FOA BLM-CO Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

for

Federal Financial Assistance

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Eleni Sarris

Grants Management Specialist

Telephone: 303-239-3908 | Email: esarris@blm.gov

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:

BLM-CO, Research and Experimentation Using Native

Seed Resources

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:

L17AS00170

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:

Request for Applications

Issued: June 15, 2017

CFDA NUMBER & TITLE:

15.238 – Challenge Cost Share

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY:

Challenge Cost Share (CCS), 31 USC §6305, Pl 101-512

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:

August 14, 2017, 12:00 Noon MDT mailto:esarris@blm.gov

BLM Funding Opportunity Announcement No. L17AS00170

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 2 of 29

Rev 6-2016

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Authority

This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Federal Financial Assistance Funding

Opportunity is being announced under the following legislative authority: Challenge

Cost Share, 31 USC Sec. 6305 (PL 101-512, Title I). Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 1991, Title I, Department of the

Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Provided further, That notwithstanding the provisions of the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act of 1977 (31 USC

6301-6308), the Bureau is authorized hereafter to negotiate and enter into cooperative arrangements with public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, to implement challenge cost-share programs. Challenge Cost Share programs leverage funding through partnerships to obtain benefits in excess of what federal funding alone could achieve.

2. Description of Program and/or Project

a. Background: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado’s 8.3 million acres of public lands, along with 27 million acres of mineral estate, are concentrated primarily in the western portion of the State. The lands range from alpine tundra, colorful canyons, and mesas in the southwest, to rolling sage-covered hills in the northwest. These public lands play a vital role in providing open space and contribute to Colorado's quality of life. The public lands and resources administered by the BLM are among Colorado’s greatest assets, benefitting local communities and our nation. Every year, BLM-managed public lands support thousands of jobs in Colorado and draw millions of visitors. Colorado's public lands support diverse lifestyles and livelihoods on healthy and working landscapes in Colorado's backyard. BLM

Colorado's National Conservation Lands encompass approximately one million acres, or one-eighth of all BLM land in the state.

In addition, BLM Colorado manages the following:

• 3 national conservation areas

• 53 wilderness study areas

• 5 wilderness areas

• 1 national historic trail

• 1 national scenic trail

• 2 national monuments

The BLM manages one of every ten acres of public lands in the entire United

States, from grasslands to high desert, from coastal areas to alpine forests. An immense diversity of native plant communities, many rare or endangered, define the character of these lands. These plant communities support a diversity of wildlife, fish, and vital ecological functions. Guided by a landscape approach, sound science, and the mandates of the Federal Land Management Policy Act, the

BLM develops and implements strategies for healthy native plant

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 3 of 29 communities and soil, air, and water management. To support healthy native plant communities, the BLM has developed Seeds of Success (SOS), in partnership with a variety of federal agencies and non-federal organizations. The mission of

SOS is to collect wildland native seed for research, development, germplasm conservation, and ecosystem restoration. Native seed collections made by SOS capture the genetic diversity within the species. A portion of each collection goes into long-term conservation storage. The remainder is available for research and restoration.

The impacts of habitat disturbance, such as road building, destruction (e.g fire and/or resource extraction), and climate change are being felt throughout biological communities. These current and future threats are impacting habitat management and conservation on public lands throughout the country.

Restoration of damaged and degraded habitats is necessary to maintain habitat for wildlife, protect functional ecological communities, enhance recreational activities, facilitate resource extraction, and remove impacted taxa from the

Endangered Species List or other conservation designations. The SOS Program set a goal of collecting and developing native plant materials for restoration. This has largely been accomplished by collecting wild seed from native plants, which can be placed in long-term storage to hedge against stochastic losses. Collection activities also support BLM’s Native Plant Materials Development Program and can be used directly to promote and support conservation activities. Through this funding opportunity, the Colorado State Office of the BLM seeks to collaborate with a university partner participating in the the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies

Unit (CESU) to engage in research and scientific study using native seed resources. Continued and expanded university/college research partnerships will ensure that appropriate native plant materials are available and thriving to support habitats as well as to restore our nation’s public lands.

b. Objectives: This project will address two primary needs regarding native seeds research: 1) address aspects of BLM’s National Seed Strategy requiring research and experimentation to adequately use native seed sources, and; 2) collect conservation genetic data from rare and endangered plants to enhance protection and management of public lands. This project will address strategic goals outlined in the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration, 2015 – 2020.

c. Public Benefit: This project will increase the understanding of the genetic interaction between closely related rare and/or common native plant species.

Genetic information obtained from this study will help determine how influences on one plant population can affect other populations and the capacity for a species to move in response to environmental changes. In addition, through scientific studies conducted on native plant resources will provide students hands-on learning opportunities in the conservation and restoration of native plant communities on public lands. The information gained from this project will help the public in identifying sites of exceptional ecological importance for possible restoration efforts.

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 4 of 29

3. Program/Project Performance Goals

During the period of performance, the Recipient will do the following:

a. Identify research needs and conduct research to provide genetically appropriate seed and to improve technology for native seed production and ecosystem restoration.

b. Characterize genetic variation of restoration species to delineate seed zones, and provide seed transfer guidelines for current and projected future environmental conditions.

c. Conduct research on plant establishment, species interactions, and ecological restoration.

d. Develop or modify monitoring techniques, and investigate long-term restoration impacts and outcomes.

e. Develop tools that enable managers to make timely, informed seeding decisions for ecological restoration.

f. Develop training programs for practitioners, producers, and stakeholders on the use of genetically appropriate seed for restoration.

g. Integrate and develop science delivery tools to support restoration project development and implementation.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Instrument

In accordance with the Legislative Authority, a cooperative agreement will be used and substantive Bureau of Land Management (BLM) involvement will consist of the following: The BLM Program Officer (PO) will collaborate with the recipient's

Project Manager/Principal Investigator (RPM/PI) to manage all stages of project development, implementation, and evaluation. Responsibility for project management, control, and direction will be shared by the recipient and the BLM, however the BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan if the project is not staying on schedule and/or technical issues arise. In addition, BLM Colorado’s State Botanist will provide direction, guidance, and general support in the development of specific activities related to this research project and in the development of educational and informational materials.

2. Expected Number of Awards

One (1) Cooperative Agreement.

3. Expected Individual Award Amounts $ 24,282.80 in FY17

4. Total Funding Expected to be Awarded through this Announcement

$ 24,282.80

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 5 of 29

5. Anticipated Start Date August 2017

6. Anticipated Period of Performance (five (5) years maximum)

From: August 2017

To: August 2022

7. No Obligation to Award

The BLM is under no obligation to award funds for this project. Only BLM Grants

Management Officers (GMO) may obligate funds for financial assistance.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

The following types of entities are eligible to apply for award under this announcement. Failure to meet eligibility requirements will result in precluding the

BLM from making an award. Eligible applicant types are:

• All university and/or college partners participating in any Cooperative Ecosystem

Studies Unit (CESU) program.

2. Required Cost Sharing or Matching

Non-federal partners are expected to match BLM Challenge Cost Share Program

(CCSP) funds at or near one-to-one (1:1) for their respective projects. If there is more than one non-federal partner for a project their total contributions may be combined to meet the 1:1 cost share goal. For more information on cost share requirements, please visit the following: Uniform Guidance for Grant and Cooperative Agreements, §200.306, Cost sharing or matching.

3. Other Eligibility Restrictions

This financial assistance opportunity is also open to all partners under any

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. CESUs are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. If a cooperative agreement is awarded to a CESU partner under a formally negotiated Master CESU agreement, indirect costs are limited to a rate of no more than 17.5% of the indirect cost base recognized in the partner's Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA).

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Application Package This announcement includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.

2. DUNS Number and SAM Registration

FOA%20BLM-CO%20Research%20and%20Experimentation%20Using%20Native%20Seed%20Resources.docx FOA%20BLM-CO%20Research%20and%20Experimentation%20Using%20Native%20Seed%20Resources.docx http://www.grants.gov/

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 6 of 29

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:

a. Provide a valid DUNS number (Dun & Bradstreet Universal Numbering

System) on its application. DUNS numbers are nine-digit numbers established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. DUNS numbers may be obtained free of charge from Dun &

Bradstreet, Inc., at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling them at (877)

930-5228.

b. Be registered in SAM (System for Award Management, www.SAM.gov) before submitting its application. SAM is the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS. There is no fee to register at this site. Register in the System for Award Management

(SAM) at: http://www.sam.gov.

c. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

3. The Application Package

Applications must include all required Standard Forms (SF) shown below, a Proposal

(Attachment A), a Budget Detail (Attachment B), and a copy the applicant's approved federal agency Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable.

Non-governmental organizations that have not previously received award funds or have not had an active award within 3 (three) years must complete a Financial

Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

Form Name and Number

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

SF-424B Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Project Proposal (Attachment A to this document)

Budget Detail (Attachment B to this document)

Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate

Agreement (NICRA), if applicable

Financial Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire (if applicable) http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 7 of 29

a. Project Proposal (Attachment A)

1) Attachment A is a suggested project proposal template and may be used when submitting your proposal. The proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a type-face no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15 page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment

B).

2) All proposals are confidential.

b. Budget Detail (Attachment B)

1) Use the Budget Detail form (Attachment B) to present the breakdown of your estimated costs by category needed to accomplish project activities.

Estimated costs should be described in sufficient detail so that they may be checked for reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed. Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detail breakdown of how the cost were arrived out. No profit or fees are allowable.

2) Budget details should be broken down into the following categories:

(a) Personnel Costs. Salaries or wages of employees working directly on this agreement project, indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries or wages and estimated hours or percent of time to be spent on the agreement.

(b) Fringe Benefit Costs. The costs of fringe benefits of employees working directly on this agreement project. Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

(c) Travel Costs. The estimated costs for travel related to agreement activities. Include the purpose of trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel-related expenses.

For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation. If applicable, indicate that the costs are per your organization's written travel policy. Current Federal per diem rates (the maximum allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel) may be found at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 8 of 29

(d) Equipment Costs. Equipment is defined as expendable tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one (1) year and an acquisition cost of more than $5,000.00, or a value which reaches the capitalization threshold level established by the organization for financial statement purposes.

(e) Supply Costs. The costs of consumable supplies and materials to be used for agreement activities. List each item and quantity individually.

(f) Contractual Costs. Include estimated costs of proposed professional and technical consultants and contractors participating on the project.

Identify all work that will be accomplished, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval.

Procurement procedures must comply with 2 CFR Parts 200.317 through 200.326.

(g) Construction Costs. The cost of any construction directly related to the project activities.

(h) Other Costs. The cost of items not listed above and which do not fit in any other category, such as the cost of duplicating and printing, equipment rental, postage, etc. No profit or fee will be allowed.

(i) Total Direct Costs. The sum of categories (a) through (h).

(j) Indirect Costs.

(1) If indirect costs will be charged to the project, complete this section and show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

(2) Include a copy of any federally approved negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).

(3) If your organization has never had a NICRA, the BLM Grants

Management Officer (GMO) may allow an indirect cost rate of up to 10% of your base modified total direct costs (MTDC).

MTDC includes all salaries and wages, fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subgrants and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each. Include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for your rate.

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 9 of 29

(4) Information on obtaining a NICRA, "Preparing and Submitting

Indirect Cost Proposals," is available from the Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Indirect Cost Section, at http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx.

(k) Total Costs. The total of both direct and indirect costs estimated to be expended on this agreement's activities.

4. Submission Dates and Times

See announcement cover sheet for the deadline (date and time) for submission of applications. Applications must be received by the BLM prior to the posted deadline.

Any application received after the deadline for submission may not be considered for award unless it can be determined the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling.

5. Application Submission via www.grants.gov

The Bureau of Land Management participates in the Grants.gov initiative which provides the Grant Community with a single website, www.grants.gov, to search for and apply for all federal grant opportunities.

a. All applicants should register at www.Grants.Gov and all applications should be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov unless other arrangements are made and approved of in advance of the submission deadline. If you have any questions or problems with the registration or application submission process, contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4726, or go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/troubleshooting.html for online help.

b. Applications submitted through www.Grants.gov are considered to be electronically signed applications.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A total of 100 points will be used to score each proposal received. The scores assigned to each criteria in the second level evaluation correspond to their relative importance.

Proposals will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by appropriate BLM Staff expert in the program's field of study.

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this funding opportunity announcement and which are determined to be outside the scope of the authority under which this announcement is posted.

Award will be made to responsive, responsible applicants submitting proposals which conform to the funding opportunity announcement and are most advantageous to the

Government considering the evaluation factors listed below.

The evaluation process will be comprised of the following three screening levels:

http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/troubleshooting.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/troubleshooting.html http://www.grants.gov/

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 10 of 29

1. First Level Screening --Basic Eligibility

a. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Depending on the specifics of the opportunity, screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1) Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met;

2) Submission is timely;

3) Complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents

(see D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION) are included;

b. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.

2. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation

a. Merit Review Evaluation. Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria using numerical scoring based on a 100 point maximum score.

1) Objective (Maximum score 20/100 Points):

Describe your mission and objectives.

Describe how these objectives support your mission.

2) Technical Approach (Maximum score 20/100 Points):

Describe the techniques, processes, methodologies to be used.

Describe how data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation will be accomplished.

Describe how the proposed objectives will be achieved within the proposed period of performance (POP).

Describe significant goals or milestones and how they will be measured.

Describe tasks and relationships of partners, if applicable.

3) Public Benefit (Maximum score 10/100 Points):

Describe how this project benefits the general public.

4) Qualifications and Past Performance (Maximum score 40/100 Points):

List key project personnel and their contact information.

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 11 of 29

Describe key personnel responsibilities, time to be dedicated to the project, and how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to success of the project.

List contractors, if known, and their qualifications.

Describe any unique qualifications which support being awarded assistance for this project, such as continuation of the proposed project, technical expertise, cost-sharing ability, etc.

5) OFFERED COST SHARE or MATCH (Maximum score 10 /100

Points)

The Authority under which this opportunity is being announced requires a recipient cost share or match of 1:1.

Indicate the type and amount of any offered cost share or match (any offered match must be from non-Federal sources).

3. Third Level Review Pre-award Clearance and Approvals

Following the described review process, BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations the Grants

Management Officer will evaluate variables such as:

a. Risk Management. The BLM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate the risk posed by the supporting applicants’ projects before it awards Federal funds.

1) BLM is required to review information available through OMB-designated eligibility and/or financial integrity databases, such as the

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System

(FAPIIS). The BLM considers factors such as:

(a) Financial stability;

(b) Quality of management systems;

(c) History of performance managing Federal awards, timeliness of compliance with reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, etc.;

(d) Reports and findings from audits performed; and

(e) The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.

2) Budget review is based on the following:

(a) Budget line items must be allowable, allocable, reasonable in price, and appropriate for the level of effort needed to accomplish the project

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 12 of 29

(b) Budget details and narrative must provide adequate explanation of, and justification for, each estimated cost

(c) Requested equipment must be justified and necessary for completion of the project

(d) Cost Sharing/Matching funds must not come from Federal funds

If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized. If the BLM determines that a

Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award

If the results of pre-award reviews and clearances are unsatisfactory, consideration of funding for the project may be withdrawn.

4. Application Selection Process

a. Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by an ad hoc evaluation team assembled to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award using the above evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or more qualified personnel familiar with the program and who have been certified to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for award.

b. Reviews are treated as confidential documents. Once award decisions are made, applicants may request in writing a written summary of the evaluation of their application/proposal.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

a. Any award made from this announcement will be based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of

Land Management, and will be regulated by OMB's Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR

Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards.

b. Acceptance. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down of funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Costs may not be incurred before the effective date listed on the award. Acceptance of a Federal Financial

Assistance award from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land

Management, carries with it the responsibility to be aware of, and comply with, the administrative and national policy requirements and terms and conditions of http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f575cf74b2713032873150bdb0dc01d4&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1113 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f575cf74b2713032873150bdb0dc01d4&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1113 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f575cf74b2713032873150bdb0dc01d4&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1113

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 13 of 29

2. Reporting

Periodic submission of Federal Financial reports (SF-425), and Performance/Progress reports will be required under this financial assistance agreement. Submission of financial and performance/progress reports may be required either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. By accepting additional Federal funding under the current Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Guidance for Grants and

Agreement in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. OMB guidance is available at the following web site:

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subt itleA.tpl

b. Administrative Requirements.

1) 2 CFR Part 200 Subparts A through D - Uniform Administrative

Requirements and Cost Principles.

2) 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F - Audit Requirements. Non-Federal entities that expend $750,000.00, or more, in federal awards in a single year shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, available at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.

3) Indirect Facilities and Administration (F&A) Costs.

(a) 2 CFR Part 200.414 - Indirect (F&A) Costs

(b) 2 CFR, Appendix III to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Institutions of Higher

Education (IHEs)

(c) Appendix IV to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and

Assignment, and Rate Determination for Nonprofit Organizations

(d) Appendix V to Part 200 - State/Local Government-wide Central

Service Cost Allocation Plans

(1) The provisions of 2 CFR 200.414(c) require Federal agencies to accept federally negotiated indirect cost rates. The BLM has applied the following policies, procedures and general http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subtitleA.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subtitleA.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subtitleA.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#sp2.1.200.f http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1414 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.iii http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.iii http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.iii http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.iv http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.iv http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.v http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=704835d27377ef5213a51c149de40cab&node=2:1.1.2.2.1&rgn=div5#ap2.1.200_1521.v

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 14 of 29 decision-making criteria for deviations from negotiated Indirect

Cost Rates for financial assistance programs and agreements.

(2) Distribution Basis. For all deviations to the Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, including statutory, regulatory, programmatic, and voluntary, the basis of direct costs against which the indirect cost rate is applied must be:

(i) The same base identified in the recipient’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, if the recipient has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement; or

(ii) The Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base in cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, with prior approval of the

Awarding Agency, when the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages) and the use of the MTDC still results in an overall reduction in the total indirect cost recovered. MTDC is the base defined by 2 CFR 200.68, "Modified Total Direct Cost

(MTDC)."

(iii) In cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, under no circumstances will the Department use a modified rate based upon Total Direct Cost or other base not identified in the federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or defined within 2 CFR 200.68. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that the reduced rate is applied against a base that does not include any potentially distorting items (such as pass-through funds, subcontracts in excess of $25,000, and participant support costs) and is based on the requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.68; 2

CFR 200.414(f); 2 CFR 200 Appendix III, Section C.2.; 2

CFR 200 Appendix IV, Section B.3.f.; and Appendix VII, Section C.2.c.

(3) Indirect Cost Rate Reductions Used as Cost-Share. Instances where the recipient elects to use a rate lower than the federally negotiated indirect cost rate, and uses the balance of the unrecovered indirect costs to meet a cost-share or matching requirement required by the program and/or statute, are not considered a deviation from 2 CFR 200.414(c) as the federally negotiated indirect cost rate is being applied under the agreement in order to meet the terms and conditions of the

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 15 of 29

c. Program Legislation and/or Regulations.

4. Standard Award Terms and Conditions

a. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (contact your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

1) 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and System of Award Management

2) 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation

3) 2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons

4) 2 CFR Part 180 & 2 CFR Part 1400, Government-wide Debarment and

Suspension (Non-procurement)

4) 2 CFR Part 182 & 2 CFR Part 1401, Requirements for Drug-Free

Workplace (Financial Assistance)

5) 43 CFR 18, New Restrictions on Lobbying: Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR

Part 18, Appendix A, Certification Regarding Lobbying.

6) 41 USC §4712, Pilot Program for Enhancement of Recipient and Sub-recipient Employee Whistleblower Protection: This requirement applies to all awards issued after July 1, 2013 and shall be in effect until January 1, 2017.

7) 41 USC §6306, Prohibition on Members of Congress Making Contracts with Federal Government: No member of or delegate to the United States

Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this award, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom; this provision shall not be construed to extend to an award made to a corporation for the public’s general benefit.

8) Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving: Recipients are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving, including conducting initiatives of the type described in section 3(a) of the order.

9) Executive Order 13043 , Increase Seat Belt Use in the United States

Recipients of grants/cooperative agreements and/or sub-awards are encouraged to adopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use policies and programs for their employees when operating company-owned, rented, or personally owned vehicles. These measures include, but are not limited to, conducting education, awareness, and other appropriate programs for their employees about the importance of wearing seat belts and the consequences of not wearing them.

10) Executive Order 13658, Minimum Wage for Contractors, seeks to increase the efficiency and cost savings in the work performed by parties who http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr25_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr170_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr175_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1e0f4f32a5a2f6136b4784be8f96f343&mc=true&node=pt2.1.180&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=74f91e8c85c28667e39572636b821d9a&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterXIV.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=c5dcdf6111fd65fdf6b38e2d59a93b6a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.182&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=b7542f5c74f31abe396769b00c9b6701&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2chapterXIV.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title43/43cfr18_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=3c84a6bc95b634bb2fbe00af8b34d364&rgn=div9&view=text&node=43:1.1.1.1.18.6.124.3.9&idno=43 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=3c84a6bc95b634bb2fbe00af8b34d364&rgn=div9&view=text&node=43:1.1.1.1.18.6.124.3.9&idno=43 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=3c84a6bc95b634bb2fbe00af8b34d364&rgn=div9&view=text&node=43:1.1.1.1.18.6.124.3.9&idno=43 http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2012-title41/pdf/USCODE-2012-title41-subtitleI-divsnC-chap47-sec4712.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title41/html/USCODE-2011-title41-subtitleII-chap63-sec6306.htm http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Executive-Order-Federal-Leadership-on-Reducing-Text-Messaging-while-Driving/ http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/WCPD-1997-04-21/pdf/WCPD-1997-04-21-Pg530.pdf https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13658 https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/13658

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 16 of 29 contract with the Federal Government by increasing the hourly minimum wage paid by those contractors and any subcontractors. (see 79 CFR

9851).

11) Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used.

Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI's reputation and ability to uphold the public's trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific

Integrity Policy posted to http://www.doi.gov, or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law. For more information go to

URL: https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity.

12) Prohibition on Issuing Financial Assistance Awards to Entities that

Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements

Section 743 of Division E, Title VII of the Consolidated and Further

Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available under that or any other Act for grants or cooperative agreements to an entity that requires employees or contractors of such entity seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

Recipients must not require their employees or contractors seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

Recipients must notify their employees or contractors that existing internal confidentiality agreements covered by this condition are no longer in effect.

b. Funding.

1) Awards shall be funded subject to availability of BLM funding. Initial funding does not guarantee additional funding in subsequent years.

2) Once the grant or cooperative agreement is signed by a BLM Grants

Management Officer (GMO), funding is obligated and the recipient may incur approved costs beginning on the effective date of the award and as specified in their submitted and approved budget.

http://www.doi.gov/ https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 17 of 29

c. Payment Mechanism. Payment will be made by draw-down reimbursement through the Department of the Treasury, Automated Standard Application for

Payment (ASAP) System. See following website:

http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap Treasury Circular 1075 (31 CFR 205) requires that draw-downs to a recipient organization shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed and shall be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient organization in carrying out the purposes of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs

d. Conflicts of Interest. The Recipient must establish safeguards to prohibit its employees and sub-recipients from using their positions for purposes that constitute or present the appearance of a personal or organizational conflict of interest. The Recipient is responsible for notifying the Grants Management

Officer (GMO) in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest which may include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient and/or recipient's employees and sub-recipients in the matter.

5. Special Award Terms and Conditions:

a. Liability, Insurance, and Indemnification. Recipients of awards arising from this announcement will be required to agree to the following:

1) Liability. The BLM assumes no liability for any actions or activities conducted under this agreement except to the extent that recourse or remedies are provided by Congress under the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28

USC 2671.

2) Insurance. The recipient will be required to (1) obtain liability insurance or (2) demonstrate present financial resources in an amount determined sufficient by the Government to cover claims brought by third parties for death, bodily injury, property damage, or other loss resulting from one or more identified activities carried out in connection with this financial assistance agreement.

3) Insured. The federal government shall be named as an additional insured under the recipient's insurance policy.

4) Indemnification. The recipient hereby agrees:

http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 18 of 29

(a) To indemnify the federal government, Bureau of Land Management

(BLM), from any act or omission of the recipient, its officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, as appropriate) (1) against third party claims for damages arising from one or more activities carried out in connection with this financial assistance agreement and (2) for damage or loss to government property resulting from such an activity, to the extent the laws of the

State where the recipient is located permit. This obligation shall survive the termination of this agreement.

(b) To purchase public and employee liability insurance at its own expense from a responsible company or companies with a minimum limitation of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per person for any one claim, and an aggregate limitation of three million dollars

($3,000,000.00) for any number of claims arising from any one incident. The policies shall name the United States as an additional insured, shall specify that the insured shall have no right of subrogation against the United States for payments of any premiums or deductibles due thereunder, and shall specify that the insurance shall be assumed by, be for the account of, and be at the insured's sole risk. Prior to beginning the activities authorized herein, the recipient shall provide the BLM with confirmation of such insurance coverage. Each policy shall have a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage and identifying the assistance agreement number.

(c) To pay the United States the full value for all damage to the lands or other property of the United States caused by the recipient, its officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, agents as appropriate).

(d) To provide workers' compensation protection to the recipient’s officers, employees, and representatives.

(e) To cooperate with the BLM in the investigation and defense of any claims that may be filed with the BLM arising out of the activities of the recipient, its agents, and employees.

(f) In the event of damage to or destruction of the buildings and facilities assigned for the use of the recipient in whole or in part by any cause whatsoever, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the BLM to replace or repair the buildings or facilities. If the

BLM determines in writing, after consultation with the recipient that damage to the buildings or portions thereof renders such buildings unsuitable for continued use by the recipient, the BLM shall assume sole control over such buildings or portions thereof. If the buildings or facilities rendered unsuitable for use are essential for conducting operations authorized under this agreement, then failure to substitute

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 19 of 29 and assign other facilities acceptable to the recipient will constitute termination of this agreement by the BLM.

(e) Flow-down. For the purposes of this clause, "recipient" includes such sub-recipients, contractors, or subcontractors as, in the judgment of the recipient and subject to the Government's determination of sufficiency, have sufficient resources and/or maintain adequate and appropriate insurance to achieve the purposes of this clause.

(f) Identified Activities. All activities carried out in connection with financial assistance arising from this funding opportunity announcement.

b. Recipients must successfully complete an appropriate Defensive Driving Course before operating a Government-owned vehicle (GOV).

c. Recipients must successfully complete appropriate safety and training requirements before operating Government-owned equipment, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or other Government-furnished property (GFP).

d. Recipient/Sub-recipient Personnel Security and Suitability Requirements.

1) If performance of this grant/cooperative agreement requires recipient/sub-recipient personnel to have a Federal government-issued personal identification card before being allowed unsupervised access to a DOI facility and/or information system, the Program Officer will be the sponsoring official, and will make the arrangements for personal identity verification and card issuance.

2) At least two weeks before start of grant/cooperative agreement performance, the recipient will identify all recipient and sub-recipient personnel who will require physical and/or logical access for performance of work under this grant/cooperative agreement. The recipient and sub-recipient must make their personnel available at the place and time specified by the Program Officer in order to initiate screening and background investigations. The following forms, or their equivalent, may be used to initiate the credentialing process:

(a) OPM Standard Form 85 or 85P

(b) OF 306

(c) Fingerprint card (local procedures may require the fingerprinting to be done at a police station; in this case, any charges are to be borne by the recipient or sub-recipient, as applicable)

(d) Release to Obtain Credit Information

(e) PIV card application (web-based)

BLM-CO: Research and Experimentation Using Native Seed Resources Page 20 of 29

3) Recipient and sub-recipient employees are required to give, and to authorize others to give, full, frank, and truthful answers to relevant and material questions needed to reach a suitability determination. Refusal or failure to furnish or authorize provision of information may constitute grounds for denial or revocation of credentials. Government personnel may contact the recipient or sub-recipient personnel being screened or investigated in person, by telephone or in writing, and the recipient agrees to make them available for such contact.

4) Alternatively, if an individual has already been credentialed by another agency through OPM, and that credential has not yet expired, further clearance may not be necessary. Provide the sponsoring office with documentation that supports the individual’s status.

5) During performance of the grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will keep the Program Officer apprised of changes in personnel to ensure that performance is not delayed by compliance with credentialing processes.

Cards that have been lost, damaged, or stolen must be reported to the

Program Officer, Grants Management Officer, and Issuing Office within

24 hours. Replacement will be at the recipient’s expense. If reissuance of expired credentials is needed, it will be coordinated through the Program

Officer.

6) At the end of grant/cooperative agreement’s performance, or when a recipient/sub-recipient employee is no longer working under this grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will ensure that all identification cards are returned to the Program Officer. Before starting work under this agreement, a National Agency Check (NAC) will be conducted to verify the identity of the individual applying for clearance.

Upon successful completion of the NAC process, an identification card will be issued and access granted.

7) Simultaneously, a NAC with Inquiries (NACI) will be initiated to determine the individual’s suitability for the position. If the NACI adjudication is favorable, nothing more needs to be done.