Foa_Content_of_F26AS00030.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

F26AS00030 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program

Funding Opportunity Number

F26AS00030

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: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: F26AS00030

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.615

Estimated Total Program Funding: $14,162,000

Expected Number of Awards: 15

Award Ceiling: $14,162,000

Award Floor: $10,000

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgment of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Applicants are encouraged to verify the completeness of their application package before submission using the checklist provided in this Funding Opportunity.

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 the appropriate Regional coordinator listed below.

Regional Points of Contact

Region

Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

USFWS

Eastside Federal Complex

911 N.E. 11th Avenue

Portland, Oregon

97232-4181

Sole Diaz

(503) 231-2349

Jimenaines_Diaz@fws.gov

Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

USFWS

500 Gold Avenue SW, Room 6018

Albuquerque, New Mexico

87102

Angela Anders

(505) 248-7953

Angela_Anders @fws.gov

Region

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, USFWS Erik Olson 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:Jimenaines_Diaz@fws.gov

Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin

Ecological Services

5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990

Bloomington, Minnesota

55437-1458

(612) 713-5488

Laura Ragan

(612) 713-5194

R3FedAid@fws.gov

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

USFWS

1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200

Atlanta, Georgia

30345

Victoria Davis

(404) 679-4176

Victoria_Davis@fws.gov

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

USFWS

300 Westgate Center Drive

Hadley, Massachusetts

01035-9589

Kyle Welsh

(413) 253-8709

Kyle_Welsh@fws.gov

Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

USFWS

Ecological Services

134 Union Blvd., Suite 645

Lakewood, Colorado

80228

Angela Burgess

(303) 236-4263

Angela_Burgess@fws.gov

Alaska USFWS

1011 East Tudor Road

Anchorage, Alaska

99503-6199

Nichole Bjornlie

(907) 786-3523

Nichole_Bjornlie@fws.gov

California and Nevada

USFWS

2800 Cottage Way Room W-2606

Sacramento, California

Karen Jensen

(916) 414-6557

Karen_Jensen@fws.gov mailto:R3FedAid@fws.gov mailto:Victoria_Davis@fws.gov mailto:Kyle_Welsh@fws.gov mailto:Angela_Burgess@fws.gov mailto:%20Nichole_Bjornlie@fws.gov mailto:%20Nichole_Bjornlie@fws.gov mailto:Karen_Jensen@fws.gov

95825-1846

Executive Summary First awarded in fiscal year (FY) 2001, Recovery Land Acquisition grants promote State and Federal cooperation in listed species conservation by leveraging funds to acquire specific parcels of land, through fee simple or conservation easement, in support of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)-approved recovery plans and outlines. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) conveys the importance of recovery plans as a central organizing tool for guiding the recovery process by requiring their development for every listed species.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

Additional Information on Eligibility Only State and Territorial (hereafter, “State”) agencies that have entered into a cooperative agreement pursuant to section 6(c) of the ESA and have provided the information necessary for the annual renewal (reconfirmation) of their cooperative agreement are eligible to apply for funding. While funding may only be awarded to States, groups such as counties or conservation organizations may work with a State agency that has a cooperative agreement on conservation efforts that are mutually beneficial, as a subgrantee.

Projects must support at least one listed species’ most recent FWS-approved recovery planning document in which habitat loss is identified as a threat and habitat protection is identified as a priority recovery action.

The specific parcel(s) of land proposed for acquisition with grant funds, or as non-Federal cost share, must be identified and sufficiently described to facilitate merit review based on the evaluation criteria listed in this Funding Opportunity. Parcels must be individually identified but can be grouped and described for evaluation purposes at the property or transaction level.

Applications must include a commitment to funding for, and implementation of, management of the land in perpetuity consistent with the conservation needs of the species.

A property may not be submitted for funding consideration under both the Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Land Acquisition Grant Program in the same fiscal year.

Projects must involve voluntary conservation efforts within the United States.

Applications cannot include FWS Full-Time Equivalent costs.

Neither funding awarded through this opportunity, nor the associated non-Federal cost share, may be used to satisfy regulatory requirements of the ESA, including complying with a biological opinion under Section 7, fulfilling Federal mitigation, minimization, and/or monitoring requirements of an HCP permitted under section 10, or any other Federal regulatory mitigation requirement (e.g., mitigation for Clean Water Act permits).

State administrative costs must either be assumed by the State or included in the application in accordance with Federal requirements. Applications may not be submitted to cover administrative costs alone.

Generally, only expenses incurred and budgeted during the period of performance are reimbursable; the period of performance begins with the effective date established at the time the grant is approved. However, a State may request reimbursement of pre-award costs for certain necessary expenses detailed in the grant application. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the approval of the grant where such costs are necessary to comply with the proposed period of performance. Such costs are allowable only if the grant is awarded, only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the award, and only with the written approval of the awarding agency (2 CFR 200.458).

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

Yes In accordance with section 6(d) of the ESA, the minimum non-Federal cost share is 25 percent of the total project cost, i.e., the amount requested from the program plus the amount of non- Federal cost share. Other funds that are related to the project or are part of a larger project but are not designated as cost share should not be included in the total project costs when calculating minimum non-Federal cost share.

If a proposal involves the collaboration of two or more States, the minimum non-Federal cost share decreases to 10 percent of the total project cost. The project proposal and budget must reflect the work and responsibilities to be carried out by each of the cooperating States. The source(s) of the non-Federal cost share is up to the applicants and may come from more than one source. Each cooperating State is responsible for submitting performance and financial reports related to the joint project. Incomplete work by any one of the cooperating States may result in recovery of Federal funds from all States, if it is determined that the joint cooperative objective will not be accomplished.

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

Non-Federal cost share requirements are detailed in 50 CFR 81.8(b) and allow the cost share to be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, including real property, in accordance with the regulations at 2 CFR 200.306. The amount of non-Federal cost share will be considered in the evaluation and ranking of applications.

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.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2009-title48/pdf/USCODE-2009-title48-chap10-sec1469a.pdf

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.

GRANTSOLUTIONS

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• The primary goal of this program is to implement high-priority recovery actions for ESA-listed species by funding the acquisition of land in support of FWS-approved recovery plans and outlines. Loss of habitat is the primary threat to most listed species. Land acquisition is often the most effective and immediate means of protecting habitat, particularly in areas where development or land uses inconsistent with species recovery threaten to destroy, modify, or curtail key habitat attributes. Land acquisition is costly and often neither FWS nor the States individually have sufficient resources to acquire habitat necessary for listed species conservation.

Program Description As many species listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA spend at least part of their life cycle on non-Federal lands, FWS recognizes success in conserving and recovering these species depends largely on working cooperatively with States.

Section 6 of the ESA authorizes FWS to provide Federal financial assistance to eligible State agencies to support the development and implementation of conservation programs for the benefit of resident listed species. This financial assistance, provided in the form of competitive grants, is made available through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF) Grant Programs. This Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) applies specifically to CESCF Recovery Land Acquisition Grants.

This NOFO fully describes application eligibility, evaluation, and selection. It should be read in its entirety as much of the information has changed from previous years. Given the significant investment of time and money associated with projects funded through this program, we also recommend you coordinate with the appropriate FWS Regional contact provided above before starting work on a project or application.

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

Only a species’ most recently approved FWS recovery planning document will be considered under this Funding Opportunity. This includes an FWS-approved final recovery plan or draft recovery plan if the species has been listed for at least 2 ½ years. A recovery outline may be referenced if the species has been listed less than 2 ½ years. FWS-approved recovery plans and outlines can be accessed through the FWS website at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/recovery-plans.html.

To be considered for funding through this opportunity, the land proposed for acquisition must benefit at least one listed species for which (1) habitat loss is identified as a threat; and (2) habitat protection is identified as a priority recovery action in the species’ most recently approved recovery planning document. Further, all applications must state a commitment to funding for, and implementation of, management of the land in perpetuity, consistent with the conservation needs of the species.

While all projects must be consistent with the conservation objectives outlined in a species’ most recently approved recovery planning document, those designed to have a direct and timely impact on species recovery, ideally moving the species toward down or delisting, will be prioritized. Projects that assist in stabilizing endangered and threatened species on the brink of extinction by implementing priority 1 and 2 recovery actions will also be given greater consideration.

FWS recognizes that, in the exercise of their general governmental powers, States possess broad trustee and police powers over fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats within their borders.

Unless preempted by Federal authority, States possess primary authority and responsibility for protection and management of fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. The section 6 cooperative agreements entered into by the States and FWS reflect a common commitment to actively advance the purpose and policies of the ESA, including providing a means to foster relationships with partners, reduce conflicts between listed species and economic development, and promote the long-term conservation of listed species and the ecosystems on which they depend. These grants encourage the cooperative implementation of the ESA by leveraging Federal investment in species recovery and demonstrate FWS' commitment to cooperative conservation at the local level.

Recipients are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority 16 U.S.C. §1535

Type of Award Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements https://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/recovery-plans.html

Prior to applying, applicants should review presidential actions found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at:https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By applying in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all currently effective and applicable executive orders and secretary’s orders, including, but not limited to the Executive Order titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the Executive Order and Secretary’s order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

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-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, 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 https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

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

Project Narrative Project narratives should be complete but concise, including only the information necessary to address all stated eligibility and evaluation criteria. Information must be provided for each property (or area of land) proposed for acquisition, whether with grant funds or non-Federal cost share. Because lands used for cost share purposes are part of the total project, reviewers must consider both when evaluating and scoring applications.

The project narrative must contain each of the elements described below to prompt applicants to address relevant eligibility and evaluation criteria. Although not required, applicants may consider including response tables to summarize information as it relates to a specific criterion.

Descriptions of eligibility and evaluation criteria, as well as example response tables, are provided below and in the Merit Review section. Applicants may also consider alternate methods of identifying responses to evaluation criteria within the project narrative such as inserting “(Criterion 2)” or “(C2)” at the end of the sentence or paragraph containing the information necessary to evaluate the project under criterion 2. Narratives that clearly address all criteria in an organized manner will facilitate application review and scoring.

• Project Title

• Description of entity(ies) undertaking the project

• Identify any entity that will act as a subrecipient and describe their role in meeting project objectives.

• Statement of Need

• The statement of need identifies the conservation issue or opportunity addressed by the project in relation to the purposes of the Recovery Land Acquisition program. The statement of need should identify listed species that will benefit from each proposed acquisition, addressing all stated eligibility criteria. Describe the need for the project as a strategy for implementing the species’ most recently approved recovery planning document (criterion 1). Identify the negative results of taking no action (criterion 5).

Example Response Table to Address Species Eligibility

Species Recovery Planning Document

Identified Threat, citation Recovery Action, citation

Yreka phlox

Recovery Plan for Phlox hirsuta (Yreka Phlox). 2006.

The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range.

Pg. 23

1.2 “Protect and Secure the Soap Creek Ridge, Cracker Gulch, and Jackson Street Occurrences.” Pg. 53.

Bog turtle

Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), Northern Population Recovery Plan. 2001.

The threats to the survival of this species includes continued loss, alteration, and fragmentation of its highly specialized wetland habitat.

Pg. 19.

2.3. Protect bog turtle sites

through purchase and conservation measures (Priority 1)

• Purpose

• The purpose describes the desired future state to addresses the need. For example, providing permanent habitat protection to promote listed species recovery.

• Objectives

• Objectives reference specific outcomes to be accomplished during the project period pursuant to the stated need. For example, acquiring real property interest (fee title) in 200 acres by December 20, 2028. Objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable within the period of performance (PoP), realistic, and time-bound. The requested PoP will be considered under evaluation criterion 6.

• Methods/Approach

• Property name/identifier and APNS

• Describe the specific conservation actions necessary to accomplish project objective(s). Include the following information for each property proposed for acquisition.

• Acreage

• The type of ownership interest (e.g., fee-simple, easement, combination)

• Entity to hold title

• Entity to manage, if different

• Occupancy status/ amount of restoration required to benefit listed species

(criterion 2)

• Anticipated Outcomes/ Expected Benefits

• Describe how the proposed acquisition will maintain or improve the population viability of listed species in terms of population resiliency, species redundancy, and species representation (criterion 3). Applicants may also provide information on how the proposed acquisition will further Regional and/or National priorities outlined in the Review and Selection Process section.

• Project Timetable

• The project timetable describes significant milestones in successfully completing the project and should clearly demonstrate how the project is likely to be accomplished within the requested PoP. Timetables will be used to assess project readiness (criterion 6). Applicants must include a statement acknowledging an understanding that FWS will not consider PoP extensions or parcel amendments for projects that receive additional consideration under this criterion. Include a brief description of any due diligence completed to date. In the absence of a willing seller letter, describe current negotiations regarding the potential sale of the property to assess the likelihood of project success.

• Project Location/ Maps

• Describe where the acquisition will occur in relation to existing conservation areas (criterion 4). Attach maps to assist reviewers in evaluating habitat connectivity. Photographs that characterize the existing state of the project area (criterion 2) are recommended, although not required.

• Information to support environmental compliance review requirements

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

• FWS has the responsibility for making the final determination regarding compliance with Federal laws.

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

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

• Other Permits – list and provide the current status of any other required Federal permits.

• Willing Seller Letters (if applicable)

• Applications that include willing seller letter(s) for all properties proposed for acquisition will receive additional consideration under evaluation criterion 6.

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.

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

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

Budget narratives must be sufficiently detailed to show that the project is cost-effective, and that costs are both necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the purposes of the proposed project.

Indicate whether partial funding of the project is practicable and, if so, what specific portion(s) of the project could be implemented with what level of funding. The budget narrative should provide sufficient detail for reviewers to understand how costs were estimated. Reviewers must be able to clearly see that costs are realistic and are commensurate with the project needs and time frame. Applications will be disqualified if reviewers cannot determine that applications meet this threshold.

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.

Other Required Information

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Applicants can request paper application packages through the appropriate Regional contact listed in this Funding Opportunity but must apply through GrantSolutions.gov. The full Funding Opportunity will be posted on grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov. Information on CESCF grants is also available from the Division of Budget & Technical Support, Ecological Services, U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS:ES Falls Church, VA 22041-3803, or electronically at https://www.fws.gov/program/cooperative-endangered-species-conservation-fund.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 11/20/2026

Closing Date Explanation 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/cooperative-endangered-species-conservation-fund https://www.fws.gov/program/cooperative-endangered-species-conservation-fund.

https://www.fws.gov/program/cooperative-endangered-species-conservation-fund.

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

This program requires the submission of applications online through GrantSolutions.gov as applicants will receive an acknowledgment of application receipt. GrantSolutions automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Applicants are encouraged to verify the completeness of their application package before submission using the checklist provided in this Funding Opportunity.

Submission Instructions 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.

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 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/ announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination);

and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the executive order and Secretary order on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.

Applications submitted for consideration will be reviewed by representatives from FWS staff with appropriate subject-matter expertise (e.g., species recovery, ESA policy and programs, Federal financial assistance) and compete at the national level.

Initial Screening for Completeness and Eligibility

A. Status of Cooperative Agreement: Only State agencies that have entered into a cooperative agreement with FWS pursuant to section 6(c) of the ESA are eligible to apply under this Funding Opportunity

B. Completeness and Eligibility: Applications will be screened to ensure that application packages have all required forms, application elements, and meet all eligibility criteria stated in this Funding Opportunity. FWS will review the SAM.gov exclusion database, status of applicants’ administration of other grants, including Single Audit submissions, past performance, financial strength and management capabilities, and procedures and methods for monitoring subrecipients or vendors. Applicants in poor standing may not be considered for funding. If there are any questions about the ability of the project to be completed in compliance with Federal laws and regulations, additional information may be requested from the applicant. A project may be disqualified if FWS staff determine the project cannot meet Federal requirements. Incomplete applications may be returned for corrections. Corrections must be submitted within two weeks of the returned application. Applicants that do not respond within two weeks with corrected materials will be disqualified. FWS, in its sole discretion, may continue the review process for applications with non-substantive issues that may be easily rectified or cured.

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.

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

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

Merit Review After initial screening, applications meeting the basic eligibility requirements will undergo merit review by members of the National Merit Review panel based on the criteria outlined below.

Applicants must provide the information necessary for reviewers to score the proposed project against all evaluation criteria as no outside information will be considered. Missing or unclear information will result in lower scores. Each application will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored independently by National Merit Review panel members. Reviewers may discuss individual applications, but all scoring will be non-consensus. The reviewers’ scores will be averaged and used to produce a rank order of the applications. Following ranking, due to limited funding or for other reasons, FWS may ask applicants to revise the project scope, timeline, and/or budget. In this event, applicants will have to submit revised SF-424 forms and project/budget narratives prior to award.

1. Magnitude of Species Benefit: Contribution to Recovery: Maximum Points: 20

Under this criterion, consideration will be given to the degree to which the proposed acquisition implements priority recovery actions and/or contributes towards down or delisting criteria as identified in the species’ most recently approved recovery planning document.

Score: Extent to which the proposed acquisition contributes to listed species’ recovery goals.

Additive, up to 20 points.

• Acquisition will achieve a downlist or delist criteria (8 pts for each criterion)

• Acquisition will implement a priority 1 recovery action (8 pts for each action)

• Acquisition will implement a priority 2 recovery action (4 pts for each action)

• Acquisition will implement a priority action identified in the interim recovery strategy of a recovery outline (4 pts for each action)

• Acquisition will implement a priority 3 recovery action (2 pts for each action)

Example Response Table to Evaluation Criterion 1

Species Recovery/ Priority Action & Priority Designation

Recovery Planning Document Citation

Yreka phlox

1.2 Protect and Secure the Soap Creek

Ridge, Cracker Gulch, and Jackson Street Occurrences. (Priority 1)

Recovery Plan for Phlox hirsuta (Yreka Phlox)

Pg. 53

Bog turtle

2.3. Protect bog turtle sites through

purchase and conservation measures (Priority 1)

Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), Northern Population Recovery Plan. 2001.

Pg. 53

2. Ecosystem Functionality: Maximum Points: 20

Under this criterion, reviewers will consider each species’ occupancy status on the lands proposed for acquisition. Greater consideration will be given to lands containing fully functioning ecosystems requiring little or no restoration in order to benefit species.

Score: Occupancy status and restoration requirements of lands proposed for acquisition.

Additive, up to 20 points.

• Occupied habitat: no restoration required, currently supports viable population (20 pts for each species)

• Occupied habitat: some restoration required to contribute to the viability of an existing population (10 pts for each species)

• Suitable unoccupied habitat: active reintroduction plan in place (5 pts for each species)

• Suitable unoccupied habitat: no restoration required (4 pts for each species)

• Suitable unoccupied habitat: restoration required (3 pts for each species)

• Land proposed for acquisition contains no suitable habitat (0 pts)

Example Response Table to Evaluation Criterion 2

Species Occupancy & Restoration Requirements Property A

Occupancy & Restoration Requirements Property B

Yreka Phlox

Occupied habitat w/ no restoration required.

Occupied habitat that requires some restoration.

Bog turtle Occupied habitat w/ no restoration required.

Occupied habitat that requires some restoration.

3. Magnitude of Species Benefit: Contribution to Population Viability: Maximum Points: 20

Reviewers will consider how the proposed acquisition will maintain or improve the population viability of each species in terms of population resiliency, species redundancy, and species representation (3R framework). Applicants are not required to address all 3 R’s per species but should address as many R’s per species that will benefit from the land acquisition, in order to score the maximum number of points under this criterion.

Resiliency – Acquisition will improve the ability of populations to withstand stochastic events.

Measured by the size and growth rate of each population, resiliency gauges the probability that the populations comprising a species are able to withstand or bounce back from environment or demographic stochastic events (e.g., improving abundance, survival, reproduction, and/or fecundity of a population).

Redundancy – Acquisition will improve the ability of a species to withstand catastrophic events.

Measured by the number of populations, their resiliency and their distribution (and connectivity), redundancy gauges the probability that the species has a margin of safety to withstand or to bounce back from catastrophic events (e.g., improving the number and distribution of populations of a species).

Representation – Acquisition will improve the ability of a species to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Measured by the breadth of genetic or environmental diversity within and among populations of a species, representation gauges the probability that a species is capable of adapting to environmental changes (e.g., improving the adaptive capacity of a species through increasing or maintaining: habitat/ecotypes, genetic diversity, behavioral diversity, and/or morphological diversity).

Score: Applications will be prioritized based on the degree to which the land acquisition will improve species viability in relationship to the 3Rs.

• Application provides sound rationale demonstrating connection between the land acquisition and improvement of species viability in terms of the 3Rs (one or more Rs can be used to demonstrate improvement). (20 pts)

• Application provides sound rationale demonstrating connection between the land acquisition and potential improvement of species viability in terms of the 3Rs (one or more Rs can be used to demonstrate improvement). (15 pts)

• Application provides sound rationale demonstrating connection between the land acquisition and maintenance of current species viability in terms of the 3Rs (one or more Rs can be used to demonstrate maintenance). (10 pts).

• Application fails to establish a connection between the land acquisition and species viability and/or does not address any R for each species. (0 pts)

Example Response Table to Evaluation Criterion 3

Species Resiliency Redundancy Representation

Yreka phlox

The project would protect a population of mature, adult plants. Protecting adult plants would increase the reproductive potential of the population, and therefore the population would experience greater recruitment overall.

The Recovery Plan states that not many seedlings have been found, which may mean that recruitment is limiting, therefore preserving adults would contribute to reproduction and recruitment of new plants would provide a significant benefit to the population’s resiliency (Recovery Plan, pg. 35).

The recovery strategy does not indicate the need to establish new populations (Recovery Plan, pg. 38).

However, protecting an extant population through land acquisition would maintain current species redundancy.

N/A - the Recovery Plan does not provide information about species viability relative to representation.

Bog turtle

Land acquisition will prevent access to a site where bog turtles occur. This will

Protecting occupied bog turtle habitat within a drainage basin will prevent

Land acquisition will preserve a population of bog turtles in a recovery prevent illegal collection, an identified threat in the Recovery Plan (pg. 22). By reducing collection, the population numbers will remain at current levels or increase (due to higher recruitment from the protected individuals), therefore increasing population resiliency.

the development or conversion of wetlands throughout the basin, and therefore will enhance the ability of bog turtles to disperse between wetlands, which will increase the redundancy of the species (Bog Turtle Recovery Plan

pg. 20).

unit where there currently are no existing acquisitions/ easements, therefore this project would preserve additional geographical diversity and increase species representation.

4. Habitat Connectivity: Maximum Points: 15

Reviewers will reference maps submitted as part of the application package along with location information provided in the Project Narrative to consider how the proposed acquisition will improve habitat connectivity among existing conservation lands. The acquisition of land that links two existing conservation areas together or is adjacent to an existing conservation area to reduce habitat fragmentation is preferred over isolated acquisitions.

Score: Extent to which the proposed acquisition improves habitat connectivity.

• Proposed acquisition offers a unique and timely opportunity to consolidate State-managed conservation lands, enhancing the State’s ability to access species habitat and consistently manage for species conservation in perpetuity. (15 pts)

• Proposed acquisition provides link between existing conservation areas. (10 pts)

• Proposed acquisition lies adjacent to existing conservation areas to reduce habitat fragmentation. (5 pts)

• Proposed acquisition is isolated from existing conservation lands but is necessary for species recovery. (0 pts)

5. Timeliness: Threat of Conversion: Maximum Points: 10

For each property proposed for acquisition, reviewers will consider the nature, extent, and level of severity of the threat of conversion to uses inconsistent with species recovery. Project Narratives should include sufficient information to allow reviewers to assess the consequences of not acquiring the property for conservation.

Score: Greater consideration will be given to the acquisition of lands under imminent threat of conversion to uses inconsistent with species recovery.

• Demonstrated threat of conversion is imminent. (10 pts)

• Demonstrated threat is probable. (6 pts)

• Demonstrated threat is possible within the foreseeable future. (2 pts)

• No demonstrated threat of conversion (0 pts)

Example Response Table to Evaluation Criterion 5

Property Threat Designation Justification

Property A Imminent. Competing buyer, development plan in place

Property B Probable. Property zoned for development.

6. Timeliness: Readiness of State to Proceed: Maximum Points: 10

Reviewers will evaluate the project timetable and supporting documentation submitted at time of application to assess project readiness. Timetables should clearly demonstrate how the scope of work is highly likely to be accomplished within the requested PoP as well as any due diligence completed to date. Reviewers will also consider the past performance of applicants and subrecipients, if applicable.

Score: Projects ready for implementation will be prioritized. Additive, up to 10 points.

• Applicant commits to completing work within the requested PoP (three-year max) with the understanding that no extensions or parcel amendments will be considered. (5 pts)

• Willing seller(s) letters provided for each property proposed for acquisition. (5 pts)

Example Response Table to Evaluation Criterion 6

Property Timetable: Commitment to PoP Willing Seller Letter(s)

Property A Yes. No.

Property B Yes. Yes.

7. Voluntary Non-Federal Cost Share Commitment: Maximum Points: 5

Score: Applications including greater than minimum non-Federal cost share will be prioritized.

The non-Federal cost share must be at least one percent higher than the minimum required cost share to receive additional consideration under this criterion.

• Greater than minimum non-Federal cost share commitment (5 pts)

• Required minimum non-Federal cost share commitment (0 pts)

8. Regional Director’s Discretion: Maximum Points: 25

Each FWS Regional Director will have 25 points to distribute among all applications submitted by the States in their respective Region based on considerations outlined in the next section to reflect FWS and State priorities.

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

The National Merit Review panel will develop and recommend a ranked project list to the Assistant Director of Ecological Services, who will recommend a final list of projects to the FWS Director. Projects will be recommended for funding by rank order unless an application is justified by the Assistant Director to be selected out of rank order based upon the following considerations:

• National/ Regional priority: Proposed acquisition directly supports national priorities identified in the Program Description section above or provides significant benefit to rare or threatened habitat types or species facing pronounced threats…