boating participation to achieve maximum exposure. These courses and outreach actions will directly address National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan Strategy 6.2, Train marine law enforcement officers in Boating Under the Influence and Strategy 6.3, Expand nationwide use of the validated Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST).

9. Media “toolbox”. This area of interest would develop a “toolbox” of methods and strategies to assist entities in carrying out media and other awareness campaigns related to pertinent boating safety messaging including, but not limited to, Boating Under the Influence (BUI), life jacket wear, accident reporting, and boating safety education. Any “toolbox” developed should include the use of social media and other innovative techniques to be used in a prevention campaign and should build on currently available boating safety messaging. This initiative directly supports Objective 2: Boating Safety Outreach.

APPENDIX B: APPLICATION CHECKLIST

APPLICANT NAME ______________________________________

PROPOSAL TITLE____________________________________________________________

Please complete the following and attach to your application:

• Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

• SF-424A Budget Information

• Narrative: Proposed Project, Objectives, Methods, Expected Results and Benefits

• Detailed Budget Narrative (corresponding to SF-424A)

• Reporting Schedule

• Resumes of principal participants (if applicable)

• Signed Certifications and Assurances o Form ED-80-0013 Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying o SF-424B Assurances – Non Construction Programs

• 501 (c) (3) letter regarding non-profit status

• Federally approved accounting system

• List of Board Directors

• Travel Policy

APPENDIX C: PROGRAMMATIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The recipient hereby assures and certifies that it will comply with the regulations, policies, guidelines and requirements, including 2 CFR Part 215 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non- Profit Organizations), as they relate to the acceptance and use of Federal funds for this project.

Also, the recipient assures and certifies to the Coast Guard that:

1. It will establish and maintain administrative and fiscal practices and policies that conform to generally accepted standards. The recipient will insure that the accounting system and related controls are operating effectively and that adequate records are being maintained, that allocated funds are being controlled and expended in accordance with this Agreement, and that receipt and expenditure of the funds can be audited without difficulty. The recipient is required to maintain all accounting records pertaining to subcontractors which are hired.

2. It will comply with all requirements imposed by the Federal sponsoring agency concerning special requirements of law, program requirements, and other administrative requirements.

3. Acknowledges its agreement to comply with the Department of Homeland Security’s Standard Terms and Conditions that were included as part of the National Non-Profit Organization Boating Safety grant announcement.

4. It will adhere to all Coast Guard Grant Product Guidelines, and as applicable, Coast Guard Media and Film Guidelines for Boating Information. For more information please refer to following link http://www.uscgboating.org/grants/nonprofit_grants.aspx

5. It will ensure that the cost of the program includes only costs that are allowable under 2 CFR Part 230 (Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations). Standard government travel regulations will be used to determine reasonableness of any travel costs.

6. It will obtain prior approval on any transfer of funds for awards in which the Federal share of the project exceeds $100,000 and/or the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as per 2 CFR Part 215 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations).

7. It will make outlays of allocated Federal funds in general conformity with the http://www.uscgboating.org/grants/nonprofit_grants.aspx proposed actions and estimated costs listed in the approved budget. It will ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work units by time periods are being accomplished, and other performance goals are being achieved. Substantial deviations from the proposed schedule of actions and costs must be approved by the Coast Guard to qualify for payment.

8. It will retain program income earned during the project period. It will add this income to funds committed to the project and thereby further eligible program objectives. It will return any interest earned on grant funds in accordance with provisions of 49 CFR Part 19, Section 19.22 (k&l) as outlined in the Grant Application Package.

9. It will give the Coast Guard or the Comptroller General through any authorized representative the access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents relating to the assistance.

10. It will comply with all applicable Federal audit requirements in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 (Audits of Institutions of Higher Education and Other Non-Profit Institutions.).

11. It will furnish to the Coast Guard one copy of any audit report performed on recipient's account within 30 days of receipt of such report.

12. It will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) as amended, which stipulates that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which the recipient receives Federal financial assistance, and will immediately take any measures necessary to effectuate this agreement. It will sign a certification to this effect.

13. It will comply with the Federal requirements for drug-free workplace certification as contained in 49 CFR Part 29, including: (1) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; (2) Establishing a drug-free awareness program for its employees and/or agents; (3) Making it a requirement that each employee/agent engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the awareness program; and (4) Taking appropriate follow-up action when violations occur.

14. It will comply with the Federal requirements for prohibition or disclosure of lobbying activities as contained in Section 319 of Public Law 101-121.

15. It is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal financial assistance programs or activities.

16. It will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that is, or gives, the appearance of being, motivated by a desire for private gain for themselves or others, particularly those with whom they have family, business, or other ties.

17. It will act responsibly in matters of safety and shall take all reasonable safety measures in performing project activities, and comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations governing safety, health and sanitation.

18. It will comply with the minimum wage and maximum hours provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, as they apply to hospital and educational institution employees of State and local governments.

19. It will furnish reports to the Coast Guard in accordance with the Reporting and Payment Schedule. The following reports will be required to be completed and submitted quarterly:

a. Federal Financial Report (Standard Form 425).

(1) The recipient shall prepare the Federal Financial Report on an accrual basis. If its accounting records are not normally kept on an accrual basis, the recipient shall develop such accrual information through best estimates based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. Submit a Federal Financial Report (SF-425) together with a narrative performance report describing the accomplishments of the boating safety project.

(2) The performance report shall list any nonexpendable personal property (personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost $500 or more per unit) that was purchased in whole or in part with Federal funds.

b. Planning and progress reports.

(1) Recipient is required to submit a work plan delineating:

(a) When the various tasks are projected to be completed.

(b) When reviews should be conducted. If the grantee requests the

Coast Guard to review materials prior to production, a minimum of two weeks should be scheduled for each review.

(c) A concise progress report will be submitted each quarter (at a minimum) outlining the tasks completed and the tasks remaining.