Foa_Content_of_M21AS00382.docx

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M21AS00382

06/14/2021

Signature Date

Table of Contents

A. Program Description This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity. It may be as long as needed to adequately communicate to potential applicants the areas in which funding may be provided. It describes the Bureau’s funding priorities or the technical or focus areas in which the Bureau intends to provide assistance. As appropriate, it may include any program history (e.g., whether this is a new program or a changed area of program emphasis). This section may communicate indicators of successful projects (e.g., if the program encourages collaborative efforts) and may include examples of projects that have been funded previously. This section also may include other information the Bureau deems necessary, and must at a minimum include citations for authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity.

A1. Authority Please add the statutory and/or appropriations citation that provides the legal authority for the program and funding here.

Section 19(e) of the OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) (Public Law 95-372)(43 U.S. Code 1345 (e)) authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information and joint utilization of available expertise to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to OCS operations both onshore and offshore. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is authorized by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 USC 1346) to undertake environmental studies in any area or region included in any oil and gas lease sale or other lease in order to establish information needed for assessment and management of impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by OCS oil or gas or other mineral activities in such area or region. 30 CFR 556.1300 implements 43 USC 1346 and states that studies will be planned and carried out in cooperation with the affected States and interested parties and, to the extent possible will not duplicate studies done under other laws. 30 CFR 556.1300 (c) states that the Director may initiate studies for an area or region not identified in the leasing program. 30 CFR 556.1300(e) states that information available or collected by the studies program will, to the extent practicable, be provided in a form and in a timeframe that can be used in the decision making process associated with a specific leasing action or with longer term OCS minerals management responsibilities.

Other authorities include:

1. Endangered Species Act of 1973, As amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)

2. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, As Amended (16 U.S.C. Ch. 31)

3. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934, As Amended Through P.L. 116-9, Enacted March 12, 2019

4. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Please add any program specific text into the text field below. The program authorization or appropriation is often a good source of language for the purpose. Provide comprehensive, detailed background of project. Maximum of 5 pages. Describe program requirements in 8–10 pages, maximum of 25 pages.

PURPOSE

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM), Environmental Studies Program (ESP) seeks to establish a cooperative agreement to better evaluate the effects of North Slope oil field development activities on the Arctic ringed seal subspecies (Phoca hispida hispida). The cooperative agreement would provide nearshore winter/spring ringed seal population density estimates using scientific approaches for detecting and monitoring seals’ in their under-snow structures, or subnivean lairs. New and existing survey methods will expand research capabilities for ringed seal population assessments, enable investigation on habitat requirements, and improve understanding of their vulnerability to a warming Arctic. Study products will provide solutions by quantifying impacts from oil and gas industry actions on ringed seals, their habitat and deliver direction for future mitigation decisions. The cooperative agreement will also assess ringed seal density estimates to support Section 7 Consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); and impact assessments during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.

BACKGROUND

The ringed seal is an important ice-seal in the Arctic, both ecologically and as a subsistence resource. They are circumpolar and found year-round in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas and are listed as threatened under the ESA. During winter, the greatest population densities occur in areas of landfast ice, where they maintain a system of subnivean lairs and breathing holes in snow drifts and ice fissures. An unknown number of ringed seals inhabit the shallow ice-covered waters of the Beaufort Sea in the region bounded by the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A); the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and BOEMs Beaufort Sea Planning Area, where detecting seals and their snow lairs can be difficult, which makes assessing the local population and density challenging. Studying ringed seal demographics and mapping distribution of their under-snow structures is important for developing avoidance strategies and mitigating effects from onshore and offshore oil and gas development interactions (such as ice-road construction) in ringed seal habitat.

Ringed seals overwinter in landfast ice in proximity to existing and proposed North Slope oil and gas fields. Limited data is available for ringed seal density in these areas during the winter months, but several studies on ringed seal winter ecology were undertaken during the 1980s (Kelly et al. 1986, Frost and Burns 1989, Kelly and Quakenbush 1990). Results from these studies provided information on both seal snow structure use (where snow structures include both breathing holes and subnivean lairs) and distribution of snow structures. Both male and female ringed seals maintain several breathing holes and haul out from more than one subnivean lair during the ice-covered season. Several approaches to develop capabilities for evaluating ringed seal density and measuring their snow structure density have been tested in the past. These include ground penetrating radar (GPR) (Coltrane and Williams 2000), forward- looking infrared (FLIR) cameras and snow prodding poles with marginal success (Craig Perham, BLM, per. comm. 2020). At present, BOEM recognizes three established survey systems for locating and evaluating ring seal lairs: 1) trained wildlife-detection dogs; 2) satellite-telemetry tags that sense and record seal presence in lairs; and 3) a monitoring ‘sensor web’ to detect ringed seal activity.

Trained wildlife-detection dogs have been used effectively to find ringed seal lairs and breathing holes (Kelly and Quakenbush 1987). Using dogs to locate and assist in mapping ringed seal structures around oil and gas facilities and construction activities could provide solutions for quantifying impacts of those activities on ringed seals and expand capabilities for population assessments, research their habitat requirements and improve understanding about their vulnerability to a warming Arctic. Advances in satellite tags can also provide location information and a better understanding how ringed seal use lairs within and between years. One such advancement is using animal-borne bio-loggers that can integrate tag sensors to discover movement patterns of ringed seals in- and outside of lairs and a sensor web that can monitor under snow structures to sense ringed seal movements. These wireless networks autonomously indicate presence/absence of ringed seals and track their subnivean structure integrity through the onset of ice melt and eventual collapse during spring break up. Monitoring ringed seals’ response to industrial actions could lead to the development of improved survey techniques that would better characterize ringed seal density, their interaction with anthropogenic events in the nearshore Beaufort Sea and identify important habitats and habitat characteristics.

BOEM is in search of reliable information for any proposed and existing industrial actions that could disturb or injure ringed seals in winter and spring, when their breathing holes and under-snow lairs are inconspicuous to human observers. BOEM recognizes the need for better and more accurate information describing the distribution of seals and their use of landfast ice habitat near oil and gas operations, therefore BOEM is seeking a comprehensive assessment of industry effects on ringed seals by establishing viable ways to locate, assess and quantify ringed seals and their under-snow structures.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this Cooperative Agreement is to gather information on ringed seal distribution, density and habitat use within the landfast ice zone adjacent to BOEMs Beaufort Sea Planning Area, NPR-A, ANWR and within other existing North Slope oil gas fields present in the nearshore Beaufort Sea. The objectives of this study are to:

1. Analyze nearshore ice use by ringed seals by locating and documenting status of wintering seals and their structures to develop avoidance strategies where ring seal habitat overlaps with North Slope oil and gas activities.

2. Utilize novel survey technology to expand capabilities to facilitate research on the habitat of ringed seals to improve understanding of ringed seal movements.

3. Identify winter and spring seasonal movement patterns of adult ringed seals with an emphasis on detecting subnivean lair use in landfast ice in areas bounded by NPR-A, ANWR and BOEMs Beaufort Sea Planning Area.

4. Document ringed seal habitat use areas and local foraging behavior by classifying foraging locations and determine if oil and gas development activities create movement barriers for ringed seals to access prey.

5. Evaluate and compare the efficiencies of the proposed survey technologies with existing methods used to detect ringed seals, their breathing holes and lairs.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

DATA MANAGEMENT, ARCHIVING, AND SENSITIVITY

The recipient shall provide copies of data files to the BOEM in a format that meets Federal data standards (e.g., meeting minutes, field observations, transcripts, audio recordings, maps). The recipient shall use the data format specifications found at https://www.boem.gov/esp-data-and-information-specifications. The recipient shall provide copies of data files to an appropriate Federal data repository and archive data and reports at an appropriate repository in Alaska.

TASKS: Tasks to be completed include, but are not limited to:

1. Evaluate the use of trained wildlife-detection dogs to locate ringed seals in their under-snow structures and locations of breathing holes.

2. Acquire all permits needed to access Prudhoe Bay from facility operators for deploying wildlife- detection dogs from the State of Alaska, North Slope Borough, NMFS regulatory and veterinary clearances such as health certificate for travel and proof of immunizations, specifically rabies vaccinations.

3. Describe the methodologies that will be used for dog detected ringed seal lairs; map concentrations of seal structures including breathing holes and abandoned structures; quantify ringed seal habitat and delineate home ranges.

4. Use Global Positioning System (GPS) integrated computer program to record observations, locations, and environmental conditions to accurately define coordinates and waypoints to detail ringed seal structure connectivity to other ringed seal habitat structures for post-processing map development using geographic information system (GIS) to capture, store and display data for spatially positioning habitat structures within the nearshore environment and the North Slope industrial complex.

5. Obtain live-captured ringed seals needed to collect biological samples. Follow Kelly (1996) or any new advances for live-capture techniques for safe handling of ringed seals in their subnivean lairs using technology to study their behavior and movements and categorize lairs based on ringed seals' apparent use.

6. The proposal should identify the optimal type of sensor tag that will be used to obtain recording and transmitting behavioral, physiological, and environmental variables and parameters, such as an animals fine-scale movement, flipper stroking, heart rate and oxygen concentration.

7. The proposal should include plans for an optional task to deploy animal-borne video devices used to sense, record, and monitor under-snow structures for ringed seal activity. Description of this task should include information regarding the number of cameras would be deployed and the approximate length of deployment.

8. In collaboration with BOEM, confer with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the North Slope Borough (NSB) to review existing data and identify any additional information needed to support evaluation of ringed seal density in the central Alaskan Beaufort Sea landfast ice zone.

9. Test at various stages of snow transformation (full winter conditions, melt season, and collapse). Integrate the sensors to test in the same manner during the subsequent winter seasons to evaluate performance.

Project Management The Principal Investigator shall follow a project management plan that provides communication and coordination among all key personnel and management, and a mechanism for ensuring coordination with the BOEM Project Officer (PO).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number Insert program CFDA. Include multiple program numbers as applicable.

15.423 Authorization Legislation Section 1346 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants Include information on pre-conference calls, evaluation contracts, technical assistance contracts, webinars, data contracts.

B. Federal Award Information This section provides sufficient information to help an applicant make an informed decision about whether to submit a proposal. Relevant information could include the total amount of funding that the Bureau expects to award through the Notice of Funding Opportunity; the anticipated number of Federal awards; the expected amounts of individual Federal awards (which may be a range); the amount of funding per Federal award, on average, experienced in previous years; and the anticipated start dates and periods of performance for new Federal awards. This section also should address whether applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 500,000 This section should specify the amount authorized for the entire program, not individual awards. Sample Text: 'The total amount of federal funds available is anticipated to be $32,000,000.' The total amount of federal funds available for this multi-year award is anticipated to be:

$500,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $ 500,000 Minimum Award Amount $ 400,000 If Minimum/Maximum Award Amounts do not apply, mark as 0$ and add a thorough explanation in the text field below.

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date July 01, 2021 Provide award date and specify any rolling deadlines.

B4. Period of Performance As applicable, describe the anticipated periods of performance for awards issued through this funding opportunity Length of Project Periods Other Length of Project Period Explanation of Other 40-month project period with three 12-month budget periods (additional months included in final period).40-month project period with three 12-month budget periods (additional months included in final period).

Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months For multi-year projects, outline multi-year project period and funding structure. (i.e. total amount of money allocated each year and how it will be provided.)

If the proposed work is such that more than one year is required to complete the research, then a multi- year proposal is appropriate, and the applicant shall write the proposal accordingly. Proposals shall clearly define the work to be completed in each year, and the evaluation panel reserves the option to fund only the first year of a multi-year proposal. Funding for subsequent years of a multi-year cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory progress demonstrated by the Recipient. Progress will be determined through technical review of quarterly progress reports and other work identified by the BOEM Project Officer. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall include a 15% retainage of the project’s total anticipated budget request. The BOEM Project Officer shall provide continuation notices at least 60 days prior to the end of each funding period.

B5. Numbers of Awards Enter number of awards the program anticipates making through this funding opportunity. If the program has established minimum and maximum values for the anticipated total number of awards, enter those values in the maximum and minimum fields below. If either of these values does not apply, enter “0” in the corresponding field(s) and then enter an alternate description of the anticipated number of awards in the following text field.

Expected Number of Awards

B6. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement The award will be a cooperative agreement. This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct. BOEM will be involved in all aspects of the study. BOEM research managers will assist the recipient in designing the study and developing the methodology. BOEM will assist the recipient to identify the most appropriate approaches to data analysis and presentation of results. BOEM will work collaboratively with the recipient to compare results and insights with existing data and management plans. BOEM will also compare study results and insights with existing data from state and federal studies, including previous BOEM studies examining subsistence practices. BOEM scientists will be engaged with the recipient to provide advice and assistance during collection of observations and data analysis to achieve high scientific standards. BOEM will help the recipient with report writing and review and presentation of results as appropriate.

B7. Other Federal Information Type of Competition Open to All Eligible Applicants

C. Eligibility Information This section addresses the considerations or factors that determine applicant or application eligibility. If there are no restrictions on eligibility, select “99 (Unrestricted) from the list of eligible applicants. If there are restrictions on eligibility, we must be clear about the specific types of recipients that are eligible, not just the types that are ineligible. Eligible recipients must also appear in the program’s SAM.gov Assistance Listing (CFDA) profile. The Notice of Funding Opportunity should make clear whether an applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will result in the Bureau returning the application without review or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude Bureau from making a Federal award. *PLEASE NOTE: Some entities are incorporated as non-profits but have not requested Internal Revenue Status (IRS) tax exemption status; programs with authorizing legislation that limits applicant eligibility to only those non-profits with a specific tax exemption status must make that restriction clear in this section and describe any related evidentiary documentation requirements].

C1. Eligible Applicants If the program does not have any eligibility restrictions based on entity type, select the \\\"Anyone/general public” option in the following checklist. Enter any clarifying information in the following text box, as needed. If the program does have eligibility restrictions based on entity type, we must be clear about the specific types of entities who are eligible. To do so, check the boxes next to all eligible entity types in the following checklist and enter any clarifying information in the following text box, as needed. If there are restrictions on eligibility, it is important to be clear about the specific types of entities that are eligible, not just the types that are ineligible. For example, if the program is limited to nonprofit organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)), the announcement should say so. Similarly, it is better to state explicitly that Native American tribal organizations are eligible than to assume that they can unambiguously infer that from a statement that nonprofit organizations may apply. Programs may also express eligibility by exception (e.g., open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals). Specifically reference any documentation applicants must submit to support an eligibility determination (e.g., if the program limits eligibility to only non-profits with a specific IRS status, state in the field below that proof of 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service or an authorizing tribal resolution is required). To the extent that any program funding restriction could affect the eligibility of an applicant or project, the announcement must either restate that restriction in this section or provide a cross-reference to its description as it appears elsewhere in this template.

00 – State governments 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility Explanation required if “Others” is selected.Explanation required if “Others” is selected.

This Program Announcement describes the specific projects that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified below. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project(s): Winter Ringed Seal Density within Beaufort Sea Oil and Gas Project Areas.

Open to: Eligible recipients include the State of Alaska, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education of the State of Alaska, other higher education institutions outside of Alaska, and the North Slope Borough.

Eligibility Information: Research projects are required to have a staff member of the applying organization as the Principal Investigator (PI). Cooperative research between interested organizations—i.e., state agencies, public universities, and non-profits in affected states—is always encouraged.

Cost Share/Match: Contributions of matching funds towards these efforts, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, etc., or a combination of both) is very strongly encouraged. Match cannot include value associated with collection costs for samples previously collected. Match value for instrumentation and other equipment should be adjusted to the period of use within the project relative to the full life cycle for the item. Matching dollars cannot be from other Federal funding sources. Further information can be located at 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.306. All questions regarding this project, including eligibility, should be directed only to the “Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Administration” point-of-contact listed in Section D.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Notice of Funding Opportunities must state whether there is required cost sharing, matching, or cost participation without which an application would be ineligible (if cost sharing is not required, the Notice of Funding Opportunity must explicitly say so). All federal awards must have a statutory or regulatory basis to include a requirement for matching or cost sharing in a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Required cost sharing may be a certain percentage or amount or may be in the form of contributions of specified items or activities (e.g., provision of equipment). It is important that the Notice of Funding Opportunity be clear about any restrictions on the types of cost (e.g., in-kind contributions) that are acceptable as cost sharing. Cost sharing as an eligibility criterion includes requirements based in statute or regulation as described in 2 CFR 200.306, §75.306 or those imposed by administrative decision of the Service. This section should refer to the appropriate portion(s) of Section D. stating any pre-award requirements for submission of letters or other documentation to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements if a Federal award is made.

Cost Sharing/Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

C3. Other Excluded Parties:

BOEM conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Bureau cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

Insert additional eligibility criteria.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package In the following text field, provide information for potential applicants on how to get application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply. Specify if this Notice of Funding Opportunity contains everything needed or if applicants must go elsewhere to complete all documentation requirements

The announcement and application package are available in GrantSolutions.

The application must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal. The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.423 or Announcement M21AS00353 in the Grants.gov search engine.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance In addition to the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance applicants must submit the following:

· SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance SF-424a Budget Information

· SF-424b Assurances – Non-Construction Programs

· Project Narrative Form (including Proposal Cover Sheet described below)

· Budget Narrative Form

· GG Certification Regarding Lobbying Form

· (Complete the Optional SF-LLL Lobbying form only if lobbying has occurred) These forms will be with the Grants.gov announcement package.

The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: SF 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: SF 424D, Assurances for Construction Programs Project Summary Winter Ringed Seal Density within Beaufort Sea Oil and Gas Project Areas (AK-21-01) Project Narrative The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

1. Project Title:

2. PI(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

3. Name of University/Department:

4. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

5. Project Status: New/Continuation

6. Project Duration: (years or months)

7. Proposed Start Date:

8. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

9. Proposed Completion Date:

10. Amount Requested From BOEM:

11. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

12. Total Project Cost:

13. Signature, Name, and Contact Information of University PI and Co-Investigator:

14. Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name, Contact Information of Sponsoring University Department Dean or Institute Director:

15. Signature, Name and Contact Information of Sponsoring University’s Office of Sponsored Programs Proposal Text The proposal must be in 11–12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1"-page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Text, figures, etc. in support of items 1-10 below should be no longer than 15 pages.

Please include the following in the Proposal:

1. Abstract

2. Background/Relevance to BOEM Issues, Information Needs, and Research Topics: Give a brief introduction to the research proposed. Specify the contribution to science related to ESP issues and the benefits that the public will receive from the project. Explain why the work is important and how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

3. Objectives/Hypotheses: Clearly define goals of the project.

4. Methods/Analyses: Provide a clear description of planned research methodologies and analyses.

5. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: Applicants shall provide plans for executing the duties of the awardee listed in Section F3 and the deliverables in Section A3 as outlined in the Table in Section H including a rough timeline for these deliverables.

6. Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers) shall be identified by name. List the University PI first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role and anticipated level of effort for each key participant offering unique or specific contributions to the project (oceanographer, geochemist, field assistant, etc.). If names of any key participants are unknown, a proposal addendum with the names and curricula vitae must be submitted prior to award.

7. Performance Measures: Applicants shall suggest specific measures that will be used to monitor project progress, including progress of sub-awardees (e.g., quality and timely deliverables, timely completion of fieldwork or other project components, draft peer-reviewed articles). These performance measures will be incorporated in the cooperative agreement award and reviewed as part of any continuation request.

8. Critical Starting Dates (e.g., for season-limited field work): Identify any critical starting dates and the reason why project success is dependent upon that start date.

9. Publication and Presentation: BOEM strongly encourages the Awardees to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals, and present results to the scientific community, appropriate professional organizations, and local, State, and/or Federal agencies as part of the project (please also see Section H). These publications and meetings should be included in the proposal and budget.

10. Bibliography: List all references cited in the text, as well as references that are relevant to the current proposal from your past work in the field.

11. Curricula Vitae (maximum two pages) for each identified key participant. Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the proposal addresses.

12. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching fund grantors, contractors, and sub-grantees.

13. University Budget Spreadsheet: In addition to SF-424a Budget Information form below, include information in a format which provides personnel, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, and indirect costs on an annual basis for both the requested BOEM funds and for the anticipated match funds.

14. Budget Justification Narrative: See below.

SF 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the “DOI Standard Award Terms and Conditions”. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

Budget Narrative/Detailed Spreadsheet Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source.

Budget Justification Narrative This information will provide more details than the SF-424A form and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Please include the following:

1. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation and estimated number of hours. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

2. Fringe Benefits/Labor Overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement, if available.

3. Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

4. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318–326.

5. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. “Special-purpose equipment” means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant’s operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Awardee. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier Awardee. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318–326 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

6. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-Awardees by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

7. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown. Applicants are encouraged to include in the proposal a plan to present findings at one to two major meetings (see above Proposal Text item 1).

8. Publication Costs. Indicate an estimate of labor and other unique costs associated with preparation of the draft final report. If publication of results of the research in the peer- reviewed literature (identify likely publications) is anticipated, include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page, or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

9. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

10. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items 1–9.

11. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant’s organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the Applicant’s Federal cognizant audit agency. [If applicable.]

12. Amount Proposed. Total items 10 and 11.

13. Multi-year Projects. The Applicant shall provide summary information as well as a detailed budget for each year. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall comprise a minimum of 15% of the project’s total anticipated budget. [If applicable.]

SF 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: SF 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the “DOI Standard Award Terms and Conditions”. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: SF 424C, Budget Information for Construction Program Budget Narrative/Detailed Spreadsheet Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source.

Budget Justification Narrative This information will provide more details than the SF-424A form and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Please include the following:

1. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation and estimated number of hours. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

2. Fringe Benefits/Labor Overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement, if available.

3. Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

4. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318–326.

5. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. “Special-purpose equipment” means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant’s operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Awardee. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier Awardee. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318–326 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

6. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-Awardees by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

7. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown. Applicants are encouraged to include in the proposal a plan to present findings at one to two major meetings (see above Proposal Text item 1).

8. Publication Costs. Indicate an estimate of labor and other unique costs associated with preparation of the draft final report. If publication of results of the research in the peer- reviewed literature (identify likely publications) is anticipated, include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page, or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

9. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

10. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items 1–9.

11. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant’s organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the Applicant’s Federal cognizant audit agency. [If applicable.]

12. Amount Proposed. Total items 10 and 11.

13. Multi-year Projects. The Applicant shall provide summary information as well as a detailed budget for each year. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall comprise a minimum of 15% of the project’s total anticipated budget. [If applicable.] Conflict of Internet Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission. Please reference the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act for additional details.

(a) Applicability.

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

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

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

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

(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

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

All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

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

Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424. Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award.