FINAL 2018_0809_midAtlanticRegional_COOP_NOFA_.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Program Announcement No. M18AS00005

Assessing Sand and Mineral Resources on the Mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)

FY 2018 Marine Minerals Program

August 9, 2018

I. Funding Opportunity Description:

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) through the Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to conduct research to serve the public interest in offshore sand resources, coastal restoration, coastal resiliency, and to further the MMP goal of developing a national Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand resource inventory. The overall goal of this study is to coordinate and implement sand, gravel, and strategic mineral resource identification, delineation and management practices for the mid-Atlantic region. This study will also develop additional reserve estimates (volumes) which highlight the strategic and economic potential of accessible mineral resources under BOEM’s management, particularly in regard to OCS sediment resources, critical strategic mineral and rare earth element content. Data collection and analysis in support of these goals promotes preservation of biological, cultural, and economic resources by rebuilding coastlines to safeguard the Nation’s assets and delineates OCS mineral resources to inform long term planning and ensure protection from activities that might otherwise permanently obstruct access to the resource. This funding is available to East Coast state entities in the mid-Atlantic Region, including:

Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

II. Award Information:

• This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project: Assessing Sand and Mineral Resources on the Mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

• This Program Announcement describes a cooperative agreement that may be awarded to an East Coast state entity in the mid-Atlantic Region, including:

Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal.

• The total amount of funding available for an award based on this announcement is not to exceed $250,000. The MMP anticipates making one (1) mid-Atlantic regional cooperative agreement award in response to this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) (see list of eligible entities below in Section III). The award ceiling, for the entire proposed project (not per year), is $250,000. Work performance under the cooperative agreement award will start on day of award.

Work performance under this award must be completed within 24 months from the date the recipient receives funding. Additional information regarding multi-year proposals is presented in the “Multi-Year Proposal” section below.

• The overall goal of this study is to coordinate and implement sand, gravel, and strategic mineral resource identification, delineation and management practices for the mid-Atlantic OCS region. This study will also develop additional reserve estimates (volumes) which highlight the strategic and economic potential of accessible mineral resources under BOEM’s management, particularly in regard http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode43/usc_sec_43_00001345----000-.html to OCS sediment resources, critical strategic mineral and rare earth element content. Therefore, the following tasks could be considered for inclusion in a cooperative agreement:

o Review existing geophysical and geological data and other relevant data (e.g. radiocarbon dates, bathymetry data, LiDAR data, etc.) for the study area to identify data gaps or areas where further sampling (geophysical or geologic) is needed.

o Develop study plan: The study plan should thoroughly outline the collection and analyses of new and existing geological and geophysical data (and incorporate into database) as they pertain to improved geologic interpretations and characterization (information on sediment textural properties, volumes of deposit, type of deposit, overburden thickness, percent sand, and other criteria agreed upon between BOEM and the recipient) of restoration-quality OCS sediment resources. The study plan should also highlight how these data and data products will be integrated into the MMIS spatial database through coordination with the BOEM MMP. The study plan should also include discussion on possible expansion on one or more feasibility sub-elements based on remaining funding capacity. Examples under consideration are:

A regional project assessment and forecast for USACE authorized projects and non-authorized project areas that have been determined by federal and state agencies to be vulnerable to storms.

A regional assessment outlining environment concerns, principal stakeholders for engagement, and possible environmental studies that would provide needed data for informed science based decision making associated with accessing sand and gravel resources for coastal resilience projects. This effort includes identification of existing geospatial data pertaining to other potential user conflicts in the area (e.g. renewable energy projects, commercial/recreational fishing areas), known high value environmental resource areas (e.g., hard bottom, cultural resources, etc.), and potential hazards (e.g. unexploded ordnance).

o Synthesize regional geologic interpretations and compile into a spatial geodatabase using BOEM-specified formatting (including compliant metadata). Any spatially relevant products should be included in the spatial database (e.g. data points; interpreted locations or isopachs of sand bodies, valley fills, channel fills, etc.). This may include but is not limited to:

Digitization of analog data Georectification of data for projection in GIS Integrating navigation data with geophysical profiles.

Other data specific subtasks necessary to bring data into GIS and other analytical software o Delineate (interpreted) sand-rich lithofacies in plan form (ESRI polygon shapefiles for GIS) o Integration of all newly acquired and/or analyzed data, interpretations, and other relevant products into a final spatial database.

o A Technical Report with data coverages expanding on one or more feasibility sub-elements based on remaining funding capacity.

o Prepare technical reports and a Regional Final Summary Report with maps and supporting spatial and non-spatial data compilations in accordance with deliverable schedule.

• These awards will be cooperative agreements and must include substantial involvement by MMP staff in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct. The MMP envisions the consultation with appropriate subject matter experts via teleconference or site visit during any study design that will occur post-contract award. The MMP envisions that the appropriate subject matter expert be allowed to occasionally assist with field work and/or visit the field site.

Selected Research Topics:

MMP research focuses on the following broad issues associated with the development of non-energy minerals:

• Enhancing regional OCS sand and gravel resource identification, delineation, and characterization (e.g. textural properties, estimate volumes, geomorphology of resource) GIS data for the mid-Atlantic region that supports the BOEM Marine Minerals National Sand Inventory.

• What new OCS sand resource borrow areas can be delineated that have beach-compatible material? Which borrow areas contain material that is suitable for coastlines requiring future or current restoration?

• What volume of beach-compatible sand is available in new borrow areas that is proximal to areas requiring restoration?

• A regional project assessment and forecast for USACE authorized projects and non-authorized project areas that have been determined by federal and state agencies to be vulnerable to storms.

• A regional assessment outlining environment concerns, principal stakeholders for engagement, and possible environmental studies that would provide needed data for informed science based decision making associated with accessing sand and gravel resources for coastal resilience projects. This effort includes identification of existing geospatial data pertaining to other potential user conflicts in the area (e.g. renewable energy projects, commercial/recreational fishing areas), known high value environmental resource areas (e.g., hard bottom, cultural resources, etc.), and potential hazards (e.g. unexploded ordnance).

Additional information describing the MMP focus can be found online at:

http://www.boem.gov/Non-Energy-Minerals/Marine-Minerals-Program.aspx.

Multi-Year Proposals:

Proposals should clearly define the work to be accomplished each year. The BOEM MMP reserves the option to fund only the first year of a multi-year proposal with funding of subsequent years contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory progress demonstrated by the recipient. Progress will be determined through technical review of Progress Reports and other work identified by the BOEM project officer.

III. Eligibility Information:

State agencies and public universities (as defined by OCSLA) within the mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, may submit applications. One award will be considered; cooperative research (establishment of teams) is encouraged. Contributions of matching funds towards these efforts, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, or a combination of both) is strongly encouraged but not required. BOEM strongly encourages matching funds in order to leverage available funds, to the degree possible, in order to enhance the scientific approach and maximize the value/scope of study. The proposal will not be evaluated on the availability of matching funds. Further information can be located at 2 CFR 200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f2e8e82a0a3054adde244adf061955a9&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn= div8

Funding will only be available to one agency/university. It is up to the state to decide on whether the proposal submitted will be a collaborative effort between multiple state agencies/universities or if only one entity. It is recommended individual State Geologists serve as a coordinator for proposals involving collaboration between multiple agencies.

IV. Application and Submission Information:

1. Location of Application Package

All applications must be submitted through the www.grants.gov portal at “Apply for Grants.” Applicants can locate the application package by visiting the grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.424 in the grants.gov search engine. Applications must be received by BOEM no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on the date the application is due.

The electronic submission system requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual proposal can be submitted (go to www.grants.gov and click “Register” link on the top right hand corner for the instructions).

http://www.boem.gov/Non-Energy-Minerals/Marine-Minerals-Program.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f2e8e82a0a3054adde244adf061955a9&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f2e8e82a0a3054adde244adf061955a9&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f2e8e82a0a3054adde244adf061955a9&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

2. Content and Form of Applications

The application process begins by downloading https://www.grants.gov The Adobe software will enable the applicant and all interested parties to view and complete the following required application forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance SF-424a Budget Information SF-424b Assurances – Non-Construction Programs Project Narrative Form Budget Narrative Form GG Certification Regarding Lobbying Form (Complete the Optional SF-LLL Lobbying form if lobbying has occurred)

Complete the required SF-424 and Lobbying forms.

3. Proposal Narrative

The first page of the proposal shall contain the following information:

• Project Title:

• Principal Investigator(s):

o Name:

o Address:

o Phone:

o Fax:

o Email:

• Name of the Lead University, State Agency, or other organization:

• Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

• Project Status: New/Continuation

• Project Duration: (years)

• Proposed Start Date:

• Project Deliverable: (e.g., final report, data)

• Matching Funds Available:

• Funds Requested:

• Total Project Cost:

Proposal Text. The text should be no longer than 10 pages. Please include the following:

1. Abstract

2. Background/Relevance – Give a brief introduction to the research problem. State how the proposal addresses MMP goals. Explain why the work is important.

Specify the contribution to science related to offshore resources and the benefits that society will receive from the project. Proposals should clearly describe why https://www.grants.gov/ the research is important to MMP. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

3. Objectives/Hypotheses – Clearly define the goals of the project.

4. Methods/Analyses – List all references to which you refer in the text and references from your past work in the field that the research problem addresses.

Be sure to identify references as journal articles, chapters in books, abstracts, maps, digital data, etc.

5. Data management, data archiving, and data security plans, as appropriate

6. Logistics plan, when appropriate

7. Safety management, when appropriate

8. Permits/Interagency coordination, when appropriate

9. Local involvement/Traditional knowledge, when appropriate

10. Project management/Staffing plan – Describe the performance, metrics or devise a performance plan that will be used to assess the accomplishment of the goals of the project. These performance measures will be incorporated in the cooperative agreement award and must be reflected in the recipient’s Bi- Monthly (every two months) Progress Report. Describe the applicant’s plan to monitor performance of contractors and sub-grantees. List the Principal Investigator first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role for each participant in the project (e.g., oceanographer, geochemist, field assistant).

Include a (two page maximum) curriculum vitae for each investigator.

11. Planned Products – List product(s) (e.g., reports, analyses, maps, digital data) that will be delivered at the end of the performance period. Bi-Monthly (every two months) progress reports and draft and final reports and draft and final technical summaries are required. Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals is encouraged.

12. Budget justification (see item 4, “Budget Narrative,” below)

13. Budget (include personnel costs, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, indirect costs, and anticipated match for each year, as well as a grand total for both years)

14. Suggested Peer Reviewers of deliverables

15. Project Schedule (including deliverables)

16. Critical Start Date (e.g., for season-limited field work)

17. Literature Cited

Not included in the 10 page limit are the curricula vitae, budget, budget justification, suggested peer reviewers and Literature Cited. We appreciate abbreviated curricula vitae with 2 pages per Principal Investigator/Co-Principal Investigator. The project schedule is included within the 10-page limit.

4. Budget Narrative

This information will provide more details than the SF-424A form and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine if they are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Please include the

a. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation and estimated number of hours. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

b. Fringe benefits/labor overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the Negotiated Rate Agreement with the cognizant federal audit agency for the Recipient, and all sub-grantees.

c. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item, which represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR. 200.317.

d. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. "Special-purpose equipment" means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment (used for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds.

Title to non-expendable personal property may remain with the government or it may be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313. Also, to include:

Computational software and hardware. Identify any computational equipment and supplies necessary to fulfill the proposed deliverables.

e. Services or consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-contractors by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-grantee proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal, including copies of the most current negotiated indirect cost rate.

f. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip.

Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown. Also, to include:

Field Expenses. Briefly itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, lodging and transportation costs, and other travel costs).

g. Publication costs. Show the estimated cost of publishing the results of the research, including the final report. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

h. Other direct costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere such as: shipping, computing, equipment-use charges, or other services. Also, to include:

Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

i. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items a - j.

j. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant's organization. If the sub has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. As stated in

(b) above, provide a copy of the Negotiated Rate Agreement with the cognizant federal audit agency including the recipient and all sub-grantees.

k. Amount proposed. Total items k and l.

l. Multi-year projects. The Applicant shall provide summary information as well as a detailed budget for each year.

V. Application Review Information

Reviewers will include BOEM staff, project managers, and may also include external peer review. Reviewers will have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline of the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria shown in descending order of importance:

1. Scientific quality and impact:

Has the applicant clearly and thoroughly explained the hypotheses and relevance to MMP’s mission?

2. Work plan/Methodology:

Is the strategy clear and designed for success? Are the scientific objectives appropriate for proposed timeframe? Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate? Are the tools selected for research appropriate?

3. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results:

Are the products clearly defined? Will they be useful for environmental stewardship and offshore resource management activities? Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form?

4. Budget Justification and Clarity:

Is staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals? Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses appropriate? Are expenses adequately itemized?

5. Experience/Competence of Research Personnel:

Has the applicant demonstrated (through bibliographic references, previous experience, awards, etc.) that they are capable of performing the proposed research? Has the applicant demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the scientific problem? Have products been on schedule and within budget?

VI. Award Administration Information:

The recipient is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the cooperative agreement and sub-awards to ensure compliance with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and policies. The recipient is also responsible for meeting the performance goals identified in the Project Narrative.

Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by BOEM, and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the

• Program legislation\regulation.

• Special terms and conditions.

• Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (contact the

Contracting Officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following): Terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

2 CFR Part 25 Universal Identifier and System for Award Management

2 CFR Part 170 Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information

2 CFR Part 175 Award Term for Trafficking in Persons

2 CFR Part 1400 NonProcurement Debarment and Suspension

2 CFR Part 1401 Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace

2 CFR Part 1402 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

43 CFR Part 18 New Restrictions on Lobbying

2 CFR Part 182 Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace

Reporting. BOEM will conduct oversight and monitoring of the work progress and financial status of each cooperative agreement by requiring the following, at a minimum:

1. Federal Cash Transactions Reports

The recipient must submit the Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report, and, when necessary, its continuation form, if funds are withdrawn in advance of expenditures. The MMP will use the form to monitor the cash advanced to the recipient, and to obtain disbursement or outlay information for each grant.

2. Performance and Financial Status Reporting Requirements

Reporting requirements for the projects are regulated by 2 CFR Part 200. These regulations specify basic cooperative agreement reporting requirements including performance and financial reports. BOEM will work closely with the recipient to incorporate appropriate performance and financial reporting requirements into each cooperative agreement award, consistent with 2 CFR Part 200. These regulations provide some flexibility in determining the appropriate content and frequency of performance and financial reports. At a minimum, however, the reporting schedule will require the recipient to report their progress at least quarterly through the established reporting process and yearly submission of financial status reports.

3. Single Audit Requirements

Nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance funds of $750,000 or more in Federal awards must have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year.

Nonfederal entities that expend less than $750,000 in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

4. Technical Reporting Requirements

Quarterly reports, draft and Final Reports, and draft and Final Technical Summaries are required. Details are available at: http://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Stewardship/ Environmental-Studies/Quality.aspx.

VII. Agency Contacts:

Grants.gov:

Technical questions concerning the application process:

Grants.gov Help Desk at:

Phone: 1-800-518-4726 http://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Stewardship/%0bEnvironmental-Studies/Quality.aspx http://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Stewardship/%0bEnvironmental-Studies/Quality.aspx

Email: support@grants.gov

Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Questions:

Dominique Bruce-Morton Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Acquisition Management Division 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-AMD Sterling, Virginia 20166 Phone: (703) 787-1342 Email: dominique.bruce-morton@bsee.gov

Program Office:

Kerby Dobbs Program Coordinator Marine Minerals Program 45600 Woodland Rd., VAM-LD Sterling, Virginia 20166 Phone: (703) 787-1696 Email: kerby.dobbs@boem.gov

VIII. Other Information:

Dissemination of Research Results. The MMP considers dissemination of research data and results to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects funded by this program.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to disseminate research results to the scientific community and appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional, and Federal agencies; and the general public. The MMP encourages the recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals. Applicants should include in the proposal a plan to present findings at a BOEM Sand Management Working Group Meeting.

Extensions to the Project Period. Extensions are discouraged. The timely conduct of funded projects is of great importance to the achievement of the goals of the BOEM MMP. This cooperative agreement requires that project periods not exceed 24 months from the receipt of funding. Applicants should consider their time commitments at the time of applying for funding support.

--End of Program Announcement M18AS00005--mailto:support@grants.gov mailto:dominique.bruce-morton@bsee.gov mailto:kerby.dobbs@boem.gov