Foa_Content_of_F24AS00414 rev 032025.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F24AS00414 Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act Fiscal Year 2024

Funding Opportunity Number

F24AS00414

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Modification

Funding Opportunity Number: F24AS00414

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.685

Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 10

Award Ceiling: $1,000,000

Award Floor: $100,000

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation Initial proposals should be developed and submitted in coordination with FWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program field and regional staff following regional processes responding to criteria in Section Application Review Information. Proposals received after September 30, 2024 will only be considered if funds are remaining.

Full Financial Assistance Applications are due in GrantSolutions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2025. See Section Application Content and Format for more information.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

John Netto

503-724-8366 john_netto@fws.gov

Executive Summary The Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) (Public Law 106-502) of 2000 was established with the goals of decreasing fish mortality associated with the withdrawal of water for irrigation and other purposes without impairing the continued withdrawal of water for those purposes; and to decrease the incidence of juvenile and adult fish entering water supply systems. FRIMA is a voluntary fish screening and passage program targeted to Pacific Ocean drainage areas of Idaho, western Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Eligible projects include fish screens, fish passage devices, and related inventories by the States. FRIMA was Reauthorized in FY2009. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 provided $5 million to the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) for the implementation of FRIMA and added the Pacific Ocean drainage areas of California as eligible for FRIMA funds. The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic organism passage and aquatic connectivity for the benefit of Federal trust resources. In doing so, NFPP aims to maintain or increase fish populations to improve ecosystem resiliency and provide quality fishing experiences for the American people. Funds provided to NFPP for the implementation of FRIMA will support the development, improvement, or installation of fish screens, fish passage devices and related features to mitigate impacts on fisheries associated with irrigation water system diversions in Pacific Ocean drainages in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and California.The NFPP is delivered through the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC).

We use our staff and cooperative partnerships to provide: (1) information on habitat needs of fish and other aquatic species; (2) methods for fish to bypass barriers; (3) technical support to review project designs and recommend the most cost-effective techniques; (4) assistance to partners in https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 planning and prioritizing fish passage projects; and (5) assistance in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements.Activities proposed under this award for FRIMA: (1) must be located in areas of California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or western Montana that drain into the Pacific Ocean, (2) participation must be voluntary, (3) must have 35% Non-Federal cost share per Public Law 106-502. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding can be applied to the Non- Federal cost share, (4) project type must be voluntary irrigation diversion passage, screening, barrier inventories, and ‘related features’, (5) project components that receive funding under this Act shall be ineligible to receive federal funds from any other source (with the exception of BPA funds) for the same purpose, (6) the project will be agreeable to Federal and non-Federal entities with authority and responsibility for the project, (7) award minimum will be $100,000; award maximum will be $1,000,000, and (8) the non-Federal participants in any project carried out under the Program on land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall be responsible for all costs associated with operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing the project.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants 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 Eligible entities may include, but are not limited to those listed above.

Activities proposed under this award:

(1) must be located in Pacific Ocean drainages of the States of California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or Montana;

(2) participation must be voluntary;

(3) must have 35% Non-Federal cost share. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding can be applied to the Non-Federal cost share;

(4) project type must be voluntary irrigation diversion passage, screening, barrier inventories, and ‘related features’:

(5) project components that receive funding under this Act shall be ineligible to receive federal funds from any other source (with the exception of BPA funds) for the same purpose;

(6) the project will be agreeable to Federal and non-Federal entities with authority and responsibility for the project:

(7) award minimum will be $100,000; award maximum will be $1,000,000, and;

(8) non-Federal participants in any project carried out under the Program on land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall be responsible for all costs associated with operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing the project.

Applicants must ensure that activities occurring outside the United States, or its territories are coordinated as necessary with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities, and that any necessary licenses, permits, or approvals are obtained prior to undertaking proposed activities.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes All projects must have 35% Non-Federal cost share. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding can be applied to the Non-Federal cost share.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

This program may allow an applicant to apply while their SAM.gov registration is in progress, with prior approval. For more information, refer to the point of contact identified in the Basic Information section above.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

This program accepts applications through GrantSolutions.gov. You must register with GrantSolutions. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The FY24 Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act works to voluntarily reconnect habitats fragmented by irrigation related barriers in the Pacific Ocean drainage areas of California, Idaho, western Montana, Oregon, and Washington by providing fish screening and passage to help restore native fish and other aquatic species to self-sustaining levels.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help

Program Description The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic organism passage and aquatic connectivity for the benefit of Federal trust resources. In doing so, NFPP aims to maintain or increase fish populations to improve ecosystem resiliency and provide quality fishing experiences for the American people. Funds provided to NFPP for the implementation of FRIMA will support the development, improvement, or installation of fish screens, fish passage devices and related features to mitigate impacts on fisheries associated with irrigation water system diversions in Pacific Ocean drainages in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and California. Applicants seeking funding under this program should contact the regional NFPP Coordinator that corresponds to the location of the project for additional information on regional priorities and coordination with FAC staff prior to applying for funding. Contacts are listed at: https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us.

The NFPP is delivered through the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC). We use our staff and cooperative partnerships to provide: (1) information on habitat needs of fish and other aquatic species; (2) methods for fish to bypass barriers; (3) technical support to review project designs and recommend the most cost-effective techniques; (4) assistance to partners in planning and prioritizing fish passage projects; and (5) assistance in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements.

Activities proposed under this award for FRIMA:

(1) must be located in the Pacific Ocean drainages of the States of California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or Montana;

(2) participation must be voluntary;

(3) must have 35% Non-Federal cost share per Public Law 106-502. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding can be applied to the non-Federal cost share;

(4) project type must be voluntary irrigation diversion passage, screening, barrier inventories, and ‘related features’;

(5) project components that receive funding under this Act shall be ineligible to receive federal funds from any other source (with the exception of BPA funds) for the same purpose;

(6) the project will be agreeable to Federal and non-Federal entities with authority and responsibility for the project;

(7) award minimum will be $100,000; award maximum will be $1,000,000, and;

(8) non-Federal participants in any project carried out under the Program on land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall be responsible for all costs associated with operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing the project.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

Buy America Provision for Infrastructure: Required Use of American Iron, Steel, Manufactured Products, and Construction Materials. Per 2 CFR 184, none of the funds provided under a Federal award may be used for a project for infrastructure unless:

https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

1. All iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States. This means all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States,

2. All manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States. This means the manufactured product was manufactured in the United States, and the cost of the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard for determining the minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law or regulation, and

3. All construction materials are manufactured in the United States. This means that all manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States. For construction material standards see 2 CFR §184.6.

The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials, and supplies consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to equipment and furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, used at or within the finished infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.

Department of the Interior General Applicability Waivers:

There may be instances where a project qualifies, in whole or in part, for an existing Department of the Interior (Department) general applicability waiver. If a project is selected for funding, recipients are responsible for determining if an approved waiver applies to their project. A list of active waivers is available on the Department’s General Applicability Waivers web page. For more information on the waiver process and how to request a waiver, see the Service’s General Award Terms and Conditions.

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

The Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) (Public Law 106-502) of 2000 was established with the goals of decreasing fish mortality associated with the withdrawal of water for irrigation and other purposes without impairing the continued withdrawal of water for those purposes; and to decrease the incidence of juvenile and adult fish entering water supply systems. FRIMA is a voluntary fish screening and passage program targeted to Pacific Ocean drainage areas of Idaho, western Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Eligible projects include fish screens, fish passage devices, and related inventories by the States.

FRIMA was reauthorized in FY2009. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 provided $5 million to the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) for the implementation of FRIMA and added the Pacific Ocean drainage areas of California as eligible for FRIMA funds.

Type of Award Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement), G (Grant).

https://www.doi.gov/grants/BuyAmerica/GeneralApplicabilityWaivers https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/financial-assistance-general-award-terms-and-conditions

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project.

This program uses cooperative agreements or grants as the primary assistance instrument, but staff may also use procurement instruments, or Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units in accordance with Federal regulations. Procurement agreements could include use of the Multiple- Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) for Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts if the project meets the needs of FRIMA and falls under the parameters of the current MATOCs available. Projects are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement of FAC staff.

Substantial involvement my include the following actions:

• Joint collaboration or participation between the awarding agency and recipient partner, volunteer, scientist, technician, or other personnel, in carrying out the scope of work

• Review and approval by awarding agency of modifications or subawards, prior to the award

• Directing or redirecting of work by awarding agency because of interrelationships with other projects

• Ability of awarding agency to immediately halt work because of failure to meet performance specifications

• Close monitoring or operational involvement by awarding agency

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Note: DO NOT UPLOAD PROPOSALS IN GRANTS.GOV.

Prior to submitting a Financial Assistance Application in Grant Solutions, applicants will submit a proposal to the appropriate Regional Coordinator according to the instructions in Section Application Review Information.

Required Submittal: Proposal shall include: the project name and location (latitude, longitude, HUC 6 and State) of the project, a brief (1-2 sentence) project description, requested funding amount, amount of Non-Federal match (must be a minimum of 35%), expected partners, and name and contact information of the interested applicant. Proposal shall also include responses to the 7 identified evaluation criteria in Section Application Review Information of this NOFO.

Proposals may not exceed a maximum of 6 single-sided pages, 12-point font.

Pre-Coordination: Prior to submitting a Proposal, eligible applicants should contact their respective NFPP Regional Coordinator or FAC program field staff to determine if their project meets NFPP FRIMA eligibility criteria. If applicants are already developing NFPP FRIMA projects in coordination with other FAC Program staff, applicants may continue to do so without coordinating directly with their NFPP Regional Coordinator. All applicants are required to submit a Proposal to NFPP Regional Coordinator by September 30, 2024 to be considered for funding. Proposals submitted after September 30, 2024 will be considered if funds are available.

Selected Applicant Process: Applicants that have been selected for funding according to Section Review and Selection Process will be notified within 60 days of the Proposal deadline. Only those applicants will be invited to submit full applications in GrantSolutions, due no later than

11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2025. Full applications must include the required standard forms, information, documentation, and statements, as described below. The Service will provide all required forms in the GrantSolutions announcement application kit, unless otherwise described below. Submission in GrantSolutions of forms requiring signature is the equivalent of a wet or digital signature.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-429 (Cover Page & Attachment B), Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Note: The SF-429 forms are only available in the Grants.gov Forms Repository. Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required if requesting to acquire, improve, or furnish real property.

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

Project Narrative Full Project Narrative must address the following items:

• Project title

• Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project

• Statement of need that addresses: the specific concern, problem, or issue to be addressed or opportunity to be leveraged; the consequences of not addressing the need; and how the proposed project aligns with the Service program’s goals

• Project objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound, and any milestones that must be reached to achieve objectives

• Activities, including detailing for each who is carrying out the activity, what is involved, how will it be carried out (method), and when and where the activity will be carried out

• Timeline of when significant project events or milestones are anticipated

• Sufficient information to support environmental compliance review requirements. Note: while the environmental compliance laws are primarily applicable to projects carried out in the U.S., projects carried out on the high seas are subject to compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and projects outside the U.S. on any property on the UNESCO World Heritage List or the in-country equivalent of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places are subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

• Information on key project personnel, including details on their expertise, skill, or significance to the project

• Project location details and supporting documentation such as maps, GIS data, or geopolitical data, as applicable.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Budget Narrative

For budget narrative requirements, include the standard text below and then enter any additional program-specific requirements in the text field after the standard statement. If the program will consider requests to replace previously purchased telecommunications or video surveillance equipment (including drones) that is now prohibited per 2 CFR §200.216 but needed to carry out the proposed project, please provide instructions for such in the text field after the standard statement. For more information on these prohibitions for drones including resources for helping applicants and recipients identify compliant drones, see our UAS and Covered Telecommunications SharePoint page.

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 and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-FF09W20000/SitePages/Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-(UAS)-and-Covered-Telecommunications.aspx https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-FF09W20000/SitePages/Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems-(UAS)-and-Covered-Telecommunications.aspx 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 of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Projects must be located in the Pacific Ocean drainage areas of California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, or Washington.

Contact local FAC field Program or Service Regional staff (USFWS Region 1, 6, or 8 contacts) prior to submitting a Proposal. If you have a proposed project that meets the program eligibility and the Application Review Information criteria, please contact your regional or local FAC office before submitting a proposal. Please refer to https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us for a list of regional contacts. To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, a proposal must be submitted to the Service region where the project is located.

Applications in GrantSolutions will be done by invitation only after Regional FAC staff determine eligibility and review responses to selection criteria (Section Application Review Information).

Program Website Link https://www.fws.gov/service/fisheries-restoration-and-irrigation-mitigation-act-frima

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 04/30/2025

Closing Date Explanation

Initial proposals should be developed and submitted in coordination with FWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program field and regional staff following regional processes responding to criteria in Section Application Review Information. Proposals received after September 30, 2024 will only be considered if funds are remaining.

Full Financial Assistance Applications are due in GrantSolutions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2025. See Section Application Content and Format for more information.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us

Submission Instructions Simplified Application Procedures for Certain Applicants and Applications

Certain applicants may be eligible to apply following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) simplified application procedures. These procedures remove the requirement to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system. You may be eligible to follow our simplified application procedures if all the following apply:

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less from the FWS and, in the event an award is made, would not be expected to exceed that amount over the life of the award from the

FWS, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for construction-related activities except culvert replacements and dam removals, AND

Your proposed project can be completed within three years or less, AND

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except projects supporting Service-specific initiatives), or a large Nonprofit Organization (i.e., received more than $10M from Department of the Interior bureaus and offices combined in the past three years)

If you and your project meet the above criteria and you do not want to register in and apply through the Department of the Interior’s grants management system, do not follow the application instructions below. Instead, please contact us (see contact information below) to confirm your eligibility and request alternate application instructions. If you and your project do not meet the above criteria, follow our standard application instructions below.

Apply Through GrantSolutions To apply through GrantSolutions, follow these steps:

1. Register your organization. Send an e-mail to help@grantsolutions.gov with:

• Subject: New Organization Request

• Entity name (organization or individual applying as a natural person)

• Entity type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals)

• Employer Identification Number (individuals, do not include your SSN)

• Address

• Contact details (First and last name, e-mail, phone)

This information should be the same as entered on the entity’s SAM.gov profile.

2. Assign system user roles. Follow the GrantSolutions “Recipient user” registration instructions. Submit a separate Recipient User Account Request form for each official to be assigned a system role. At minimum, the Authorizing Official (ADO) and Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD) must be assigned.

3. Log in. GrantSolutions requires users to log in through Login.gov. Each user must create a Login.gov account. For instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://login.gov/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation

4. Find and apply to this Funding Opportunity. After logging in, click on either the “Begin an application” link (first time applicants) or the “Funding Opportunity” link to go to the “Competing Announcements-Application Kits” list screen. Search the list for this Funding Opportunity’s title and number. Click on the associated “Apply” link.

Follow the prompts from there. Required applications forms are provided with the Funding Opportunity in GrantSolutions unless otherwise indicated on the Required Forms table above.

5. For detailed instructions, see the GrantSolutions Training Resources web page.

6. Need help? Find help topics and contact information on the GrantSolutions Contact Us page.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

Projects funded under NFPP FRIMA must meet eligibility criteria, cost-sharing requirements, project selection criteria, and undergo a merit review and selection process.

Applications should only be submitted in GrantSolutions following invitation by appropriate Regional staff. Interested parties should contact their appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator to determine if their project is eligible for NFPP FRIMA. Proposals for eligible projects are due by September 30, 2024.

Project and Applicant Eligibility:

1. Project must be located in the Pacific Ocean drainages of the States California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or Montana.

2. Participation will be voluntary.

3. Project must have 35% Non-Federal cost share. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding can be applied to the Non-Federal cost share.

4. Project type must be Voluntary Irrigation Diversion passage, screening, barrier inventories, and ‘related features.’

5. Project components that receive funding under this Act shall be ineligible to receive federal funds from any other source (with the exception of BPA funds) for the same purpose.

6. The project is agreed to by all Federal and non-Federal entities with authority and responsibility for the project.

7. Award request must be between $100,000 and $1,000,000.

8. The non-Federal participants in any project carried out under the NFPP FRIMA Program on land or at a facility that is not owned by the United States shall be https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/recipient-gmm-training-resources/?_sf_s=login&_sft_resource_cat=login-and-navigation https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/contact-us/ responsible for all costs associated with operating, maintaining, repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing the project.

Projects for mitigation purposes.

Projects are not eligible for NFPP FRIMA funding if they are for any Federal or State compensatory mitigation. Fish passage projects are not eligible for funding if fish passage is a condition provided by existing Federal or State regulatory programs. Projects funded under FRIMA are voluntary.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review Interested parties shall submit a project proposal including the following General Information and Response to Selection Criteria to the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator.

General Information:

1. Project name:

2. Location (decimal latitude /longitude format):

3. Watershed (HUC 6):

4. State:

5. Species Benefitted:

6. Brief Project Description (1-2 sentences):

7. Requested Funding Amount (minimum $100,000, maximum $1,000,000):

8. Non-Federal Match Amount (minimum of 35%) and Source:

9. Applicant Name:

10. Applicant Email:

11. Applicant Organization Name:

12. Applicant Address:

13. Applicant Phone Number:

14. Budget Table similar to the one below:

Example Budget Table https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

Project Component

FRIMA

Funding Request

Non- Federal Match (must be 35%)

Source of Non-Federal Match (BPA funds qualify)

Secured or Pending

Other Leverage Funding Amount

Source of Other Leverage Funding Amount

Secured or Pending

Total

Total

Response to Selection Criteria:

Benefits to Priority Species and Habitats (25 points): this criterion assesses the expected benefits of the project for priority species and habitats, including how the project will enhance sustainability of species and habitat. To what extent is the project expected to address, mitigate, or resolve limiting factors or otherwise contribute to the recovery or sustainability of native priority species and their habitats? How significant is the expected impact of the project on the affected species and habitats? Clearly indicate if the project addresses components of established recovery, management, or state wildlife action plans, if applicable, for the species benefited.

• For the purposes of this NOFO, native priority species include Federal trust species, Service regional priority species, as well as species that may be considered Tribal trust resources (as defined in 510 FW 1 The Service's Native American Policy) and Species of Greatest Conservation Need as defined in State Wildlife Action Plans. Indicate species listing status under ESA if it applies to any species benefited.

• This may include the number of stream miles reopened or acres of wetland or floodplain habitat restored or reconnected. If including stream miles reopened or aquatic habitat connected, please include an explanation of the geographic context, expected species use or benefits, and/or quality of the habitat to be reopened.

• Indicate if the project is expected to benefit several priority species and a variety of life stages including passage to/ restoration of spawning, rearing, and/or foraging habitats or habitats of special significance to the species life history. Projects that will benefit more than one priority species, a variety of life stages, or identified important habitat will score higher on this criterion.

• To what extent is the project expected to enhance natural system ecological resilience (the capacity to recover from or persist through disturbances) for species and habitats vulnerable to weather events or other disturbances?

Permanence of Fish Passage Benefits (15 points): This criterion focuses on the sustainability of the project benefits. Projects that focus on the removal of barriers and natural channel or floodplain restoration will score higher than projects that focus on establishing passage around a barrier using methods reliant on artificial passage structures such as fishways or fish ladders.

Natural channel design and floodplain connection projects that restore full fluvial or ecosystem https://www.fws.gov/policy/510fw1.html https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/state-wildlife-action-plans function are expected to have a higher likelihood of long-term success than projects that rely on fishways or other structures that require operations and maintenance or that may need to be modified to continue to provide passage with changing conditions. This criterion also assesses whether there are plans for monitoring the near-term implementation success to ensure the project was built as designed and on an appropriate trajectory for providing sustainable fish passage benefits.

• Describe the fish passage/restoration approach and techniques planned and discuss how the benefits provided by the project are expected to be sustainable into the future considering site and watershed characteristics and possible changing conditions.

• Describe if/how the project aims to restore full fluvial function by adhering to robust design standards that maximize restoration of fluvial, floodplain, or tidal ecosystem processes or by proposing full barrier removal:

o Design guidance examples: USFWS Culvert Design Guidelines for Ecological Function, NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Anadromous Salmonid Passage Design Manual 2022

• Does the project propose the removal of an instream barrier rather than the installation of a structure that may require regular operations and maintenance in the future (e.g., fishway)? If a structural solution such as a fishway or fish screen(s) is proposed, the proposal must include a plan to provide the needed short and long-term operations and maintenance capacity and costs. Does the plan adequately address potential adaptive management and maintenance? Does the plan demonstrate appropriate funding and staffing capacity to implement it long-term?

• Does the project include a plan for near-term implementation monitoring to ensure site/structures were constructed according to approved designs and on an appropriate trajectory to ensure permanence of fish passage benefits?

Regional and Watershed Context (15 points): this criterion assesses the project’s importance in the watershed or other geographic context and whether it leverages other investments in ecological restoration in the watershed. Projects that leverage other Federal investments in ecological restoration in the watershed and that are significant in their geographic context will score higher on this criterion.

• How is the project important relative to a watershed, landscape, or other geographic context? How does the project implement restoration priorities or compliment ongoing activities in a larger geographic context?

• Is the project expected to leverage or significantly contribute to regional or watershed restoration efforts including those outlined in a regional or watershed plan or other prioritization established by a Federal, State, local or Tribal fish and wildlife agency?

o Examples of regional or watershed initiatives could include regionally identified priority watersheds, NOAA’s Habitat Blueprint, Bureau of Land Management’s Restoration Landscapes, or Environmental Protection Agency’s Geographic Programs or others.

• In addition to the project’s specific watershed context, how does it leverage other investments in the watershed from other Federally funded programs as appropriate?

o Examples of non-NFPP funding may include the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Federal Highway https://www.fws.gov/alaska-culvert-design-guidelines https://www.fws.gov/alaska-culvert-design-guidelines https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2022-06/anadromous-salmonid-passage-design-manual-2022.pdf https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2022-06/anadromous-salmonid-passage-design-manual-2022.pdf

Administration); Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam Grant Program (FEMA); and Legacy Roads and Trails Program (USFS)..

Additional opportunities for biological or water delivery system benefits (15 Points): Describe if/how the project benefits to increasing instream flow? Does the project increase irrigation efficiency to reduce needed use via piping, sprinklers or other methods? Does the project replace failing or leaking systems to improve irrigation security? Describe if/how the project provides water quality benefits (due to reduced solar radiation of ditch or pond feature or other mechanisms).

Benefits for human community resilience and other co-benefits (15 points): this criterion assesses how the project will improve safety and provide other social/ economic benefits for human communities.

• To what extent will the project improve resilience (the capacity to recover from or persist through disturbances) to the impacts of weather events for the surrounding human community? How will the project actions reduce vulnerability to the specific natural impacts or hazards that are most threatening to the local community (e.g. flood risk, water supply continuity)?

• To what extent will the project provide other co-benefits for the community such as improved public safety, benefits to public transportation systems, reduced flood risk, increased recreational opportunities, or long-term job creation?

Community Support (10 points): this criterion assesses whether there is broad stakeholder and community support for the project, demonstrated through contributions of financial and technical resources, prioritization of the project in management plans or other planning efforts, or other commitments to the project’s success.

• To what extent is the project supported by partners and the local community? Include key affected stakeholders, such as state agencies managing affected species/resources and tribes with affected tribal resources.

Estimated Project Duration and Timeline of Project Milestones (5 points): this criterion assesses whether there is a clear and reasonable timeline for project completion. Projects that demonstrate that they can proceed to construction and provide fish passage benefits within 1-4 years will score higher on this criterion.

• Clearly describe what stage/s of the project and key components are being considered for funding.

• If the proposal primarily includes feasibility and planning activities, does the proposal include an explanation of known or expected technical approaches and key steps and timelines for full implementation of the project? Does proposal demonstrate that the project could proceed to construction in a timely manner (ideally construction complete within 1-4 years, even if outside this funding request / award)?

• For construction projects, does the timeline for key milestones such as the status of relevant permitting and environmental compliance indicate that the project can realistically proceed to construction and provide fish passage benefits in a timely manner (ideally construction complete within 1-4 years)?

All potential applicants should contact the Regional FAC Program staff to determine eligibility (Section Eligibility Review) prior to developing a Proposal. Proposals should include responses to the General Information, the budget table, and the Selection Criteria in Section Eligibility Review.

The NFPP highly encourages conservation partners to coordinate with FAC program staff during project development and implementation. FAC Program staff can provide technical information and are knowledgeable about state-of-the-art techniques to restore, enhance, and protect fish and wildlife habitats for the benefit of Federal trust species. If an applicant chooses to prepare an application independently, the application will be reviewed by Regional FAC Program staff to determine if the potential project is consistent with the FRIMA eligibility and selection criteria.

Applications in GrantSolutions will be done by invitation only after Regional FAC staff determine eligibility (Section Eligibility Review) and review responses to selection criteria (Section Merit Review).