Foa_Content_of_F24AS00175 rev 3-8-2024.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Fisheries https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-nuisance-species-task-force

F24AS00175- Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species Fiscal Year: 2024

F24AS00175

Due Date for Applications: 07/15/2024

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

Potential Impact of the Invasion: 30%

Proposed Approach: 30%

Preparedness:10%

Experience and Qualifications: 10%

Budget: 10%

Post Response Commitment: 10%

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 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act—Cooperation of agencies (16 U.S.C. §661)

A2. Assistance Listing Number

Assistance Listing Number 15.608

A3. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Key Highlights: This Notice of Funding Opportunity requests proposals for projects that support efforts to plan a response or deploy response measures to a new detection of a potentially invasive species. Response efforts must target an aquatic invasive species, defined as non-native plants or animals that reside in fresh, wetland, estuarine, or marine waters. A list of “Eligible Activities” is below. Activities not listed, including species identification, risk evaluations, or public outreach are not eligible for funding from this award. Projects to plan a response to a species that has not yet been detected in the area of concern are also not eligible. Funds also cannot be used for long-term management, monitoring, or remediation.

This award is open to Federal or state agencies, U.S. territory agencies, interstate organizations or Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments or Native American Organizations. Non-federal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply through GrantSolutions. However, applications will also be accepted through Grants.gov. Federal applicants should submit their complete applications and any supplemental material to the Rapid Response Coordinator at “anstaskforce@fws.gov" by the closing date for applications. (See section D7 for further instruction).

This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until July 15, 2024, or until the Rapid Response Fund is depleted. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. Submitted proposals will be evaluated on a quarterly basis. See section B3 for the evaluation periods and anticipated award dates.

Background: The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) was established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990, 16 U.S.C.

4721-28, as amended. The ANSTF serves to develop and implement a program for waters of the United States to prevent introduction and dispersal of ANS (also known as aquatic invasive species or AIS), monitor, control, and study such species, and disseminate related information.

Co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ANSTF consists of Federal agency representatives and ex-officio representatives that work in conjunction with six regional panels and issue-specific subcommittees to coordinate efforts related to AIS across the Nation.

Although prevention is the most cost-effective approach to eliminating or reducing the threat of invasive species, Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) serves as a failsafe when prevention measures are ineffective or unavailable. The Department of the Interior (DOI or the Department) in coordination with federal agencies, states, tribes, territories, and other partners published “Safeguarding America’s Lands and Waters from Invasive Species – A National Framework for Early Detection and Rapid Response” in 2016. This report called for a focus on coordination and partnerships, science and technology, and strategic on-the-ground actions to detect invasive species that pose the greatest risk and swiftly respond to eradicate them before they establish, spread, and cause adverse impacts. As part of strategically implementing funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, DOI identified advancing a National EDRR Framework as a priority and took steps to invest in supporting some of the institutional components of such a framework. To that end, DOI is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on EDRR activities, build new tools, and support coordinated processes to proactively find and eradicate new invasive species before they establish, spread, and cause harm. Specifics include identifying high risk invasive species and invasion hotspots across the nation to inform early detection efforts, developing molecular tools to aid detection capabilities, expanding capacity for on-the-ground rapid response actions, including the establishment of a pilot Rapid Response Fund for aquatic invasive species, and creating an online clearinghouse where managers can share current information to guide implementation.

The Rapid Response Fund addresses the need for readily available financial resources to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species.

The Fund is a critical component of a National EDRR Framework and a priority need identified within the ANSTF’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 (Objective 3.3, https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ANSTF-Strategic-Plan-2020-2025.pdf).

Accordingly, the ANSTF’s Rapid Response Fund Working Group developed “The Model Process: Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species” (https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species) in 2023 to outline a structure and process for a Rapid Response Fund for AIS. On July 19, 2023, the Model Process was unanimously approved by the 13 Federal agencies and 13 non-federal ex-officio members that serve on the ANSTF. This Notice of Funding Opportunity follows this process as detailed in the sections below. General information about the Fund and a list of https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ANSTF-Strategic-Plan-2020-2025.pdf http://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ANSTF-Strategic-Plan-2020-2025.pdf) http://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ANSTF-Strategic-Plan-2020-2025.pdf) https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species

Frequently Asked Questions can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-07/rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species.

In Fiscal Year 2023, BIL funds were directed to establish a pilot Rapid Response Fund for AIS within the existing authorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation program, to be coordinated through the ANSTF. Accordingly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on behalf of the ANSTF, invites proposals to support the rapid response to a new species introduction within freshwater, estuarine, or marine waters of the United States, including the U.S. territories.

For the purposes of this Federal Rapid Response Fund, “Rapid Response” is defined as a process employed to eradicate the founding population of non-native, potentially invasive, species in a specific location before that species begins to reproduce or spreads so widely that eradication is no longer feasible. Eradication is defined as the removal or destruction of an entire population of an invasive species within a specified area. Eligibility requirements for this Rapid Response Fund are described below, additional information on these requirements, as well as definitions, can be found in the ANSTF document “The Model Process: Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species” (https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species).

Eligible Taxa. Funds may be used to respond to aquatic invasive species (AIS), including animals or plants that reside within fresh, estuarine, wetland, or marine waters. Response efforts directed towards pathogens (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites) or harmful algal blooms (HAB) are not eligible for funding. It is expected that prior to applying to the Rapid Response Fund, the identification of the targeted species has been confirmed and there is evidence that the species is likely to significantly adversely impact the environment, economy, cultural resources, and/or human, plant, or animal health. Responses to species for which the origin or native range are unknown are eligible for funding if there is evidence that they have not been previously detected in the area and their presence may result in adverse impacts. To direct funding towards efforts that address species with a high probability to cause harm, species that are identified on a state or Federal watch list, or similar prioritization tool, may receive higher consideration in the evaluation process, but inclusion on such lists is not required.

Eligible Locations. Rapid Response funding may be used to respond to a new species introduction within freshwater, estuarine, wetland, or marine waters of the United States or U.S. territories. Funding may also be used to respond to AIS already present in the United States or U.S. territories in areas where the species has not been previously detected. For response efforts directed towards species with existing populations in the United States or U.S.

territory, priority will be given to incipient populations that are either a secondary invasion, were introduced a significant distance away from an existing population (e.g., introduction into a new watershed), or pose a new threat to vulnerable, high priority, or protected areas.

Eligible Applicants. Federal and state agencies, U.S. territory agencies, interstate organizations (as defined by 16 USC § 4702(10)), and Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments and Native American Organizations authorized by Indian tribal governments (as identified within the Federal Register Notice “Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs”( https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-07/rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-07/rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species http://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-http://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-http://www.fws.gov/media/model-process-rapid-response-fund-aquatic-https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of) may apply for funding.

These entities may collaborate with and provide subawards to other entities to assist with the response, such entities may include local governments, institutions of higher learning, and non-governmental organizations.

Applications from Federal agencies will be evaluated and scored using the same process and merit criteria as non-federal applicants, described in section E1. Interagency agreements may be used as an alternate execution vehicle for Federal agencies that are selected for award through the merit-review process.

Eligible Activities. Response efforts submitted for consideration should be in pursuit of eradication of the targeted species from the defined location. As such, eligible activities for the Rapid Response Fund are those that support or lead up to achieving this goal, including:

• Planning and site delineation:

o Delineation to determine the spatial extent and abundance of an isolated AIS population.

o Analysis and assessment of potential response measures.

o Planning, environmental documentation and/or permit acquisition.

o Measures to contain the population during the species assessment or while a long-term response plan is formulated.

• Deployment of response action:

o Implement actions on site that support or lead up to eradication of the targeted species.

o Survey surrounding areas.

o Monitor the population and effectiveness of applied response measures. Applicants should also take note of the following:

• Funds cannot be used for long-term management or remediation.

• Funding requests may include the personnel salary costs as well as procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, yet provisions in 2 CFR §200.318 will apply.

• Under some circumstances, proposals selected for funding may be eligible for reimbursement for pre-award activities. More detail is provided in Section C3.

• Assessment funding for preliminary response actions is allowable in circumstances where a full response plan has not yet been developed and/or a precise delineation of the geographic scope of the targeted species is unknown. Assessment funding may be awarded through this fund to assess potential response measures to determine the most effective response plan. Once, the full response plan has been determined, applicants that received assessment funding may seek additional funding for deployment of the response by submitting an updated narrative and budget before the end of their award period.

• All awards through the Rapid Response Fund will have a maximum period of performance of three years. Awardees that did not achieve the management goal within the three-year time frame may apply for additional fudning yet will be expected to describe results achieved with the previous funding and expected accomplishments by extending the length of the project.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/12/2023-00504/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of

Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for Rapid Response funding:

• Prior to submitting a proposal, the identity of the targeted species must be confirmed and reported to the U.S. Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database (https://nas.er.usgs.gov).

• The applicant must have a thorough understanding of the infestation, however, a full delineation is not required and may be requested as a component of the proposal.

• The applicant must either have an existing Rapid Response Plan that is suitable to the situation or agree that a Rapid Response Plan will be completed within 60 days from the date of award. A Rapid Response Plan template is currently under development by the ANSTF and is expected to be completed early 2024. Should an applicant need to develop a plan before this document is finalized, the Review Team will identify alternative guidance to assist plan development.

A4. Funding Opportunity Goals This funding opportunity requests proposals that support the rapid response to a new species introduction within freshwater, estuarine, or marine waters of the United States, including the U.S. territories. The ability to respond rapidly to new detections of potential invasive species is critical to prevent further spread and avoid harmful impacts to the environment, economy, human health, and cultural resources. Once a new non-native species is detected, there is a short window of opportunity to respond in attempt to eradicate or contain the species. Such activities are often undertaken by state agencies with funds either taken out of budgets that were developed without allocations for such activities or provided on an emergency basis. However, too often funding is absent, resulting in delayed or lack of action. A rapid response fund is needed to ensure timely and more effective responses to aquatic invasive species (AIS) and avoid the need for costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $960,000 The Rapid Response Fund is intended to fund multiple projects each year and potentially serve as a catalyst for additional funds outside the Rapid Response Fund. It is recognized that rapid response costs may vary significantly depending on the species, size of the infestation, location, and the phase of the response, yet applicants are encouraged to ensure that budgets are cost-effective and focused on essential tasks to achieve desired management goals.

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $960,000 Minimum Award https://nas.er.usgs.gov/

$50,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding Expected Award Date March 01, 2024 Quarterly, see below

This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until July 15, 2024, or until the Rapid Response Fund is depleted. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis; submitted proposals will be evaluated on a quarterly basis:

• Proposals submitted from November 15 - January 15 will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of March 1.

• Proposals submitted from January 16 – April 15 will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of June 1.

• Proposals submitted from April 16 – July 15 will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of September 1.

All proposals submitted for the Rapid Respond fund will be evaluated using the merit criteria described in section E1. Each cycle will end on 11:59 pm ET on the end dates listed above. For applicants selected for funding, every effort will be made to ensure the award is made expeditiously. Applicants not selected for funding will be notified via email, and allowed to resubmit the proposal for consideration in future quarters.

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards Proposals will be accepted until the Rapid Response Fund is depleted. As the requested funding amounts will vary, the number of projects to be supported by the Fund cannot be determined.

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants

00 – State governments 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility Federal and state agencies, U.S. territory agencies, interstate organizations (as defined by 16 USC § 4702(10)), and Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments and Native American Organizations authorized by Indian tribal governments (as identified within the Federal Register Notice “Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs”) may apply for funding.

Additional Eligibility information is identified in section C3 below.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement The Rapid Response Fund will not have a cost share or match requirement, although additional contribution of funds or in-kind contributions will be considered in the evaluation of proposals.

C3. Other Other Application Requirements. To apply for the Rapid Response Fund, applicants must provide a complete project abstract summary, project narrative, and budget narrative as well as all applicable forms listed under Section D below. While drafting these components, please note:

• Within the project narrative the applicant must clearly articulate the management goal. In most circumstances, the goal should be eradication of the targeted species from the defined location.

• The project narrative must also include a statement that describes, and provides evidence for, the level of confidence in accomplishing the management goal. In doing so the applicant should consider:

o the size and spatial extent of the target population and the certainty of those factors, o the connectivity of the waterbody containing the target population to other waters, o the long-term survival, fecundity, and dispersive capabilities of the target species, o the difficulty of finding all individuals in the target population or effectively exposing them to the control method, and o the effectiveness of the response measures applied.

• The applicant must indicate its ability to ensure all environmental compliance reviews and permitting requirements are completed prior to implementing response measures.

• The applicant should also demonstrate a commitment to conduct post-rapid response activities.

Such activities are not eligible for funding from the Rapid Response Fund but will be considered in the evaluation process. Such activities may include:

o restoration and mitigation measures for any adverse impacts from the response measures, o long term, follow-up surveys or monitoring, and o biosecurity protocols or measures to prevent any re-invasion of the site.

• In order to focus on the highest priority rapid response needs and expedite award selection, applicants are encouraged to limit their number of applications to one per quarter.

Pre-Award Costs. Applicants selected for funding may be eligible for Pre-Award Costs. To qualify for pre-award cost reimbursement, an applicant must provide a list of actions and associated cost of all existing proposed pre-award activities. The applicant must also demonstrate in the application that the pre-award activities were necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the overall program objectives and would have been approved had they occurred within the project period. If the proposal is selected for funding, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will review the activities and communicate which activities are eligible for reimbursement in the Notice of Award. Pre-award costs will not be approved for any work that would require environmental compliance to be completed first. All costs that incur before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes the award are at the recipient's risk. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not required to reimburse pre-award activities if, for any reason, the applicant is not selected for funding or if the Federal award is less than anticipated or inadequate to cover such costs.

Until pre-award costs are authorized under an approved award, the applicant has no assurance that costs will be reimbursed.

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 This funding opportunity announcement provides all information required to apply.

Supplemental information about the fund can be found at https://www.fws.gov/story/2023- 07/rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species 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 https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-%2007/rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-%2007/rapid-response-fund-aquatic-invasive-species

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/program/aquatic-nuisance-species-task-force

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 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". For instructions on completing the SF-424, please reference: Instructional Video: Completing the SF424.

Application Checklist. Complete applications should contain the following components. Details and instructions to complete these items can be found in the sections that follow:

• Project Abstract Summary

• Project Narrative, including:

o Agency or Organization applying for funds.

o Species Description o Location Description o Rapid Response Plan 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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Jw5k2DPfg o Management Goal and Objectives o Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project o Approach or Treatment Options o Preliminary response action, if applicable o Timeline o Commitment for post-rapid response activities

• Budget Narrative

• Required Statements:

o Indirect Cost Rate Statement, o Single Audit Reporting Statements o Overlap or Duplication Statement o Pre-award Costs

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure, if applicable

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable

• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance (non-federal applicants only)

• SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (non-federal applicants only)

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 Project Narrative must include:

1. Project title

2. Project Narrative: Each proposal should follow the format below to explain the need, scope, and proposed action of the response. The project narrative should not exceed 12 pages (excluding resumes, references, applicant’s Rapid Response Plan, species risk assessment, watch list documentation, information to support environmental compliance review requirements, or additional supplemental information).

a. Agency or Organization applying for funds.

b. Point of Contact: Provide the contact information (name, affiliation, address, phone, and email) for at least one individual who can answer questions regarding the application.

c. Species Description:

i. State the AIS that will be the focus of the response, including how the species confirmation was made.

ii. Describe the potential and known impacts of the targeted species, including environmental, economic, cultural, and health impacts. Include citations, as appropriate. If a formal species risk assessment has been performed, attach it to this proposal. Novel species where potential impact is less certain should include a statement reinforcing the degree of concern and, if applicable, reference similar species with an invasion history.

iii. Identify any watch lists, or similar prioritization tools, that identify the targeted species.

iv. Describe the invasion history of the species.

d. Location Description:

i. State the precise location where the species was found and the date and manner by which the species was detected.

ii. If known, state the method of introduction.

iii. If known, state the size and percentage of the area infested.

iv. Describe the location where the targeted species was detected, including characteristics of the location that may facilitate survival and potential range expansion of the targeted species.

e. Rapid Response Plan:

i. If a Rapid Response Plan exists, describe how it will be used for this project. Attach the Rapid Response Plan to this proposal.

ii. If a Rapid Response Plan does not exist, state the intent and timeline to complete a Rapid Response Plan.

f. Management Goal and Objectives:

i. Clearly articulate the management goal of the proposed project in terms that are specific and quantified.

ii. List project objectives. Objectives are meant to be realistic targets or benchmarks that, if achieved, will accomplish the management goal.

iii. Provide a statement that describes, and provides evidence for, the level of confidence in accomplishing the management goal, noting any challenges or barriers that may hinder success.

g. Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project:

i. Describe the organization proposing to conduct the project, expressing the specific skills, experience, and capacity related to tasks to be performed.

ii. As applicable, describe how the applicant has coordinated with other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project, and detail if/how they will be involved in the response.

h. Approach or Treatment Options:

i. Describe the specific conservation actions or efforts necessary to accomplish the management goal and objectives.

i. Provide detail of “how” the objectives will be accomplished by describing the actual work to be done.

ii. Demonstrate that the applicant will use sound design, appropriate procedures, and accepted fish and wildlife conservation or management principles.

iii. Include contingency plans to address any unexpected event or situation that occurs.

iv. Describe any connection of this project to broader management or funding efforts.

v. Any actions to be taken to protect non-target species should be noted in this section.

vi. If applicable, include any information to support environmental compliance review requirements such as :

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 status of any other required Federal permits.

Preliminary response actions. If requesting assessment funding for preliminary response actions (e.g., formulate a Rapid Response Plan, site delineation):

• Provide an analysis and assessment of the treatment options being considered, including any environmental documentation and/or permit acquisition that will be required.

• Describe any measures taken to contain the population while assessment activities are being conducted.

Past award recipients. If the project previously received funding from this Rapid Response Fund and the applicant is re-applying for additional funds:

• Describe what actions were taken with the previous funding and what was achieved.

• State why additional funds are needed and what will be accomplished by extending the length of the project.

• Include supporting evidence that eradication of the targeted species from the defined location, or alternate management goal, is still feasible.

Timeline:

i. State the estimated start and end dates of activities for which funds are being requested. Project duration must not exceed three years.

ii. Describe significant milestones in completing the project and any accomplishments to date.

Commitment for post-rapid response activities:

i. Describe actions that will be taken after the response measures have been completed. This may include restoration and mitigation measures for any off-target adverse impacts from the treatments, follow-up surveys or monitoring, and/or biosecurity protocols or measures to prevent any re-invasion of the site.

ii. Identify the entity or person responsible or conducting these activities and any funding commitments.

Supplemental information (optional):

i. May include letters of support, declarations of emergency, graphics, maps, citations, etc.

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 “Section B – Budget Categories” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested for each Object Class Category. For the SF-424A “Contractual” category enter estimated contractual costs only. Do not include subaward costs in the “Contractual” category. 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). For more information about subrecipient and contractor determinations, see 2 CFR §200.331. For instructions on completing the SF-424A, please reference: Instructional Video: Completing the

SF424A.

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. Include a complete description of each cost category. 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 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. If known at the time of application, include an estimated number of subawards and the dollar amount anticipated for each subaward. 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. Recipients may not earn, make, or keep any profit resulting from any financial assistance awards. These costs are not allowable and should not be included in any proposed costs.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzhmFOUeY3c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzhmFOUeY3c 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://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

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 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 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 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://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.fac.gov/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 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 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).