F22AS00253_FullAnnouncement.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - International Conservation https://www.fws.gov/program/international-affairs

Species Conservation Catalyst Fund Fiscal Year: 2022

F22AS00253

Due Date for Applications: 05/09/2022

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

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

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description Authority:

U. S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-43)

15.679 - Combating Wildlife Trafficking

Assistance Listing Number:

15.679 Background, Purpose and Program Requirements:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The International Affairs Program delivers on this mission through its financial assistance programs by supporting strategic projects that deliver measurable conservation results for priority species and their habitats around the world.

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be a multibillion-dollar business involving the unlawful harvest and trade of animals and plants (including timber). It has broad security implications, with corruption and sophisticated transnational crime syndicates at the center of some poaching and trafficking. Wildlife trafficking removes hundreds of thousands of animals and plants from wild populations each year and further increases the extinction risk for threatened and endangered species, which are often the target of wildlife crime because of their rarity and increased economic value.

Species Conservation Catalyst Fund

The Service’s Combating Wildlife Trafficking Program’s Species Conservation Catalyst Fund (SCCF) is a new initiative that aims to reduce wildlife trafficking within complex social-ecological systems by supporting recipients to (1) provide a more empirical understanding of the contexts in which species are trafficked, and/or (2) develop, implement, and evaluate activities that reduce the threat of trafficking to species populations. The SCCF is designed to support capacity building among project partners to sustain conservation impact by attracting additional funding, attention, and other resources for the species. The first species supported through the SCCF are (1) saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis) in Central Asia and Mongolia, and (2) cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Horn of Africa.

This new fund is envisioned as a ‘conservation accelerator’ that will enable project teams to launch or grow projects, support opportunities for grantees to build skills relevant to their work, and develop networks of researchers and practitioners. Projects supported through the SCCF will help build a body of evidence to guide future conservation and counter-trafficking efforts.

Funding levels and timelines will vary for each species based on conservation need, funding availability, and the receipt of suitable proposals, but in general for each species, approximately $2-4 million is expected to be available and proposals will be invited through multiple funding opportunities over 3-5 years.

See below for more details on this funding opportunity. Please be sure to read this entire document and related attachments, as updated information has been added to Section D.

Application and Submission Information and Section E. Criteria to clarify requirements, expectations, and funding criteria.

Funding Opportunities

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support existing or launch new strategies to reduce poaching and trafficking of two identified taxa: (1) saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis) in Central Asia and Mongolia, and (2) cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Horn of Africa. This NOFO aligns with the missions of the Service and the Department of the Interior and reflects the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, including Administration policies articulated by Executive Orders 14008, 13985, and 14005.

1. SAIGA ANTELOPE

The saiga (Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis)* is a Critically Endangered migratory antelope from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Mongolia [1]. Many human-induced threats impact saiga populations, particularly consumption and trade. Locally, saiga is hunted for meat, hide, and sport, but it is most traded internationally for its horn [2,3]. The horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) where it is often marketed as líng yáng, 羚羊 [4]. Poaching for saiga horn trade is a major threat to saiga survival [5].

International trade in saiga products is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In 1995 the species was added to Appendix II, and in 2019, its listing was amended to specify ‘zero quota’ for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes [3,6]. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding remains in place that was signed by all five extant saiga range states in 2005 [5]. All such states currently have domestic regulations prohibiting hunting, possession, and trade in saiga. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) also published a work program in 2021 outlining conservation priorities for the species [7]. Despite concerted conservation efforts at local, national, and international levels, saiga poaching and trafficking persist due to high consumer demand, the clandestine nature of the trafficking chain, challenges in coordinating range and distal consumer countries, and barriers to preventing poaching and trafficking at the local level.

This funding opportunity solicits projects to address poaching and trafficking of saiga with a focus on the desired outcomes outlined below.

Proposed projects should achieve one or more of the following desired outcomes:

1. Saiga populations are protected and conserved in their native habitats.

1.1 Empirical data on rates of poaching and/or underlying drivers of poacher behavior are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate methods.

1.2 Local monitoring teams are strengthened or established to reduce poaching of saiga via evidence-based activities and relevant training and support.

1.3 Barriers to community buy-in are understood and strategically addressed to further local protection, monitoring, and conservation efforts.

2. Saiga horn stockpiles are quantified and managed transparently.

2.1 Consumer countries are supported to understand (i) the distribution of saiga horn stockpiles (e.g., including when products are dispersed across non-government vendors’ stock) and (ii) the quantity of saiga horn across these stockpiles.

2.2 Evidence-based strategies are implemented and maintained to support effective management of saiga horn stockpiles and reporting to CITES or CMS as appropriate.

3. Demand for saiga horn is understood and reduced across consumer countries.

3.1 Empirical data on rates of consumption, underlying drivers of saiga horn consumer behavior, and/or on markets or policies affecting saiga horn consumption are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate methods.

3.2 Strategic, evidence-based activities are implemented and evaluated to reduce consumer demand or product availability.

Project activities should take place in saiga range countries (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia), and/or transit/consumer countries.

* CITES taxonomy recognizes two saiga species - Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis. However, IUCN recognizes Saiga tatarica as the only species in the genus Saiga (with two recognized subspecies: Saiga tatarica tatarica and Saiga tatarica mongolica).

2. CHEETAH

Historically widespread throughout non-forested areas of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Sub-continent, cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) are now found in only 9% of their historic range; 77% of their current distribution is outside protected areas and in human-dominated landscapes [8]. The cheetah is listed in Appendix I of both Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, and is categorized as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [9]. The global cheetah population is estimated at 7,100 individuals distributed between several highly fragmented populations, representing a 50% reduction in numbers from the 1960s [8]. Gaps in knowledge exist on the distribution and density of cheetah, particularly throughout their range in the Horn of Africa.

Cheetah population numbers have declined markedly as a result of persecution by humans primarily due to conflict with livestock and the illegal wildlife trade, as well as from changes in land management, a deterioration of their habitat, and declines in their prey population [10-13].

The illegal trade in cheetah is likely having the most dramatic impact on populations in eastern Africa and the Horn, from where an estimated 300 or more cheetahs are smuggled each year primarily to supply the pet trade for wealthy buyers in the Middle East [10,11]. Live cheetah are also traded for zoo and wildlife park attractions globally, but particularly in eastern and southeast

Asia [10]. The illicit trade represents an annual loss of over 4% of the total cheetah population.

More than 4,000 wild cheetahs have been recorded in illegal trade incidents since 2010, 87% of which were live animals [11]. Shifts in modes of transport during the COVID-19 pandemic may have further escalated trade as evidenced by a 58% increase from the Horn into Yemen between March 2020 and February 2021 as compared to the year prior [10].

This funding opportunity solicits projects to address cheetah trafficking from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East with a focus on the desired outcomes outlined below.

Proposed projects should achieve one or more of the following desired outcomes:

1. Population monitoring data for cheetah in the Horn of Africa are used to inform conservation action plans.

1.1 Robust population/distribution data for cheetah are collected and used to inform anti-trafficking and conservation efforts.

1.2 Capacity is developed for national wildlife authorities or in-country research teams to sustain survey/monitoring work long-term.

1.3 National conservation action plans are developed and/or implemented in coordination with local and national authorities and in consultation with communities living with cheetah.

2. The capacity of law enforcement and/or cheetah monitoring networks are strengthened in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

2.1 Law enforcement needs (e.g., resources, training, etc.) are identified and addressed to strengthen capacity to combat illegal trade in cheetah and other species.

2.2 Communication between national/regional/international law enforcement agencies is established and maintained.

2.3 Mechanisms for collecting and managing confiscation, arrests, prosecution, and sentencing data for cheetah and other wildlife are established, standardized, and maintained.

2.4 Local monitoring teams are established or strengthened to reduce poaching of cheetah via evidence-based activities and relevant training and support.

3. Drivers for cheetah poaching in the Horn of Africa are understood and addressed.

3.1 Baseline data on the social, cultural, economic, political, and situational factors that drive human-cheetah conflict are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate social science methods.

3.2 Strategic, evidence-based activities, including those that address livelihoods, human wildlife conflict, and compliance with laws, are implemented and evaluated to reduce poaching of cheetah.

4. Demand for cheetah in consumer countries is understood and addressed.

4.1 Baseline data on rates of consumption and/or the social, cultural, economic, political, and situational factors that drive demand for cheetah are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate social science methods.

4.2 Strategic partnerships and networks in demand countries are established for regional support on demand reduction activities.

4.3 Strategic, evidence-based activities are implemented and evaluated to reduce consumer demand or availability of wild cheetah.

Project activities should take place in cheetah range, transit, and/or consumer countries with a focus on those countries where illicit trade presents a high level of threat to cheetah populations.

LITERATURE CITED

Links to the following documents are provided to applicants as reference only. The inclusion of these documents should not be viewed as an official endorsement of a particular approach or strategy in responding to this NOFO.

1. Mallon DP (2008). Saiga tatarica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008.

2. Ku hl A, Balinova N, Bykova E, Arylov YN, Esipov A, Lushchekina AA, Milner-Gulland EJ (2009). The role of saiga poaching in rural communities: Linkages between attitudes, socio-economic circumstances and behaviour. Biological Conservation 142:1442-1449.

3. CITES (2018). Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.): Report of the Secretariat. Seventieth meeting of the Standing Committee. Rosa Khutor, Sochi (Russian Federation).

4. Doughty H, Veríssimo D, Tan RCQ, Lee JSH, Carrasco LR, Oliver K, Milner-Gulland EJ (2019) Saiga horn user characteristics, motivations, and purchasing behaviour in Singapore. PLOS ONE 14(9).

5. CMS (2017). Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope. Available from http://www.cms.int/en/legalinstrument/saiga-antelope.

6. CITES (2019). Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.): Summary Record of the Tenth Session for Committee. Eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Geneva (Switzerland).

7. CMS (2021). The Fourth Meeting of Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope (Saiga spp.). Medium-term International Work Programme for the Saiga Antelope (2021- 2025).

Online (Russian Federation).

8. Durant, S.M., Mitchell, N., Groom, R. et al. (2017). The global decline of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and what it means for conservation. PNAS. 114(3): 528-533.

9. Durant, S., Mitchell, N., Ipavec, A. & Groom, R. (2015). Acinonyx jubatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T219A50649567. Accessed on 13 December 2021.

10. Tricorache, P. & Stiles, D. (2021). Live cheetahs. Global initiative against transnational organized crime. Black market brief. https://globalinitiative.net/analysis/live-cheetahs/

11. Triocarche, P., Yashphe, S., Marker, L. (2021). Global dataset for seized and non-intercepted illegal cheetah trade (Acinonyx jubatus) 2010 – 2019. Data in brief. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33644272

12. Marker, L. (2019). Cheetahs Race for Survival: Ecology and Conservation, In M. Ferretti (Ed.). Wildlife Population Monitoring. IntechOpen, doi: 10.5772/intechopen.82255.

Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/67071

13. Marker, L. (2018). Cheetahs: biology and conservation. Academic Press, London.

14. Gilson, L., Biggs, H., Smit, I.P.J., Virah-Sawmy, M., Rogers, K. (2019). Finding a Common Ground between Adaptive Management and Evidence-based Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 34(1): 31-44.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $3,500,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $1,000,000 Minimum Award $100,000

Proposals should be two to five-year projects with a range of $50,000 to $200,000 per year for no more than $1,000,000 total over five years. The amount of funding requested must be clearly justified by the scope of the activities, anticipated results, and length of the project period. For multi-year projects, budgets and activities should be clearly articulated by year.

The Service may obligate all funds upfront, or the funds may be obligated in incremental funding year-by-year. Support for subsequent years will be contingent upon satisfactory project performance, reporting, financial management, and availability of program funds.

The Service may issue future and non-competitive renewal funding for the projects funded from this NOFO. Requests for renewal funding will be solicited by the Service and will be based on satisfactory project performance, reporting, financial management, and availability of program funds.

The Service reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33644272

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding $100,000 Expected Award Date September 23, 2022

The expected award funding will range from $100,000 - $1,000,000. The standard period of performance for projects is two to five years. The proposal, budget, and timetable should describe activities for the entire proposed period of performance. The period of performance for projects starts on the date the award is signed by the Service and may be one or more years duration. If the applicant wishes to request a shorter or longer period of performance, it should be noted and the proposal, budget, and timetable should describe activities for the entire proposed period of performance. For multi-year projects, budgets and activities should be clearly articulated by year. Support for subsequent years will be contingent upon satisfactory project performance, reporting, financial management, and availability of program funds. The Service reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted and will determine the resulting level of funding for the award.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

The total anticipated number of awards is six to ten. The Service expects three to five awards each for saiga antelope and cheetah.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant CA - Cooperative Agreement

Grants A grant agreement is a legal instrument of financial assistance and is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement from Service in carrying out the activities contemplated by the award.

Cooperative Agreements To submit a proposal for consideration as a cooperative agreement, provide a justification statement in the project proposal as to the type and duration of assistance requested by the Service and a rationale for why involvement of Service is needed to fulfill the project objectives. If the Service determines that its involvement could contribute significant value to a project, the Service Program Officer will approach the recipient following proposal review to discuss whether a cooperative agreement would be mutually beneficial. Under cooperative agreements, substantial involvement by the Service should be expected and could include one or more of the following: participating and collaborating jointly with the recipient or other personnel in refining and carrying out the scope of work, including training recipient personnel or detailing Federal personnel to work on the project effort; reviewing and approving one stage of work before the next stage can begin; reviewing and approving, prior to recipient action, proposed modifications or sub-awards; helping select project staff or trainees; and directing or redirecting the work because of interrelationships with other projects.

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility Applicants can be individuals, multi-national secretariats, foreign, national, and local government agencies, non-profit non-governmental organizations, for-profit organizations, and public and private institutions of higher education.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

Cost sharing is the portion of program costs not borne by the Service. Under this program, cost share is not required but may be committed voluntarily. Voluntary Committed Cost Share (See 2 CFR 200.1) is not an eligibility factor, and contributions will not result in a more favorable competitive ranking. Cost share should be necessary and reasonable to accomplish project objectives, and allowable in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E—Cost Principles. Applicants may consider all types of cost sharing, including in-kind and public-private partnerships.

Examples include the use of office space owned by other entities; donated or borrowed supplies and equipment; (non-federal) sponsored travel costs; waived indirect costs; and program activities, translations, or consultations conducted by qualified volunteers. Assign a monetary value in U.S. dollars to each in-kind contribution. The values of offered cost-share should be included in the detailed budget and explanations of contributions should be included in the Budget Narrative whether cash or in-kind.

If the proposed project is a component of a larger program, identify other funding sources and the specific funding amount to be provided by those sources. In addition, it is recommended that the Budget Narrative address the overall cost-effectiveness of the proposal, including leveraging institutional or other resources.

Funds provided by another U.S. Federal Government agency or another Service award cannot be reported as cost share but contributions should be noted and explained in detail in the Budget Narrative.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_11 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_11 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.e

If cost share is included in the budget, written records must be maintained to support all allowable costs that are claimed as its contribution to cost share, as well as costs to be paid by the Federal government. Such records are subject to audit.

C3. Other Foreign Entities or Projects:

State Sponsors of Terrorism: This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions: This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.

In-Country Licenses, Permits, or Approvals: Entities conducting activities outside the U.S.

are responsible for coordinating with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities as necessary to obtain all required licenses, permits, or approvals before undertaking project activities. The Service does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws, regulations, policies, or procedures of the foreign country in which they are conducting work.

Excluded Parties:

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

D. Application and Submission Information D1. Address to Request Application Package This funding opportunity contains all information, attachments, and links for all forms needed to apply. To request paper copies of materials, please contact cwt@fws.gov.

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/program/international-affairs

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. The form must be complete and signed by an Authorized Representative. For all applicants except private citizens, the Authorized Representative’s signature on a standard application form submitted to the Service represents their certification that the entity’s financial management system meets 2 CFR https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302

§200.302 financial management requirements. The non-Federal entity’s financial management system must be sufficient to:

1. Permit the preparation of required reports;

2. Trace funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the entity has used such funds per Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award;

3. Provide for the requirements in 2 CFR §200.302(b); and

4. Comply with §200.334 Retention requirements for records, §200.335 Requests for transfer of records, §200.336 Methods for collection, transmission, and storage of information, and §200.337 Access to records.

When completing the SF-424 Application form, enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in Box 18a, Estimated Federal Funding. Include any other Federal sources of funding in Box 18e. Estimated Other Funding and identify any such sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), do NOT include your Social Security Number on this or any other document to be submitted with your application! When completing the SF-424 Application form, individuals must enter in Box 8b. Employee/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) the substitute number “444-44- 4444” and in Box8c. For organizational DUNS substitute number “123456789”. For UEI substitute the number "000123456789".

Project Abstract Summary (OMB Number 4040-0019) Applicants must complete and submit the Project Abstract Summary form. The Project Abstract Summary form must provide a brief award description. The description must be in plain language that the public can understand without viewing the full application proposal. It should include a brief, simple description of the project purpose, activities to be performed, deliverables and expected outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipient activities, if known at the time of submission.

Do not include personally identifiable, sensitive, or proprietary information in the award description as this is available to the public. Use only English characters, numbers, punctuation, and standard symbols. Use of non-English, non-standard characters (also referred to as special or extended ASCII characters) will result in the award description failing to be reported correctly to USASpending.gov. Award descriptions are limited to 4,000 characters or less. Applicants should check the length of the award description and proofread for proper grammar and spelling.

For applicants applying through Grants.gov: Applicants must download and complete the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form from the full text announcement. To submit the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form with the application, applicants must add the form as an attachment to the Grants.gov “Attachments” form that is included in the application package.

For applicants applying through GrantSolutions-Grants Management Module (GS- GMM): Applicants must enter the information in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a document in place of entering the information directly into GS-GMM Project Abstract Screen.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.334 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.336 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.337

Project Narrative Project narratives should be ten pages or fewer and pages should be numbered. Project figures, data tables, maps, curriculum vitae, additional detailed information, financial materials and required standard forms do not count toward the ten-page limit.

Proposed projects are expected to reflect systematic strategic planning, be context-specific, and take an adaptive management (AM) approach. Proposals must show relevant best-practices for research and implementation methods.

Detailed guidance and examples for completing the Project Narrative are provided in the attachment titled PROJECT NARRATIVE FULL TEXT SCCF NOFO F22AS00253.

The following sections must be included in your Project Narrative:

1. Project Title

2. Statement of Need

3. Project Goal, Objectives, Activities, and Methods

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Development

5. Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptation

6. Project Learning and Sharing

7. Ethics Approval

8. Project Timetable

9. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project

10. Sustainability

11. Literature Cited (include as an addendum)

12. Project Location

13. Government Letter of Endorsement

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A Budget Information form for Non- Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov or in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Program Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424C Budget Information form for Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

Budget Narrative Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class

Category” totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays). Describe any proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306 for more information.

Although not a requirement, the Service has funding available to support the following types of activities:

• Open-access publication charges, for institutions/organizations that cannot cover costs otherwise.

• Skills and professional development training. Applicants are encouraged budget up to $20,000 per year for skills and professional development training opportunities for project staff. If specific sessions are not named, we request applicants to identify the general skill(s) they aim to develop. We encourage applicants to consider building skills in fundraising, strategic planning, adaptive management, social and behavioral science research and application, and other relevant topics consistent with the approach of the SCCF and that will help sustain the project goals and team growth in the long-term.

• Costs associated with convening and coordinating partners and any other collaborative processes such as meetings (space, lodging, travel), web and print communications, stakeholder outreach activities, strategic planning, and conservation prioritization.

• Dedicated staffing or other activities (e.g., workshops, meetings) to strengthen conservation outcomes and enable the work to continue beyond the period of performance, such as monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, communications and storytelling, and strategic planning and adaptive management.

Applicants must include an itemized Budget Table following the example shown in the attachment titled BUDGET TABLE EXAMPLE NOFO F22AS00253.

Every budget line included in the Budget Table should be explained in the Budget Narrative. If your Budget Table requires more than one page, verify that the column headings and row titles appear on all pages.

The itemized budget should provide enough information for reviewers to quickly understand the cost basis and calculation. For example, a $3,300 charge for lodging should include the formula for how the cost was calculated: Lodging for 20 nights x 11 people x $15/night = $3,300. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time.

For any salaries, staff time, or contractors for which Service funds are requested, the person should be identified, and their qualifications described in the Project Details (Description of https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306

Entities Undertaking the Project). For any training, a description of the training should be included in the Methods section. For any meetings, a description of participants, a draft agenda, and desired outputs should be provided.

Expenses listed as “Miscellaneous” or “etc.” are unallowable. Unless conditions listed under

200.433 Contingency provisions are applicable, “contingencies” are unallowable. Expenses listed as “Other” must be clearly identified and described in the Budget Narrative. Applicants should be aware of and comply with requirements of 200.216 Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.

All budget items listed (as shown in the example table) will compose the direct costs. Indirect cost rate (e.g., for organizational overhead) depends on whether the submitting organization has, or plans to apply for, a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). Without a NICRA the organization can claim up to a 10% de minimis rate. To calculate indirect costs with de minimis, you must first calculate modified total direct costs (MTDC) and then multiply that by 10%. For example, if a project proposed $450,000 in direct costs, the MTDC would be the total remaining after items listed as ‘excluded’ are subtracted. If $2,000 was subtracted for workshop participant costs and $40,000 for student tuition, the MTDC would be $408,000. The indirect costs would then be $408,000 multiplied by 10%, i.e. $40,800. And the total award amount would then be $490,800.

Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC): all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000.

Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

Identify any cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR 200.306 “Cost sharing or matching” for more information.

Equipment: Equipment is defined as an item with a per-unit cost of $5,000 or more and a service life of more than one year. If the item meets these criteria, all federal procurement policies and procedures must be followed. If an item does not meet these criteria, it should be considered a supply and listed under cost category E. Provide justification for any equipment purchase/rental in the budget narrative. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. For expensive items or large single purchases, provide detailed technical specifications or a pro forma invoice.

Supplies: List items separately using unit costs and the percentage of each unit cost being charged to the award for photocopying, postage, telephone/fax, printing, and office supplies (e.g., Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12 months).

Participant support costs: Direct costs for items such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees (but not https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1433 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1216 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1216 employees) in connection with conferences, or training projects.

Contractual:

1. Subawards: For each subaward, provide a detailed line-item breakdown explaining specific services in a separate tab in the Budget Table and Narrative. Subaward budgets should include the same level of detail for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, other direct costs, and indirect costs required of the direct applicant. If indirect costs are charged on a subaward budget, include the subrecipient’s NICRA. A subaward means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that the pass-through entity considers a contract.

2. Consultant Fees: For example, lecture fees, honoraria, travel, and per diem for outside speakers or independent evaluators: list number of people and rates per day (e.g., 2 x $150/day x 2 days). Consultant/outside expert fees/honoraria should be consistent with the level of experience and based on a fair market value.

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

a. Applicability.

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

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

b. Notification.

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

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

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

USC §1352.

https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf

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

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

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

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

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

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regard to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

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

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