Foa_Content_of_F24AS00078.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Ecological Services https://www.fws.gov/service/recovery-challenge-grants

F24AS00078 FY24 Recovery Challenge Fund Fiscal Year: 2024

F24AS00078

Due Date for Applications: 12/19/2023

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Assistance Listing Number

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals

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 A1. Authority Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023—Administrative Provisions (P.L. 117-328 [H.R. 2617- 306])

For awards outside the US: Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et. seq.

A2. Assistance Listing Number 15.657 A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is to conserve endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend, and to take appropriate steps to achieve the purposes of treaties and conventions set forth in the ESA. Section 2(a)(5) of the ESA authorizes the use of Federal financial assistance to encourage the States and other interested parties to develop and maintain conservation programs to safeguard the Nation’s heritage in fish, wildlife and plants for the benefit of all citizens. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Ecological Services Program provides Federal financial assistance on a competitive basis to states, other Federal agencies, landowners, educators, non-profit organizations, researchers, and other potential partners to secure information about endangered or threatened species, to aid in the recovery of these species under the ESA, and to help conserve the ecosystems upon which these species depend. The Recovery Challenge funding opportunity specifically provides a unique financial assistance opportunity for eligible, non-Federal longstanding and new partners working on high priority recovery actions as identified by the Service for ESA endangered and threatened species.

Recovery Challenge Congressional Appropriations Language Consolidated Appropriations Act, Administrative Provisions authorizes funding for the Recovery Challenge funding opportunity.

Funding limitations are subject to change based on the final FY2024 budget appropriations.

Recovery Challenge matching grants must implement high priority recovery actions as prescribed in recovery plans.

This opportunity also addresses the Presidential priority articulated in Executive Order 14008:

Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad by supporting biodiversity efforts.

See Section C. Eligibility Information

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals The primary goal of Recovery Challenge is to implement high priority recovery actions for ESA-listed species, in particular for genetically-sound breeding, rearing, and reintroduction programs, as well as to develop or update recovery plans. A secondary goal is to enhance new and ongoing partnerships to aid in the recovery of these species and to conserve the ecosystems upon which they depend.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $9,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $1,700,000 Minimum Award $1,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding $4,000,000 Expected Award Date June 01, 2024

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

• Approximately $5 million of the FY 2024 Recovery Challenge funds will be allocated to ongoing projects that received incremental funding (grant funds obligated in annual increments over the indicated project period). Approximately $1 million will be awarded to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, consistent with expected appropriations language. The remaining funds will be awarded to new FY 2024 award cycle projects to ensure the Service’s ability to fund new Recovery Challenge projects yearly while maintaining prior funding commitments for previously awarded incremental funding projects. The FY2024 distribution for new projects is anticipated as follows:

o A maximum of $400,000 total to fund all projects proposing to update recovery plans, and a maximum of $2.6 million total to implement high priority recovery actions as prescribed in recovery plans.

• The amount of funding per Federal award in FY 2023 ranged from $9,800 to $849,908 and the average award amount was approximately $220,000.

Available funding in FY 2024 is subject to change; funding is dependent on Congressional appropriations.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant CA - Cooperative Agreement If funds are awarded through a cooperative agreement with the Service, the Service will be substantially involved in the project. Under cooperative agreements, substantial involvement by the Service should be expected and may include participating and collaborating jointly with the recipient or other personnel in carrying out the scope of work including training recipient personnel or detailing Federal personnel to work on the project effort; reviews and approves one stage of work before the next stage can begin; reviews and approves, prior to recipient action, proposed modifications or sub-awards; helps select project staff or trainees; directs or redirects the work because of interrelationships with other projects; has power to immediately halt an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met; and limits recipient discretion with respect to scope of work, organizational structure, staffing, mode of operations and other management processes, coupled with close monitoring or operational involvement during performance under the award. To submit a proposal for consideration as a cooperative agreement, provide a justification statement in the project proposal as to the type and duration of assistance requested by the Service and a rationale for why involvement of Service is needed to fulfill the project objectives.

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 99 – Unrestricted (i.e. open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility Please see Section C3. Other for more information on eligibility criteria.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Yes Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Percentage of Cost Sharing/Matching Requirement:

Refer to section C3-2 Eligible Partnerships for match requirements for Longstanding and new partnership

The amount of cost share required is based on the total project cost, not based on the grant amount requested. For example, if the project total is $1,000, the cost share must be at least 50% of that project total (i.e., $500.) To illustrate this example further, with a project total of $1,000, the grant amount (Federal) would be $500 and the cost share would be $500. (non-Federal), for a total project amount of $1,000.

Further cost share requirements for long-standing and new partnerships are outlined in section C3 (2) Eligible Partnerships of this NOFO.

The applicant may satisfy the cost share requirement with either:

• CASH – for example, funds contributed from private sources or state and local governments such as a portion of someone’s salary, or

• IN-KIND services – for example, services or goods donated by the applicant organization or other entities such as a volunteer, or donated food.

Note: Funds from other Federal sources may not be used to meet the cost share requirement.

Funds or in-kind resources used as cost share must be directly related to the project goals and objectives. Any cost share sources from other non-Federal partners should be clearly indicated within any applicable documentation including the completed SF424 and Budget Narrative.

Further, recipients or subrecipients must maintain records which clearly show the source, the amount, and the timing of all cost share contributions.

Lastly, sources of cost share are restricted to the same requirements as funds allocated under the Federal program and must be documented in the same manner as Federal program funds, including financial and programmatic reports.

In accordance with 48 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1469(a), Amendment of Subsection (d) and DOI Policy Advisory Notice 2023-0022, the required match is waived for each grants awarded to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

C3. Other Applicants are expected to have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the biology of the involved listed species and its ecosystem, including preferably having worked with the species in the past. In addition, they must demonstrate that:

1. The proposal does not include funding for the salary of a Service employee.

2. The proposal does not seek funding for land acquisition or conservation easements, even if such activities are identified as a high priority recovery action for the species.

3. The proposal does not seek funding for projects that serve to satisfy regulatory requirements of the ESA, including complying with a biological opinion under Section 7 of the Act or fulfilling commitments of a Habitat Conservation Plan under section 10 of https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf the Act, or for projects that serve to satisfy other Federal regulatory requirements (e.g., mitigation for Federal permits).

4. The applicant will provide a letter indicating they have consulted with the affected State, unless the affected State is a partner on the project.

Additional Information on Eligibility To qualify for Recovery Challenge funds applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria in regards to (1) project types and (2) partnerships.

(1) Eligible project types are those that either:

1. Directly address high priority recovery actions for ESA listed species (under the trusteeship of the Service), specified by the Service as either:

• High priority action(s) of an approved draft or final recovery plan o If the project addresses Priority 2 or 3 actions, the applicant will need to explain why these actions are being addressed instead of any existing Priority 1 actions.

• Activities in a Recovery Implementation Strategy (RIS) for the species tiered from an identified high priority recovery action.

2. Update an existing draft or final recovery plan where the species’ lead Service Field Office has prioritized the need for updating the current plan.

3. Develop a recovery plan for a species that does not have a draft or final recovery plan, where the species is currently on the : https://fws.gov/project/national-recovery-workplans

For projects that propose to update or develop a draft/final recovery plan, there are additional eligibility requirements:

4. The proposal cannot request incremental funding (see Section D2 for the definition of incremental funding).

5. The period of performance must not exceed 2.5 years for developing or updating a recovery plan (where the draft recovery plan must be produced within 1 year of the start of the period of performance and the final recovery plan must be produced by the end of the period of performance). The proposal will be reviewed by the species lead verifying that the proposal meets the basic eligibility in relation to the Service goals for that species.

Please note that land acquisition and conservation easement activities are not eligible for funding through Recovery Challenge, even if such activities are identified as a high priority recovery action for the species.

(2) Eligible partnerships include one of the following:

• A longstanding partnership is defined as:

o The partner has a history of working with the Service on recovery efforts for the species addressed in the proposal for at least the past 5 years;

o The partner must provide the same percentage of cost share (direct and/or in-kind contributions) provided over the past 5 years or 50% of the total project cost (as stated in section C2 of this NOFO), whichever is greater.

https://fws.gov/project/national-recovery-workplans https://fws.gov/project/national-recovery-workplans o The partner provides the following supporting documentation:

▪ Funding and in-kind contribution amounts and a brief description of the sources of these contributions for each of the previous 5 years,

▪ The yearly and total percentage partner contribution over the past 5 years, and

▪ The ability and commitment to continue to fund the cost share percent each year over the duration of the project.

o If the partner submits multi-year project proposals, they can only have a project duration of up to five years (if applicable).

• A new partnership, is defined as:

o The partner has not yet worked with the Service on recovery efforts for the species addressed in the proposal; or the partner has worked with the Service on the species addressed in the proposal for less than 5 years;

o The partner must provide 50 percent of the total project cost (non-Federal direct or in-kind contributions);

o The partner provides the following documentation:

▪ Funding and in-kind contribution amounts and a brief description of the sources of these contributions, and

▪ The ability and commitment to provide 50 percent cost share for the total project cost each year over the duration of the project.

o If the partner submits multi-year project proposals, they can only have a project duration of up to three years (if applicable).

Note: Requirements for Previous Award Cycle Incremental Funding Recipients Note:

Requirements for Previous Award Cycle Incremental Funding Recipients Incremental funding recipients from prior award years (e.g., FY20, FY21, FY23) do not need to apply to this year’s Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs). However, prior year awarded recipients must submit their request for incremental funding through their Notice of Award via a GrantSolutions Amendment by June 1st of each Fiscal Year.

Eligible proposals must be submitted as described in Section D Application and Submission Information.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that their project meets the eligibility criteria, described above, prior to submitting a proposal. The Service will not consider proposals that do not clearly meet eligibility requirements.

Identifying High Priority Recovery Actions

Eligible actions will vary by species, and may include, but are not limited to, genetically-sound breeding, rearing, and reintroduction actions, securing scientific information about endangered or threatened species and their habitat, implementing restoration actions that will lead to delisting or downlisting of a species, help prevent extinction of a species, or aid in the recovery of a species.

Approved species recovery planning documents are available on the Service’s Environmental

Conservation Online System (ECOS) website at https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/. To locate a species, enter a species name into the “Search for a Listed species by name:” box. Alternatively, view the Species with Recovery Plans report at https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/species-with-recovery-plans and search for a species name in the Search box. Select the species’ name to view the profile page or select the recovery plan from this list.

On the species profile page, scroll down to the Recovery section of the profile to determine if the species has an approved draft or final recovery plan or recovery outline. There are separate web links for the recovery plan, the plan’s implementation schedule, and its recovery outline, if available. Applicants should refer to the most recently approved document.

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.

D. Application and Submission Information D1. Address to Request Application Package Applicants seeking financial assistance for Recovery Challenge projects are requested to consult with their local Ecological Services Field or Regional Office before developing or submitting an application (Please see Regional Contacts in Section H).

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/service/recovery-challenge-grants

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/ https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/species-with-recovery-plans https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/species-with-recovery-plans 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

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 individuals and commercial entities, 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.

If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature on or submission of the SF-424 form in GrantSolutions also represents their certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

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., 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.”

Individuals may register in SAM.gov but are not required to have a SAM.gov registration. For individuals without a SAM.gov registration enter in Box 8c. the substitute Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) “KA5HQCLKUVW1".

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 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

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 Project Narrative (20 page max)

Project proposals must also include a project narrative providing additional detail on the following:

• Project Title

• Description of organizations/entities undertaking the project, providing a brief description of the applicant organization and all other participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing.

• Information on key project personnel per organization/entity, including the principal investigator or recipient project lead. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis.

• Project Duration, explicitly indicating on how many years it will take to complete the project (3 year maximum for new partners and 5 years for longstanding partners).

• Project Location, including a description of where the project work will be conducted and a map of the project area. The map should clearly delineate the project area, be large enough to be legible, include approximate GPS coordinates of where work will be conducted, and label any sites referenced in the project narrative (if applicable).

o Submitting a GIS shapefile of the project area is encouraged but not required.

• Statement of Need, clearly identifying the conservation issue that will be addressed, providing evidence to demonstrate that the need for the project is real and not perceived, and including the negative consequences if this project is not selected for funding. It should be clear why this project is necessary (significance/value) for species recovery, how it fulfills the purposes of the Recovery Challenge funding opportunity and provides supporting information. The statement of need should also articulate how the project will contribute to achieve any of the species’ recovery criteria and/or contribute to down or delisting of the species.

o If the applicant has received previous funding (from the Service or any other entity) for this specific project work or site, provide a summary of the funding, associated activities and products/outcomes.

o If the proposal includes a continuation of previous or ongoing work funded through this program, a justification describing the importance of the continuation of the work must be included in the project description in order to receive full consideration. The justification must describe if the proposal will address new aspects of the task, how it will be additive to or different from previous work and indicate if the task will be completed with this funding. While proposals for ongoing work may be selected for funding, it will be awarded as a new grant with discrete deliverables.

• Goal(s) and objectives, stating the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the project (what it hopes to achieve) and the objective(s) (specific, measurable, and realistic steps or strategies) to be implemented to attain the goal(s) within the proposed project period.

Proposals should include clearly identify (directly reference) the specific high priority recovery actions that the project will achieve and reference the Service document they are captured in.

o If the project is focused on a priority 2 or 3 actions, applicant should provide a brief explanation of why priority 1 tasks are not being addressed.

o The proposal should be able to articulate how the project will contribute to species recovery without Service reviewers needing to directly reference the species’ draft or final Recovery Plan or RIS.

o If the proposed project can achieve any species’ recovery criteria for down or delisting, the proposal should specifically state which criteria will be met following successful project implementation and how the project will achieve that criterion.

• Activities and Methods/Approach, list the proposed project activities and describe how they relate to the stated project objectives. Activities are the specific actions to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). In addition, applicants should provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity.

• Timetable and milestones, provide a timetable indicating roughly when activities or project milestones are to be accomplished. Include any resulting tables, spreadsheets or flow charts (such as a Gantt chart) within the body of the project narrative (do not include as separate attachments). The timetable should not propose specific dates but instead group activities by month over the entire proposed project period.

• Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, including an adaptive management plan if applicable, and description of assessment tools to be used. Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project. Building on the stated project objectives, which must be specific and measurable, identify what you will measure (i.e., quantitative/quantifiable indicators) and how you will measure (e.g., methods, sample size, survey tools).

Reference the stated project timetable (i.e., process indicators) and budget information (i.e., input indicators). Identify the products/services to be delivered and how/to whom they will be delivered (i.e., output indicators). Detail the expected direct effect(s) of the project on beneficiaries (i.e., outcome indicators). Include any available questionnaires, surveys, curricula, exams/tests or other assessment tools to be used for project evaluation.

Describe the resources and organizational structure available for gathering, analyzing and reporting monitoring and evaluation data. If applicable, describe how project participants and beneficiaries will participate in monitoring and evaluation activities. Describe how findings will be fed back into decision making and project activities throughout the project period.

• Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement, describing, as applicable, how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project, and details of if and how they will be involved in implementing project activities, disseminating project results and/or incorporating your results/products into their activities.

• Description of coordination with Service staff on the proposal, including contact information and dates contacted.

o Applicants are highly encouraged to coordinate with Service Field Offices and Regional Offices prior to submitting a proposal for consideration to ensure their project proposals adequately support high priority recovery actions for listed species or that the Service has prioritized the target species for development of a new or revised Recovery Plan (see Section G for Regional Recovery Challenge Coordinator contacts).

• Documentation of consultation with the affected State, or confirmation that the affected State is a partner on the project.

• Information to support environmental compliance review requirements – the Service has the responsibility for making the final determination regarding compliance with Federal laws.

o National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with NEPA.

o Endangered Species Act (ESA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with the ESA.

o National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) – provide any information that may be relevant to compliance with NHPA, such as locations of historic or cultural properties.

o Other Permits – list and provide the current status of any other required Federal permits o Information on any ground disturbing activities that are part of this project.

• Sustainability: As applicable, describe which project activities will continue beyond the proposed project period, who will continue the work or act on the results achieved, and how and at what level you expect these future activities will be funded.

• Literature Cited

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A Budget Information form for Non- Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov or in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). In the SF-424A “Contractual” category total, do not combine estimated subawards and contractual costs. Use the “Contractual” category to reflect estimated contractual costs only. Enter estimated subaward costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

Budget Narrative

Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class Category” totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays). Describe any proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306 for more information. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. The Department of the Interior’s Unmanned Aircraft web page provides a list of approved unmanned aircraft and related equipment and software.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

a. Applicability.

1. This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

2. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR§200.318 apply.

b. Notification.

1. Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass- through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

2. Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

c. Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31

USC §1352.

d. Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regard to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

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

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register as a financial assistance recipient in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). Entities already registered in SAM.gov should review their registration to confirm that they are registered as a financial assistance recipient, which requires completion of the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations”. See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 12/19/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. The State Single Point of Contact list is available on the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website.

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, you must not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior (DOI) is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center (IBC) will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted by Organization:

U.S. state or local government entities receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding must include the following statement in their application and attach a copy of their most recently negotiated rate agreement:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. Attached is a copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement/certification.

U.S. state or local government entities receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding must include the applicable statement from this list:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR 200, Appendix VII. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award].

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We have not prepared an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/indirect-cost per 2 CFR §200, Appendix VII and elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until we choose to establish a rate per 2 CFR §200. We understand we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

All other organizations must include the applicable statement from this list and any related documentation in their application. Please note, an organization with a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may not elect to charge the 10% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs during the period covered by their current negotiated rate.

• We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award, we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement.

Attached is a copy of our current rate agreement.

• We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that has…