Foa_Content_of_M23AS00328.docx

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M23AS00328

08/01/2023

Table of Contents

A. Program Description

A1. Authority 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.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Background:

Submerged pre-European Contact (pre-Contact) archaeological sites are difficult to identify and confirm on the OCS using traditional seafloor and subsurface mapping technologies. Furthermore, BOEM’s current survey guidelines are inadequate for detecting and identifying such sites to a high level of confidence. In the GOM, for example, BOEM’s maximum allowable 300-meter survey line spacing for conventional (i.e., oil and gas) energy development has been demonstrated to be inadequate for sufficiently imaging submerged landforms such as river channels or detecting submerged pre-Contact features. Through experimental research conducted internally, BOEM archaeologists developed a hypothetical survey area using 300-m line spacing and overlaid it on a map of the modern-day Tchefuncta River in Louisiana. Entire sections of the river channel were missed (e.g., not imaged or detected) due to the wide distance between survey lines. To date, no submerged paleolandforms confirmed to contain preserved archaeological remains have been identified through BOEM-required surveys for conventional energy development and marine minerals extraction projects in the GOM. However, non-BOEM-related archaeological research projects applying narrower survey line spacing methods have identified several confirmed and more than a dozen potential submerged pre-Contact sites off the northeastern Gulf coast of Florida since the 1980s. In addition, displaced and redeposited Pre-Contact artifacts have been discovered washed ashore at McFaddin Beach, Texas since the 1960s, yet no intact, preserved pre-Contact archaeological site has been positively identified offshore in the northwestern GOM to date.

In 2016, the preserved remains of a freshwater pond containing 8,000-year-old human burials and other archaeological materials was discovered eroding from the seafloor in State waters offshore Manasota Key (MKO), southwest Florida by a scuba diver. This unique site is currently being investigated by the State of Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) and BOEM to determine why it exhibits such remarkable preservation in the marine environment and survived marine transgression during sea level rise over millennia. Under BOEM’s existing survey guidelines for identifying potential submerged pre-Contact sites—maximum 300-m survey line spacing—the site most likely would not be detected, as the pond measures only 190 meters by 150 meters in size (i.e., at most, only one survey line would cross it). In addition, a high-resolution geophysical survey conducted after the site was discovered using a traditional Chirp sub-bottom profiler did not sufficiently resolve the intact strata containing the burials or independently provide evidence that preserved archaeological features were present. The ongoing study at MKO (M19AC00014) conducted a new survey in 2019 utilizing a parametric sub-bottom profiling system to collect higher-resolution acoustic data at 1-meter line spacing to ensure 100 percent coverage of the entire site. Using that dataset, data from various survey line increments (e.g., every 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, etc.) are being reanalyzed by BAR to determine the widest line spacing at which the known site and its preserved intact (e.g., undisturbed) strata can be sufficiently resolved for an archaeologist to recommend avoidance. Results from the MKO study will inform this follow-up BOEM study to determine how revisions to BOEM’s current prescribed survey guidelines can better identify and delineate submerged paleolandscapes with a high probability of containing preserved archaeological remains in the GOM’s State and Federal waters.

Purpose:

BOEM’s current survey guidelines for identifying potential submerged pre-Contact archaeological resources within a project area prescribe survey line spacing for sub-bottom profiling sensors at no greater than 30 meters for renewable energy projects, 30 meters for marine minerals projects, and 300 meters in water depths less than 60 meters for conventional energy development in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Coastal states, including those along the GOM, often adopt entirely or rely on portions of BOEM’s survey guidelines to inform their own State-mandated, high-resolution survey guidelines for their respective territorial waters. High-resolution geophysical surveys traditionally employ Chirp sub-bottom profiling systems to identify potentially preserved submerged paleolandscapes buried beneath the seafloor and side scan sonar or multibeam echosounder to identify those that are visible on the seafloor. These tentatively identified paleolandscapes may contain preserved landforms and features that could have supported human populations when the OCS was subaerially exposed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). However, under current BOEM guidelines, if these areas can be avoided during BOEM-permitted activities then they are not required to be tested or investigated to confirm their archaeological nature or to determine their spatial extent.

In Federal waters, as a result of this incomplete information, BOEM archaeologists may prescribe large avoidance zones that extend well beyond the estimated boundaries of potentially preserved paleolandforms as conditions of respective permit approvals to ensure that no potential archaeological resources, assuming any that may be located within the avoidance area, will be impacted by the proposed activity. However, these avoidances may be prescribed in areas that pre-date the age of human occupation, or do not contain preserved archaeological material, or were misidentified due to inconsistencies in geophysical data interpretation and use of paleolandform terminology. The resulting assignment of large avoidance zones not only reduces the area available for industry’s proposed seafloor-disturbing activities but may exclude areas that do not or could not in fact contain preserved archaeological resources.

Paleolandscape reconstructions (modeling that integrates past environmental conditions, geological processes, local sea level history, regional human settlement patterns and culture history, and geophysical/geotechnical data) are necessary to identify areas of the Western, Central, and Eastern GOM OCS that are more likely to contain preserved submerged paleolandforms potentially containing archaeological resources as well as those that are less likely. In addition, an assessment of, and scientifically informed revisions to, BOEM’s existing survey guidelines and prescribed methodologies are needed to better identify and delineate any submerged paleolandforms that may support preservation of pre-Contact archaeological remains. This information will be used to design more accurate and effective avoidance mitigations and better detect and delineate potentially preserved paleolandform features and archaeological remains while increasing the availability of OCS lands for conventional and renewable energy development and marine minerals utilization in State and Federal waters.

State-of-the-art advances in sub-bottom acoustic technologies, paleolandscape reconstructions, and survey and testing methodologies have been made in the 18 years since the issuance of BOEM’s NTL 2005-G07. The identification and preservation of pre-Contact archaeological resources are also frequently cited as priorities by Native American Tribes, and are relevant to BOEM’s consultations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Incorporating these recent advancements into revised and updated survey guidelines will better inform BOEM’s archaeological avoidance mitigations and resource management responsibilities as well as inform and facilitate meaningful government-to-government consultations with Native American Tribes under E.O. 13175, S.O. 3317, and the DOI Policy on Consultation with Indian Tribes. While the study focuses on the GOM, study results, including a revised methodology or methodologies based on empirical data and field testing, will inform all of BOEM’s program areas and other BOEM regions. Ultimately, revisions to BOEM’s survey guidelines based on the best available science will directly inform and benefit coastal states and their submerged cultural resource management programs which rely on BOEM’s established guidelines.

Objectives:

1). Develop updated/refined regional paleolandscape reconstructions in a publicly shareable, ArcGIS-compatible geospatial database to identify the aerial extent and below-seabed depth (i.e., shapefiles or polygons) of areas in the GOM with the potential to contain preserved paleolandforms that might contain pre-Contact archaeological remains as well as those areas with low or no potential (e.g., in the Eastern, Central, and Western GOM). In addition, develop a separate geospatial database for BOEM use only that identifies known and potential submerged pre-Contact archaeological sites and features in a format compatible with ArcGISPro 3.0.1 or the latest version of ArcGISPro that BOEM is using at the time of delivery.

2). Assess whether BOEM survey guidelines and methodologies for identifying preserved paleolandforms and potential pre-Contact archaeological sites should be tailored for specific areas of the GOM (e.g., Western GOM versus Eastern GOM) rather than one set of guidelines applied universally to all areas in the GOM.

3). Engage tribal communities to seek their perspectives on the purpose, design, and results of this study and, where possible, include tribal representatives in field survey activities. Incorporate involvement of undergraduate and/or graduate students from Federally or State-recognized Tribes who are interested in the marine sciences (e.g., archaeology, biology, geology, oceanography, etc.) through an outreach and education effort that will provide opportunities to assist with data collection and analysis, modeling, publications and presentations, report writing, and/or other relevant tasks.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 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

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $1,500,000 B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $1,500,000 Minimum Award Amount $1,450,000

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date September 01, 2023 The anticipated award start date is 9/01/23.

B4. Period of Performance Length of Project Periods 60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods Length of Project Period Explanation of Other 60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months

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 Expected Number of Awards

B6. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement The award will be a cooperative agreement (see Section A1, Authority, above). This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct.

Eligible applicants are Coastal State Governments and Public, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education in the Gulf Coast and Piedmont-South Atlantic Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).

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

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants 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 Eligible applicants are Coastal State Governments and Public, State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education in the Gulf Coast and Piedmont-South Atlantic Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). Cost-sharing/match is not required but is strongly encouraged.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching 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.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package 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 M2AS00328 in the Grants.gov search engine. See sections D3 and D7 for more information on the application process.

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-424a Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

· SF-424b Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

· Project Narrative

· Budget Narrative with Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

· Budget Worksheet

· Grants.gov Lobbying Form

· Complete SF-LLL only if lobbying has occurred.

These forms will be with the Grants.gov announcement package.

Project Summary Reevaluating BOEM’s Guidelines for Identifying Submerged Pre-Contact Archaeological Sites in the Gulf of Mexico (National Studies List (NSL) #GM-22-05) Project Narrative The Project Narrative should include the Proposal Cover Sheet and Proposal Text.

1. Proposal Cover Sheet: The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

a. Project Title:

b. PI(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

iv. E-mail:

c. Name of State Agency or University/Department:

d. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

e. Project Status: New/Continuation

f. Project Duration: (years or months)

g. Proposed Start Date:

h. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

i. Proposed Completion Date:

j. Amount Requested From BOEM:

k. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match

l. Total Project Cost:

m. Signature, Name, and Contact Information of State or University PI and Co-Investigator:

n. Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name, Contact Information of State Authorizing Official or Sponsoring University Department Dean or Institute Director:

o. Signature, Name and Contact Information of Authorized State Official, Office of Sponsored Programs, or Appropriate Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, etc.

2. 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 a-i below should be no longer than 15 pages.

Please include the following in the Proposal:

a. Abstract

b. 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 the program 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.

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

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

e. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: Applicants shall provide plans for executing the project tasks listed in the attached Statement of Work, including a rough timeline for these deliverables.

f. Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers) shall be identified by name. List the Principle Investigator 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.

g. 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.

h. 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.

i. 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.

j. 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.

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

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

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.

1. Budget Spreadsheet: Include information in a format that 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 if applicable. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined.

2. Budget 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. Describe and justify requested budget items and costs.

Please include the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation, and estimates of time spent on the project for employees.

b. 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.

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

d. 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 200.317 (State Governments) or 2 CFR 200.318-327.

e. 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. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317 (State Governments) or 2 CFR 200.318-327 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant’s operating funds.

f. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-recipients 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.

g. 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.

h. 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.

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

j. Total Direct Charges. Sum of above items.

k. 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.

l. Amount Proposed. Sum of Total Direct Charges and Indirect Charges (Overhead).

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

(a) Applicability.

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

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by 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 200.339, 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.

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.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaces the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s).

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Application Due Date 08/01/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs: Individuals Indirect Costs: Organizations Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted with Application All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

· A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Attached is a copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification.

· A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We have prepared and will retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation.

· A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in §2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

· A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [“Program Title”], which has a Department of the Interior-approve indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR) 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from [insert Bureau Here] to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that [Insert Bureau Here] approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we understand that the indirect costs are not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

· A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

Prohibited Uses of Awards Funds

Reimbursement of Pre-Award Costs No

D7. Other Submission Requirements Please be aware that the electronic submission process requires first time users to register using an e- Authentication process. This registration process can be somewhat complex and can take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if you start just a few days before the due date. If you are from a university, contact your Office of Sponsored Programs. They may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the application.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the application package, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Briefly, when you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status: 1. Confirmation screen

2. Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link) 3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors) 4. Agency Retrieval CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen.

After you submit your grant application package, a confirmation screen will appear on your computer screen. This screen confirms that you have submitted an application to Grants.gov.

NOTIFICATION 1: Submission Receipt Email Within two business days after your application package has been received by the Grants.gov system, you will receive a submission receipt email which indicates that your submission has entered the Grants.gov system and is ready for validation. This email also contains a tracking number for use while tracking the status of the submission as well as a “Track My Application” link, to use to see the progress of your submission.

NOTIFICATION 2: Submission Validation Receipt Email – This is the important one! After you receive the submission receipt email, the next email you will receive will be a message validating or rejecting your submitted application package with errors. The Grants.gov system is designed to check for technical errors within the submitted application package. Grants.gov does not review application content for award determination. Grants.gov will not post the application if there are errors. Failure to correct errors and submit by the date and time for closing may not be a reason for accepting a late application.

NOTIFICATION 3: Grantor Agency Retrieval Email Once your application package has passed validation it is delivered to the grantor for award determination and further approval. After the grantor has confirmed receipt of your application, you will be sent a third and final email from Grants.gov. The grantor may also assign your application package an agency specific tracking number for use within their internal system. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS E- MAIL WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONTRACTING OFFICER.

If you need help entering your proposal, you can reach the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800- 518- 4726. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and they are closed on Federal Holidays.

During the application period an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is revised and indicating that the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. See Section 11, Application Preparation Instructions, which describes requirements for the proposal and other application components.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and allow time for possible computer delays. Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission. A proposal received after the closing date and time will NOT be considered for award. If BOEM determines that a proposal will not be considered for award due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

D8. Application Checklist SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance or Application for Federal Assistance-Individual SF-424B or D, Assurances Project Narrative SF-424A or C, Budget Information Budget Narrative Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation (when applicable) SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activites (when applicable)

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

Is the proposed study of high scientific quality with clear objectives? What is the relevance to BOEM's mission?

Is the strategy coherent and clear? Are the scientific objectives appropriate for the proposed timeframe? Are the geographic areas selected for the study appropriate? Are the proposed methods appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives? Are logistics adequately addressed? Does the proposal address contingency plans for missed field work, equipment failure, and other problems?

Has the applicant demonstrated (through bibliographic references, relevant education, experience, awards, etc.) that they are capable of doing the proposed research? Has the applicant demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the scientific problem? Have products been on schedule and within budget?

Is project staffing sufficient (e.g., experience, knowledge and skills) to accomplish the proposed goals? Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses appropriate? Are expenses adequately itemized?

Are the products clearly defined? Will they be useful for offshore energy planning and decision-making? Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form? Does the proposal indicate the Principal Investigator will provide data and metadata in a format that meets Federal data standards? Will the products be accessible and comprehensible to the public?

E2. Review and Selection Process The proposal will be reviewed by BOEM scientists and program managers, and possibly external peer reviewers. Reviewers have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline of the proposal.

E3. CFR - Regulatory Information BOEM will review and consider applications for funding in accordance with the following policy documents:

· President’s September 2, 2020 memorandum entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities.

· Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (parts 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

· Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 8/1/2023. All applications will be reviewed after that date. BOEM anticipates that award will be made in FY 2023.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by BOEM are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the Notice of Award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. Recipient acceptance of a Federal award from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with all terms and conditions applicable to the award. Recipients indicate their acceptance of the Federal award by starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

Method of Payment: The BOEM uses the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) financial assistance payment system, management by the United States Department of the Treasury, to provide electronic invoicing and payment for funds under this award. With the award of each cooperative agreement, an account will be set up from which the Recipient can draw down funds. Recipients must be registered in the ASAP system and must be linked to BOEM's Agency Location Code prior to award in order to make the funds available. Once an award decision has been made, if your organization has not received a financial assistance award from BOEM in the past, the Financial Assistance/Contracting Officer will initiate the process in ASAP for your organization. The Financial Assistance/Contracting Officer will need the name of your organization's ASAP contact in order to do this and will contact you for your ASAP contact information.

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards.

The link to the DOI Standard Terms and Conditions is https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions Please contact the Federal Awarding Agency Contact in Section G1 below for information on the applicability of these terms and conditions.

Data Availability Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315: (a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or…