F23AS00375_FullAnnouncement.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - International Conservation

F23AS00375 - Counter-Wildlife Crime Capacity Building and Policy Assessment in the Eastern

Caribbean

Fiscal Year: 2023

F23AS00375

Due Date for Applications: 07/18/2023

A. Program Description

Authority:

Endangered Species Act – International cooperation (16 U.S.C. §1537).

Applications awarded under this announcement will be funded through a Participating Agency

Program Agreement (PAPA) between the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the United

States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI). The Activity Title of the Agreement is Critical Capacity Partnership signed on August 17, 2021. Section 632(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended

(FAA), 22 U.S.C section 2392 (b).

Assistance Listing Number:

15.640

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 and 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 projects that deliver measurable conservation results for priority species and their habitats around the world.

The goal of the Service’s Caribbean Program is to conserve priority species, habitats, and ecological processes across landscapes with high biodiversity value in the Caribbean Region. The objectives of the Caribbean Program are:

1. To reduce underlying threats and address the human elements of biodiversity conservation in the Caribbean by supporting the implementation of on-the-ground projects;

2. To conserve the flora and fauna of the Caribbean Region by strengthening the ability of local institutions, decision-makers, and civil society to deliver enduring conservation actions; and

3. To maximize conservation impact by developing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders at the local, national, regional, and international levels

Withing the Caribbean region, the Eastern Caribbean is an important hot spot for biodiversity.

Each island has unique communities of endemic wildlife, making them especially vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances, including habitat loss, invasive species and poaching for the illegal pet trade. In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in the volume of Eastern Caribbean species trafficked online and in markets of Europe and the United States. This funding opportunity would provide opportunities for the source, transit and consumer countries of

Eastern Caribbean to build capacity within governments to protect wildlife from poaching and illegal trade, strengthening their abilities to detect and prosecute wildlife crimes, improving national and international networking and coordination, and developing and communicating best practices.

Through this funding opportunity, the Service, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for

International Development (USAID) Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation

B1. Total Funding

B. Federal Award Information

(DDI), intends to fund one 18-month cooperative agreement that addresses the root causes of illegal wildlife trade by improving the capacity of Eastern Caribbean government agencies and their personnel to protect biodiversity from poaching and trafficking.

The Service is seeking a non-governmental organization (NGO) capable of the design and execution of a professional-level hybrid training program for law enforcement professionals from diverse backgrounds and levels of education working in the Eastern Caribbean and experienced in identifying existing policy gaps or opportunities for the implementation of the

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at the national level.

The objectives of this anticipated cooperative agreement are to:

1. Strengthen the technical capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in the Eastern

Caribbean to investigate, detect and disrupt poaching and trafficking of endemic species;

2. Increase the capacity of targeted LEAs to integrate international anti-wildlife crime approaches and conventions into the national policies, strategies and practices; and

3. Facilitate interagency, national, and regional collaboration to combat wildlife crime in

Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Desired project outcomes include:

1. A university-accredited course and training curricula for law enforcement professionals is implemented;

2. National, regional, and international collaboration against wildlife crime is strengthened;

3. Counter-wildlife trafficking policy and enforcement implementation loopholes are closed; and

4. National-level legislations on illegal trade of wildlife are updated.

The project should be implemented in the eligible countries in the Eastern Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. If work is to be conducted in the United States, the proposal must show a clear impact on biodiversity conservation in the eligible countries.

Estimated Total Funding

$600,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award

$600,000

Minimum Award

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding

Expected Award Date

October 16, 2023

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.

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

This funding opportunity will issue a single award with an expected period of performance of 18 months and $600,000 USD in funding.

The Service will contact the applicant to confirm the performance period. The amount of funding requested must be clearly justified by the scope of the activities, the anticipated results and the length of the project period.

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type

CA - Cooperative Agreement

A cooperative agreement is a type of project under which joint action or collaboration between the Service and the recipient during the project performance is considered necessary or desirable to achieve successful project implementation. For cooperative agreements substantial involvement is expected between the Service and the award recipient. The recipients will be required to work with the assigned Program Officer, who is the Service’s authorized representative responsible for ensuring the successful management of the award. The Program

Officer will work collaboratively with the awardee on substantive issues related to the award — providing assistance, guidance, coordination, and participation in project activities to ensure its success. This includes working with the selected applicant to finalize the design of the training program and related activities; and participate in the selection of key project staff (if not already determined), trainees, and instructors. Meanwhile, the recipient of the cooperative agreements

C1. Eligible Applicants

C. Eligibility Information must meet monthly with the Program Officer to discuss program implementation; request and receive prior approval before implementing the training curricula and training activities; and include the Program Officer in the selection of new key project staff, trainees, and instructors.

Eligible Applicants

25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility

Applicants under this program can be multi-national secretariats, foreign governments, U.S. and foreign non-profits, non-governmental organizations, community and Indigenous organizations, and U.S. and foreign public and private institutions of higher education.

Individuals are not eligible to apply under this Notice of Funding Opportunity. In addition, tuition for individuals and field expenses for projects carried out in support of masters, doctorate degrees, and post-doctoral research are not eligible under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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.

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 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

D. Application and Submission Information government. Such records are subject to audit.

C3. Other

Funds provided under this program may not be used for assistance to governments, parts of government, or government employees in countries that USAID notifies the Service to be ineligible for assistance.

The Service has obtained USAID Mission Concurrence for activities to take place in the following eligible countries in the Eastern Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint

Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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.

D1. Address to Request Application Package

This funding opportunity contains everything needed to apply. To request paper copies of materials, please contact wwb_carib@fws.gov .

Program Website Link

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance 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 mailto:wwb_carib@fws.gov

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 individuals and commercial entities, 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 §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.

If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature on or submission of the SF-424 form in GrantSolutions also represents their certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

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.”

Individuals may register in SAM.gov but are not required to have a SAM.gov registration. For individuals without a SAM.gov registration enter in Box 8c. the substitute Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI) “KA5HQCLKUVW1".

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 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

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.

Project Narrative

Please note: Project narratives should be ten pages or less. Pages should be numbered. Project summary, figures, tables, maps, curriculum vitae, and required standard forms do not count toward the ten-page limit.

1. Project title - Provide a basic description of the project, including the location and country, in the title. If this is a continuation of an earlier funded proposal, use the same title and include the appropriate number to denote that this is a subsequent proposal. Please note:

This title will be the reference archived and communicated in all future documents.

2. Statement of Need: This section should answer the question, “Why is this project necessary?” Clearly identify the wildlife, habitat, or biodiversity targeted for conservation

(including any existing estimates of population size, geographic range, or extent); a description of the direct threats that affect the targeted species at the project site; and the specific threats that the project will address. This section should describe how the proposed activities are expected to lead to desired conservation outcomes, such as the reduction of direct threats or improvement of the status of species and habitats. Summarize previous or ongoing efforts (of you/your organization, and other organizations or individuals) that are relevant to the proposed work, including how the proposal differs from past work, or builds upon it, and how the applicant plans to expand upon the successes, failures, and lessons learned from past efforts.

It is important for applicants to show that conservation project proposals are based on the best available evidence. Applicants are encouraged to describe and cite the evidence base for the most important conservation activities within a proposal. For example, applicants should describe the existing evidence that suggests proposed activities will be effective, with a focus on activities that may have substantial or sensitive consequences or activities that are considered high risk by the project. To identify evidence for conservation activities, applicants are encouraged to search and cite the Conservation Evidence database

(https://www.conservationevidence.com/). The evidence base may also include published or grey literature, previous personal experience, Indigenous and/or traditional knowledge, evidence review and synthesis libraries (e.g., CEEDER, Evidence for Nature and People

Data Portal), or species assessments published under the Endangered Species Act and the

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. If a proposed activity is considered sensitive or high risk but has little to no existing evidence base among these information sources, applicants are encouraged to discuss where new evidence is needed to understand effectiveness.

Further guidance and examples are available in Parks et al. (2022) Funding Evidence-Based

Conservation and its supplementary materials.

https://www.conservationevidence.com/

If you have received funding previously from the Service for this specific project work or site, provide a summary of the funding, associated activities, products, outcomes, and associated measurable conservation results. A table may be the most efficient way to convey this information: including columns for donor, reference number, amount funded, year of activity, and bullet points of major activities, outcomes, products, and associated measurable conservation results. Projects with funding from any other government source or eligible for any other government source should add a section describing the activities supported and the added value of Service support. Please note how the proposal differs or builds upon funding available from other major donors. Former recipients of Service support should note that every proposal is expected to be a stand-alone document. Not all proposal reviewers may be familiar with past grants and a summary of activities and accomplishments helps all reviewers to better understand the proposal in context.

3. Project Goals, Objectives, Activities and Methods: This section should answer the question, “What do you want to achieve and how are you going to do it?” State the long-term goals of what your project aims to achieve. Objectives are the specific steps that you will take to reach your stated goals. Your objectives must be attainable within the project period and should be specific, measurable, and realistic. 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. Provide a detailed description of the method(s) used to carry out each activity.

The following format is recommended:

GOAL:

Objective 1.

Activity 1.1

Activity 1.2

Objective 2.

Activity 2.1

Objective 3.

Activity 3.1

Activity 3.2

Activity 3.3

Consider including activities that meet one or more of the following conditions:

a. Activities that clearly address the specific direct threats described in the above section titled: Statement of Need.

b. Activities that are feasible and likely to be successfully implemented as stated;

c. Activities that apply the best scientific and/or technical information and methods available;

d. Activities that include the participation of local partners in project activities, including meaningful involvement of government, community, or civil society stakeholders; and

e. Activities resulting in benefits continuing beyond the period of performance of the project.

4. Project Timetable: This section should answer the question, “Over what period will project activities be implemented? 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 of the project narrative (do not include 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.

5. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: This section should answer the question, “Who are you going to work with?” As applicable, describe how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations, local community groups, or individuals in planning the project, and detail if/how they will be involved in conducting project activities, disseminating project results and/or incorporating your results/products into their activities. Please describe any previous work with these stakeholders and how working with them relates to the specific threats and target audiences. Where multiple groups are working in the same site or are listed as stakeholders in the proposal, letters of endorsement specifically referring to this proposal and the proposed collaboration from each partner organization will strengthen your proposal and may be requested by reviewers.

6. Support for Protected Areas: Projects with activities taking place in a protected area must address the following questions regarding social safeguards. Technical support documents for implementing these safeguards are available at https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks to help applicants and recipients of USAID-funded projects apply these requirements and avoid or mitigate social risks associated with conservation activities for parks and protected areas. If the applicant believes that any of these items are not applicable, an explanation for this determination must be provided:

o How will information detailing the proposed project and potential impacts be shared with local communities and the free, prior, and informed consent of affected indigenous communities be obtained in accordance with USAID’s Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples?;

o How will the potential impacts of the proposed project on existing land or resource claims by affected local communities or indigenous peoples be considered and addressed in a management plan?;

o What is the plan for providing proper training and monitoring to any eco-guards, park rangers, and other law enforcement personnel regarding safe and fair application of the law, including respect for human rights and avoiding intimidation or unnecessary use of force?; and https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks o Do effective grievance and redress mechanisms for reporting human rights abuse, misconduct, and other grievances exist? If not, what are the plans for their establishment?

7. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: This section should answer the question, “How will you evaluate the progress and success of this project?” Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project. Building on the stated project objectives, which must be specific and measurable, identify what you will measure (i.e., quantitative/quantifiable indicators) and how you will measure (i.e., methods, sample size, survey tools). Note that except for the relevant standard indicators identified for USAID-funded project, outputs

(or products) should generally NOT be used as indicators, including Service performance reports. Indicators should reflect a change in capacity, human behavior, threat, or status of the target species. If the current status of the indicator is known, and the applicant identifies the indicator’s desired status or qualitative condition, providing this information will strengthen the proposal.

The following table format is recommended:

The Service values projects that report both the success and failures of efforts as a means by which an applicant can improve their performance and provide lessons learned to improve our efforts to conserve wildlife.

In addition to project-specific indicators, projects funded under this announcement will be required to report progress against USAID’s standard indicators for biodiversity projects. If one or more of the following indicators are relevant to the project, include them in your monitoring plan.

• EG 10.2-1 Number of hectares of biologically significant areas showing improved biophysical conditions as a result of USG assistance

• EG 10.2-2 Number of hectares of biologically significant areas under improved natural resource management as a result of USG assistance

• EG 10.2-3 Number of people with improved economic benefits derived from sustainable natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation as a result of USG assistance

• EG 10.2-4 Number of people trained in sustainable natural resources management and/or biodiversity conservation as a result of USG assistance

Objective Indicator

(i.e., what you will measure to track your progress toward achieving the objective)

Monitoring

Method

(i.e., how you will measure the indicator)

Current Status

(if known)

Desired Status

• EG 10.2-5 Number of laws, policies, or regulations that address biodiversity conservation and/or other environmental themes officially proposed, adopted, or implemented as a result of USG assistance

• EG 10.2-6 Number of people that apply improved conservation law enforcement practices as a result of USG assistance

8. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: This section should answer the question, “Who will carry out the project, and what are their specific qualifications?”

Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. On the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis. Provide brief (1-page) curricula vitae for key personnel, identifying their qualifications to meet the project objectives. To prevent unnecessary transmission of

Personally Identifiable Information, DO NOT include Social Security numbers, the names of family members, or any other personal or sensitive information including marital status, religion or physical characteristics in the description of key personnel qualifications.

9. Sustainability: This section should answer the question, “What is your long-term plan for this project beyond the Service funding period?” 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.

10. Literature Cited: (if applicable) include as an addendum and not within the text of the proposal.

11. Map of Project Area: This section should answer the question, “Where is the project located?” The map should clearly delineate the project area and be large enough to be legible. Label any sites referenced in the project narrative. Label any protected areas.

12. Government Letter of Endorsement: For projects implemented outside of the United

States, non-governmental applicants must include a recent letter of support (no older than two years) from the appropriate local, regional, or national government wildlife or conservation authority. A current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the applicant and the government authority may be accepted as long as the MOU references the proposed work. Where appropriate, letters of support from local communities or project beneficiaries should be provided. Endorsement letters should be in English and make specific reference to the Service and the proposed work. If a support or endorsement letter is not in English, applicants must also provide an English translation of the letter.

For projects where Indigenous Peoples are present in or have a collective attachment to the project area and there are either: (i) risks of possible adverse impacts on their human rights, livelihoods, and/or culture; (ii) the potential for adverse impacts on their lands and territories, natural resources, or sacred sites (whether the land is under traditional ownership title or based on customary use and occupation); or (iii) threats that might result in physical relocation from those lands, letters should explain the planned or completed process for how the project will obtain/has obtained free, prior, and informed consent

(FPIC) in line with USAID’s Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in addition to national and international laws, regarding proposed project activities.

Technical support documents for implementing FPIC are available at https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks .

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). In the SF-424A

“Contractual” category total, do not combine estimated subawards and contractual costs. Use the

“Contractual” category to reflect estimated contractual costs only. Enter estimated subaward costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

Applicants must include an itemized Budget Table following the table format below. If your

Budget Table requires more than one page, verify that the column headings and row titles appear on all pages. For multi-year or multi-phase projects, please include a separate budget table and narrative for each year/phase with subtotals.

If the proposed project is a component of a larger program, identify leveraged funds and other resources available and/or needed to accomplish the desired objectives (leveraged funds are funds that run parallel to or outside of the proposed Service project budget). Include the specific funding amount to be provided by those sources and the relevant activities they will contribute

to. In addition, it is recommended that the Budget Narrative address the overall cost-effectiveness and feasibility of the proposal, including leveraging institutional or other resources.

The itemized budget should provide enough information for reviewers to be able to understand the cost basis and calculation at a glance. For example, a $3,300 charge for lodging should include the formula for how the cost was calculated (e.g., 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 (e.g., 50% time on project).

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 Narrative (Description of

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=38753b18f54182883b86b0bb0eede07b&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5&se2.1.200_1433

Narrative.

Applicants should be aware of and comply with the requirements of 200.216 Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.

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. Justify 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).

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.

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.

Category/Budget Item Units Cost per

Unit

No.

of

Units

Total USFW

S Recipient

Personnel

Trainer month $xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx $xxx

Project Director month $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx $ xxx

Project Coordinator month $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx $ xxx

Personnel Subtotal $xxx

$ xxx

Fringe Benefits

% rate lump $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx $xxx 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

Fringe Benefits Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx

Travel

Vehicle day-use (with driver) Day $ xxx x x

$ xxx

Vehicle maintenance and repair lump $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Domestic Flights

(Coordination at Transit

Points)

Each $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Meals (4 day Training 30 ppl) Day $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Accommodation (4 day

Training 20ppl)

Day $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Travel Subtotal

Equipment xxx Each $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx xxx Each $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Equipment Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx

Supplies xxx Each $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx xxx Each $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Supplies Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx

Contractual xxx lump $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx xxx month $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Contractual Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx

Other xxx lump $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx xxx month $ xxx x x

$ xxx $xxx

Other Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx $ xxx

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. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs. 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. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. The Department of the Interior’s Unmanned

Aircraft web page provides a list of approved unmanned aircraft and related equipment and software.

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

TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES $ xxx $ xxx $ xxx

INDIRECT CHARGES $ xxx $ xxx $ xxx

GRAND TOTAL $xxx $xxx 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#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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet 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-B/section-200.112 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.

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.

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 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

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 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 have an active registration as a financial assistance recipient in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 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.

Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). Entities already registered in

SAM.gov should review their registration to confirm that they are…