Foa_Content_of_F25AS00039.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F25AS00039 Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species FY2025

Funding Opportunity Number

F25AS00039

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

Applications 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: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: F25AS00039

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.608

Estimated Total Program Funding: $960,000

Expected Number of Awards: 5

Award Ceiling: $960,000

Award Floor: $50,000

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date for Applications: 09/30/2025

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100

Have Questions?

For additional information about this funding opportunity, please contact Susan Pasko via email at susan_pasko@fws.gov.

For Grants.gov technical assistance with registration and submission, downloading forms and application packages, contact: Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or Support@grants.gov.

For GrantSolutions technical assistance with registration, submission, and other assistance contact: GrantSolutions Customer Support at 1-866-577-0771 or Help@grantsolutions.gov.

Executive Summary 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 detailed list of “Eligible Activities” can be found in the Program Description subsection, which can be generalized as any activity that supports the planning or response to a confirmed detection of a recent invasion by an aquatic species. Activities outside this scope, including species identification, risk evaluation, 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 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 though GrantSolutions, however, applications will also be accepted through Grants.gov. Federal applicants should submit their complete applications and applicable supplemental material to the Rapid Response Coordinator at “anstaskforce@fws.gov" by the closing date for applications. (See SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES for further instruction).

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.fws.gov/media/required-notices-and-burden-statement-omb-control-no-1018-0100 mailto:susan_pasko@fws.gov

This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until September 30, 2025, or until the Rapid Response Fund is depleted. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis and be evaluated on a quarterly basis:

• Proposals submitted from November 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024, will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of February 15, 2025.

• Proposals submitted from January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025, will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of May 15, 2025.

• Proposals submitted from April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025, will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of August 15, 2025.

• Proposals submitted from July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025, will be evaluated with an anticipated award date of October 15, 2025.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

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, and Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments and Native American Organizations authorized by Indian tribal governments may apply for funding.

Cost Sharing Requirement No

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

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts application through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow for 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• This funding opportunity request 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. Rapid response funding is needed ensure timely and more effective responses to aquatic invasive species (AIS) and avoid the need for costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts.

Program Description 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 https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration 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 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 though 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 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 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

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. 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.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/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 the Application Review Information section. Interagency agreements may be used to execute awards to Federal agencies that are selected through the merit-review process.

Eligible Activities. Response efforts submitted for consideration should be in pursuit of eradication of a 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.

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-https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/08/2024-00109/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of 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 the Program Description subsection.

• Assessment or planning 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. Funding may be awarded 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 funding yet will be expected to describe results achieved with the previous funding and expected accomplishments by extending the length of the project.

Environmental Compliance Requirements.

All projects that receive funding from this opportunity must comply with the requirements of the following:

• National Environmental Policy Act

• Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act

• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

Higher consideration may be given to projects that give assurance that any required environmental compliance and permitting requirements can be completed in a timely manner.

For projects selected for funding, the ANSTF will strive to provide guidance and consolations with regard to environmental compliance, as needed.

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 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 approved in November 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.

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 in the Application Documents table of the PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION section below. While drafting these components, please note the following:

• 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.

• 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 https://nas.er.usgs.gov/

Notice of Award. Pre-award costs cannot be approved for any work that would have required environmental compliance to be completed. 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.

N/A

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

Type of Award Projects will be funded through:

G (Grant)

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Applications Content and Format 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 (NOTE - due to the rolling basis of submissions, applicants will need to review the PoP Start and End dates and edit when necessary)

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

Required for non-construction projects

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, 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

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes,

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award) Project Narrative (refer to the detailed description below) Required from all applicants

Budget Narrative (refer to the detailed description below) Required from all applicants

Pre-Award Costs Statement: If applicable. The applicant must 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

Required if requesting pre-award costs

Single Audit Reporting Statements: Applicant must state if it 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

Required from all applicants

Overlap or Duplication Statement: Application must state if there is or is not any overlap between the application and any other Federal application or funded project in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel.

Required from all applicants

Indirect Cost Rate Statement: Application should contain a statement that identifies how indirect costs will be charged if requested. If indirect costs are not requested statement should indicate that all costs will be charged directly.

Required from all applicants

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission

Required from all applicants

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

Required if requesting approval for indirect cost reimbursement and must be accurately applied to the approved direct cost pool as specified on the NICRA.

Project Narrative Project Narrative, should include the following:

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. Project Title

b. Agency or Organization applying for funds.

c. 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.

d. 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. If applicable, identify any watch lists, or similar prioritization tools, that identify the targeted species.

iv. Describe the invasion history of the species.

e. 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.

f. 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.

g. 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.

h. 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.

i. Approach or Treatment Options:

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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., to formulate a Rapid Response Plan, conduct 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.

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.

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).

Data and Evaluation Costs: Applicant budgets may include costs related to data and evaluation as relevant per 2 CFR §200.455.

Refer to the Budget Narrative Requirements below.

Budget Narrative Requirements: Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class Category” totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays).

Describe any proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E under the award. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306for more information. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. The Department of the Interior’s Unmanned Aircraft web page provides a list of approved unmanned aircraft and related equipment and software.

If reimbursement of pre-award costs is being requested, describe the pre-award activities, associated costs, and why these activities were necessary. Until pre-award costs are authorized under an approved award, the applicant has no assurance that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will reimburse these costs. For additional details, see Program Description subsection above.

Federal applicants should not complete the SF-424 forms, but should provide a detailed budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs.

Other Required Information 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 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 The Service uses the GrantSolutions system to manage financial assistance applications and awards. Applicants must register in and conduct any subsequent award business with the Service in GrantSolutions. To apply, your organization and organization officials must be established in GrantSolutions. To register your organization in GrantSolutions, send an email to help@grantsolutions.gov with the following information:

Subject: New Organization Request https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet https://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 mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov

• Organization/Individual Name

• Point of Contact first and last name, email, and phone number

• Organization Type

• SAM.gov Unique Entity Identifier (not required for individuals or Service-waived entities)

• Organization Employer Identification Number (Applicants that are INDIVIDUALS DO

NOT include your social security number)

• Address

Organizational details should match those in the organization’s SAM.gov registration. To establish organization official accounts and user role(s), complete a Recipient User Account Request Form for each official and email it to help@grantsolutions.gov. The GrantSolutions entity user roles are: Authorizing Official (ADO); Principal Investigator/Program Director (PI/PD); Support Specialist (GSS); Financial Officer (FO); and Financial Support Staff (FSS).

All roles can do the following: enter applications, amendments, and reports, view awards, and view and create notes. The ADO and the PI/PD roles can also submit applications, amendments, and reports. The FO role can also submit reports. At a minimum, registered organizations must assign someone to the ADO and PI/PD roles. For more information, see the GrantSolutions

Recipient Training and FAQs web page. For GrantSolutions registration, submission, and other assistance contact their Customer Support by telephone at 1-866-577-0771 or by email at help@grantsolutions.gov.

Non-federal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply though GrantSolutions, however, applications will also be accepted through Grants.gov. Instructions to apply though grants.gov can be found at How to Apply for Grants.

However, any non-federal applicant selected for funding must register in GrantSolutions to conduct award business with FWS.

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.

An email response will be sent as verification of receipt.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 09/30/2025

Closing Date Explanation

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:

mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov https://apply07.grants.gov/help/html/help/Applicants/HowToApplyForGrants.htm#:~:text=How%20to%20Apply%20for%20Grants%201%20Complete%20the,check%20for%20errors%20and%20submit%20the%20application%20package

Your proposal requests $200,000 or less (Federal share) 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, AND

You are not requesting funds to purchase land or for a major construction project, AND

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

You are NOT a State, an Institution of Higher Education (except Minority Serving Institutions), 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)

Minority Serving Institutions meeting all other criteria are eligible to follow the simplified application procedures. 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.

Small Grant Procedures: If your organization meets the criteria above, please contact Susan Pasko, 571-623-0608, susan_pasko@fws.gov before submitting an application.

Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/doi-minority-serving-institutions-program mailto:susan_pasko@fws.gov https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Non-federal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply through GrantSolutions, however, applications will also be accepted through Grants.gov. Only one application should be submitted per project. Do not submit the same application through both GrantSolutions and Grants.gov.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

Submissions by Mail or E-mail will not be accepted.

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.

Prior to award, the program will:

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 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/

• review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel.