F24AS00331 Multistate Funding Opportunity.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration https://www.fws.gov/program/multistate-conservation

F24AS00331-Multistate Conservation Grant Program Announcement Fiscal Year: 2024

F24AS00331

Due Date for Applications: 06/15/2023

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:

The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.) and the Pittman- Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.) as amended by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-408, 114 STAT. 1766 §113 and 114 STAT. 1722 §122) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to make up to $6,000,000 available annually to fund Multistate Conservation project grants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will cite this traditional program as the Traditional Multistate Conservation Grant Program (T-MSCGP). In addition, the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act (Modernizing PR Act, 16 U.S.C. 669) amended the Pittman- Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to, among other measures, authorize the Service to make hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment grants that promote a national hunting and shooting sports recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities. The Service will cite this program as the R3 Multistate Conservation Grant Program (R3-MSCGP). There will be up to $5,000,000 available specifically for the R3-MSCGP grants.

Assistance Listing Number:

15.628 Background, Purpose and Program Requirements:

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the Service work cooperatively to manage T-MSGCP and R3-MSGCP. Administratively, both programs function similarly, with AFWA setting the strategic priorities for project activities and providing the Service a priority list of projects to be considered for awards and the Service administering the program and managing the awards. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), also called a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), provides application guidance for both competitive programs, T-MSCGP and R3-MSCGP.

Proposals must address eligible activities in one or more of the selected AFWA Strategic Priorities to be considered for funding. AFWA annually updates the Strategic Priorities. They are used to guide the proposal development and grant selection for the programs. The primary goal of both programs, T-MSCGP and R3-MSCGP, is to provide grant funds to address regional or national priority needs of the States and their partners that are beyond the scope and capabilities of a single State within the scope of eligible activities. Information on the projects selected and awarded will be annually published in the Federal Register. Lists of past awards are also available from the Service and AFWA (see Section G, Federal Awarding Agency Contacts).

Eligible activities for T-MSCGP include sport fisheries and wildlife management, such as research projects, fish and wildlife habitat improvements, and other purposes consistent with the enabling legislation. R3 activities for sport fishing or boating are only eligible under T-MSCGP.

Eligible activities for R3-MSCGP are hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment activities that promote a national hunting and shooting sports recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities.

2024 MultiState Conservation Grant Program Strategic Priorities, as established annually by AFWA (Detailed information can be found at the AFWA website, https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/multi-state-conservation-grants-program):

Conservation & Science

Climate Change

Fish and Wildlife Health (“One Health”)

Human Dimensions & Conservation Social Science

Invasive Species

Emerging Technologies for fish and wildlife management

Expanding Relevancy and Engagement (ERE)

Enhancing Conservation Through Broader Engagement

Implementing and/or Expanding Internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

Research

Capacity Building, Conservation Education, and Coordination of Conservation Policies

Leadership Development

Conservation Education

Coordination of Conservation Policies

Integration of Law Enforcement

AFWA Priorities Identified in AFWA Funding Principles (submitted by ExCom)

Management Assistance Team

Management of MSCGP Program

CITES and International Conservation Programs and Their Impact of State Agencies

Coordination of Conservation on a National Scale

National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation

Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3)

Marketing

Engaging Participants

Monitoring and Evaluation

Hunting and Shooting Sports Access and Infrastructure

Wildlife TRACS is the tracking and reporting system used by WSFR to capture conservation and related actions funded by its grant programs. TRACS serves as the electronic repository system for all performance and accomplishment reporting related to the Federal awards administered by the WSFR program. As outlined in this NOFO, grant and project statement information and bookmark://_Conservation_and_Science bookmark://_Expanding_Relevancy_and bookmark://_Capacity_Building,_Conservation bookmark://_AFWA_Priorities_Identified bookmark://_Recruitment,_Retention,_Reactivatio performance reporting data must be entered into TRACS, as authorized under 2 CFR 200.102(c), 200.202, 200.301, and 200.329.

If you have questions for AFWA, please contact the Grant Program Manager or visit the AFWA website more additional information:

Silvana Yaroschuk

Multistate Conservation Grant Program Manager

Phone: 202-838-3467

Email: syaroschuk@fishwildife.org https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/multi-state-conservation-grants-program

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $11,000,000 Estimated Funding for T-MSCGP: $6,000,000 Estimated Funding for R3-MSCGP: $5,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

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

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding $250,000 Expected Award Date January 01, 2024

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards mailto:syaroschuk@fishwildife.org

T-MSCGP Expected Number of Awards is 25 to 35. R3-MSCGP Expected Number of Awards is 20 to 25.

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a State, or a group of States, are also eligible to apply for the purpose of carrying out the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

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 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 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

The AFWA MSCGP webpage contains information for submitting Full Grant Proposals (without Federal forms) by the June 15, 2023, deadline via the AFWA MSCGP portal.

There is a two-phase process to apply. You must submit your Full Grant Proposal (without Federal forms) through the portal by June 15, 2023. No proposals should be submitted through GrantSolutions during this first phase.

If your proposal is selected for further consideration, you will be invited in mid-August to submit a Final Full Grant Proposal (with Federal forms) by September 5, 2023, through GrantSolutions. Federal forms will be available through GrantSolutions on or around August 15, 2023, via a Directed Announcement, only if your proposal is invited for further consideration.

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/program/multistate-conservation

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 https://fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/multi-state-conservation-grants-program https://afwamscgp.smapply.io/ https://afwamscgp.smapply.io/ 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

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".

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 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 funding sources. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form, enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). In the SF-424A “Contractual” category total, do not combine estimated sub-awards and contractual costs. Use the “Contractual” category to reflect estimated contractual costs only. Enter estimated sub-award costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated contractual and sub-award costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

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.

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

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 The Service implemented an electronic performance reporting system, TRACS (https://tracs.fws.gov), to document recipient performance and reporting on national program accomplishments that deliver meaningful results consistent with program authorizing legislation.

Unless exempt, applicants/recipients are required to enter grant and project statement information into TRACS. The Service encourages applicants to enter grant and project statement information into TRACS prior to formally applying in GrantSolutions. TRACS data entry will facilitate development of a complete project statement. Applicants who decline to enter grant and project statement information in TRACS prior to formally applying in GrantSolutions will be required to enter information within 60 calendar days of the latter: (a) period of performance start date; or (b) the date of award approval. For assistance, please contact the Service Program Technical contact (see Section G). Applicants applying for awards on a project-by-project basis must submit a project narrative (statement) containing the elements required by 50 CFR 80.82(c). The project statement must provide sufficient information, so reviewers may verify proposed activities are eligible for funding and substantial in character and design (see 50 CFR 80.56). Address the following items/elements and include this information within your proposal when following the specific format required by AFWA. All information the applicant wants to be considered during the selection process should be presented in the Project Narrative. The technical scoring criteria included in this package reference specific information requirements relative to project scoring.

Applicants are encouraged to review the technical scoring criteria and ensure proposals are accurately responsive. The Project Narrative should include the following information:

Project Title Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project

12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

00 – State governments

06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, a State, or group of States

Beneficiary Information

Please choose one of the following categories that best describes the geographic scope of the project:

a. Project benefits at least 26 states. Using state abbreviations, please list all states that will benefit, or

b. Project benefits a majority (over 50%) of the states in a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Region that will benefit and list the States in each Region that will benefit (use State abbreviations), or

c. Project benefits a majority (over 50%) of the States belonging to a regional association of State fish and wildlife agencies (click each of the Associations for the state members, WAFWA, MAFWA, NEAFWA, SEAFWA, Please indicate the regional fish and wildlife association that will benefit and list the states in each region that will benefit (use State abbreviations).

Point of Contact(s) for:

a. GrantSolutions (GS) – you must identify one (primary) and any additional contacts (secondary) who will have access to GS if a grant is awarded. You must identify the Principal Investigator and Authorizing Official within GS.

b. TRACS (identify a single point of contact for grant activities) - list full name, title (optional), phone number, email address, and organization name: Identify the single primary point of contact for grant activities in this performance report (this may be the same person listed as the grant recipient in the Grant Proposal or maybe another staff member). Enter the search parameters by First and Last Name or Email Address or click Add Contact if needed.

Strategic Priority Addressed – Please refer to 2024 MSCGP Strategic Priorities Statement of Need: Identify the specific concern, problem, or issue to be addressed or opportunity to be leveraged; the consequences of not addressing the need; and how the proposed project aligns with the Service program goals

Project objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound, and any milestones must be reached to achieve objectives. TRACS provides grant applicants/recipients with a list of “standard objectives” to streamline performance reporting, increase transparency and demonstrate national accomplishments of the WSFR-administered financial assistance programs. TRACS formatted objectives consist of four components: Approach, Strategy, Objective, and Activity. The end result is an objective that is specific, measurable, time-bound, and clearly defines what you want to achieve. See the Matrix and Fact Sheets on the WSFR Training Portal (TRACS Training menu > Job Aids and Resources

Activities, including detailing for each who is carrying out the activity, what is involved, how will it be carried out (method), and when and where the activity will be carried out

Timeline of when significant project events or milestones are anticipated Approach

The approach describes specific methods necessary to accomplish the objective. The approach answers the question of “how” the objective will be accomplished by describing the actual work that will be done. This approach should include adequate detail to demonstrate sound design, appropriate procedures, and accepted fish and https://fws.gov/about/regions https://fws.gov/about/regions https://www.wafwa.org/ http://www.mafwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/MAFWA_Map_11.jpg https://www.neafwa.org/members.html http://www.seafwa.org/ https://fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/multi-state-conservation-grants-program https://wsfrtraining.fws.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=216&forceview=1 wildlife conservation, the management or research principles. A separate approach is required for each objective in TRACS (and encompasses all activities within that objective).

Sufficient information to support environmental compliance review requirements. Note:

while the environmental compliance laws are primarily applicable to projects carried out in the U.S., projects carried out on the high seas are subject to compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and projects outside the U.S. on any property on the UNESCO World Heritage List or the in-country equivalent of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places are subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

Results & Benefits

Describe the deliverables, including the evaluation results, how the results will be disseminated to the intended users, and the benefits of each deliverable. As best as possible, the benefits should be expressed in measurable outcomes (i.e., the number of participants likely to continue the learned outdoor activity and purchase licenses in the future).

a. Proposals should address in detail how grant products/materials/programs will be used, by whom, and the initial and continuing benefits beyond the life of the grant.

b. Clearly describe the anticipated, extended use/life of the project results/products/services after the project is completed and how this extended use/life will be accomplished.

Information on key project personnel, including details on their expertise, skill, or significance to project.

Project location and supporting documentation such as maps, GIS data, or geopolitical data, as applicable.

Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement.

Project monitoring and evaluation plan, including description of assessment tools.

Most federal agencies that distribute grants require project or process of evaluation among the grantees to ensure funds are used as intended and milestones are being met.

As such, it is beneficial to both the reviewers and applicants to include a proposed evaluation process to showcase how the project will be reviewed during and after completion.

The proposal should include monitoring and evaluation processes to assess and measure the project effectiveness in accomplishing the desired goals and objectives.

The original evaluation design may be altered as the project progresses but having a solid background of how an evaluation will take place is helpful, as well as an idea of how the grant recipient will monitor the effectiveness of the project after the grant ends.

Funding Source SFR: _____$; WR: T ____$ R3_____$

SFR: Funding requested for sport fishing restoration projects, including R3 angler and boater grants (grant may address Priority 1-5), e.g., research projects, boating access development, aquatic education, fish and wildlife habitat improvements, and other purposes consistent with the enabling legislation.

WR: T (Traditional) Funding requested for wildlife restoration projects that don't address R3 projects (grant may address Strategic Priority 1-5), e.g., research projects, hunter safety and education, wildlife habitat improvements, and other purposes consistent with the enabling legislation.

WR: R3 Funding requested for R3 projects for wildlife restoration projects (grant may address Strategic Priority 5) - can only use the funds for making hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment projects promoting a national hunting and shooting sports recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities.

Anticipated future funding needs – Grants are traditionally approved for one year of funding.

Applicants whose projects are expected to last for more than one year are encouraged to let the Grants Committee know they will apply for a subsequent year(s) of funding for the project and will need to report on progress made in the first year as part of the justification for subsequent / supplemental funding. Subsequent funding is not guaranteed and will depend on project merits, available funding and progress made to date. Under special circumstances, the Grants Committee will consider approving multiple years of funding. The criteria for multiyear funding established by the National Grants Committee are included in the application package. Please note there is a very high bar to justify multiyear funding, and most applicants will be requested to apply for one year of funding at a time.

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A Budget Information form for Non- Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov or in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). In the SF-424A “Contractual” category total, do not combine estimated subawards and contractual costs. Use the “Contractual” category to reflect estimated contractual costs only. Enter estimated subaward costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

Budget Narrative Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class Category” totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays). Describe any proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind 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 contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306 for more information. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. The Department of the Interior’s Unmanned Aircraft web page provides a list of approved unmanned aircraft and related equipment and software.

Please note within your narrative the total costs budgeted for sub-recipients or contractors and how many sub-recipients or contractors are planned to work on your project and how much each is to be awarded for their part of the project. Applicants intending to act as a fiscal agent (a pass through) for another organization must clearly state that they are acting as a fiscal agent and why it is necessary. Fiscal agents must clearly show in the budget what costs (if any) they are charging to the grant.

If applicable, please include information on:

Contingency Costs: Contingency costs estimated using broadly accepted cost estimating methodologies are permissible but must be separately identified in your budget; they must comply with Federal Cost Principles, these must be necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives, and these must be verifiable from your financial records (2 CFR 200.433). Explain how any contingency costs were calculated and why they are necessary to improve the precision of your budget estimates.

Program Income: Program income is gross income received by the grantee or subrecipient and earned only as a result of the grant during the grant period. Estimate the amount of program income that the project is likely to generate. If necessary, indicate the method or combination of methods (deduction, addition, or matching) of applying your expected program income. The Service’s approval is required for the additive or matching method. Indicate whether the agency wants to treat income that it earns after the grant period as additional funding for purposes consistent with the grant terms and conditions or program regulations.

Equipment: Equipment means tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes, or $5,000 (see 2 CFR 200.1 Equipment). Grantees and subrecipients must follow the requirements at 2 CFR 200 when acquiring equipment under an award, with emphasis on 200.313, 200.317 through 200.327, and 200.439.

Useful life: Propose a useful life for each capital improvement that costs at least $25,000 to build, acquire, or install (see 50 CFR 80.2), and reference the method used to determine the useful life of a capital improvement with a value greater than $100,000 (see 50 CFR 80.82(c)(5).)

Participant Support Costs: Participant support costs means direct costs for items such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with conferences, or training projects (see 2 CFR 200.1). These costs should be described in the narrative and identified in the budget under “OTHER” cost category. Grantees and subrecipients must follow the requirements at 2 CFR 200 when expending participant support costs under an award, with emphasis on 200.68, 200.75, 200.308, and 200.456.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet

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

a. Applicability.

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

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

b. Notification.

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

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

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

USC §1352.

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.

https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx

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

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

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html 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 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.

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. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. 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 06/15/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date. The program must enter the time under the Application Due Date Explanation field. The cutoff time MUST be in Eastern Time (ET). There is a two-phase process to apply. You must submit your Full Grant Proposal (without Federal forms) through the AFWA MSCGP portal by June 15, 2023. No proposals should be submitted through GrantSolutions during this first phase. If your proposal is selected for further consideration, you will be invited in mid-August to submit a Final Full Grant Proposal (with Federal forms) by September 5, 2023, through GrantSolutions. Federal forms will be available through GrantSolutions on or around August 15, 2023, via a Directed Announcement, only if your proposal is invited for further consideration.

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.

http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://afwamscgp.smapply.io/ https://afwamscgp.smapply.io/ 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/

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 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 https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna 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…