F25AS00265 TWG Final NOFO.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F25AS00265_ Fiscal Year 2025_Tribal Wildlife Grant Program (TWG)_NOFO

Funding Opportunity Number

F25AS00265

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: F25AS00265

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.639

Estimated Total Program Funding: $6,100,000

Expected Number of Awards: 35

Award Ceiling: $200,000

Award Floor: $25,000

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Regional Contacts

Portland Regional Office (Region 1) Serving Tribes in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

Native American Liaison:

Nathan Dexter

(503) 736-4774 Nathan_Dexter@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Lia McLaughlin

(503) 724-8017 Lia_McLaughlin@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Eastside Federal Complex 911 NE 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97232-4181 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: Rlfa_grants@fws.gov

Albuquerque Regional Office (Region 2) Serving Tribes in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Native American Liaison (acting):

Brent Lawrence

(503) 807-4886 Brent_Lawrence@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Nicole Jimenez

(505) 238-7154 Nicole_Jimenez@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 1306 https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 mailto:Nathan_Dexter@fws.gov mailto:Lia_McLaughlin@fws.gov mailto:Rlfa_grants@fws.gov mailto:Brent_Lawrence@fws.gov mailto:Nicole_Jimenez@fws.gov

500 Gold Avenue, SW Albuquerque, NM 87103 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: fw2fa@fws.gov

Bloomington Regional Office (Region 3) Serving Tribes in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin

Native American Liaison:

Allison Smart (651) 440-5697 Allison_Smart@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Jennifer (Jennie) Mcnicoll

(612) 202-0820 Jennifer_Mcnicoll@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990 Bloomington, MN 55437-1458 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: r3fedaid@fws.gov

Atlanta Regional Office (Region 4) Serving Tribes in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Native American Liaison:

Tim Binzen

(413) 253-8731 Timothy_Binzen@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Matt Roberts

(470) 813-2848 Matthew_Roberts@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 240 Atlanta, GA 30345 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: r4federalassistance@fws.gov

Hadley Regional Office (Region 5) Serving Tribes in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia

Native American Liaison:

Tim Binzen

(413) 253-8731 Timothy_Binzen@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Richard Zane mailto:fw2fa@fws.gov mailto:Allison_Smart@fws.gov mailto:Jennifer_Mcnicoll@fws.gov mailto:r3fedaid@fws.gov mailto:Timothy_Binzen@fws.gov mailto:Matthew_Roberts@fws.gov mailto:r4federalassistance@fws.gov mailto:Timothy_Binzen@fws.gov

(413) 253-8506 Richard_Zane@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: fw5fareports@fws.gov

Denver Regional Office (Region 6) Serving Tribes in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

Native American Liaison:

Cassie Powell (406) 885-7988 Cassie_Powell@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Cassie Powell (406) 885-7988 Cassie_Powell@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 134 Union Blvd.

P.O. Box 25486 Denver, Colorado 80225 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: fw6fagrants@fws.gov

Anchorage Regional Office (Region 7) Serving Tribes in Alaska

Alaska Native Relations Specialist (acting):

Ben Weitzman Benjamin_Weitzman@fws.gov

(907) 205-8336

TWG Program Lead:

John Warzybok

(907) 227-6943 John_Warzybok@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1011 East Tudor Road MS-261 Anchorage, AK 99503 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: ak_twg@fws.gov

Sacramento Regional Office (Region 8) Serving Tribes in California, Nevada, and the Klamath Basin

Native American Liaison:

Eldon Brown

(279) 234-3999 Michael_Eldon_Brown@fws.gov mailto:Richard_Zane@fws.gov mailto:fw5fareports@fws.gov mailto:Cassie_Powell@fws.gov mailto:Cassie_Powell@fws.gov mailto:fw6fagrants@fws.gov mailto:Benjamin_Weitzman@fws.gov mailto:John_Warzybok@fws.gov mailto:ak_twg@fws.gov mailto:Michael_Eldon_Brown@fws.gov

TWG Program Lead:

Eldon Brown

(279) 234-3999 Michael_Eldon_Brown@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2800 Cottage Way, W-1729 Sacramento, CA 95825 Regional Office email address for submission of applications: r8fa_grants@fws.gov

Executive Summary The Tribal Wildlife Grants Program provides technical and financial assistance to federally recognized Tribes for the development and implementation of programs that benefit fish and wildlife and their habitats. Funding may be used for conserving any plant or animal species of interest to a Tribe, including those of Native American cultural or traditional importance.

The TWG Program is an adaptable resource supporting tribal conservation priorities. Species targeted in an award are not restricted to those that are hunted, fished, or gathered, listed as threatened or endangered, or identified in a conservation plan.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• planning for wildlife and habitat conservation

• fish and wildlife conservation and management actions

• fish and wildlife related laboratory and field research

• natural history studies

• habitat mapping

• field surveys and population monitoring

• habitat protection and enhancement

• conservation education

Program funds may be used for salaries, equipment, consultant services, subawards, materials, and travel costs.

For more information, see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Tribal Wildlife Grants Home Page.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Additional Information on Eligibility Participation is limited to federally recognized Tribal governments listed in the current Federal Register Notice of Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs (Notice). This is the official listing of all federally recognized Tribes in the United States pursuant to Section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-454; 108 Stat. 4791-4792). The current Notice was published in the Federal Register, 89 FR 238 (December 11, 2024). Tribal contact information is available in the BIA Tribal Leaders Directory.

mailto:Michael_Eldon_Brown@fws.gov mailto:r8fa_grants@fws.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-11/pdf/2024-29005.pdf https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/tribal-leaders-directory/

Recipient Tribes must meet all reporting requirements for previously awarded, active TWG Program awards before they are eligible to receive new funds. After a Tribe submits a new application, it will be notified of any outstanding reporting requirements. The Tribe will then have 30 days to submit the required reports. Tribes that have not brought past due reports up to date in this 30-day period will be found ineligible and excluded from further consideration in the FY 2025 TWG Program cycle.

There is no limit to the number of applications a Tribe may submit within a single fiscal year.

However, no single Tribe may be funded for multiple projects within a fiscal year if the total combined Federal request exceeds $200,000. If multiple applications exceed this amount, only the highest-scoring application(s) will be accepted, and any other(s) will be determined to be ineligible.

Tribal organizations and other entities may participate as subrecipients or contractors to federally recognized Tribal government recipients. Any entity receiving TWG Program funds as a subrecipient must comply with the applicable requirements described in this announcement.

TWG Program funds may not be used to acquire real property interests. Real property interests include, but are not limited to, fee simple, fee with exceptions to title, easements, water rights, mineral rights, and leaseholds.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The intended outcomes of the Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program are increased and enhanced fish, wildlife, and plant conservation on lands of interest to a Tribe. Tribes use Program funding to protect and restore habitats and populations of species of Native American cultural and traditional importance. The program helps Tribes enhance hunting, fishing, and other subsistence and ceremonial opportunities, supporting Tribal member well-being, economic development, and sovereignty.

Tribes may voluntarily work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), State fish and wildlife agencies, and other conservation partners to focus TWG Program funding on rare, threatened, or endangered species, or state-identified species of greatest conservation need. Proactive approaches to species conservation may help Tribes and their conservation partners avoid more prescriptive Federal regulatory requirements under the Endangered Species Act.

Program Description The Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program was created to support the development and implementation of programs that benefit fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The TWG Program is part of the Congressionally authorized State and Tribal Wildlife Grant (STWG) Program which provides wildlife conservation grants under provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.

Funding originates from the Department of the Interior (DOI) and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (Pub. L. 107-63), when Congress first allocated a portion of the funds appropriated under the STWG Program to a competitive grant program for federally recognized Tribes. This Act and subsequent appropriations authorize the Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI), through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to establish a separate competitive grant program for Tribes which is not subject to the provisions or other requirements of the STWG Program.

The TWG Program supports Tribally led fish and wildlife conservation on lands of interest to Tribes. These lands are often adjacent to DOI-managed lands. Project activities commonly target species of cultural or traditional importance to a Tribe, enhancing hunting and fishing opportunities on and off Tribal lands. The TWG Program may also support project activities that assist the Service and other conservation partners with recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The TWG Program provides flexibility for Tribes to address their https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2015-title16/pdf/USCODE-2015-title16-chap9.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-3003/pdf/COMPS-3003.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-3003/pdf/COMPS-3003.pdf conservation priorities regardless of whether a species is hunted or fished, listed as threatened or endangered, or identified in a formal conservation plan.

Eligible projects include those that initiate, develop, or implement activities or programs benefiting wildlife or their habitats, including plants. Projects may involve but are not restricted to one or more of these activities:

• Conservation planning for fish, wildlife, and their habitats;

• Conservation management actions such as:

o Field surveys and population monitoring, o Fish passage construction, o Habitat restoration, or o Invasive species management;

• Field and laboratory research related to fish and wildlife resources;

• Habitat mapping and characterization; or

• Public education relevant to the proposed project.

Since its inception, the Service has awarded more than $124.5 million to Native American Tribes through the TWG Program, providing support for 697 conservation projects. In FY 2023, the Service received 71 applications and issued 36 awards. In FY 2024, the Service received 64 applications and issued 35 awards. In FY 2025, the Service expects to receive an estimated 50 to 80 applications and issue 30 to 40 awards.

Tribes are invited to work with Service staff in developing applications that address the scoring criteria provided in this announcement (see Merit Review below). More information about the TWG Program is available at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Tribal Wildlife Grants Home Page.

To support Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, the Service has implemented a Third-Tier funding process. This process targets Tribes that have not previously received a TWG Program award. The purpose of this process is to increase Tribal fish and wildlife management capacity to address the needs of their identified species.

Legislative Authority Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, Public Law 119-04 (H.R. 1968 - 119th Congress)

Type of Award Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission https://www.fws.gov/service/tribal-wildlife-grants

Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects. You may also provide a customized Budget table.

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs

Required for construction projects.

You may also provide a customized Budget table.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

* Award purpose,

* Activities to be performed,

* Expected deliverables or outcomes,

* Intended beneficiaries,

* Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative The Project Narrative identifies the activities you will complete to benefit of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Submit a narrative of no more than 10 pages addressing the elements listed below. You may combine your responses as necessary - separate headings or sections are not required. Your Project Narrative must be formatted to fit on an 8.5” x 11” document, with 1” margins at the top, bottom, and sides and page numbers at the bottom of the page (starting with the first page of the narrative). Font size should be no less than 12 point.

1. Need: The need for the proposed project within the purpose of the TWG Program.

2. Objectives: Consider using SMART Objectives in your Project Narrative. SMART Objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. We encourage you to work with your Tribal Liaison and/or Regional Office of Conservation Investment program lead if you have questions about articulating objectives in your Project Narrative https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

(see Regional Contacts in Basic Information above). You may also wish to review the Standard Objectives used in other Service programs. You are not required to use Standard Objectives.

3. Results: Expected results or benefits from accomplishing the objectives.

4. Methodology: The methodology, approach, or activities to be used in meeting the objectives, including specific procedures, methods, schedules, key personnel, and partners.

5. Monitoring Plan: A description of monitoring activities and an explanation of how the project results will be collected and assessed.

6. If applicable, indicate the number of impacted acres and/or miles of stream or shoreline.

7. Environmental Compliance: A description of the activity in sufficient detail for Service staff to evaluate compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and any other required permits or approvals.

8. Project Location: Maps or other geographic aids may be attached. Please include GPS Coordinates in decimal degrees, if available. Maps are not included in the 10-page limit.

9. Partnerships: Describe partnerships with other Tribes, organizations, or agencies.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Data and Evaluation Costs: Applicant budgets may include costs related to data and evaluation as relevant per 2 CFR §200.455.

TWG Program funding may be used for biological research and/or for monitoring or other data collection activities necessary for evaluating the effects of project activities on targeted plant or animal species. Costs related to data and evaluation are allowable. Data costs include but are not limited to the expenditures needed to gather, store, track, manage, analyze, disaggregate, secure, share, publish, or otherwise use data to administer or improve the program, such as data systems, personnel, data dashboards, cybersecurity, and related items. Data costs may also include direct or indirect costs associated with building integrated data systems—data systems that link https://wsfrtraining.fws.gov/pluginfile.php/406/mod_page/content/258/TRACS%20Performance%20Matrix_V20%2008092023.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 individual-level data from multiple State and local government agencies for purposes of management, research, and evaluation. Evaluation costs include (but are not limited to) evidence reviews, evaluation planning and feasibility assessment, conducting evaluations, sharing evaluation results, and other personnel or materials costs related to the effective building and use of evidence and evaluation for program design, administration, or improvement.

Additional Budget Guidance

If you incur costs before your project start date, these “pre-award” costs can only be reimbursed if included in your application and approved in writing by your Regional Office of Conservation Investment. Pre-award costs may include costs necessary for preparing the application, such as feasibility surveys, engineering design, biological reconnaissance, or preparation of documents such as environmental assessments for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act or other Federal laws or regulations (see 2 CFR 200.458). Pre-award costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred on or after the project start date. If you are unsure whether pre-award costs may be reimbursable, please contact your Regional Office of Conservation Investment.

For personnel costs, describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute (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 any contracts or subawards.

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.

If applicable to your project, also include information on:

1. Program Income – Estimate the amount of program income that the project is likely to generate and indicate the method of applying and disposing of it (see 2 CFR 200.1).

2. Equipment – Identify any 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 you or your subrecipient(s) for financial statement purposes, or $10,000 (see 2 CFR 200.1). If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. You and your 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.

3. Construction or Building-Related Capital Expenditures – Review the definition of a capital expenditure in 2 CFR 200.1, Any applicable costs must comply with the requirements in 2 CFR 200.439. See also 2 CFR 200.452. Note that real property acquisition is not an eligible expense in the TWG Program.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.458 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-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=049305c173b88964e96991aafabcf1f4&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_11 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fad20236ec5ab44b8fe155679a71935d&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=se2.1.200_1313&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fad20236ec5ab44b8fe155679a71935d&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1317 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fad20236ec5ab44b8fe155679a71935d&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1326 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fad20236ec5ab44b8fe155679a71935d&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1439 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.439 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.452 of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information Cover Page Include the following information in the cover page: Name of Tribe, Project Title, TWG Program Funds Requested, Project Start Date, Project End Date, Project Contact’s Name, Job Title, Phone Number, Email Address, and Date. You may also include your Tribal logo, seal, and/or photo(s).

Tribal Resolution Attach a signed Tribal resolution of support and/or official signed letter from an individual with delegated Tribal authority stating their support for the application. The resolution may be provided after application review and selection for an award.

Application Checklist Review this announcement carefully to ensure your application is complete. Contact your Native American Liaison and/or Office of Conservation Investment TWG Program lead if you have questions about this checklist (see Regional Contacts in Basic Information above).

• Cover Page

• Tribal Resolution, if available (may be submitted later if selected for an award)

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

• A completed Budget Information form: SF-424A (Non-Construction projects) or SF-

424C (Construction projects)

• You may provide additional Budget detail in a customized Budget table

• If applicable, a completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form

• Project Abstract Summary form (OMB Form Number: 4040-0019)

• Project Narrative (10-page limit)

• Budget Narrative:

o Description and justification of all items of cost in Budget o Additional Budget information, as applicable o Indirect Cost Statement (De Minimis or Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 o If using a negotiated rate, include a copy of your Tribe’s most recent Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

• If applicable, a Conflict of Interest Disclosure

• Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Closing Date Explanation You may submit your application via either of two Federal online grants management systems, via email, or via U.S. Mail or express delivery to your Regional Office of Conservation Investment (see Regional Contacts in the Basic Information section of this announcement above). Please note the following deadline details for each submission method:

• GrantSolutions or Grants.gov: no later than 11:59 PM, ET on June 20, 2025.

• Email: no later than 11:59 PM Local Time on June 20, 2025.

• U.S. Mail or express delivery: postmarked no later than June 20, 2025.

If you need a copy of this announcement in another format, contact:

DJ Monette Associate Native American Liaison Advisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035 413-244-4495 dj_monette@fws.gov

If you need immediate assistance, please call our customer service center at 1-800-344-9453. If you have a hearing impairment or a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 06/20/2025

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

Submission Instructions Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

mailto:dj_monette@fws.gov https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions, follow these steps:

1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:

• Subject: New Organization Request

• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)

• Entity type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)

• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)

• Address

• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone)

This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.

3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.

Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://login.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation

Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

6. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

Applicants can submit a hard copy application by U.S. Mail or express delivery to the addresses below.

See Regional Contacts in the Basic Information section of this announcement above for your Regional Office mailing address.

Applications can be submitted electronically to the email address below by the submission date and time.

See Regional Contacts in the Basic Information section of this announcement above for your Regional Office application submission email address.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

Rejecting an Application Applications that do not meet all eligibility requirements may be rejected. If an application is rejected, the applicant will be notified why it was rejected by the regional Native American Liaison or TWG Program Lead. The regional Native American Liaison or TWG Program lead will retain copies of all submitted proposals in their respective Regional Office.

Regional Review Team Service staff will compile applications received via GrantSolutions, Grants.gov, and email or mail and post them for internal use by the Regional Review Team (Team). The regional Native American Liaison or TWG Program Lead will coordinate activities of the Team but will not score applications at the Regional level. Applications will be scored independently by Team members based on the ranking criteria published in this announcement.

Regional Ranking After all applications have been evaluated, program staff will ensure that applications and scores are accurately entered into a database. All Scoring Sheets will be collected by the regional program staff and saved as part of the administrative record. The regional program staff will average the scores for each application to develop regionally ranked project lists, with the highest average score being number one, the second-highest number two, etc. The Regional ranking lists must be approved by the Team. In order to complete all scoring committee activities, the regional program staff are encouraged to convene their scoring committees (in person or by conference call) to review and discuss the final regional ranking before the list is submitted to their respective Regional Director for approval.

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/

Tiebreakers If two applications have the same score, the regional program staff will determine priority based on the average scores of individual criteria. The Resource Benefit criterion is used first to break ties. If the Resource Benefit scores are the same, the tiebreaker process moves to the Capacity Building criterion and then to the Performance Measures criterion.

First Tier Applications First Tier applications bypass the national scoring process and are automatically placed on the list of recommended applications submitted to the Service Director. The two highest-scoring TWG Program applications are considered to be First Tier at the Regional level. However, Regional Directors have the option of elevating any eligible application to First Tier status at their discretion. If this occurs, Regional Director First Tier selections will be moved to the highest rank and all other applications will be adjusted down.

National Review and Ranking

First Tier Applications at the National Level: First Tier selections are designated by the Regional Directors, bypass the national review and ranking process, and are accepted into the pool of recommended applications.

Second Tier Applications at the National Level: All Regional rankings are converted to a Regional percentile. This serves to eliminate any systematic application of the scoring criteria unique to a Region. For example: if a Region received seven applications scoring 92, 90, 87, 85, 80, 77, and 70, they would be ranked one through seven respectively. The highest scoring proposal, 92, is the best of seven, or (7/7) = 100 percent. The next highest, 90, is ranked sixth out of seven, or (6/7) = 86 percent; and so on – with the remaining five applications being assigned 71 percent, 57 percent, 43 percent, 29 percent, and 14 percent. The regionally ranked lists are then merged into a single national pool of eligible applications based on these percentiles. Using this process and the Regional percentiles, an equitable percentage based on the best applications in each Region will move forward for funding recommendation at the National level as funding levels allow.

Third Tier Applications at the National Level: Federally recognized Tribes that have not received prior funding through the TWG Program are eligible for funding through a Third Tier process. This process does not modify current project selection procedures or the criteria in this announcement. Regardless of whether a Tribe has received a previous TWG Program award, we will review all applications using the same procedures and criteria. Awards for selected Third Tier applications will be distributed to first-time TWG Program recipients that are not selected through the First or Second Tiers. Up to one application per Service Region may be selected through this Third Tier process, based on its rank within the respective Service Region.

Selection of Applications to be Funded Once the national review process is completed, the final award recommendations are presented to the Service Director with a request for concurrence and approval at the Director's discretion.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review Resource Benefit - Maximum Points: 30 What are the expected benefits to Tribal fish and wildlife and their habitats if the project is successfully completed? Highlight benefits to species of cultural or traditional importance or species that are not hunted or fished.

1. Extent to which the project will reduce or restore losses to fish, wildlife, and/or plant species or their habitats.

2. Extent to which the project will carry out research or monitoring necessary to restore or manage fish, wildlife, and/or plant species or their habitats.

3. Extent to which the project will address a fish, wildlife, and/or plant resource priority identified by a Tribe or other entity in one or more management or recovery plans.

4. Duration for which the project will protect or manage a fish, wildlife, and/or plant conservation priority.

Performance Measures - Maximum Points: 18 To what extent does the proposal identify obtainable and quantifiable performance measures and the means and plan to monitor, evaluate, and report on these measures compared to an initial baseline? The measures should be specific, clear, and provide demonstrable benefits to the target species.

1. Extent to which the project produces measurable results for habitats and/or species.

2. Extent to which the project identifies a baseline and identifies anticipated measurable post-project accomplishments.

3. Extent to which the project implements high priority actions and is part of a comprehensive management approach.

Work Plan - Maximum Points: 10 Are the project activities and objectives well-designed and achievable?

1. Extent to which the project tasks and work products are clearly established and support Tribal goals/objectives.

2. Extent to which the project schedule is achievable.

3. Extent to which the project clearly defines and establishes accountability of the applicant.

Budget - Maximum Points: 10 Are all major budget items justified in relation to the program objectives and clearly explained in the Budget Narrative?

1. Extent to which all parts of the Budget Narrative and associated Budget Table(s) are clear, concise, and complete.

2. Extent to which the Budget Narrative and associated Budget Table(s) accurately reflect all costs.

Capacity Building - Maximum Points: 20 To what extent will the project increase the recipient's capacity to engage in actions for the benefit of wildlife and their habitats?

1. Extent to which the project will contribute to Tribal self-sufficiency in fish and wildlife resource management.

2. Extent to which the project will result in the creation or improvement of Tribal wildlife ordinances and/or enforcement.

3. Extent to which the project will improve Tribal fish and wildlife management capabilities through infrastructure development and/or training.

Outreach, Partnership, and Data Sharing - Maximum Points: 12 To what extent does the applicant display commitment to the project through outreach, partnerships, and data sharing?

1. Extent to which the project clearly demonstrates outreach actions.

2. Extent to which the project involves partnerships with other Tribes, organizations, and/or agencies.

3. Extent to which the project builds data or information in a format that is shareable with other data systems, Tribes, organizations, and/or agencies.

Total Maximum Points: 100

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

Receiving Applications Submit TWG Program grant application(s) either by mail or email to the appropriate regional email address, or electronically through GrantSolutions or Grants.gov. Upon receipt, proposals will be date-stamped and delivered to the appropriate regional program staff. Applications must be submitted in GrantSolutions or Grants.gov, emailed, or postmarked on, or before the due date identified in this announcement. No facsimile copies of the proposal application will be processed or accepted.

Screening and Accepting Applications Regional program staff ensure the application proposes eligible activities and includes the information in the Application Checklist above, as applicable.

If an application package is incomplete, the Service may inform an applicant of required information, and the applicant may provide it by the due date. Early submission can help a Tribe avoid disqualifying errors or omissions prior to the deadline. A Tribe may also resubmit the application for the next funding cycle. Regional program staff determine whether the applicant Tribe is in compliance on previous TWG Program awards. Tribes not in compliance with current TWG Program award requirements have 30 days to comply, or they may be determined to be ineligible to apply for a new award.

Selection of Applications to be Funded Once the national review process is completed, the final award recommendations are presented to the Service Director with a request for concurrence and approval at the Director's discretion.

Post-Award Compliance Information:

We encourage you to submit any required compliance information to your Regional Office of Conservation Investment within three months of Director approval of your award.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR

200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 10/17/2025

Anticipated Project End Date: 10/20/2028

A project's period of performance may begin on but not prior to the date of the Service Director's approval of any FY 2025 TWG Program awards. This date varies and is usually no earlier than October. A typical period of performance is two to three years; however, authorizing legislation does not require a three-year limit. Regional TWG Program Leads and/or Tribal Liaisons can provide technical assistance on selecting an appropriate period of performance.

Awards may be issued by late 2025 at the discretion of the Service Director and as funding levels permit. Factors beyond the Service's control may delay awards or result in lower available funding relative to previous fiscal year levels.

If selected for an award, a Tribe will receive information detailing the terms and conditions of the award and instructions on…