F23AS00467_NOFO_Final_20230810.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - International Conservation

F23AS00467-Promoting the long-term conservation of gorillas and chimpanzees in key landscapes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Nigeria-Cameroon transboundary region.

Fiscal Year: 2023

F23AS00467

Due Date for Applications: 10/04/2023

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:

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:

15.629 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 and technical assistance programs by supporting strategic projects that deliver measurable conservation results for priority species and their habitats around the world.

The goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s African Great Ape Program is to ensure the long-term conservation of African great ape populations in the wild. We do this through financial and technical assistance to support effectively implemented site-based ape conservation projects, strengthen the evidence base for ape conservation, and further develop ape conservation capacity in African ape range states.

In support of this overall goal and in combination with other strategies, this assistance program is working towards three objectives in the indicated conservation areas:

(1) reduction of threats to wildlife and habitat;

Desired results may include, as appropriate, (1a) increased ape habitat under legal management status, (1b) improved connectivity of existing ape strongholds, (1c) reduction of illegal destructive extractive practices in ape habitat, (1d) reduction of apes in the bushmeat and live ape trade, and (1e) reduction of infectious disease threats to apes.

(2) generation of scientific data to guide conservation action;

Desired results may include, as appropriate, (2a) advanced understanding of ape distribution and abundance, (2b) determined effectiveness of specific conservation actions, and (3c) improved understanding of disease affecting apes through applied research.

(3) strengthened individual and organizational conservation capacity;

Desired results may include, as appropriate, (3a) improved capacity to manage community lands in ape habitat, (3b) the positive and negative effects/impacts of the project on local communities are understood and are reflected in project activities; (3c) robust monitoring and evaluation program is developed and implemented, and (3d) landscape-wide coordination and communication are strengthened.

Applicants may choose to include additional objectives or are welcome to use different terminology or framing to describe proposal goals and objectives that align with a project’s existing strategic planning or local context. All proposed outcomes and activities, however, should collectively facilitate the delivery of meaningful results consistent with the Service’s program goal and objectives above. Applicants should clearly indicate how data generated by proposed activities will be made available to the great ape conservation community.

Human population growth over the coming decades is projected to be significant and will undoubtedly result in increased pressures on apes and ape habitat, both within and outside of formal protected areas (PAs). The Service is prioritizing support for the conservation of great ape strongholds, which we’re defining as robust ape populations of a given taxon living in suitable habitat. Ape strongholds may exist within formally recognized PAs, outside of PAs, or both.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity targets four African great ape taxa: (a) Cross River gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli), (b) Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti), (c) Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), and (c) eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii). Applications should address one of the two following focus areas:

1. Promoting the long-term conservation of Cross River gorillas and Nigeria-Cameron chimpanzees in their transboundary landscape.

The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is the least numerous of the gorilla taxa, estimated to number fewer than 300 individuals. The majority exist as a single metapopulation, occurring in multiple small groups of 10-30 individuals in nine core areas, including community reserves and core protected areas (Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Mbe Mountains and Cross River National Park in Nigeria and Takamanda National Park, Mone River Forest Reserve and Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary in Cameroon) within the 12,000km2 Nigeria-Cameroon trans-frontier landscape. A third or more of the population ranges outside of protected areas. Threats include hunting, habitat loss and fragmentation reducing connectivity between subpopulations, and infectious disease.

Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, the population is believed to be stable.

The Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti), endemic to southern Nigeria and western Cameroon, is the least numerous of the chimpanzee subspecies. The total population is estimated to be fewer than 9,000 individuals widely distributed in small groups in both forest and savanna woodland. Fewer than 1,000 occur within the Cross River gorilla range, where they are found in four protected areas and numerous community forests. Hunting is the principal threat to the species. Classified as endangered by the IUCN, the overall population has declined by at least 50% in the past 20-30 years and continues on a decreasing trend.

The Service has supported conservation of both taxa in this landscape since 2004, including protected area creation and management, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement. Results include creation of Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary and Takamanda

National Park in 2008, the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in 2000, and Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in 2014; establishment of the Gorilla Guardian program to provide better protection and monitoring of gorillas in Cameroon’s unprotected forests; and reduced levels of poaching in recent years. The Service seeks primarily to further reduce pressures on already degraded and fragmented habitat; enhance connectivity between gorilla sub-populations; and enhance current understanding of gorilla and chimpanzee status in the landscape. Applications should include a robust recovery plan. Activities may include: (1) strengthening connectivity between ape sites through improved conservation management of protected and unprotected habitat, 2) implementing SMART-based wildlife and habitat monitoring, 3) reassessing ape abundance and distribution to inform future program planning, and 4) improving transboundary conservation, including seeking World Heritage site designation.

Anticipated award: One award, for a total budget of up to USD$1.5 million over a period of three years. As stated above, the award period (duration) is expected to be three years.

However, applicants may request renewal funding for the project for an additional two years (for a total of five years), which if approved, may be awarded as a continuation amendment to the initial award. Approval of renewal funding is subject to the availability of funds, program authority, satisfactory performance, and compliance with award terms and conditions.

2. Securing habitat to promote the long-term conservation of Grauer’s gorillas and eastern chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where they are estimated to number fewer than 7,000 individuals.

Though this landscape includes national parks and community reserves, most of the gorilla population is found outside of protected areas. Threats, including hunting and the live ape trade, habitat degradation and loss associated with resource extraction, and infectious disease are exacerbated by decades of regional security issues. Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, the population has suffered precipitous population declines of nearly 80% over the past 20-30 years and continues on a decreasing trend.

The eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) is the most numerous of the chimpanzee subspecies, estimated to number over 200,000 individuals inhabiting a broad geographic range. Up to a quarter their population overlaps with the Grauer’s gorilla range. Classified as endangered by the IUCN, numbers are on a decreasing trend.

The Service has supported ape conservation in this landscape since 2006, including surveying and monitoring, strengthening law enforcement, protected area demarcation, community engagement, and creation of the Oku Community Reserve. Results include strengthened community engagement, a significant increase in ape habitat under community management, improved knowledge of ape populations, development of a public-private partnership management agreement for Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and improved standards for law enforcement and monitoring practices.

The Service will consider proposals for projects in the following geographies identified as priority gorilla populations in the 2012-2022 Conservation Action Plan: Maiko South, Kasese, Kahuzi-Biega, Tayna-Usala, and Itombwe. The Service seeks to 1) increase the amount of ape habitat under improved management, and 2) strengthen the connectivity between ape strongholds. Activities may include: 1) effectively managing protected and unprotected ape habitat, 2) engaging and supporting communities in establishing community-managed ape habitat, and 3) strengthening habitat connectivity between gorilla sub-populations.

For work in national parks, applicants should have management agreements in place prior to issuing of an award.

Anticipated award: Two awards, each for a total budget of up to USD$1.5 million over a period of three years. As stated above, the award period (duration) is expected to be three years. However, applicants may request renewal funding for the project for an additional two years (for a total of five years), which if approved, may be awarded as a continuation amendment to the initial award. Approval of renewal funding is subject to the availability of funds, program authority, satisfactory performance, and compliance with award terms and conditions.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $4,500,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $1,500,000 Minimum Award $1,000,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding $4,500,000 Expected Award Date January 01, 2024 Estimated award date is January 1, 2024.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards A total of two to three awards are anticipated: a single 3-year award in the Cross River gorilla landscape; and one to two 3-year awards in the Grauer’s gorilla landscape. The maximum for any single award is $1,500,000 over a 3-year period. Actual award amounts are contingent upon the number of awards and funds availability.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

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 may be multi-national secretariats, 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.

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. Though Voluntary Committed Cost Share (See 2 CFR 200.1) is not required, as prescribed by the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000, preference will be given to projects that include cost share funds. 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 government. Such records are subject to audit.

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

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.

Awards are contingent on funding eligibility and policy circumstances in each country and may be subject to special coordination or communication with USAID and/or its partners. In limited cases, the Service may request that applicants remove certain activities or countries from the project to meet funding or policy requirements.

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 everything needed to apply. To request paper copies of materials, please contact GreatApeAfrica@fws.gov.

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 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 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 Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form with the application, applicants must add the form 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 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 Due to character limitations, the full text will be included in the published version of the Full Announcement.

Please note: Project narratives should be ten pages or fewer. Pages should be numbered sequentially. 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, such as “Ape Conservation – 2”. Please note: This title will be the reference title archived and communicated in all future documents. The Service may modify the project title for clarity.

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, where relevant); a description of the direct threats that affect the targeted species at the project site/taxa of concern; 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 on-going 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 https://www.conservationevidence.com/ 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.

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 U.S. government source or eligible for any other U.S. 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 is an example of the recommended format:

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 is impacted by this project and how will they be incorporated into the project (e.g.

consultation mechanisms, inclusion in governance system, outreach, etc.)?” As applicable, describe how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities 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. If the project impacts changes in access to resources for indigenous peoples and local communities, letters of support or documentation may be requested by the reviewers.

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#parkshttps://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks.

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:

a. 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?;

b. 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?;

c. 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

d. 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?”. 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 it (i.e., methods, sample size, survey tools). Except for the USAID standard indicator below, indicators should not be outputs (products) but rather should reflect a change in capacity, human behavior, threat, or status of the target species. Applicants may reference relevant indicators as developed under the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas.

The following table format is recommended:

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 https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks https://biodiversitylinks.org/library/key-resources#parks

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

• 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

• 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. Where relevant, refer to any institutional codes of conduct or safeguarding policies the applicant has in place to demonstrate its capacity to implement the proposed project in accordance with relevant laws and best practices. Based on the activities involved, reviewers may request additional information regarding institutional policies and codes of conduct that demonstrate such measures are in place. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. On the Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization who 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, marital status, religion or physical characteristics 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, showing its location relative to national borders and other pertinent geographic features (e.g. protected areas, rivers, etc.), and be large enough and of adequate resolution as to be legible. Label pertinent features, including those referenced in the project narrative. Multiple maps may be used, if appropriate.

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.

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 in the first row the funding requested from this Federal program. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

Budget Table 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 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.

Go to http://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/sample-budget.pdf to view a sample project budget table.

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Category/Budget Item Units Cost per Unit ($)

No. of Units

Total USFWS Recipient

Personnel Trainer month $xxx xx $ xxx $xxx $XXX Project Director month $ xxx xx $ xxx $ xxx

Project Coordinator month $ xxx xx $ xxx $ xxx

Personnel Subtotal $xxx $ xxx

Fringe Benefits

% rate lump $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx $XXX Fringe Benefits Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx Travel Vehicle day-use (with driver) Day $ xxx xx $ xxx Vehicle maintenance and repair lump $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Domestic Flights (Coordination at Transit Points)

Each $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Meals (4 day Training 30 ppl) Day $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Accommodation (4 day Training 20ppl) Day $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Travel Subtotal

Equipment xxx Each $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx xxx Each $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Equipment Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx Supplies xxx Each $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx xxx Each $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Supplies Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx Contractual xxx lump $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx xxx month $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Contractual Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx Other xxx lump $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx xxx month $ xxx xx $ xxx $xxx Other Subtotal $ xxx $ xxx $ xxx TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES $ xxx $ xxx $ xxx INDIRECT CHARGES $ xxx $ xxx $ xxx

GRAND TOTAL $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. 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.

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.

o Applicability.

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.

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.

o Notification.

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.

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.

o 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.

o 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.

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).

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://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 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

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.