F18AS00241 NOFO.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service New England Field Office

Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.658

Notice of Funding Opportunity

I. Description of Funding Opportunity

THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD TO A SINGLE SOURCE, AND THERE IS NO

FULL ANNOTINCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE. This Notice is NOT a request for competitive proposals. This is a notice ofintent to award a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Trout Unlimited for the purpose of implementing habitat enhancement along and within the Salmon Kill River in Salisbury, Connecticut to improve aquatic and riparian habitat, restore native ftout fisheries, enhance recreational fishing opportunities, and engage private landowners in the continued enhancement and stewardship of the river. This award will support the Department ofthe Interior's priority to "Create a conservation stewardship legacy", specifically by fostering a partnership with a conservation organization (Trout Unlimited) and private landowners to enhance habitat for coldwater fish and improve a recreational hshery. This project also "Restores trust with local communities" by providing federal funds for local priorities (in this case restoring aquatic and riparian habitat to improve an important recreational fishery). Lastly, this award will support several Departmental initiatives creating American jobs and increasing and improving recreational opportunities. Funds under this award are to be used to compensate for natural resources injured as a result of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from the General Electric Company lacility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts under the authority of CFDA 15.658, Nattnal Resource Damage Assessment, Restoration, and Implementation. A determination by the Govemment not to compete this proposed assistance is based upon Departmental Manual 505DM2, paragraph 2.14 (B) (4) and is solely within the discretion of the Govemment.

Questions conceming this announcement should be directed to Artela Jacobs aI (404) 679-7197 or by email at artelajacobs@livs.gov.

II. Award Information

The total amount of funding for this award is $389,071.88. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be substantially involved in the project under this funding opportunity. In particular, the Service will be responsible for: 1) providing guidance and technical assistance in the development and implementation ofthe river restoration designs and plans, 2) coordinating the review and approval ofthe Trustee SubCouncil for Connecticut regarding the planning and implementation, and 3) monitoring and documenting project progress through periodic site visits and review oflreports. The Service has the power to halt an activity if performance specifications are not met.

III. Basic Eligibitify Requirements Eligitrle Applicants:

unrestricted (i.e. open to any type ofentity above), subject to any clarification in test field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Information on Eligibility:

This opportunity is not a request for applications. The determination not to compete is based on Departmental policy (505 DM 2.14,B(4) and is within the discretion of the Agency.

U.S. non-profit, non-govemmental organizations with 501(c)(3) Intemal Revenue Status (IRS) must provide a copy oftheir Section 501(c)(3) status determination letter received from the IRS.

Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). See Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 25 for more information. Exemptions: The SAM registration requirement does not apply to individuals submitting an application on their own behalfand not on behalfofa company or other for-profit entity, state, local or Tribal government, academia or other type of organization.

B. Entify Registration in SAM Register in SAM at www.sam.gov. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have been made to D[-NS and IRS information. Foreign entities who wish to be paid directly to a United States bank account must enter and maintain valid and current banking information in

SAM.

Note: The official U.S. govemment website address for SAM is www.sam.gov. There is NO COST to register in or access SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who charge a fee in exchange for registering entities in SAM; please be aware that you can register to do business with the U.S. govemment FOR FREE directly in SAM at www.sam.gov.

C. Excluded Entities Applicant entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts.

certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal fi.rrding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

The Service conducts a review ofthe SAM.gov Exclusions database lor all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award.

A. DUNS Registration Request a DTINS number at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, contact Dun & Bradstreet by email at: gol.t@dnb.com, or by calling the Govemment Customer Resource Center at voice phone: 866-705-5711 or TTY line: 877-807-1679 (hearing impaired customers only). Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet.

D. Cost Sharing or Matching:

Cost sharing is not required under this award

IV. Application Requirements To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an application must contain:

A. A completed, signed and dated Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance form (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby= I ). Do not include other Federal sources offunding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the "Federal" funding box on the Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the "Federal" funding box. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the "Other" box.

B. Project Summary

Briefly summarize the project, in one page or less. Include the title of the project, geographic location, and a brief overview ofthe need for the project. Goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, anticipated outputs and outcomes can also be included in this section.

C. Project Narrative

1. Statement ofNeed: Describe why this project is necessary (significance/value) and include supporting information. Summarize previous or on-going efforts (of you.iyour organization, and other organizations or individuals) that are relevant to the proposed work. Explain the successes or failures ofpast efforts and how your proposed project builds on them. If you have received funding previously (from the Service or any other entity) for this specific project work or site, provide a summary of the funding, associated activities and products/outcomes.

2. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) ofthe program/project. State the objectives ofthe project. Objectives are the specific outcomes to be accomplished in order to reach the stated goal(s). The project objectives must be specihc, measurable, and realistic (attainable within the project's proposed project period).

3. Project Activities, Methods and Timetable: List the proposed project activities and describe how they relate to the stated objectives. Activities are the specific actions to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). The proposed project activities narrative must be detailed enough for reviewers to make a clear connection between the activities and the proposed project costs. For projects being conducted within the United States, the narrative must provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 ofthe Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 olthe National Historic Preservation Act. For projects being conducted on the high seas, the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of Endangered Species Act. Provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity. Provide a timetable indicating roughly when activities or project milestones are to be accomplished. Include any resulting tables, spreadsheets or flow charts within the body ofthe project narrative do not incl

I as separate attachments). The timetable should not propose specific dates but instead group activities by month for each month over the entire proposed project period.

4. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: As applicable, describe how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project, and detail iflhow they will be involved in conducting project activities, disseminating project results and/or incorporating your results/products into their activities.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project. Building on the stated project objectives, which must be specific and measurable, identifu what you will measure (i.e., quantitative/quantifiable indicators) and how you will measure (e.g., methods, sample size, survey tools). Reference the stated project timetable (i.e., process indicators) and budget information (i.e., input indicators).

Identify the products/services to be delivered and how/to whom they will be delivered (i.e., output indicators). Detail the expected direct effect(s) ofthe proiect on beneficiaries (i.e., outcome indicators). Include any available questionnaires, surveys, curricula, exams/tests or other assessment tools to be used for project evaluation. Describe the resources and organizational structure available for gathering, analyzing and reporting monitoring and evaluation data. If applicable, describe how project participants and beneficiaries will participate in monitoring and evaluation activities. Describe how findings will be fed back into decision making and project activities throughout the project period.

6. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and,/or individuals. Identifu which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis. If eligibility for funding is based in whole or in part on the qualifications ofkey personnel, provide for each key person a brief (!!j4pg) but descriptive overview of their education, experience and other skills that make them qualified to carry out the proposed project. To prevent unnecessary transmission of Personally Identifiable Information, da not include Social Securily numbers, the names offamily members, or any other personal or sensitive information including marital status, religion or physical characterislics on the description of key personnel quali/ications.

7. Sustainability: As applicable, describe which project activities will continue beyond the proposed project period, who will continue the work or act on the results achieved, and how and at what level you expect these future activities will be funded.

8. Literature Cited

9. Map of Project Area: Map should clearly delineate the project area and be large enough to be legible. Label any sites referenced in the project narrative.

D. Budget Form Complete the Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF 4244) or Budget Information for Construction Programs (SF 424C) form. Use the SF 424.4 if your project does not include construction and the SF 424C if the project includes construction or land acquisition. The budget forms are available on the Intemet at http://www.erants.eov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-lamily.html#sortby:1. When developing your budget, keep in mind that financial assistance awards and subawards are subject to the Federal cost principles in Title 2 ofthe Code ofFederal Regulations Part 200, as applicable to the recipient organization type. Links to the full text ofthe Federal cost principles are available on the Internet at http://wrvw.ecfr.gov/.

Note on Multiple Federal Funding Sources: If the project budget includes multiple Federal funding sources, you must show the funds being requested from this Federal program on the budget form separately from any other requested/secured Federal sources of funding. Enter the funds being requested from this Federal program in the first row ofthe Budget Summary section of the form, and then enter funding related to other Federal programs in the subsequent row(s). Be sure to enter each Federal program's CFDA number in the conesponding fields on the form. The CFDA number for this Federal program appears on the first page ofthis funding opportunity.

E. Budget Justification In a separate narrative titled "Budget Justification", explain andjustify all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the SF 424 Budget Object Class Category totals were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the Service's approval and estimate its cost.

Required Indirect Cost Statement: All applicants except individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate must include in the budget justification narrative one ofthe following statements and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

1. A U.S. state or local govemment entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. A copy ofour most recently approved rate agreement/certifi cation is attached.

2. A U.S. state or local govemment entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We are required to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation to support those costs.

3. A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local govemments, please use one of the statements above or below] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [lnsert either: "A copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement is attached. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made." or "A copy of our current, approved rate agreement(s) is attached."]

All applicants are hereby notified ofthe following:

o Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. Acceptingthe 10oh de minimus rate as a condition of award is an approved rate.

o Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award.

o Only the indirect costs calculated against the Federal portion ofthe total direct costs may be charged to the Federal award. Recipients may not charge to their Service award any indirect costs calculated against the portion oftotal direct costs charged to themselves or charged to any other project partner, Federal and non-Federal alike.

. Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted for direct costs or to satisfu cost-sharing or matching requirements under the award.

o Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation."

Applicants who are individuais applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

For more information on indirect cost rates, see the Service's Indirect Costs and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements guidance document on the Intemet at https://www.lws. ov/srants/atc.html.

Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior: Entities that do not have a NICRA must first have an open, active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your cognizant agency, your indirect cost rate will be negotiated by the Interior Business Center (IBC). For more information, contact the IBC at:

Indirect Cost Services Acquisition Services Directorate, Interior Business Center U.S. Department of the Interior 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 7-400 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-930-3803 Email: Through https://www.doi.eov/ibc/contactus/ibct'eedback web lorm

Intemet address: httns://www.doi.sov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-ser\ ices

F. Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Re ulations Part 200 Su art F all U.S. states, local govemments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse's Internet Data Entry System. All U.S. state, local govemment, federally-recognized Indian tribal govemment and non-profit applicants must provide a statement regarding ifyour organization was/was not requiied to submit a Single Audit report for the organization's most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, state if thai report is available on the Federal Audit clearinghouse Single Audit Database website tt //harvester.census ov/flacwe submitted. Include these statements at and provide the EN under which that report was the end ofthe Project Narrative in a section titled

"Single Audit Reporting Statements"

G. Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available at http://r.lrvw' grants.gov/web/erant s/lbrm s/ s I'- 4 2 4 - fhm i l v.html#sortbv: l. Use the Assurances for construction Programs (sF 424D) for construction and land acquisition projects. use the Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (Sf 4248) for all other projects. The form includes a statement that some ofthe assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. Signing this form does not make you or your organization subject to laws that are otherwise not applicable to you or your organization.

Changing, crossing out, or making notations on the form before signing has no impact on the applicability of law.

H. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant's certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A- Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $100,000, complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form available at http ://wr,vr,v. grants. gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-re pofiins-lorms.html#sortbv:1. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

I. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Applicants must notify the Service in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that are known at the time ofapplication or that may arise during the life ofthis award, in the event an award is made. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient's employees, or the recipient's subrecipients in a position ofconflict, real or apparent, between their

J responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of fut;e employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the awardthit would cause a reasonable person with knowledge ofthe relevant facts to question the impartiality ofthe applicant, the applicant's employees, or the applicant's future subrecipients in the matter. Applicants must notiflz the Service in writing in their application ifany key project personnel, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are known to be related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in or associated with the program to which you are applying for funding or who otherwiie may be involved in the review and selection ofthe application. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service program, in consultation with their Ethics counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, ifthere are any possible actions to be taken by the applicant to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the project not being select for funding.

Required Overlap/Duplication Statement: Applicants must provide a statement that addresses ifthere is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description ofthe overlap in their application.

Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program is/is not in any way duplicative ofany proposal that was/will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potentiat funding source (Federal or non-Federal). If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested from the Service, applicants must notiff the Service point of contact for this funding opportunity immediately.

Annlication Checklist tr Evidence of non-profit status: If a non-profit organization, a copy of their Section 501(c)(3) or (4) status determination letter received from the Intemal Revenue Service.

n SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF 424, SF 424-Mandatory, or SF 424lndividual form.

tr Project summary n Project narrative

! Timetable

! Single Audit Reporting statement: If a U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal govemment, or non-profit organization, statements regarding applicability of and compliance with Single Audit reporting requirements.

! SF 424 budget form: A complete SF 4244 or SF 424C Budget Information form.

n Budget justification n Federally-funded equipment list: If Federally-funded equipment will be used for the project, a list of that equipment.

tr Indirect cost statement tr NICRA: When applicable, a copy of the organization,s current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

n SF'424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF 4248 or SF 424D Assurances form.

n SF LLL form: If applicable, completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities florm.

n Conflict of Interest disclosure, when applicable.

! Overlap/Duplicationstatement

Failure to provide complete information may cause delays, postponement, or rejection of the application.

V. Submission Instructions

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: N/A

Intergovernmental Review: Before submitting an application, U.S. state and local govemment applicants should visit the following website (http://wvvvv.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants spoc/) to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovemmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) l23T2 "Intergovernmental review ofFederal Programs." E.O.

1,2372 was issued to foster the intergovemmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review ofproposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The E.O. allows each state to designate an entity to perform this function. The official list of designated entities is posted on the website. Contact your state's designated entity for more information on the process the state requires to be followed when applying for assistance. States that do not have a designated entity listed on the website have chosen not to participate in the review process.

Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required govemment-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Completed applications may be submitted by mail, by email, electronically through Grants.gov, or as otherwise described in the Grants.gov funding opportunity. Please select $p olthe submission options:

To submit an application by mail:

Number all pages of your printed application. Mail one, single-sided, unbound copy (do not staple or otherwise permanently bind pages) ofyour complete application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard lorms MUST be signed by your organization's authorized ofhcial. The Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text "Completed by Grants.gov upon submission" or "Completed on submission to Grants.gov". Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

To submit an applicalion by e-mail:

Format all of your documents to print on Letter size (8 %" x 11") paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Scanned documents should be scanned in Letter format, as black and white images only. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format. E-mail your application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization's authorized official. The Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text "Completed by Grants.gov upon submission" or "Completed on submission to Grants.gov". Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

To submit an application through Grants.gov:

Go to the Grants.gov Apply for Grants page (http://www0T.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grantsjsp) for an overview ofthe process to apply through Grants.gov. Yor"r,/your organization must complete the Grants.gov registration process before submitting an application through Grants.gov. Registration can take between three to five business days, or as long as two weeks if all steps are not completed in a timely manner.

Important note on Grants.gov application attachment file names: Please do not assign application attachments file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. Assigning file names longer than 20 characters will create issues in the automatic interface between Grants.gov and the Service's financial assistance management system.

VI. Application Review Criteria: Criteria for selection of all projects awarded by the CT SubCouncil Trustees is described in the Housatonic River Basin Final Natural Resources Restoration Plan, Environmental Assessment, and Environmental Impact Evaluationfor Connecticut (http://wrm'.ct.sov/deep/lib/deep/natural resources,4rousatonic/housatonic nrd tua1 rc$alatia!l plan.pd0. In accordance with the requirements of the Superfund Law (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and the criteria and guidance provided in the DOI NRD regulations (43 CFR 1 1.82), the Trustees established both eligibility and evaluation oiteria.The magnitude of recreational benefits was one ofthe evaluation criteria which directly relates to the Department's objective to improve access to recreational opportunities. Community involvement was another evaluation criteria that supports the Department's priority to restore trust with local communities.

Review and Selection Process: The review and selection process for all projects awarded by the CT SubCouncil Trustees is described in the Housdtonic River Basin Final Natural Resources

Restoration Plan, Environmental Assessmenl, and Environmental Impact Evaludtionfor Connecticul (htto ://www. ct. sov/deep/l p14!.pd1) ib/deep/natural resources/housatonic/housatonic nrd flrualrc$al4lq4

Prior to participating in any review or evaluation process, all staff and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must sign and retum to the program office point of contact the "Department of the Interior Conflict of Interest Certification" florm. For a copy of this form, contact the Service point ofcontact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

Each fiscal year, for every entity receiving one or more awards in that fiscal year, the Service conducts a risk assessment based on eight risk categories. The result ofthis risk assessment is used to establish a monitoring plan for all awards to the entity in that fiscal year. The Service's risk assessment form is available on the Intemet at http://www.fivs.gov/forms/3-2462.pdf.

Prior to approving an award with a Federal funding amount that exceeds or is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, as adjusted (see 2 CFR 200.88), the Service must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) to determine if, at a minimum, the information found in the system for the applicant demonstrates a satisfactory record ofFederal award performance and integrity and business ethics (see 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2)). The Service must also report to FAPIIS if al applicant subject to this review is found not qualified for a particular award due to its prior record of integrity or performance under Federal awards (see 2 cFR 200.212).

VII. Award Administration Award Notices: Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successlul applicants will receive written notice in the form of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail.

If e-mail notification is unsuccessful, the documents will be sent by courier mail (e.g., FedEx, DHL or UPS). Award recipients are not required to sign/retum the Notice of Award document.

Acceptance ofan award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Service. The notice of award document will include instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit payment requests.

Domestic Recipient Payments: Prior to award, the Sewice progtam office will contact you/your organization to either enroll in the U.S. Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system or, ifeligible, obtain approval from the Department ofthe Interior to be waived from using ASAP.

Transmittal of Sensitive Data: Recipients are responsible for ensuring any sensitive data being sent to the Service is protected during its transmission/delivery. The Service strongly recommends that recipients use the most secure transmission/delivery method available. The

Service recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing; encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email followed by the password in a second email; or emailing a zipped/compressed fi1e attachment. The

Service strongly encourages recipients sending sensitive data in paper copy to use a courier mail service. Recipients may also contact their Service Project Officer and provide any sensitive data over the telephone.

Award Terms and Conditions: Acceptance of a financial assistance award (i.e., grant or cooperative agreement) from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions applicable to the award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the notice of award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; progftrm legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. The Federal regulations applicable to Service awards are available on the Intemet at httplArylry.lrryfgqflgl44v. If you do not have access to the Intemet and require a full text copy ofthe award terms and conditions, contact the Service point ofcontact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

Recipient Reporting Requirements:

Financial and Performance Reports:

Final Reports: Recipients are required to submit final financial and performance reports no later than 90 calendar days after the award period ofperformance end date or termination date, whichever comes first. For awards lasting l2 months or [ess, the final reports will be the only financial and performance reports required, except in unusual circumstances or ilwaived.

Interim Reports: For awards that last longer than l2 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial and performance reports no less lrequently than annually and no more frequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances or if waived. Requiring a higher frequency of reporting than annual reporting will be based on the Service's assessment ofhigher or other unusual circumstance. Quarterly and semiannual interim reports are due within 30 calendar days of the reporting period end date. Annual interim reports are due within 90 calendar days ofthe reporting period end date.

Recipients must use the Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report for financial reporting.

available on the Intemet at http://www.grants.gor'/wcbi grants/forms/post-award-reportin g-lorms.html#sortbv:1

Performance reports must contain: 1) a comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives of the award as detaited in the approved scope ofwork; 2) a description olreasons why established goals were not met, ifappropriate; and 3) any other pertinent information relevant to the project results.

Significant Developments Reports: Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates that have signihcant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Service in writing as soon as the following types olconditions become known:

. Problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the abitity to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement ofany corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.

a Favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

The Service will specify in the notice of award document the reporting and reporting frequency applicable to the award.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Recipients are responsible for notifying the Service Proj ect Officer in writing ofany actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the lile of this award. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient's employees, or the recipient's subrecipients in a position ofconflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under this award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge ofthe relevant facts to question the impartiality ofthe Recipient, the Recipient's employees, or the Recipient's subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine ifa conflict of interest exists and, if so, ifthere are any possible actions to be taken by the Recipient, the Recipient's employee(s), or the Recipient's Subrecipient(s) that could reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts ofinterest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in any ofthe remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of this award.

Other Mandatory Disclosuresl The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency oI pass-through entity all violations ofFederal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that have regeived a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII-Award Term and Condition for

Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any ofthe remedies described in 2 cFR 200.338 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment. (See also 2 CFR part 180, 3l U.S'C. 3321, and 41 U.S.C.2313.)

2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XII-Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and

Performance Matters is applicable to awards with a total Federal share of more than $500,000, except those to individuals and foreign public entities.

VIII. Agency Contacts Artela Jacobs, Contract Specialist, (404) 679-7197 artelajacobs@fivs gov