F24AS00320 Full Text NOFO-final.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Fisheries

Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity Fiscal Year: 2024

F24AS00320

Due Date for Applications: 05/27/2024

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Assistance Listing Number

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals

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

A1. Authority National Invasive Species Act (Formerly the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act) - Regional Coordination (16 U.S.C. §4723)

National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U. S. C. 668dd et seq.)

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; Public Law 117-58

A2. Assistance Listing Number

Assistance Listing Number 15.608

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements In Fiscal Year 2024, DOI prioritized BIL funds to establish this Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity within the existing authorities of DOI, to be administered by the USFWS in collaboration with DOI bureaus. Accordingly, the DOI bureaus, through the USFWS, invite proposals to support the eradication of a newly introduced or established species in terrestrial or aquatic habitats of the United States, including the U.S. territories (aquatic habitats include freshwater, wetland, riparian, estuarian, and marine). While preference will be given to proposals that result in eradication of invasive species, research proposals that advance research that increases the effectiveness and availability of eradication tools will be considered.

“Eradication” is defined as the removal or destruction of an entire population of invasive species.

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, this means the elimination of all individuals of a distinct population in a geographically defined area that is not contiguous or connected (via natural dispersal) with other populations and that is surrounded by naturally occurring or human-made barriers sufficiently effective to prevent re-invasion as verified using monitoring and inventories. Projects targeted at eradicating a founding population of a terrestrial invasive species or those eradicating established populations of aquatic or terrestrial invasive species will be considered. Eradication can be a key resource management step that then allows other resource management objectives to be achieved, such as habitat restoration or the recovery of Threatened and Endangered Species. This funding opportunity recognizes that eradication of a widespread established invasive species is possible and can be successful late in the invasion stages, but it requires strategic approaches (such as by using integrated pest management) and targeted investments. The intent of this funding opportunity is to promote and invest in those projects with a high likelihood of achieving eradication success and in those that have existing partnerships and plans in place.

NOTE: Projects responding to founding populations of aquatic invasive species within the early detection and rapid response context should instead apply for funding through the Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species. Projects addressing established aquatic invasive species infestations with a high likelihood of eradication can apply for this Eradication Funding Opportunity.

Proposals submitted for this opportunity should address how the proposed project supports DOI’s mission, especially helping to protect vulnerable, high priority, or protected species or areas. Proposals that service underserved, or historically disadvantaged communities are also encouraged. These will be considered among the grant review criteria listed under the Application Review Information section later in this document.

Eligibility requirements for the Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity are described below.

Eligible Taxa. Funds may be used to eradicate invasive plants or animals (avian, terrestrial, amphibious, or aquatic invasive species) affecting terrestrial or aquatic habitats (aquatic habitats include freshwater, wetland, riparian, estuarian, and marine). Invasive species targeted for eradication should be within the scope of DOI’s mission. Eradication efforts directed towards pathogens (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites) or harmful algal blooms or agricultural pests are not eligible for funding. It is expected that prior to applying for this Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity, the identification of the targeted species has been confirmed, there is evidence that the species is actively or likely to cause significant adverse impact to the environment, economy, cultural resources, and/or human, plant, or animal health, and eradication is warranted and achievable. Eradication, or research to that end, of species for which the origin or native range are unknown are eligible for funding if there is evidence that they have not been previously detected in the area and their presence may result in adverse impacts.

Eligible Locations. Funding may be used for eradication efforts, or research to that end, within terrestrial or aquatic habitats (aquatic habitats include freshwater, wetland, riparian, estuarine, and marine) of the United States or U.S. territories. Preference may be given to eradication efforts that support the Keystone Initiatives geographies called out in DOI’s Restoration and Resilience Framework as described above.

Eligible Applicants. State agencies, interstate organizations (as defined by 16 USC § 4702(10)), US territory agencies, and Federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribal Governments and organizations authorized by Indian tribal governments (as identified within the https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351110 https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/interior-department-to-take-action-to-restore-lands-and-waters.pdf https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/interior-department-to-take-action-to-restore-lands-and-waters.pdf

Federal Register Notice Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs) may apply for funding. Applications are also welcomed from other private and public, non-federal entities with sufficient expertise and capability to conduct effective and responsible eradication or eradication research related efforts.

Eligible Activities. Projects submitted for consideration should result in eradication (see definition above) of the targeted species from a defined location or support research and development that advances achieving an eradication outcome. Priority will be given to projects that will achieve eradication from a defined area within three years. Proposed projects should have eradication of a specific invasive species or group of invasive species as its goal – not maximum control of the target invasive species. While control, defined as containing, suppressing, or reducing populations of invasive species, is a reasonable measure in cases where eradication is not feasible, this funding opportunity seeks proposals for projects where eradication is the management objective and is an achievable goal as well as proposals for eradication research and tool development as outlined below. Eradication, where warranted, possible, and feasible, can be a cost effective and ecologically desirable approach to managing invasive species threats, as it precludes the need for long-term containment and control measures that can be more costly over time and rarely mitigate the multidimensional impacts to native species and ecosystems.

Eligible activities for the Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity are those that support achieving the goal of eradication in the immediate future, including:

• Deployment of eradication actions:

• Implement actions on site that support the eradication of the targeted species;

• Implement integrated pest management processes that minimize the impacts of non-target species; and

• Implement immediate monitoring as part of the eradication project to verify eradication success.

• Eradication research and development:

o Research and development of new treatments or tools that will significantly increase the effectiveness and near-term availability of eradication tools.

o Research and development may be part of a broader eradication effort in an applicant’s proposal or may be a stand-alone proposal.

o Monitoring as part of research is appropriate. However, proposals that focus primarily on monitoring will not be considered, as the intent for supporting research and development is to lead to new treatments and tools as described above.

An Inter-bureau Project Review Team will review proposals. The team will give greater consideration to projects that focus on species with a high likelihood of eradication and low likelihood of re-invasion and to research leading to the availability of tools upon completion of the project or soon thereafter.

Applicants should also take note of the following:

• Funds cannot be used for long-term control, suppression, or remediation.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of

• Funding requests may include the personnel salary costs as well as procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub-recipients, yet provisions in 2 CFR §200.318 will apply.

• Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate thorough planning, including having environmental compliance requirements completed.

• All funds awarded though the Invasive Species Eradication Funding Opportunity will expire three years after the project start date.

Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for this Invasive Species Eradication Funding

Opportunity:

• The applicant must have an understanding of the infestation, including abundance, distribution, and reproductive biology. A full delineation of the area to be managed will be needed as a component of the proposal.

• Applicants are encouraged to work closely with applicable land management entities in the development of the proposal and eradication plans if the activity will occur on or affect public resources. Applicants must submit a letter of support from the applicable public land manager if the effort will occur on public land or if a state, federal, Tribal, or Territory agency will be involved in the project.

• The proposal should demonstrate a high likelihood for success and have sufficient detail on eradication methodologies using Best Management Practices (BMPs) and IPM processes.

• The proposal should describe what measures the applicant will take to prevent the reinvasion or reintroduction of the eradicated species and other similar non-native species and address the pathways in which the species targeted for eradication could reinvade.

• The applicant must show a commitment for post treatment monitoring to ensure that the eradication was successful, no reintroductions occur, and any non-target effects on flora and fauna are assessed.

• The proposal should indicate that all environmental compliance requirements have been met prior to project implementation including: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance; National Historical Preservation Act Section 106 (NHPA) compliance; Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); and a Pesticide Use Proposal for any treatments that use pesticides. Please note that 43 CFR §

46.210 (g) allows the USFWS to transfer funding within the agency for a proposed project that does not yet have required NEPA processes completed.

• The applicant should identify which, if any, geographies of the DOI’s Keystone Initiatives the proposed project supports: Gravel to Gravel, Grasslands, Hawaiian Forest Birds, Klamath Basin, Sagebrush Ecosystem, and Appalachia.

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals Invasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological, economic, and cultural integrity of Americas lands and waters and the communities they support. Once invasive species are established, it is often challenging and costly to control or eradicate those infestations. In some cases, however, eradication - the removal or destruction of an entire population of invasive species from a defined area - is both possible and feasible, resulting in substantial ecological and https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/interior-department-to-take-action-to-restore-lands-and-waters.pdf https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/interior-department-to-take-action-to-restore-lands-and-waters.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fws.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdocuments%2FFINAL-3-1-23-DOI%2520Gravel%2520to%2520Gravel%2520Fact%2520Sheet_508.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Csara_n_williams%40fws.gov%7Cc51bbf0c5ff64512839308dc4cfbef3a%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638469892145509680%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yCEohaBY2bNXzmF1pTSt2xTJiUL7NH5wvjXMOhoQ5UQ%3D&reserved=0 https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/grasslands-keystone-initiative.pdf https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/hawaiian-forest-birds-fact-sheet.pdf https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/hawaiian-forest-birds-fact-sheet.pdf https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/klamath-basin-fact-sheet.pdf https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/bipartisan-infrastructure-law-investments/science/sagebrush-keystone-initiative https://www.doi.gov/media/document/appalachia-keystone-initiative economic benefits. This can include eradication of a founding population of invasive species (e.g., a newly introduced species to a specific area) or eradicating a well-established population.

Eradication, while it represents the ideal outcome in most cases, requires consideration of the available eradication techniques, cost, likelihood of success, likelihood of re-invasion, public support, complexity of environmental compliance, and availability of resources. This latter consideration is frequently a barrier to implementing eradication measures that can lead to restoring ecosystem health.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $2,960,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $1,000,000 Minimum Award $50,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding Expected Award Date May 27, 2024

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants

99 – Unrestricted (i.e. open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility Federal entities are not eligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

C3. Other

Foreign Entities or Projects:

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

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

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

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

Excluded Parties:

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

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package This funding opportunity announcement provides all information required to apply.

Program Website Link 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

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

All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. The form must be complete and signed by an Authorized Representative. For all applicants except 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". For instructions on completing the SF-424, please reference: Instructional Video: Completing the SF424.

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 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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Jw5k2DPfg

USASpending.gov. Award descriptions are limited to 4,000 characters or less. Applicants should check the length of the award description and proofread for proper grammar and spelling.

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

For applicants applying through GrantSolutions-Grants Management Module (GS-GMM):

Applicants must enter the information in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a document in place of entering the information directly into GS-GMM Project Abstract Screen.

Project Narrative

1. Each proposal should follow the format below to explain the need, scope, and proposed action. The project narrative should not exceed 12 pages (excluding resumes, references, applicant’s eradication or research plan, information to support environmental compliance review requirements, or additional supplemental information).

a. Agency or Organization applying for funds.

b. Point of Contact: Provide the contact information (name, affiliation, address, phone, and email) for at least one individual who can answer questions regarding the application.

c. Species Description:

i. State the invasive species that will be the focus of eradication or research.

ii. Describe the potential and known impacts of the targeted species, including environmental, economic, cultural, and health impacts. Include citations, as appropriate. Novel species where potential impact is less certain should include a statement reinforcing the degree of concern and, if applicable, reference similar species with an invasion history.

iii. Describe the invasion history of the species.

a. Location Description:

i. State the precise location where the species is located and the date and manner by which the species was detected.

ii. If known, state the method of introduction.

iii. If known, state the size and percentage of the area infested.

iv. Describe the geographic extent of the targeted species in the United States and describe the location where the eradication or research project will occur, including characteristics of the location that may facilitate survival and potential range expansion of the targeted species.

a. Eradication or Research Plan:

i. If an eradication or research plan exists, describe how it will be used for this project.

Attach the eradication or research plan to this proposal.

ii. If an eradication or research plan does not exist, state the intent and timeline to complete an eradication or research plan.

a. Management or Research Goal and Objectives:

i. Clearly articulate the management or research goal of the proposed project in terms that are specific and quantified.

ii. List project objectives. Objectives are meant to be realistic targets or benchmarks that, if achieved, will accomplish the management or research goal.

iii. Provide a statement that describes, and provides evidence for, the level of confidence in accomplishing the management or research goal, noting any challenges or barriers that may hinder success.

a. Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project:

i. Describe the organization proposing to conduct the project, expressing the specific skills, experience, and capacity related to tasks to be performed.

ii. As applicable, describe how the applicant has coordinated with other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project, and detail if/how they will be involved in the response.

a. Approach or Treatment or Research Options:

i. Describe the specific actions necessary to accomplish the management or research goal and objectives.

ii. Provide detail of “how” the objectives will be accomplished by describing the actual work to be done.

iii. Demonstrate that the applicant will use sound design, appropriate procedures, and accepted fish and wildlife conservation or management principles.

iv. Include contingency plans to address any unexpected event or situation occurs.

v. Describe any connection of this project to broader management or research or funding efforts.

vi. Any actions to be taken to protect non-target species should be noted in this section.

vii. If applicable, include any information to support environmental compliance review requirements such as:

o National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with NEPA.

o Endangered Species Act (ESA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with the ESA.

o Applicants should plan to work with the USFWS and use their Pesticide Use Proposal System (PUPS) for reviewing, approving and tracking pesticide use, if there is a need for pesticide use.

o National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with NHPA, such as locations of historic or cultural properties.

o Other Permits – list and provide the status of any other required Federal permits.

a. Timeline:

i. State the estimated start and end dates of activities for which funds are being requested.

Project duration must not exceed three years.

ii. Describe significant milestones in completing the project and any accomplishments to date.

a. Commitment for post-eradication activities:

i. Describe actions that will be taken after eradication measures have been completed. This may include restoration and mitigation measures for any off-target adverse impacts from the eradication methods used, follow-up surveys or monitoring, and/or biosecurity protocols or measures to prevent any re-invasion of the site.

ii. Identify the entity or person responsible or conducting these activities and any funding commitments.

a. Supplemental information (optional):

May include letters of support, graphics, maps, citations, etc.

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. Include a complete description of each cost category. 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 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 known at the time of application, include an estimated number of subawards and the dollar amount anticipated for each subaward. 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. Recipients may not earn, make, or keep any profit resulting from any financial assistance awards. These costs are not allowable and should not be included in any proposed costs.

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.

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://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

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

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

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

USC §1352.

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 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 https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regard to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

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

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

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register 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 registered as a financial assistance recipient, which requires completion of the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations”. See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-mandatory-family https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update

Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Applications 05/27/2024 Application Due Date Explanation This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open for 60 days. The deadline for submission will occur 60 days after the announcement of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Proposals will be submitted to the Review Team for evaluation (See section E2). To ensure the process is conducted expeditiously, it is anticipated that funding decisions will be finalized within six weeks after the submission deadline.

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. The State Single Point of Contact list is available on the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website.

D6. Funding Restrictions

Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, you must not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior (DOI) is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center (IBC) will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period http://www.sam.gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/indirect-cost renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted by Organization:

U.S. state or local government entities receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding must include the following statement in their application and attach a copy of their most recently negotiated rate agreement:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. Attached is a copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement/certification.

U.S. state or local government entities receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding must include the applicable statement from this list:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR 200, Appendix VII. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award].

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We have not prepared an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR §200, Appendix VII and elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until we choose to establish a rate per 2 CFR §200. We understand we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

All other organizations must include the applicable statement from this list and any related documentation in their application. Please note, an organization with a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may not elect to charge the 10% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs during the period covered by their current negotiated rate.

• We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award, we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement.

Attached is a copy of our current rate agreement.

• We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that has never negotiated an indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate. In the event an award is made, we elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until such time as we negotiate a different rate with our cognizant agency. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if during the award period we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs to the award. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

• We are an organization submitting a [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”] project proposal, which has an indirect cost rate cap of [insert rate; CRU is currently 15%; CESU is currently 17.5%]. In the event we receive an award, we understand that if we have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate agreement we must charge the capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand we must request prior approval from the awarding program to use the 2 CFR 200.1 Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) base instead of our approved base and that we must submit such requests with our application, including a calculation showing how use of the MTDC base results in an overall reduction in the total indirect costs recovered. If we do not have current negotiated (including provisional) rate, we understand we must charge the capped indirect cost rate against Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. If we have never negotiated a rate, we understand we must use the de minimis rate of 10% of MTDC.

• We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements

GrantSolutions Application Procedures The Service uses the GrantSolutions system to manage financial assistance applications and awards. Applicants must register in and conduct any subsequent award business with the Service in GrantSolutions. To apply, your organization and organization officials must be established in GrantSolutions. To register your organization in GrantSolutions, send an email to help@grantsolutions.gov. The following information must be included in your email and must match your organization’s SAM.gov entity record:

Subject: New Organization Request

• Organization/Individual Name

• Point of Contact first and last name, email, and phone number

• Organization Type https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals or Service-waived entities)

• Organization Employer Identification Number (Applicants that are INDIVIDUALS DO NOT include your social security number)

• Address

To establish organization official accounts and user role(s), complete a Recipient User Account Request Form for each official and email it to help@grantsolutions.gov. The GrantSolutions entity user roles are: Authorizing Official (ADO); Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD); Support Specialist (GSS); Financial Officer (FO); and Financial Support Staff (FSS).

All roles can do the following: enter applications, amendments, and reports, view awards, and view and create notes. The ADO and the PI/PD roles can also submit applications, amendments, and reports. The FO role can also submit reports. At a minimum, registered organizations must assign someone to the ADO and PI/PD roles. For GrantSolutions registration, submission, and other assistance contact their Customer Support by telephone at 1-866-577-0771 or by email at help@grantsolutions.gov. To access GrantSolutions, users must establish a Login.gov account at https://login.gov/.