F26AS00083 NOFO.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes States - Fiscal Year 2026 Great Lakes Restoration

Initiative

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00083

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Competitive NOFO*Drop-Down: Initial/Modification. Auto populated with user selection in the “Announcement Type” field on the Synopsis>General Information screen.

Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00083*Auto populated with autogenerated number from “FON” field, Key Attributes tab.

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.662*Assistance Listing Selection Field. Auto populated with user selection(s) in “Assistance Listing Number(s)” field, Key Attributes tab.

Estimated Total Program Funding: Up to $3,685,238*Currency Field. Auto populated from the “Estimated Total Program Funding” field within the Publication Setup tab.

Expected Number of Awards: 8*Numeric Input Field. Auto populated with user entry in “Expected Number of Awards” field, Publication Setup tab.

Award Ceiling: $600K*Currency Field. If the program has a maximum award cap, enter it. If that does not apply, enter $0. Auto populated with user entry in “Award Ceiling” field, Publication Setup tab.

Award Floor: $100K*Currency Field. If the program has a minimum award cap, enter it. If that does not apply, enter $0. Auto populated with user entry in the “Award Floor” field, Publication Setup tab.

Award Ceiling/Floor Explanation: Proposals should not exceed the estimated award ceiling. Proposals for larger amounts are difficult to review/rank alongside those within the award ceiling.

Cost Sharing Required? No*Drop-Down: Yes/No. This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances.

Closing Date for Applications: 12/31/2026*Date Field. Auto populated with user entry in the “Closing Date for Applications” and “Closing Date Explanation” fields on the Synopsis>Key Dates screen.

Select checkbox when U.S. states and local governments are eligible to apply.

Checkbox: U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

Provide contact information for at least one point of contact to answer questions from the public.

If needed, provide different points of contact for distinct types of help, such as a contact for programmatic or technical questions and a second contact for administrative questions. If the program has multiple points of contact, you may insert a link to a publicly available list of those.

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100

Provide multiple ways to contact the point(s) of contact or include an email address that multiple people monitor.

Nathan Evans nathan_evans@fws.gov 612-286-4212

Executive Summary This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, enter a summary (may be bulleted list) in plain language of program goals and objectives, target audience, and eligible recipients. Point to references for more information, as applicable. This field has a 500-word limit (4000 characters).

This also populates the Grants.gov description.

Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support implementation of Great Lakes State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (State AIS Plans). State AIS Plans have been transmitted by state governors and then approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

All state grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes states or their designee are eligible.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants This checkbox list appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, select all entity types eligible to apply.

If your program is open to all nonprofits regardless of tax status, be sure to select both nonprofit options. Programs should avoid inadvertently excluding organizations that could otherwise be applicable.

*Eligible Applicants: Checkboxes:

State governments County governments City or township governments Special district governments Independent school districts Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Individuals For profit organization other than small businesses Small businesses Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility”

Additional Information on Eligibility This Text Field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If you selected “Others” or “Unrestricted” above, provide further mailto:nathan_evans@fws.gov clarification. For any specifically targeted applicant types (e.g., Native American tribal organizations), we encourage you to explicitly state that they are eligible in the text box. While they may be part of the general eligibility entity types listed above, specifically identifying them as eligible may reduce potential confusion for such applicants. Describe any eligibility factors for principal investigator or project director. Detail any criteria that makes any project ineligible.

Refer to any funding restriction describe elsewhere in this Funding Opportunity that could affect eligibility (e.g., program does not fund land acquisition). Refer or link to any other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application (e.g., Eligibility Review criteria). Specify any limit on number of applications an applicant may submit, including clarification if that limit applies to the submitting entity or the individual investigator or program director (or both).

We are seeking one application from a primary state natural resource agency in each of the Great Lakes states. However, that agency may designate an entity (of any type) to apply for the award on their behalf

If funding projects outside the U.S., select the checkbox.

Checkbox: Restrictions and Requirements for Non-U.S. Entities or Projects

• We do not fund countries supporting terrorism subject to U.S. sanctions.

• We do not fund countries under U.S. Treasury sanctions without licenses.

• You must get all required approvals for work outside the U.S. We are not responsible for your compliance with local rules.

• For projects over $500,000, you may need to comply with 2 CFR 175.105(b) before we make an award.

Cost Sharing Requirement This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, select Yes or No to indicate if cost sharing is required based on statute or regulation. When you select ‘Yes’, you must enter further information in the “Cost Sharing Explanation” field on the Announcement, Eligibility screen. When you select ‘No’, you may enter any further explanation in the text field as needed.

*Drop-Down: Yes/No

Explain how cost sharing is calculated (e.g. percentage of total, ration to Federal share). In section “Application Contents and Format” you must state pre-award requirements for letters or other documentation verifying commitments to meet cost sharing requirements if an award is made.

Required cost sharing is waived for awards to insular areas per 48 U.S.C. §1469a(d). Per E.O.

14112 (vi) Enhance accessibility by identifying any cost-sharing requirements that may make it difficult for Tribal Nations to access resources and remove these burdens when possible. Cost sharing not required by statute is strongly discourage for Tribal applicants. Any restrictions on the types of cost, such as in-kind contributions, acceptable as cost sharing should be addressed.

Cost Sharing: Text Field. Entry required when ‘Yes’.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/ http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-175

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.

Checkbox: This program may allow an applicant to apply while their SAM.gov registration is in progress, with prior approval. For more information, refer to the point of contact identified in the Basic Information section above.

The FWS standard is to require applicants to register and submit applications in GrantSolutions.

Programs that want to allow applicants to apply in either GrantSolutions or Grants.gov may do

so. See also related author instructions in the Submission Instructions section.

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

Checkbox: GRANTSOLUTIONS This program accepts application through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Briefly summarize in plain language the expected performance goals/outcomes the Federal agency expects to be advanced or achieved through the funding awarded under this Funding Opportunity. Also summarize the inputs and activities that will be used to achieve those goals/outcomes, along with outputs that will be measured. Include the indicators that will be used to measure those outputs and outcomes, along with the data that will be collected to support those indicators. Include baseline data and targets if applicable. These goals are transmitted to USASpending.gov with each award made under this Funding Opportunity. This field is limited to 4,000 characters, including spaces and punctuation. This field does not support bulleted, numbered, or indented text. This field does not support non-ASCII characters (will be rejected by USASpending.gov). Refer to PAN-0016 USASpending Award Description for further https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://terpconnect.umd.edu/%7Ezben/Web/CharSet/htmlchars.html https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/os-pgm/Policy/Forms/Active.aspx instructions.

Funding provided to support implementation of State AIS Management Plans within the Great Lakes Basin

Program Description Describe in plain language the general purpose of the funding and what it is expected to achieve for the public good. Identify any agency funding priorities or focus areas supported by the funding. Describe how awards will contribute to achieving program goals and objectives.

Describe how performance will be measured and outcomes evaluated. Describe any program-specific unallowable costs (e.g., construction, land acquisition, foreign travel, equipment not allowed, pre-award costs limited or not allowed, legal cap on or OMB-approved deviation from indirect or other costs). Describe any program-specific eligibility criteria for beneficiaries or program participants other than award recipients. 100,000-character limit includes spaces and punctuation.

Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support implementation of Great Lakes State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (State AIS Plans). State AIS Plans have been transmitted by state governors and then approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. All state grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes states or their designee are eligible.

Funding is provided to support implementation of State AIS Plans which helps states in preventing introduction and spread of AIS on state and surrounding lands. State environmental agencies develop the science-based plans and approaches to make sound decisions to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS and adapt to changes in state waters over time.

Proposed work must either be within the Great Lakes Basin or near enough to the basin that it contributes substantially to the prevention and/or control of AIS in the Great Lakes Basin.

Activities such as outreach, boat ramp inspections, and/or law enforcement are often done outside the basin but make substantial contributions when work is done in areas where people are likely to transit (and thereby potentially transfer AIS) into the Great Lakes Basin. Early detection, rapid response, and/or control efforts outside the basin must address:

• Species with a substantial potential for interbasin transfer (e.g., hydrilla in a waterbody near the Great Lakes Basin that receives heavy boat use).

• Species of significant concern to the Great Lakes community within a Great Lakes state.

• Activities where the primary motivation is to prevent transfer of AIS into the Great Lakes Basin.

In the end, we are pursuing and funding whatever actions have the greatest benefit to the Great Lakes Basin.

INVASIVE CARP WORK IS ONLY ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IF IT HAS BEEN

INITIALLY SUBMITTED AND VETTED THROUGH THE ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT AND

APPROVAL PROCESS FOR THE INVASIVE CARP REGIONAL COORDINATING

COMMITTEE'S (ICRCC) INVASIVE CARP ACTION PLAN. Invasive carp work funded and implemented through the Action Plan is coordinated through the ICRCC. The ICRCC develops an annual work plan that is largely supported through a separate source of GLRI funding and https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/os-pgm/Policy/Forms/ICR-Deviations.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2Fos%2Dpgm%2FPolicy%2FPAN%2D0031%5F01%2DCRU%2DCESU%2DTribalLBB%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2Fos%2Dpgm%2FPolicy which undergoes a separate review process that includes Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review and approval.

Checkbox: Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

Describe for infrastructure projects subject to Build America, Buy America requirements, information on key items anticipated to be purchased under the program, and any related domestic sourcing concerns based on market research.

*BABAA Requirements: Text Field

Legislative Authority Insert the program’s primary legislative authority citation(s) for the statute(s) that authorize the program to issue financial assistance awards for the purpose and activities described in this NOFO. The statues listed here must also appear in the program’s SAM.gov Assistance Listing. If your program has a new authorizing statute that does not appear in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing, please contact the Bureau’s Assistance Listing Coordinator. Examples: The Yukon River Salmon Act (16 U.S.C. §55701 et seq.), Good Neighbor Authority (16 USC §2113a).

Federal Water Pollution Control Act—Great Lakes (33 U.S.C. §1268)

Type of Award This field appears on both the Synopsis and the Announcement. User entry in any instance populates all instances. If not already populated, select the type(s) of funding instruments the program will use to award funds. When you select ‘Cooperative Agreement’, the sentence ‘Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project’ is inserted under the field on the Announcement and you will be required to enter further information in the related text field on the Announcement. When you select ‘Other’, you must provide further explanation in the related required text field on the Announcement.

Projects will be funded through:

Drop-Down: CA (Cooperative Agreement), G (Grant), O (Other)

When Cooperative Agreement is selected, standard text and required text field are inserted. Expand in plain language on the substantial involvement the bureau expects to have and keep it brief.

Example substantial involvement may include, but not limited to, such things as: Training of recipient personnel, review, and approval of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage, review and approval of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award, directing or redirecting of recipient work, ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives.

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

For cooperative agreements, the substantial involvement by the Service will be unique to the project proposed, given the potential breadth of possible AIS projects that could be proposed. Anyone applying for a cooperative agreement must have worked directly with the Service office/entity that will be cooperating on the project to ensure substantial involvement by the Service has been clearly identified and is acceptable to the providing office/entity https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

When Other is selected, required text field is inserted.

*Others: Text Field

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Applications Content and Format Checkbox: Pre-Application Requirements Specify pre-application requirements (e.g., consultation with regional contact before applying, pre-applications, letters of intent, white papers). Address content and form or format requirements.

• All pre-proposals (including Project Narrative, Budget Narrative) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time 60 days after this NOFO is posted to grants.gov.

• All pre-proposals will be submitted via email to: fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov

• Pre-proposals should include:

o Project title o Description of entity undertaking project o Project justification that addresses: 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’s goals;

o Goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound, and any milestones that must be reached to achieve objectives;

o Activities, including estimated cost for each major project activity and details 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;

o Timetable that breaks out each work activity on a quarterly (or monthly) basis so that it is clear when activities/sub-activities will be completed throughout the life of the grant. This timetable breakdown will also aid in identifying any potential overlap with existing grants of a similar nature;

o Information to support environmental compliance review requirements. This includes sufficient project detail to assess potential effects on species listed under the Endangered Species Act, potential environmental effects under NEPA, and to determine project compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Additional documentation to complete these requirements is very helpful and varies some across USFWS regions, so reach out to the grant contact who will receive your final application package to determine the most useful documentation to provide [these additional documents do not count toward the 25 page limit for Project Narrative];

mailto:fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov o Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, or other means to assess project success;

o Qualifications of key agencies and/or project personnel; and o Details on the project location.

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

Use the table below to select all applicable forms. To remove a row/form, click into the cell and select the row icon from the pop-up. Once you click on the row icon you will have the ability to delete the row you are currently in. You will also have the ability to add additional rows for any other applicable forms.

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

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

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.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement 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

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative Specify project narrative requirements, which may include (as applicable to the program):

• Content and form or format requirements and limitations (e.g., length, paper size, file type).

• Overview information:

o project title, o location details, o description of entity(ies) undertaking the project, o Information on key project personnel, including details on their expertise, skill, or significance to the project.

o needs statement, o description of how project meets the program goals and objectives, o activities, o timeline, o description of stakeholder coordination or involvement

• Monitoring and evaluation information:

o objectives, o methods for data collection (performance monitoring, evaluation, and other reporting), o expected outcomes, o any expected deliverables beyond required financial and performance reporting

• Other:

o description of applicant needs for Federal substantial involvement or technical assistance, o any information needed to support environmental compliance review https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance requirements, o If any requirement also requires submission of separate supporting documentation, describe those in the Other Documentation section below and cross reference them here.

Project Applications are rated using the criteria in the Application Review Information section later in this document. Be sure Project Narrative or other application materials include information that allows for an accurate assessment using all of those criteria (Applicants are encouraged to include, but not required to include, a self-rating as part of Project Narrative). Project Narratives may be NO MORE THAN 25 pages and based on past submissions are often far less. They include:

• Project title;

• Description of entity undertaking project

• Project justification that addresses: 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’s goals;

• Goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound, and any milestones that must be reached to achieve objectives;

• Activities, including estimated cost for each major project activity and details 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;

• Timetable that breaks out each work activity on a quarterly (or monthly) basis so that it is clear when activities/sub-activities will be completed throughout the life of the grant. This timetable breakdown will also aid in identifying any potential overlap with existing grants of a similar nature;

• Information to support environmental compliance review requirements. This includes sufficient project detail to assess potential effects on species listed under the Endangered Species Act, potential environmental effects under NEPA, and to determine project compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Additional documentation to complete these requirements is very helpful and varies some across USFWS regions, so reach out to the grant contact who will receive your final application package to determine the most useful documentation to provide [these additional documents do not count toward the 25 page limit for Project Narrative];

• Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, or other means to assess project success;

• Qualifications of key agencies and/or project personnel; and

• Details on the project location.

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).

Use this checkbox when the program has a mandated cap on indirect costs or approved rate deviation (e.g., CESU, CRUs).

Checkbox: This program has a mandated cap on indirect costs or approved rate deviation.

Use the text box to describe how recipients must charge indirect costs under the program.

*Mandated IC Cap: Text Field

Include the data and evaluation section for all programs except where there is a specific statutory or regulatory prohibition on using program funds for these purposes.

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

*Data & Evaluation Costs: Text Field

Describe any program-specific budget narrative requirements. Address content and form or format requirements and limitations (e.g., length, paper size, file type). If the program has any cost restrictions or caps, point to the Program Description section above where they should be detailed. If the program requires prior approval for how recipients can use program income according to 2 CFR 200.307, please explain those requirements clearly for applicants. Add any program-specific instructions for items of cost requiring prior approval per 2 CFR 200.407.

Budget Narrative Requirements: Text Field

Other Required Information 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 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:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E 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

• 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.

Specify all other application requirements and documentation. Address content and form or format requirements and limitations. Other documentation may include curriculum vitae or other biographical information for key personnel, project location maps, any documentation to support an eligibility determination (e.g., proof of certain tax status, authorizing tribal resolution), third-party references, letters of support, or letters of cost sharing or other commitments to the project.

Other Required Information: Text Field

Describe pre-application procedures, including how and when applicants will know when they can submit a full application. How to get application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply. Specifically, include: (1) An Internet address where the materials can be accessed. (2) An email address. (3) A U.S. Postal Service mailing address. (4) Telephone number. (5) Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD), Text Telephone (TTY) number, or other appropriate telecommunication relay service.

All pre-proposals will be submitted via email to: fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov

Following notification of funding amount: Full proposals will be submitted via GrantSolutions

Submission Dates and Times Linked Fields. Auto populated with user entry in the “Closing Date for Applications” and “Closing Date Explanation” fields on the Synopsis>Key Dates screen.

Closing Date for Applications: 12/31/2026

Closing Date Explanation

• All pre-proposals (including Project Narrative, Budget Narrative) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time 60 days after this NOFO is posted to grants.gov.

• All pre-proposals will be submitted via email to: fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov.

• Pre-proposals will be ranked to determine funding levels for each at which time applicants will be notified via email of approved funding amounts.

• Full proposals are due within 60 days of email notification of funding level (by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time). If grant request will be combined with Interjurisdictional AIS Grant (solicited under separate NOFO), then full proposal will be due 60 days after notice of both Interjurisdictional AIS Grant opportunity funding level and this NOFO funding level.

Applicants must submit full proposal applications, for the approved funding amounts, via

Address to Request Application Package

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

mailto:fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov

GrantSolutions.

Submission Instructions Check what method(s) for application and if applicants have an option to submit hard copies or other means electronically outside of Grants.gov and GrantSolutions. Provide additional instructions in the text box below your selection.

If not using small grants procedures, remove the following text and field.

Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system. You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply:

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the FWS, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for a major construction project, AND

Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except Minority Serving Institutions), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than $10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years).

Minority Serving Institutions meeting all other criteria are eligible to follow the simplified application procedures. If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below. Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below.

If the above text is selected, then enter complete contact information and any other program-specific clarifications and instruction in the field below.

Small Grant Procedures: Text Field

The FWS standard is to require applicants to register and submit applications in GrantSolutions.

Programs that want to allow applicants to apply in either GrantSolutions or Grants.gov may do so but must clarify in the text field following each checkbox below that applicants should apply in ONE of the two systems and that FWS recipients must register in and conduct award business with us through GrantSolutions.

Checkbox: 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:

• 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 https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

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 Grants.gov: Text Field

Checkbox: 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above. Please note that the "Project Abstract Summary" form does not allow use of commas.

mailto:Support@grants.gov https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov 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

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

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

Apply Through GrantSolutions: Text Field

Select the checkbox if program allows paper submissions by mail.

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

Provide mailing address and any other information for applying by mail.

*Submissions by Mail: Text Field

Select the checkbox if program allows applications by e-mail.

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

Provide email address and any other information for applying electronically outside of Grants.gov or GrantSolutions.

*E-mail Submissions: Text Field

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.

List the program’s eligibility review criteria and any disqualifying factors to be reviewed.

Provide enough detail for applicants to understand them. Provide reference to any regulation or other source describing restrictions. This section must include a brief understanding of the agency’s responsiveness review process.

*Eligibility Review: For funding eligibility, pre-proposals must be received no later than 11:59 EST 60 days after this NOFO is posted to grants.gov by email. Late pre-proposals will not be accepted. Following review and ranking of the pre-proposal, by a merit review panel consisting of USFWS AIS biologists, applicants will be notified via email of funding eligibility and provided a deadline for submission of full applications within GrantSolutions. Late applications will not be accepted. Timing of applicant notification is dependent on GLRI funding.

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.

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 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/ 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 this program.

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

Merit Review Describe the criteria used to evaluate merit. Fully describe them or provide a link to a detailed reference. Describe each criterion and sub-criterion used. If criteria vary in importance, describe the relative percentages, weights, or other method used to distinguish between them. Explain any statutory, regulatory, evidence, or other preferences and their effect (e.g., additional points). If cost sharing is not an eligibility criterion, explain how voluntary cost sharing will be considered (e.g., additional points, tiebreaker). Do not encourage cost sharing without clarifying what it means. If cost sharing is not considered in the evaluation, clearly state that in this section.

a. To what degree does the project demonstrate interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration?

i. Low: project identifies little if any interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient.

ii. Medium: project demonstrates meaningful interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration with multiple small or moderate size entities/organizations, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient.

iii. High: project has major component(s) that substantially involve other state(s) or large entities/organizations, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient.

b. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) address vectors for AIS infiltration (i.e., prevention) into the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress or vector of minor importance.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a vector of moderate importance.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a vector of major importance.

c. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve early detection efforts in key areas in the Great Lakes (key areas in Great Lakes proper in Appendix A; key areas in Great Lakes watershed based on a scientifically defensible state/tribal prioritization scheme as described in your proposal)?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium-sized scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

d. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve rapid response efforts (i.e., in the water actions to eliminate an AIS that IS NOT widely established in the Great Lakes, from a new location) in the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

e. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve containment efforts (e.g., blocking movement with barrier or commercial harvest; DOES NOT INCLUDE other activities that are more appropriately captured under prevention, rapid response, or control criteria) in the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium-sized scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

f. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) reduce the abundance of established AIS (i.e., in the water actions to eliminate an AIS that IS widely established in the Great Lakes, from a new location) in the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium-sized scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

g. To what degree does the proposal promote long-term societal, economic, and environmental sustainability goals?

i. Low: project benefits are likely to be short lived and are not necessary steps that will lead to long-term implementation of the project outside of GLRI funding.

ii. Medium: project benefits are likely to last for 5-10 years or may lead to long-term implementation of the project outside of GLRI funding.

iii. High: project benefits are likely to persist for decades or are necessary steps that will lead to long-term implementation of the project outside of GLRI funding.

h. To what degree is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, based on a sound rationale, and based on sound science?

i. Low: steps in the proposed activities are disjointed or don’t appear entirely likely to achieve the desired results.

ii. Medium: generally sound approach but with some reservation.

iii. High: steps in the proposed activities are very well reasoned, sequenced well, and are based on solid principles of science.

i. To what degree does the project incorporate a mechanism to assess success?

i. Low: none identified other than possibly quantifying numbers of actions completed.

ii. Medium: moderate level of assessment with perhaps some elements done reasonably well and others with low level of assessment.

iii. High: thorough, well-designed assessment procedures…