Foa_Content_of_M24AS00302.pdf

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M24AS00302

08/10/2024

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Anticipated Dates

B4. Period of Performance

B5. Numbers of Awards

B6. Type of Award

B7. Other Federal Information

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

D8. Application Checklist

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR - Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G2. Administrative/Budget Questions Program Office Contact

G3. Grants Staff Contact

G4. Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act at 43 USC §1345(e) authorizes BOEM to enter into cooperative agreements with States affected by energy development on the Outer Continental

Shelf for purposes including the joint utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint planning and review, and the formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf operations.

Under the Use of Cooperative Agreements authority (43 U.S.C. §1457b), BOEM is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with a state or political subdivision (including any agency thereof), or any not-for-profit organization if: (1) the agreement will serve a mutual interest of the parties to the agreement in carrying out the programs administered by BOEM; and (2) all parties will contribute resources to the accomplishment of these objectives.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

PURPOSE

BOEM envisions project proposals that demonstrate an ability to characterize important insights gained from social science and participatory methods that recognize the wisdom and insight of fishermen, as well as the importance of using their knowledge to effectively manage the changing socio-ecological environment in the Gulf of Maine (GOME). This research aims to enhance our understanding of the socio-cultural, historical, and spatial temporal aspects of the region’s fisheries.

The purpose of this agreement is to conduct cooperative social science research, in the context of offshore wind (OSW) planning and permitting, in the GOME emphasizing fisheries ecological knowledge (FEK). FEK is the information fishermen accumulate over time, especially through daily interaction with the ecosystem, supplemented with knowledge passed on by previous generations and fellow fishermen (Hall-Arber, 2008). FEK -- a type of traditional ecological knowledge -- can be defined as “a cumulative body of knowledge, practice and belief evolving by adaptive processes and handed down through generations by cultural transmission, about the relationship of living beings (including humans) with one another and with their environment”

(Berkes et al. 2000).

This study will enhance the State’s and BOEM’s understanding of how changing ocean and climate conditions have affected fisheries in the region and how the natural and human dimensions (e.g., harvest practices, fisheries management plans, population dynamics) of fisheries are adapting to changing environmental conditions. This information will support OSW planning and assessment activities in carrying out its mandated mission to manage development of U.S. OCS resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way by providing enhanced data and context on fisheries activities, including baseline conditions (e.g., grounds, population dynamics, social aspects), trends and potential future outcomes.

BACKGROUND

BOEM relies on existing information about the use of the ocean by fishers that is collected through monitoring such as vessel management system (VMS), vessel trip reporting (VTR), and automatic identification system (AIS) data. BOEM uses this information in the analysis of impacts to fishers and to identify appropriate mitigation measures. These methods do not capture the totality of fishing activity and have the potential to miss important fishing patterns on the

OCS. Accessing and incorporating FEK into BOEM's practices and processes can help fill this knowledge gap. In a more recent study, DeCelles et al. (2017) found that combining FEK with more traditional fisheries research relying on secondary harvest data improved the spatial and temporal resolution of information related to cod spawning activities on Georges Bank.

Researchers in the GOME have acknowledged the importance of collecting FEK to fill in data gaps and to provide context on population trends and habitat associations. An effort to collect, verify, and incorporate FEK in the GOME will improve our information base in support of

BOEM decision-making. An effort to collect FEK solicits information from (Tribal, artisanal, historic, etc.) fishers. This information will enhance BOEM’s spatial planning efforts to develop and manage OSW lease areas in the GOME.

The GOME is a complex ecosystem that supports a rich and dynamic fishing economy. While the region is extensively studied for fisheries management, there are many unknowns regarding these fisheries. Past efforts to collect FEK in the GOME have provided some indications of the challenges and benefits to engaging these communities. St. Martin and Hall-Arber (2008) found that in their efforts to engage with fishers, individuals withheld fishing location information from each other and federal resource managers to protect their interests.

The rapidly changing GOME ecosystem, including ocean warming and changing distributions of key marine species necessitate updated fisheries information for equitable and effective offshore wind development that minimizes and avoids marine spatial conflicts. A greater understanding of the marine ecosystem in the GOME and fisher activities is needed to contextualize scientific data both spatially and temporally for an improved understanding of ocean use. A key aspect missing is the ecological knowledge gained by fishers who have been using this area for generations and recognize the changes that are occurring.

OBJECTIVES

This goal of this project is to enhance BOEM’s understanding of the interplay between changing ocean and climate conditions, the region’s fisheries (i.e., biological aspects) and the associated human dimensions (e.g., fisher activity, fisheries management). The encompassing objective of this study is to enhance BOEM’s understanding of GOME’s culturally and historically important fishing habitats and fisheries ecology through the collection of FEK. The study awarded under this program must address the following objectives:

• Enhance the cultural and geographic understanding of the GOME’s fisheries (e.g., fish populations dynamics, fleet workings/dynamics, ecosystem change, and the spatial/temporal characteristics of harvesting and spawning) and fishing grounds (i.e., species, gear type, bottom-type, and season).

• Improve the understanding of the region’s fisheries, specifically regarding ecosystem connectivity (e.g., recruitment, spawning and food web) and fisheries biology (biomass, distribution, and abundance and diversity).

• Advance the scientific understanding of how the GOME’s marine ecosystem (e.g., species distribution shifts) and concomitant resource management and fishing patterns have adapted over time (e.g., spatial and temporal changes in fishing grounds, changes in access to grounds, changes in gear, other employment, broadening target species, etc.).

• Convey the enhanced and improved understanding of GOME fisheries using various educational and outreach tools (e.g., presentations, reports, geospatial data, etc.) that can be used for marine planning and effective stakeholder engagement.

• Provide guidance and regular updates to fishermen regarding the spatial planning process, data needs in the Gulf of Maine, and available spatial data tools like

“MarineCadastre.gov” or the Regional Ocean Portals (e.g., Northeast Regional Ocean

Council, data portal).

• Protect proprietary and personal fishing information of all individuals involved in providing fisheries data and contextual information.

The above objectives support BOEM’s mission to manage the development of OCS resources in an environmentally responsible manner and align with BOEM values for environmental stewardship. The results of this study will enhance the understanding of the potential interactions between offshore construction and operation activities on fisheries (i.e., fishers, fish, and fish habitat), in support of science-informed decision making.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

15.423

Authorization Legislation

Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act at 43 USC §1345(e), Use of Cooperative Agreements authority 43 U.S.C. §1457b.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act at 43 USC §1345(e) authorizes BOEM to enter into cooperative agreements with States affected by energy development on the Outer Continental

Shelf for purposes including the joint utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint planning and review, and the formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf operations.

Funding Goals

Funding Opportunity Goals

• The objective of this study is to improve BOEMs understanding of the use of the Gulf of

Maine for fishing and the importance of fishing to the regional economy through collection of FEK. BOEM would partner with the Responsible Offshore Science Alliance and/or other similar organizations to conduct or collaborate on this study.

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective

Applicants

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding

$400,000

The total amount of federal funds available is anticipated to be $400,000.

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award Amount

$400,000

Minimum Award Amount

$350,000

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date

August 31, 2024

B4. Period of Performance

Length of Project Periods

Other

Length of Project Period Explanation of Other

30-month project period with two 12-month budget periods

Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months

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 Awardee. 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. This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct.

BOEM will perform the following:

1. Work closely with the Awardee to provide oversight of the project.

2. Participate in fieldwork (e.g., primary data collection) and project oversight.

3. Collaborate with research team's primary research activities, participate as appropriate.

4. Provide real time direction or re-direction on data analysis, early results, and/or technical difficulties.

5. Provide feedback on data synthesis approach.

6. Participate in preparing presentations (e.g., meetings or conferences).

7. Provide oversight and funding.

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

12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility

Eligible institutions are limited to state academic institutions and nonprofit organizations adjacent to current project areas along the U.S. Atlantic coast from Maine to Massachusetts.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing/Matching Requirement

No, but matching contributions from the applicant are strongly recommended

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 from the CESU institution must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal at "Apply for Grants." The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the

Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.423 or Announcement M24AS00302 in the Grants.gov search engine. The announcement is also available in Grant Solution

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

SF 424D, Assurances for Construction Programs

Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may own or operate and any entity waived from the SAM.gov registration requirements by the funding bureau or office must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form.

All required application forms are available on with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Project Summary

Collecting Fisheries Ecological Knowledge (FEK) for Use in Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind

(National Studies List [NSL] #AT-24-04)

Scientific Integrity Scientific integrity is vital to DOI activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI's reputation and ability to uphold the public's trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific

Integrity Policy posted to http://www.doi.gov/Scientificintegrity, or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law.

Project Narrative

The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

1. Project Title:

2. PI(s):

a. Name:

b. Address:

c. Phone:

d. Fax:

e. E-mail:

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 http://www.doi.gov/Scientificintegrity

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 problem. State how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Explain why the work is important. Specify the contribution to science related to understanding the impacts of seismic surveys on fish and the benefits that society will receive from the study.

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 award listed in the mini-SOW (see NOFO attachment for mini-SOW) under the Deliverables section described in the mini-SOW and in the Deliverables:

Distribution and Schedule section.

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.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Per theFinancial 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 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1112&rgn=div8 https://www.doi.gov/pam/programs/acquisition/fair-activities-inventory-reform-act 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.

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 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. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying

Activities if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available on the

“Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

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.

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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

08/10/2024

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 https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm 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

The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White

House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email

Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award.

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

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.

mailto:support@grants.gov

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 the 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

1. Scientific Quality and Impact

Maximum Points: 25

Quality and clarity of the research design and the general narrative (e.g., systematic, data validation). Relevance to the NOFO’s objectives and BOEM mission? Is the proposed study able to adequately address the research questions?

2. Work Plan/Methodology

Maximum Points: 25

Is the strategy clear? Are the scientific objectives appropriate for the proposed time frame? Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate? Are the methods and instruments selected for research appropriate? Does the proposal address contingency plans for missed field work (e.g., primary data collection, interviews), lost data, and other problems?

3. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results

Maximum Points: 20

Are the products clearly defined? Will they be useful for enhancing the understanding of the socio-cultural, historical, and spatiotemporal aspects of fisheries in the Gulf of

Maine?

4. Budget Justification and Clarity

Maximum Points: 10

Have the applicants demonstrated (through bibliographic references, relevant education, experience, awards, program management plans, etc.) that they are capable of doing the proposed research? Have the applicants demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the scientific questions? Have previous work products been delivered on schedule and within budget?

5. Experience/Competence of Research Personnel

Maximum Points: 20

Have the applicants demonstrated (through bibliographic references, relevant education, experience, awards, etc.) expertise in social science and participatory research methods as related to marine spatial planning, fisheries, and other relevant uses of coastal and marine areas? Do they have experience working with stakeholders in the Gulf of Maine/U.S.

North Atlantic, fishers, and other marine and coastal users as a trusted partner, knowledge broker or the like? Does the applicant have expertise in the methods and techniques used to collect fisheries ecological knowledge, traditional ecological knowledge, or similar information (e.g., one-on-one discussions, focus groups, observations, participatory mapping)?

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

Recent Administration executive orders are included in this Announcement as follows:

• Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, which directs the

Department and other federal agencies to prioritize efforts to reduce climate pollution; support climate resilience; support land conservation and biodiversity efforts, including the 30 by 30 initiative; maximize clean energy development and deployment; and leverage partnerships with youth and service corps to create conservation and resilience jobs in support of the Civilian

Climate Corps initiative.

• Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities

Through the Federal Government, which affirms the Department’s responsibility to advance equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity through its policies and procedures and directs federal agencies to allocate resources in a manner that helps address historic inequities to underserved communities and individuals, as defined by the order. Each office of bureau is expected to ensure that is financial assistance policies and procedures fully align with this direction.

• Executive Order 14005: Ensuring the Future is Made All in American by America’s Workers, which callas on federal agencies to ensure that terms and conditions of financial assistance awards maximize the use of goods, products, materials and services produced or offered in the

United States.

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Applications are due no later than August 10, 2024 by 5PM EST.

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.

The BOEM uses the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) cooperative agreement payment system, managed 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 enrolled in ASAP and their ASAP account linked to BOEM before an award can be issued.

Award Administration Information

The Awardee is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the cooperative agreements and sub-awards to ensure compliance with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and policies. The Awardee is also responsible for meeting the performance goals identified in the Proposal Text. Awards based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, BOEM are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following section.

Terms and Conditions

Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior

(DOI) BOEM carries with it theresponsibility to be aware of and complywith the terms andconditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the awardvia electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, BOEM and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

• Program legislation\regulation;

• Special terms and conditions;

• Code of FederalRegulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable;

Contact the Contracting Officerwith any questions regarding the applicability of the following:

o 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards o 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifierand System for Award Management o 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawardand Executive Compensation Information o 2 CFRPart 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons o 2 CFR Part 182, Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace o 2 CFRPart 1400, NonProcurement Debarment and Suspension o 2 CFRPart 1401, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace o 2 CFR Part 1402,Uniform Administrative Requirements,Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements for Federal Awards o 43 CFRPart 18, New Restrictions on Lobbying o All cooperative agreementsare subject to the DOI Standard Terms and Conditions at:

https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/doi-standard-award-terms-and-conditions effective-d ecember-2-20 l 9-revised-june-19-2020.pdf

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards.

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 other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a http://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/doi-standard-award-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1315&rgn=div8 manner that is sufficient for independent verification.