F18AS00243 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

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

FULL ANNOLTNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE. This Notice is NOT a request for competitive proposals. This is a notice of intent to award a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and The Nature Conservancy for the purpose of removing an antiquated, hazardous dam on the East Apetuck River in New Milford, Connecticut to enhance the aquatic riverine habitat, increase recreational fishing opportunities and eliminate a salety hazard posed by the disintegrating dam. 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 (TNC) and a sportsmen's group/local landowner (Ousatonic Fish and Game Protective Association) to enhance habitat for migratory fish and improve a recreational fishery. This project also "Restores trust with local communities" by providing federal funds for local priorities (in this case removing an antiquated dam that is a safety hazard to downstream residents). Lastly, this award will support several Departmental initiatives - creating American jobs and increasing and improving recreational opportunities. The source of the funding for this award is from a natural resource damage settlement between the Service, the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Trustees) and the General Electric Company. The award will help to compensate for natural resources injured as a result of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from the General Electric Company facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts under the authority of CFDA 15.658, Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Restoration, and Implementation. A determination by the Govemment not to compete this proposed assistance is based upon Departmental Manual 505DM2, paragraph2.l4 (B) (4) and is solely within the discretion of the Govemment. Questions conceming this announcement should be directed to Artela Jacobs at

(404) 679-7197 or by email at artelajacobs@fws.gov.

II. Award Information

I. Description of Funding Opportunity

The total amount of funding for this award is 5179,913.52. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be substantially involved in the proj ect under this funding opportunity. In particular, the Service will be responsible for: 1) providing guidance and technical assistance in the development of the designs and plans, including meeting with interested parties and regulatory agencies to develop site specific dam removal plans and to identify potential concems,

2) providing technical assistance to the Recipient to complete regulatory permitting, including meeting with permitting agencies to discuss restoration objectives and methods to meet permitting requirements, 3) coordinating the review and approval of the Trustee SubCouncil for Connecticut regarding the draft plans/designs, and 4) monitoring and documenting project progress through periodic meeting attendance, site visits, and/or recipient progress reporting. The Service has the power to halt an activity ifperformance specifications are not rnet.

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 govemment, academia or other type of organization.

A. DUNS Registration Request a DTINS number at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties.

contact Dun & Bradstreet by email at: gor.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 DLJNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet.

B. Entity 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 DUNS 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

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants:

umestricted (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 (lRS) must provide a copy oftheir Section 501(c)(3) status determination letter received from the IRS.

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 funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

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

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

(hftp://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 Apptication 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 ofthe project, geographic location, and a !!g[ overview of the need for the project. Goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, anticipated outputs and outcomes can also be included in this section.

C. Project Narrative

l. Statement of Need: Describe why this project is necessary (significance/value) and include supporting information. Summarize previous or on-going efforts (of yor"r/your 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 ofthe funding, associated activities and products/outcomes.

2. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) ofthe program/project. State the objectives of the project. Objectives are the specific outcomes io bi accomplished in order to reach the stated goal(s). The project objectives must be specific, 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 fulfilt 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

I conducted within the united states, the narrative must provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with the Nationai Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 ofthe 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 notlnclude 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.

Stakeholder Coordinationflnyolvement: 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 project 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 structue available for gathering, arralyzing 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 ofthe applicant organization and all participating entities aad./or individuals. Identi$ 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 (1-2 paeet) but descriptive overview oftheir 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 Security numbers, the names offamily members, or any other personal or sensitive information including marital status, religion or physical characteristics on the description of key personnel qualiJications.

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 nanative.

D. Budget Form Complete the Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A) or Budget

Information for Construction Programs (SF 424C) form. Use the SF 4244 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. grants sov/web/sran ts/lorms/sf-424- lam ill.htm I#sortbv- I . 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 Intemet at http //www.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 of the Budget Summary section ofthe 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 corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number for this Federal program appears on the first page of this funding opportunity.

E. Budget Justification In a separate narrative titled "Budget Justification", explain andjustiff 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 baseJine salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the ipplicable 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 agreemenVcertifi 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 ofthe 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]. [Insert 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 ofour current, approved rate agreement(s) is attached."]

All applicants are hereby notified ofthe following:

. Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. Acceptingthe l\Yo 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 of the 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.

o Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted for direct costs or to satisfy 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 individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit org'anization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you ur. ^ 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 fws. gov/grants/atc.html.

Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior: Entities that do noihur. u NtCRe 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 ofdirect funding to your organization is your cognizant agency, unless otherwise assigned by the white House office of Management and Budget (oMB).

the Department ofthe Interior is your cognizant agency, your indirect cost rate iarili 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.sov/ibc/contactus/ ibcleedback web form Intemet address: https ://www.doi. gov/ibc/services/fi nance/indirect-cost-services

F. Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in Title 2 ofthe Code of Federal

If

Reeulations Par:t 200. Subpart F, all U.S. states, local govemments, federally-recognized Indian tribal govemments, 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 Intemet Data Entry System. All U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal govemment and non-profit applicants must provide a statement regarding ifyour organization was/was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the organization's most recently closed hscal year and, if so, state if that report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (https:rhan ester.c ) and provide the EN under which that report was submitted. Include these statements at the end of the Project Narrative in a section titled "Single Audit Reporting Statements".

G. Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available at http://www.grants. gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.hffi1lf ssfi 6y- 1 . 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 of the 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 connectioo with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee ofany agency, a Member ofCongress, an officer or employee ofCongress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant's certification ofthe statements in 43 CFR Part 18. Appendix A- Certification Regarding Lobbvine. If you,/your organization have,&as 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://wwvr' grants.so v/r.l'eb/grant s/forms/po st-aw-ard-rcportinq- lorms.html#sortbv: L See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission ofthis 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 of this 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 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 futuie 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 applicant, the applicant's employees, or the applicant,s future subrecipients in the matter. Applicants must noti$ the Service in writing in their application if any 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 progam to which you are applying for funding or who otherwise may be involved in the review and selection of the application. Upon receipt of such a notice, tlle Service program, in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there 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.

J. 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 of the overlap in their application.

Applicants must also state ifthe proposal submitted for consideration under this program is/is not in any way duplicative of any proposal that was/will be submitted for funding consideration to any other potential 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 notifu the Service point of contact lor this funding opportunity immediately.

Application Checklist tr Evidence of non-profit status: Ifa non-profit organization, a copy oftheir Section 501(cX3) or (4) status determination letter received from the Intemal Revenue Service.

! SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF 424, SF 424-Mandalory, or SF 424Jndividual form.

! Project summary tr Project narrative tr Timetable n 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.

tr sF 424 budget form: A complete sF 4244 or SF 424c Budget Information form.

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

! Indirect cost statement tr NICRA: when applicable, a copy of the organization's current Negotiated Indirect cost Rate Agteement.

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 form.

tr Conflict of Interest disclosure, when applicable.

! Overlap/Duplication statement

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:i/uul,rr.rvbilehouse. gov/omb/erants spec/) to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovemmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) l23T2 "lntergovernmental review of Federal Programs." E.O.

12372 was issued to foster the intergovemmental partnership and strenglhen 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 of the submission options:

To submil 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 G Service program point ofcontact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and anv other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization's authorized official. ihe 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 by e-mail:

Format all ofyour 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 scarmed documents in.pdf format. E-mail your application to the Service program point ofcontact 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 submil 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. You./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://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/natural resources,/housatonic,/housatonic_nrd_final_restoration plan.pdf)

Review and Selection Process: The review and selection process for all projects awarded by the CT SubCouncil Trustees is described in ihe Housatonic River Basin Final Natural Resources Restortrtion Plan, Environmental Assessment, and Environmental lmpact Evaluation for

Connecticut (http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/natural_resouces/housatonic/housatonic nrd final restoration llan.pdl)

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" form. 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 of this 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 of Federal award performance and integrity and business ethics (see 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2)). The Service must also report to FAPIIS if an 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. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the form ofa 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 signiretum 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 Service program office will contact yol/your organization to either enroll in the U.S. Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system or, if eligible, obtain approval from the Department of the 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 file 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 ofand 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; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. The Federal regulations applicable to Service awards are available on the Intemet at http://www.lws.say&!a4s/. If you do not have access to the Intemet and require a full text copy olthe award terms and conditions, contact the Service point of contact 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 of performance end date or termination date, whichever comes first. For awards lasting 12 months or less, the final reports will be the only financial and performance reports required, except in unusual circumstances or if waived.

Interim Reports: For awards that last longer than 12 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 ofreporting 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 of the reporting period end date.

Recip ients must use the Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report for financial reporting, available on the Intemet at hftp: //wM,\'.srants.sov/web/gran ts/forms/oost-award -reDortrnq-lorms.html#sortbr': I .

Performance reports must contain: 1) a comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives of the award as detailed in the approved scope of work; 2) a description of reasons wiy established goals were not met, if appropriate; and 3) any other pertinent information relevant to the project results.

Significant Developments Reports: Events may occur between the scheduled performance reiorting dates thatiave significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are reqJired to notify the Sirvice in writing as soon as the following types ofconditions become known:

a a

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

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 Project Officer in writing ofany actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise dudng the life 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 oftrust 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 of the 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 notica, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine ifa conflict of interest exists and, ifso, 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 of interest 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 Disclosures: The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations ofFederal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in 2 cFR 200, Appendix XII-Award Term and condition lor 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 of the remedies described in 2 cFR 200.338 Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment. (See also 2 CFR part 180, 31 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) 6'19'7 197 artelajacobs@fws.gov