Foa_Content_of_F23AS00003.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration https://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/

Fiscal Year 2023 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Fiscal Year: 2023

F23AS00003

Due Date for Applications: 06/24/2022

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100, Expiration Date: 7/31/2021

We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program-specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description Authority:

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101‐646, 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956) established the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) authorizes funding for the NCWCG Program through Fiscal Year 2026.

Assistance Listing Number:

15.614 Background, Purpose and Program Requirements:

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Title III, Section 301, Public Law 101‐646, 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956) (Act) established the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal areas through competitive matching grants to eligible State, Commonwealth, and Territory (State) agencies. The NCWCG Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, and a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines.

Revenues are deposited into and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The primary goal of the NCWCG Program is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58) authorizes funding for the NCWCG Program through Fiscal Year 2026.

Coastal wetlands are valued because they protect against flooding, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Coastal environments are also important economically, generating billions of dollars annually through recreational and commercial fishing, boating, and tourism. The NCWCG Program is co-administered by the Service’s Coastal Program and by the Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR). The mission of the Coastal Program is to achieve voluntary habitat conservation by providing technical and financial assistance, in collaboration with partners, for the benefit of Federal trust species. WSFR’s mission is to work through partnerships to conserve and manage fish and wildlife and their habitats for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. WSFR’s vision is of healthy, diverse, and accessible fish and wildlife populations that offer recreation, economic activity, and other societal benefits, in addition to sustainable ecological functions. WSFR’s guiding principle is that society benefits from conservation-based management of fish and wildlife and their habitats and opportunities to use and enjoy them. The NCWCG Program aligns with the Coastal Program’s mission and with WSFR’s mission, vision, and guiding principle.

The NCWCG Program also supports two of the Administration’s priorities including improving climate change adaptation and increasing resilience (through habitat restoration, land acquisition, and other actions) and strengthening the economy (by supporting outdoor recreation activities).

Many of the projects conducted under the NCWCG Program directly or indirectly support Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Program activities support land conservation and biodiversity efforts, contributing to the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful (30 x 30) initiative.

The Final Rule establishing the requirements for participation in the NCWCG Program was published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2002 (67 Federal Register (FR) 49264). The Program regulations are in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 84.

Additional information about the NCWCG Program is available here.

The NCWCG Program provides eligible State agencies with grants for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Projects can include:

1. Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long‐term conservation;

2. Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems; or

3. A combination of acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management.

All projects must ensure long‐term conservation (at least 20 years) of coastal wetland resources.

We score and rank applications based on criteria published in 50 CFR 84.32. See Section E.

Application Review Information of this announcement for a summary of the ranking criteria.

Projects to create wetlands where wetlands did not previously exist are ineligible for NCWCG Program funding (50 CFR 84.20(b)(3)). For each project site, we require evidence verifying the current or historic presence of a wetland. This may include information from the Service’s National Wetlands Inventory, earlier Geographic Information System data, or historic information.

Projects to acquire and/or restore upper portions of watersheds where benefits to the coastal wetlands ecosystem are not significant and direct are also ineligible for NCWCG Program funding (50 CFR 84.20(b)(8)). A proposal must include sufficient information demonstrating that targeted lands or waters meet the definition of a coastal wetland ecosystem (50 CFR 84.11).

Wildlife TRACS (Tracking and Reporting Actions for the Conservation of Species) is the tracking and reporting system used by WSFR to capture information about conservation and related actions funded by its grant programs. TRACS serves as the electronic repository system for all performance, accomplishment, and real property reporting related to those Federal awards.

TRACS highlights program accountability by documenting program accomplishments and results. As outlined in this announcement, grant and project statement information and performance reporting data must be entered into TRACS as authorized under 2 CFR 200.102(c), 200.202, 200.301, and 200.329.

Changes from the FY 2022 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) were made in sections:

A2. Updated Administration priorities;

D2. Added detailed language on requirements for a recipient’s financial management system;

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/07/30/02-19065/national-coastal-wetlands-conservation-grant-program https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=4d19e9d148de08350c185a13a6332849&mc=true&n=pt50.9.84&r=PART&ty=HTML http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6bb807aedef6b0eade81862a8c0ff119&mc=true&node=se50.9.84_132&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f5b1da650306fe3f8f293004eb9a866f&mc=true&node=pt50.9.84&rgn=div5#se50.9.84_120 https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f5b1da650306fe3f8f293004eb9a866f&mc=true&node=pt50.9.84&rgn=div5#se50.9.84_120 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=511f2cc60fa3db7431e38952473fa82b&mc=true&n=pt50.9.84&r=PART&ty=HTML#se50.9.84_111 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=se2.1.200_1102&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=se2.1.200_1102&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=049305c173b88964e96991aafabcf1f4&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1202 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=049305c173b88964e96991aafabcf1f4&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1301 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=049305c173b88964e96991aafabcf1f4&mc=true&n=pt2.1.200&r=PART&ty=HTML#se2.1.200_1329

D2. Added information on a new requirement to submit the Project Abstract Summary form, OMB Number 4040-0019, which replaces the previous requirement for a Project Summary;

D2. Added a request that the (maximum seven page) Project Narrative be formatted as consecutive, numbered pages;

D3. Updated information in the “Obtain a DUNS Number” section;

D4. Added a recommendation and information on requesting a pre-deadline review of a draft application;

D7. Updated to provide instructions for a New Organization Request in GrantSolutions;

E1. Clarification of requirements for receiving points on Criterion 13(e);

E2. Clarification on disposition of funds that are not awarded in a fiscal year.

Attachment A: FAQs and Clarification of Select Ranking Criteria

The purpose of this attachment is to provide clarification of certain criteria in 50 CFR 84 and to answer frequently asked questions. General questions and answers are listed first, followed by questions and answers specific to the ranking criteria.

Are lands proposed for match purposes used in calculating points for ranking criteria?

Yes. Because lands that are used for match purposes are part of the project area, reviewers consider both lands being proposed for acquisition/restoration with grant funds and lands proposed for contribution as match when assigning points for ranking criteria. Therefore, information on both parcels proposed for acquisition/restoration and match parcels should be described in adequate detail for each ranking criterion so reviewers can make informed scoring decisions. Please note: you must submit the SF 429B form for all real property proposed for use as match as well as any real property proposed for acquisition using NCWCG Program funds.

Does land used for all of or part of the non‐Federal cost share need to be necessary and reasonable?

Yes. All non-Federal cost share must be necessary and reasonable to achieving project objectives, land acquisition included. Please explain how the match parcel(s) relate to the overall project and provide detailed information about the match parcel for all ranking criteria.

If a project includes a conservation easement, what information about the conservation easement is helpful for reviewers?

You should describe the general terms of the conservation easement, including the length of the conservation easement, who will hold it, allowable and prohibited uses, and plans for long‐term monitoring and stewardship of the easement. This information helps reviewers understand the conservation benefit(s) of the conservation easement.

Who holds title to land acquired under this program or contributed as match?

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title50-vol9/xml/CFR-2012-title50-vol9-part84.xml

Title to real property acquired or contributed as match will vest upon acquisition in the grantee or subrecipient, respectively, as directed by 2 CFR 200.306 and 2 CFR 200.311. A Notice of Federal Participation must be recorded for all acquired lands and lands contributed as match.

Should we include letters of support that are not financial commitment letters or those detailing scientific information specific to a project?

Given the volume of material reviewers must read, letters of general support for a project should not be included in the application package unless they also include essential information about the project. However, letters of financial commitment from third‐party sources are required.

Does “maximum Federal share” under 50 CFR 84, including 84.32 (a)(11) and 84.46 (h), refer to the maximum percentage of Federal dollars of the project costs, i.e., 75% or 50%, or the maximum grant amount from the NCWCG Program, i.e., $1 million?

“Maximum Federal share” refers to the percentage, i.e., 75% or 50%, of Federal dollars of the project costs, not the maximum grant amount from the NCWCG Program, i.e., $1 million. For example, if total project costs are $1,333,334, the maximum Federal share would be either $1,000,000 (75%) or $666,667 (50%), depending on whether or not you have a designated fund. If you only provide the minimum non‐Federal share (25% or 50% of total project costs), no points will be awarded for reducing the Federal share (50 CFR 84.32 (a)(11), Criterion 11).

What changes are allowed to an application after its submission?

Applications submitted to us for consideration in the national competition must be in final format by the due date specified in the announcement. The only application changes that will be accepted after the due date are those that will not impact the project scoring or project scope, such as small corrective or clarifying statements, unless we request additional information. WSFR Regional Office and/or Headquarters representatives may also request that you make modifications to an application after the due date to correct inconsistencies within your application or change any other error that would cause the review panel difficulty in accurately assessing your application during review.

Who determines if an application is eligible?

WSFR Regional Office personnel determine whether an application meets eligibility criteria for the Program and whether it should be considered for scoring by the review panel. If Regional personnel have questions regarding the eligibility of a project, we consult with the Headquarters WSFR Office to ensure consistent application of Service policy. The Headquarters WSFR Office will reexamine an application’s eligibility if questions arise. If deemed ineligible, we will not consider the application for funding.

What is the policy for retroactively reimbursing an applicant for expenses incurred prior to the official start date of a project?

If you incur costs before the effective date of the grant, they can only be reimbursed if included in your application and approved for funding by your WSFR Regional Office.

Preliminary costs may include costs necessary for preparing the grant proposal, such as feasibility surveys, engineering design, biological reconnaissance, appraisals, or preparation of https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=5ef2a6179c2983d5b18a428163919756&node=se2.1.200_1311&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=6bb807aedef6b0eade81862a8c0ff119&mc=true&node=se50.9.84_132&rgn=div8 grant documents such as environmental assessments for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act or other Federal laws or regulations (See 50 CFR 84.47(c)). See also 2 CFR 200.458. Pre-award costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the Federal award. If you are unsure whether specific pre-award costs may be reimbursable, please contact your WSFR Regional Office (see Section VIII, Agency Contacts).

50 CFR 84.32 (a)(1) (Criterion 1):

Must a score of seven points be given for all applications that result in over 50 percent of the project area conserving, restoring, or protecting decreasing coastal wetlands types?

Yes. If you document that over 50 percent of the project area will, upon project completion, conserve decreasing coastal wetlands types you will receive the full seven points. You may find specific guidance on how reviewers score this criterion at 50 CFR 84.32 (a)(1).

Information on coastal wetland types is available here. You may contact us for additional information about wetland types in your area (see Section VIII, Agency Contacts).

Should a graduated scale be used to further delineate applications?

The program regulations in 50 CFR 84.32 (a)(1) provide guidance on the use of intermediate scores (i.e., less than seven points) for applicants who document that, upon project completion, a minimum of 50 percent of the project area will be a combination of decreasing and stable types of wetlands, and for those that are less than 50 percent wetlands.

For land acquisition projects, will ranking be based on just the wetland portion of a parcel or the entire parcel?

Project ranking will be based on the entire acquisition parcel(s) and any parcel(s) used as match, unless the parcel will be officially subdivided.

50 CFR 84.32 (a)(2) (Criterion 2):

What qualifies as a maritime forest?

A thorough description of what is considered to be a maritime forest for the purpose of the NCWCG Program is found in the program regulations in the Definitions section, 50 CFR 84.11.

How will this criterion be scored?

In order to receive the maximum seven points for this criterion, your project must significantly benefit maritime forests which meet the following descriptions: 1) are located on coastal barriers (see definition of “coastal barrier” in 50 CFR 84.11) along the mainland coast from Delaware to Texas, and 2) are broad‐leaved forests. Examples of maritime forests are primarily characterized by a closed canopy of various combinations of live oak, upland laurel oak, pignut hickory, southern magnolia, sugarberry, and cabbage palm.

Intermediate scores of less than seven points are acceptable: (1) for applications in which the significance of the benefit to maritime forests is unclear, or (2) for applications in which it is unclear if the forests meet the strict definition of a maritime forest.

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50 CFR 84.32 (a) (Criteria 5, 6, and 7):

What information should I include about threatened and endangered species such as fish and coastal dependent or migratory birds in responses to ranking criteria 5, 6, and 7?

You should include the information requested in the ranking criteria. It is important to note if species have been observed within the project boundary or only in the general vicinity. We recommend that you supply this information in table format. The column headings can include: common name, scientific name, status (Federal listing, delisted within the last five years, State listing, etc.), observed within project boundary, habitat type provided, restored, or enhanced (nesting, breeding, feeding, nursery areas), etc. See ranking criteria language for additional information.

50 CFR 84.32 (a)(10) (Criterion 10):

Do non-Federal partners’ financial contributions need to be included on the SF-424 as match to receive points for this criterion?

Yes, your application must identify financial support, including in-kind match, from any third-party that is listed as providing non-Federal match on the SF-424. You must document all third‐party matching funds, i.e., those supplied by organizations or individuals other than your agency, with a signed letter of financial commitment from an authorized representative of the match provider. The letter of financial commitment must detail the amount of matching funds or value of donated land and/or services. You are responsible for ensuring the full amount of the non‐Federal match as listed on the SF‐424. All of these items must be submitted with the application by the due date identified in this announcement.

Please note that if a third‐party provides match, and the letter of financial commitment is missing and/or late, the match will not be considered, which may negatively impact scoring of the application.

Can we receive points for more than one State agency’s participation in a proposed project?

In general, applications will only receive credit for one State agency. The exception to this rule is when an application includes multiple States. In these instances, the application may receive points for each additional State that is participating in the proposed project. Partnering entities that receive partial funding from a State may be considered non-State partners if they also receive non-State funding; such entities and the nature of their funding should be described in detail in the Project Narrative and/or letter(s) of commitment. Entities that are not generally considered a State agency due to receipt of non-State operational funding (such as University Extension) may receive credit as a non-State partner.

What documentation is required to receive points for this criterion for non‐Federal partners?

A signed letter of financial commitment of matching funds or in‐kind match from an authorized representative of any third‐party match provider or partner(s) must accompany the application to receive points. You are ultimately accountable for third-party commitments of financial support.

What documentation is required to receive points for this criterion for Federal partners?

A signed letter committing project resources that are necessary and reasonable to completing the project objectives from an authorized representative of the Federal partner(s) must accompany your application to receive points. Federal partners providing technical assistance or other non-monetary contributions prior to the performance period may be considered partners; however, the substantive nature of such contributions must be explained in detail in your Project Statement and/or a letter of commitment. Entities whose involvement is not necessary or reasonable to complete the project objectives will not be counted as partners for this criterion.

50 CFR 84.32 (a)(11) (Criterion 11):

Can in‐kind services or contributions be used as the required State match?

Yes. In‐kind services can be used for part or all of your State’s required minimum cost share (i.e., 25 or 50 percent of total project costs). However, you will not receive points for this ranking criterion unless you have an additional cash match.

Can in‐kind services or contributions, including bargain land sale, be used to score points for this criterion?

No. We only consider cash contributions that exceed the required minimum match when scoring points for Criterion 11. Cash is a liquid asset and can be tracked easily through audit procedures and also serves as a proxy for your commitment toward a project. Federal regulations and guidance clearly identify a landowner’s acceptance of a reduced price for his or her property as an in‐kind service or contribution, not cash. As such, so‐called “bargain sales” cannot be used to receive points for decreasing the Federal share.

Is the value of my agency’s staff time given in the project budget considered cash match?

Yes. We consider funds you may allocate to staff salaries and benefits for activities in support of project objectives to be cash match. Staff services contributed by another State agency or other third party are typically considered in-kind match, although another State agency may contribute cash to your agency for the project. See 2 CFR 200.306 for more guidance on cost sharing or matching or 2 CFR 200.96 for guidance on third-party in-kind contributions. We recommend you contact your WSFR Regional office staff prior to the deadline for additional guidance as needed.

How are points calculated when scoring on Criterion 11?

A maximum of five points are available for Criterion 11. Each five percent provided in cash match over the required match equals one point up to a total of 25 percent over the required match for a total of five points.The following examples assume that you are eligible to receive the maximum 75 percent Federal share.

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Example 1:

Total project cost: $1,333,334 NCWCG Program Request: $1,000,000

Non‐Federal cost share: $333,334

Non-Federal cost share may consist of in-kind, cash, or a combination of in-kind and cash, although only cash over the minimum required match counts for scoring purposes. Total required non-Federal match is determined by dividing the NCWCG Program Request by three ($1,000,000/3 = $333,334). The amount of non-Federal cost share in this example does not exceed the minimum required match; therefore, zero points would be awarded.

Example 2:

Total project cost: $1,500,000 NCWCG Program Request: $1,000,000

Non‐Federal cost share (in-kind): $333,334

Non-Federal cost share (cash): $166,666

Total required non-Federal match is determined by dividing the NCWCG Program Request by three ($1,000,000/3 = $333,334). The minimum required non-Federal cost share is met with in-kind contributions in total. Cash match over the minimum required non-Federal cost share is divided by the minimum required non-Federal cost share ($166,666/$333,334), giving 50 percent; therefore, five points would be awarded (one point for each 5 percent, with a maximum of 5 points for 25 percent or more cash over minimum required non-Federal cost share).

Example 3:

Total project cost: $1,360,000 NCWCG Program Request: $1,000,000

Non‐Federal cost share (in-kind): $300,000

Non-Federal cost share (cash): $60,000

The minimum required non-Federal cost share is partially met with in-kind and partially met with cash. Total required non-Federal match is determined by dividing the NCWCG Program Request by three ($1,000,000/3 = $333,334). Then, in-kind cost share is subtracted from this amount ($333,334 - $300,000) or $33,334 to determine the amount of cash match that would be used to fulfill the minimum required non-Federal match. To determine cash match over the minimum required match, subtract the cash match used to meet the minimum required match from the total amount of cash match ($60,000 - $33,334 = $26,666). Cash match over the minimum required non-Federal cost share is then divided by the minimum required non- Federal match ($26,666/$333,334), giving eight percent. One point would be awarded for this criterion (one point for each 5 percent over minimum required non-Federal cost share).

Can applications from Commonwealths and territories subject to the match waiver described in 48 U.S.C. 1469(a) receive points on Criterion 11 (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands) receive points on Criterion 11?

Yes. Jurisdictions subject to the waiver that provide any amount of cash match will receive five points when scoring on Criterion 11.

Can the in‐kind contribution of a landowner accepting an offer below market value for his property be used for the required State match?

Yes. The in‐kind contribution of a landowner accepting a reduced price for his property is called a bargain sale and the difference between the established market value and the actual sale price can be used as part of or all of the State’s required cost share.

Can Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) funds be used as cash match?

Yes. In keeping with the intent of the Congressional language codified in 10 U.S.C. 2684a(h), REPI funds are considered non-Federal cash match.

50 CFR 84.32 (a)(12) (Criterion 12):

Are costs associated with Education and Outreach eligible?

Yes, provided that total costs unrelated to protection and restoration of the site are limited to 10 percent of the total project costs including NCWCG Program Federal share and the required match.

50 CFR 84.32 (b)(13) (Criterion 13):

Are there other factors that are used in scoring applications?

Yes, the following Other Factors describe important benefits that are not described in the previous criteria. You must provide evidence supporting the expected benefits.

a. Projects providing significant benefits to rare or threatened habitat types, biodiverse habitats, rare and declining species, and/or the local community;

b. Projects that are particularly cost-effective;

c. Projects that assist in the prevention or control of invasive species;

d. Projects that provide important cultural or historical resource benefits;

e. Projects designed to significantly advance climate change adaptation, especially those that reference Sea Level Rise modeling and/or analyses that indicate the targeted parcel(s) will be conserved, and function as intended, in perpetuity;

f. Projects that help build the capacity of underserved insular jurisdictions to conserve coastal wetlands ecosystems, including Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands.

50 CFR 84.32(13)(b) (Criterion 13 Additional considerations):

What factors are used in the event of a tie?

We will factor the following considerations into the ranking process if two or more proposals have the same point totals. The tie-breaking factors are as follows:

(1) The project would prevent the destruction or degradation of habitat from pending sale of property, from adverse effects of current activities such as draining of wetlands, or from natural processes such as erosion at excessive rates;

(2) The project would protect unique and significant biological diversity;

(3) The project has lower costs per acre conserved; and

(4) The State or third party provides lands as opposed to using lands already owned by the State or third party as part of the State matching share.

Please clarify the phrase, “provides lands…as part of the State matching share.”

The purpose of this tie‐breaking factor is to encourage applications that include the donation of lands owned by a third party as part of the overall project. Such donations increase the overall acreage of land managed by the State agency, increasing the likelihood that the land will be managed to conserve the natural resources and increase the management options for the grant property.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $18,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $1,000,000 Minimum Award $50,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding Expected Award Date January 27, 2023

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments Additional Information on Eligibility Participation is limited to State agencies or entities designated as eligible by the Governor of a coastal State. The eligible agency is usually a State natural resource or fish and wildlife agency.

If you are uncertain of your eligibility, please contact your WSFR Regional Office. Eligible coastal States are States bordering the Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin); States bordering the Atlantic, Gulf (except Louisiana), and Pacific coasts. Louisiana is not an eligible coastal State for this Program as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 3955 (b)(1)). Here is the complete list of eligible States: Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Yes Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement If you have established a fund that is used for acquiring coastal wetlands, other natural areas, or open space, you may receive up to 75 percent of total project costs through the NCWCG Program up to the maximum award of $1,000,000. To be reimbursed up to 75 percent of total project costs, you must provide either a description of the State trust fund (in sufficient detail for us to make an eligibility determination), or a statement that eligibility has been previously approved and there has been no change in the fund. If you have not established such a fund or do not include information on the State trust fund in your application, you may receive up to 50 percent of total project costs through the NCWCG Program.

In accordance with 48 U.S.C. 1469(a), Amendment of Subsection (d), the Regional Director shall waive the first $200,000 of match required as per this announcement in any grant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territories of American Samoa, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The maximum Federal participation rates of 50 and 75 percent are based on total project costs, i.e., the amount requested from the NCWCG Program plus the amount of eligible non‐Federal https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf cost share that you identify in your project budget. Other funds that are related to the project or are part of a larger project but are not designated as cost share in your project budget are not included in total project costs when calculating the maximum Federal participation rate. Cost share requirements are detailed in 50 CFR 84.46.

C3. Other The primary purpose of the NCWCG Program is to help eligible State agencies acquire, restore, enhance, and/or manage coastal wetlands ecosystems. Recreation and outreach or education activities necessary for meeting these purposes are eligible for NCWCG Program funding up to a combined maximum of 10 percent of the total project costs, including the Federal share and matching funds. Such activities must be “site-specific” and “substantive” to receive points under Ranking Criterion 12 (50 CFR 84.32(a)(12)(i)). Any proposed recreation or outreach/education activities must be described in detail and justified in the application.

Planning and related activities are ineligible as a primary project focus (50 CFR 84.20(b)(6)), but may be allowable as a minimal component of a project. Monitoring necessary for meeting Program purposes is eligible, such as evaluating results of project activities and measuring impacts on targeted resources (50 CFR 84.12(b)). Research is not eligible for funding. Planning, engineering, design, permitting, and monitoring costs necessary for completion of site-specific project objectives are eligible for funding up to a combined maximum of 30 percent of the total project costs, including the NCWCG Program share and required match. Any proposed activities involving planning, engineering, design, permitting, or monitoring must be described and justified in your application.

Contact your WSFR Regional Office for more detailed guidance on specific proposed costs involving recreation, outreach/education activities, planning, design, permitting, or monitoring.

Review 50 CFR 84.20 for more information on eligible and ineligible activities, or contact your WSFR Regional Office.

You may meet your minimum required cost share or match through contributions from one or more third party entities. A third party is any individual or organization other than the State applicant, such as a partner or subrecipient. In order for match to be allowable, it must meet all the criteria listed in 2 CFR 200.306(b). As the primary State grant recipient, you are responsible for the full amount of the non-Federal match proposed, including any amount provided by one or more third parties, as listed on the Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance (SF- 424).

You may attribute some or all of your allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost share/match; however, you may only charge to the Federal award the indirect costs calculated against the allowable direct costs charged to the Federal award.

To receive points under ranking Criterion 11 (50 CFR 84.32 (a)(11)), at least some of the non- Federal match must be provided in cash. Direct costs identified in the SF-424 are only considered to meet the definition of cash match if they are provided in the form of U.S. currency.

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Some examples include a cash contribution for the purchase of real property, a direct payment to a contractor, or funds that the State grant recipient allocates for employee salaries and benefits to complete project objectives.

Note: If you propose to use the value of donated land as all or a portion of the non‐Federal cost share, you must explain in the Project Narrative why the land is necessary to accomplish the project objectives. You should include information on all the parcels proposed for acquisition or restoration with NCWCG Program funds and all the match parcels in adequate detail for each ranking criterion so reviewers can make accurate and informed scoring decisions on both the subject and match parcel(s).

You must document all third‐party matching funds with a signed letter of financial commitment from an authorized representative of the match provider. The letter must detail the amount of matching funds or value of donated land and/or services. When assigning a value to volunteer services, you must explain in your Project Narrative or Budget Narrative why the volunteer activity is necessary and reasonable, and reference the compensation rate(s) for an equivalent State position or justify typical costs in the labor marketplace for similar work in your area.

Please note that any contributions from Federal sources are not eligible for use as non-Federal match unless authorized by Federal statute (such as the Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program or REPI funds).You are responsible for ensuring availability of the full amount of the non‐Federal match that you indicate on the SF‐424.

Foreign Entities or Projects:

State Sponsors of Terrorism: This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions: This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.

In-Country Licenses, Permits, or Approvals: Entities conducting activities outside the U.S.

are responsible for coordinating with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities as necessary to obtain all required licenses, permits, or approvals before undertaking project activities. The Service does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws, regulations, policies, or procedures of the foreign country in which they are conducting work.

Excluded Parties:

The DOI conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The DOI cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx

D. Application and Submission Information D1. Address to Request Application Package You may access the application package in GrantSolutions or Grants.gov. If you have access to GrantSolutions, we recommend you apply there. Applying in GrantSolutions will expedite the grant award process if your application is selected for funding. To access the application package in GrantSolutions, Log in and search using Funding Opportunity Number F23AS00003, then follow the instructions to complete and submit your application. To access the application package in Grants.gov, use the “Search Grants” tab, and enter Funding Opportunity Number F23AS00003 or CFDA number 15.614. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable.

Submit required documents downloaded via Grants.gov in Grants.gov.

If you need a copy in another format, contact:

Paul Van Ryzin U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: WSFR Fall Church, VA 22041 703-358-1849 paul_vanryzin@fws.gov

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. The form must be complete and signed by an Authorized Representative. For all applicants except private citizens, the Authorized Representative’s signature on a standard application form submitted to the Service represents their certification that the entity’s financial management system meets 2 CFR §200.302 financial management requirements. The non-Federal entity’s financial management system must be sufficient to:

1. Permit the preparation of required reports;

2. Trace funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the entity has used such funds per Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award;

3. Provide for the requirements in 2 CFR §200.302(b); and

4. Comply with §200.334 Retention requirements for records, §200.335 Requests for transfer of records, §200.336 Methods for collection, transmission, and storage of information, and §200.337 Access to records.

When completing the SF-424 Application form, enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in Box 18a, Estimated Federal Funding. Include any other Federal sources of funding in Box 18e. Estimated Other Funding and identify any such sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html mailto:paul_vanryzin@fws.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.334 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.336 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.337 unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), do NOT include your Social Security Number on this or any other document to be submitted with your application! When completing the SF-424 Application form, individuals must enter in Box 8b. Employee/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) the substitute number “444-44- 4444” and in Box8c. For organizational DUNS substitute number “123456789”. For UEI substitute the number "000123456789".

SF 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may own or operate, and entities waived from the SAM.gov registration requirements by the funding bureau or office must submit the signed and dated SF-424B, Assurances for Non- Construction Programs form. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions.

Submit the SF-424B only if your project does not include any construction or real property acquisition activities (for example, if your project includes only non-construction habitat restoration activities and does not include real property acquisition). If a signed Assurances form is on file with your WSFR Regional Office, or if you have submitted the SF-424B via SAM.gov, you do not need to attach a copy to your application.

SF-424D, Assurances for Construction Programs Any applicant requesting support for a construction projects must submit as signed and dated SF- 424D, Assurances for Construction Programs form. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions

Submit the SF-424D form only if your project involves construction or real property acquitision.

If real property will be acquired with either requested NCWCG Program funds or matching non- Federal funds, the SF-424D is applicable. If a signed Assurances form is on file with your WSFR Regional Office, or if you have submitted the SF-424D via SAM.gov, you do not need to attach a copy to your application.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB Number 4040-0019) Applicants must complete and submit the Project Abstract Summary form. The Project Abstract Summary form must provide a brief award description. The description must be in plain language that the public can understand without viewing the full application proposal. It should include a brief, simple description of the project purpose, activities to be performed, deliverables and expected outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipient activities, if known at the time of submission.

Do not include personally identifiable, sensitive, or proprietary information in the award description as this is available to the public. Use only English characters, numbers, punctuation, and standard symbols. Use of non-English, non-standard characters (also referred to as special or extended ASCII characters) will result in the award description failing to be reported correctly to USASpending.gov. Award descriptions are limited to 4,000 characters or less. Applicants should check the length of the award description and proofread for proper grammar and spelling.

For applicants applying through Grants.gov: Applicants must download and complete the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form from the full text announcement. To submit the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form with the application, applicants must add the form as an attachment to the Grants.gov “Attachments” form that is included in the application package.

For applicants applying through GrantSolutions-Grants Management Module (GS- GMM): Applicants must enter the information in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a document in place of entering the information directly into GS-GMM Project Abstract Screen.

Project Narrative The Service has implemented an electronic performance reporting system…