Foa_Content_of_S21AS00545 (4).pdf

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Attached to: OSMRE Mine Drainage Technology Initiative (MDTI
Opportunity number: S21AS00545
Issued by: Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

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Signature Date

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

OSM-HQ - OSM Headquarters

S21AS00545

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Award Amount

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

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

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)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration Contact

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority The authority to award this Cooperative Agreement is found in the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, as amended; Public Law 95-87; 91 Stat. 445-532; in accordance with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, 31 USC 6301 et seq.; subject to the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, 2 CFR § 200, 2 CFR Part 1402 - Financial Assistance Interior Regulation, Supplementing The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

15.255

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Background and Purpose

Mine Drainage Technology Initiative (MDTI) (formally known as the Acid Mine Drainage Initiative) provides a forum for collaboration and information exchange with the following goals:

Develop an understanding of acidic and toxic mine drainage (MD) so as to better predict, avoid, monitor, and remediate mine drainage;

Develop innovative solutions to acidic and toxic MD water-quality problems;

Identify, evaluate, and develop “best science” practices to predict acidic and toxic MD prior to mining; and Identify successful remediation practices for existing sources of acidic and toxic MD and describe the best technology for its prevention.

OSMRE is looking for MDTI studies that address the goals listed above that have the potential for improving the effectiveness of both the coal industry and the regulatory authority to conduct and regulate surface coal mining and reclamation activities that protect the environment and the public.

Program Requirements

1. OSMRE is soliciting applications for financial assistance for Fiscal Year 2021.

2. The funding instrument used will be a Cooperative Agreement.

3. Anticipated start dates will be based on OSMRE funding schedule and timing of funding appropriations.

4. Applicants may request funding up to $200,000.

5. The cooperative agreement will be for a period of time consistent with the proposal but not to exceed two years from date of award

6. The recipient grantee may apply for non-funded extensions of time up to one (1) year, as necessary to complete the project.

7. There are no limitations on the number of applications an applicant may submit under the announcement to include the submitting organization, individual investigator/program director, or both.

8. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.24, a Cooperative Agreement creates an appropriate legal relationship between OSMRE and the performing organization to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States [see 31 U.S.C. 6101(3)]. OSMRE reserves the right to determine the extent of substantial involvement during the course of the approved project.

9. OSMRE will have substantial involvement in the Cooperative Agreement that will include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following areas:

a. Identification of projects;

b. Approval of the recipient’s implementation plans;

c. Review of the recipient's monitoring and evaluation plans;

d. Approval of specified key personnel;

e. Concurrence in the substantive provisions of sub awards.

11. Funding for the program is contingent on availability of appropriations. Under no circumstance will OSMRE be responsible for the preparation costs incurred by any applicant if this program fails to receive funding or is canceled because of Agency priorities. Publication of this NOFO does not obligate OSMRE or DOI to award funding.

12. There are no pre-application requirements with this NOFO.

13. Proposals will not be accepted that constitute quality control or consumer evaluations for commercial products.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 200,000 B2. Award Amount Maximum Award $ 200,000 Minimum Award $ 150,000

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates Anticipated Award Date October 01, 2021

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement

1. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.24, a Cooperative Agreement creates an appropriate legal relationship between OSMRE and the performing organization to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States [see 31 U.S.C. 6101(3)]. OSMRE reserves the right to determine the extent of substantial involvement during the course of the approved project.

2. OSMRE's substantial involvement in the Cooperative Agreement will include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following areas:

a. Identification of projects;

b. Approval of the recipient’s implementation plans;

c. Review of the recipient's monitoring and evaluation plans;

d. Approval of specified key personnel;

e. Concurrence in the substantive provisions of sub awards.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 20 – Private institutions of higher education 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 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Additional Information on Eligibility

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No

C3. Other An Eligible Applicant MDTI cooperative agreement follows:

a. Provide proof of non-profit 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service of non-profit organizations and institutions.

b. Renewal of existing studies are not eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

c. Proposals must specifically address one of the identified goals outlined in the MDTI Program description for FY 2021.

OSMRE requires recipients to maintain financial data to provide for the safeguard and accountability of Federal funds, to include written procedures for purchases, accounting system, cash management, and organizational structure in accordance with 2 CFR 200.303 Internal Controls. Examples include the following:

a. Provide accurate, current, and complete financial information about Federal awards and sub-awards.

b. Maintain records that adequately identify the sources of funds for federally assisted activities and the purposes for which the award was used, including authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays or expenditures, and any program income. Accounting records must be supported by source documentation such as canceled checks, paid bills, payrolls, and time and attendance records.

c. Maintain effective control over and accountability for all cash, real and personal property, and other assets under the award; adequately safeguard those assets; and ensure that they are used only for authorized purposes.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that proposed budget costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Programs, 2 CFR 200.403; 200.404; and 200.405.

Suspension and Debarment: Funds will not be awarded to any applicant that is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal debarment or agency, or are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a government entity.

No funds will be awarded to recipients who have, within a three-year period preceding this proposal, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State, local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, and making false statements or receiving stolen property.

Applicant Violator System (AVS): All applicants, organization officers, and others having authority to make study related decisions will be screened through the Applicant Violator System (AVS). AVS is an automated information system owned and operated by OSMRE that contains information on applicants, permittees, operators, application and permit records, as well as unabated or uncorrected environmental violations of SMCRA.

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS): Prior to any award of Federal funds, the Federal award agency will review and consider information about the applicant that is in Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). Applicants may review and comment on information about them in FAPIIS and the agency will consider any applicant comments in making award decisions; the agency will address post-award grant reporting requirements and inform applicants about post-award FAPIIS reporting requirements, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.212(c)(5).

Excluded Parties: OSMRE conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. OSMRE 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 is available at www.Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity #S21AS00545. Required documents are listed as follows:

a. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

b. SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

c. SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs

d. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

e. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

f. Project Abstract

g. Project Narrative Attachment

h. Budget Narrative Attachment

i. Key Contacts Form

j. Other Attachments Form: Please include Proof of 501(c)(3) non-profit status and indirect cost rate agreement

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Project Narrative The full technical proposal must include the main and supplementary documents described below:

a. Executive Summary/Project Abstract: This is a concise summary/abstract of the proposed effort. The Project Abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the name of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the http://www.Grants.gov project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects). The Project Abstract must not exceed one (1) single-sided page and counts towards the page limit of the Technical Proposal.

b. Problems, Solutions, and Technical Approach: This is a description of the methods through which the goals of the MDTI Program will be achieved. This section must explain how the awardee will be able to address the needs of the program, the way in which these needs will be met, and the benefits for the approach taken.

c. Technical Proposal--The technical proposal should describe in depth the scope of the proposal, its goals, methods, its schedule, personnel working on the study their qualification and the instructional capabilities of the applicant.

d. Statement of Work and Potential Impact of the Results: This is a complete statement of work to meet the approach that directly addresses the information described in the Problems, Solutions, and Technical Approach of the Technical Proposal. The statement of work must include a schedule of milestones for the overall project, the applicant’s plan to manage the project tasks, and metrics for measuring the success of the proposal.

e. Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel and Resources Availability: This is a description of the qualifications, proposed roles, and level of planned effort of the participants, including the proposed role of the program leader, key personnel, and staff. A description of the applicant’s access to the necessary resources to accomplish the proposed objectives must be included.

f. Resumes of Key Personnel: A resume for the program leader is required as part of the proposal. This individual is considered key personnel to the project. Resumes of additional key personnel may also be supplied. Resumes are limited to two pages per individual.

g. Identification of Proprietary Information: Technical data or other data (i.e., trade secrets, confidential financial or commercial information), or other privileged information which the applicant prefers to withhold from public disclosure or use by OSMRE for any purpose except for proposal evaluation may be included in this application. To protect confidential data, each page must be specifically identified indicating each paragraph or line that contains confidential data the applicant wishes to protect.

h. Trade Secret Information: In order to explain properly the proposed work, it may be necessary to disclose within the proposal document trade secret information. If such is disclosed, the OSMRE wishes to take steps to keep such information confidential. However, it must be aware that such information does or does not exist within a given proposal. Therefore, please complete the following:

1. ___There is NO trade secret information contained in this proposal package.

2. ___There IS trade secret information contained in this proposal package. Such information is noted on pages .

NOTE: Redact or conspicuously highlight or mark those passages, diagrams, drawings, etc. that contain trade secret information.

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative. For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200.

Detailed Budget Narrative The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A or SF424C.

(This does not count toward the page limit and must be submitted using the budget narrative attachment form). The Budget Narrative must provide a detailed breakdown of each of the object class categories as reflected on the SF-424A. The budget justification should address all of the budget categories for which Federal funds are requested. The written justification must include the necessity and the basis for obtaining each cost estimate. Proposed funding levels must be consistent with the project scope, and only allowable costs should be included in the budget. Information on allowable cost is available in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR 200.

i. Personnel: At a minimum, the budget justification for all personnel must include the following: name, job title, commitment of effort on the proposed project in terms of average number of hours per week or percentage of time, salary rate, total direct charges on the proposed project, description of the role of the individual on the proposed project, and the work to be performed.

ii. Fringe Benefits: Fringe benefits must be identified separately from salaries and wages and based on rates determined by organizational policy. A link or information on how to access the organizational policy must be included. The items included in the fringe benefit rate (e.g., health insurance, parking, etc.) must not be charged under another cost category.

iii. Equipment: Equipment is defined as an item of property that has an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more (unless the organization has established lower levels) and an expected service life of more than one year. Any items that do not meet the threshold for equipment can be included under the “Supplies” line item. The budget justification must list each piece of equipment, the cost, and a description of how it will be used and why it is necessary to the successful completion of the proposed project. Please note that any general use equipment (computers, etc.)

charged directly to the award must be allocated to the award according to expected usage on the project.

iv. Travel: For travel costs required by the recipient to complete the project, the budget justification for travel must include the following: destination; names and number of people traveling; dates and/or duration; mode of transportation;

lodging and subsistence rates; and description of how the travel is directly related to the proposed project. For travel that is yet to be determined, please provide best estimates based on historical data. If a destination is not known, an approximate amount may be used with the assumptions given for the location of the meeting.

v. Supplies: Provide a list of each supply, the breakdown of the total costs by quantity or unit of cost, and the basis for obtaining the estimate. Include the necessity of the cost for the completion of the proposed project.

vi. Contracts/Subawards: Each contract or subaward must be treated as a separate item. Describe the services provided and the necessity of the subaward or contract to the successful performance of the proposed project. Contracts are for obtaining normal goods and services. Subawardees perform part of the project scope of work. For each subaward, applicants must provide budget detail justifying the cost of the work performed on the project and the basis for obtaining the estimates.

vii. Other Direct Costs: For costs that do not easily fit into the other cost categories, please list the cost and the breakdown of the total costs by quantity or unit of cost. Include the necessity of the cost for the completion of the proposed project and the basis for obtaining the estimates. Only allowable costs can be charged to the award.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1bfd0da1190f850482e94794cca23a5d&mc=true&node=20190830y1.1

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

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

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

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

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

Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503. Applicants are reminded that OSMRE, the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General, or another authorized Federal agency, may conduct an audit of an award at any time.

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.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 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 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 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” form 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 with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 and 31 USC 1352 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. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be overlapping or duplicative of the funding requested from OSMRE, the applicant must immediately notify the OSMRE point of contact. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount.

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 individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award 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 that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number

Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

Register on the SAM.gov website. “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. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, 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 to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 08/10/2021 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 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.

mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

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. Recipients must have prior written approval from OSMRE to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

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 OSMRE 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 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 OSMRE 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 OSMRE.

A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”, which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of 17.5%. 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 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we 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 OSMRE to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that OSMRE 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 indirect costs 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.

If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, provide a copy of the approved negotiated agreement if this rate was negotiated with a cognizant Federal audit agency. If the rate was not established by a cognizant Federal audit agency, provide a statement to this effect.

Alternatively, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(f), applicants that have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge indirect costs to an award pursuant to a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct cost (MTDC), in which case a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is not required. Applicants proposing a 10 percent de minimis rate pursuant to 2 CFR 200.414(f) should note this election as part of the budget and budget narrative portion of the application.

D7. Other Submission Requirements

1. Application Format:

a. Submissions: All applications must be submitted utilizing Grants.gov.

b. File format: Microsoft Word or pdf.

c. Font: Use 12-point font and 1-inch margins.

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d. Figures, Graphs, Images and Pictures: Should be of a size that is easily readable or viewable and may be landscape orientation. Smaller font may be used in figures and tables, but type must be clearly legible.

e. Page Limit: The Application Package must not exceed a total of forty-five (45) pages;

page limit does not include the required forms. The Technical Proposal for application is limited to twenty-five (25) pages. Resumes are also excluded from the page count.

f. Page Size: 8 ½ inches by 11 inches

g. Application language: English

h. Application Replacement Pages: Applicants may not submit replacement pages and/or missing documents once an application has been submitted. Any revisions must be made by submission of a new application that must be received by OSMRE by the submission deadline.

i. Pre-Applications: There are no pre-applications with this NOFO.

j. Cover Sheet: The cover sheet for the Technical Proposal should reference Mine

Drainage Technology Initiative Funding Opportunity #S21AS00545.

j. Page Layout: The Technical Proposal must be in portrait orientation.

k. Page Numbering: Number pages sequentially.

l. Table of Contents: Include major sections and the corresponding page numbers.

2. The full technical proposal must include the main and supplementary documents described below:

a. Executive Summary/Project Abstract: This is a concise summary/abstract of the proposed effort. The Project Abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the name of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects). The Project Abstract must not exceed one (1) single-sided page and counts towards the page limit of the Technical Proposal.

h. Budget Narrative: (This does not count toward the page limit and must be submitted using the budget narrative attachment form). The Budget Narrative must provide a detailed breakdown of each of the object class categories as reflected on the SF- 424A. The budget justification should address all of the budget categories for which Federal funds are requested. The written justification must include the necessity and the basis for obtaining each cost estimate. Proposed funding levels must be consistent with the project scope, and only allowable costs should be included in the budget. Information on allowable cost is available in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR 200.

charged directly to the award must be allocated to the award according to expected usage on the project.

viii. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement: If indirect costs are included in the proposed budget, provide a copy of the approved negotiated agreement if this rate was negotiated with a cognizant Federal audit agency. If the rate was not established by a cognizant Federal audit agency, provide a statement to this effect. Alternatively, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.414(f), applicants that have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge indirect costs to an award pursuant to a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct cost (MTDC), in which case a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is not required. Applicants proposing a 10 percent de minimis rate pursuant to 2 CFR 200.414(f) should note this election as part of the budget and budget narrative portion of the application.

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Criterion 1 - NEED ASSESSMENT Maximum Points: 10

Description Title Problems, Solutions and Technical Approach

Specific Details The extent to which:

1. The proposed study has the potential to address specific environmental or safety impacts known to currently be associated with mining or reclamation.

2. The results of the study have the potential to improve quality of life for residents of mining communities.

3. The results of the proposed study are directly applicable to improving mining or reclamation practices, from an environmental perspective.

4. The proposed study is directly associated with one or more SMCRA based regulations or directives (Please provide SMCRA citation).

Criterion 2 - METHODOLOGY AND WORK PLAN Maximum Points: 35 Description Title Statement of Work and Potential Impact

Specific Details The extent to which:

1. The study description and statement of work are thoroughly discussed, detailed, and logically sequenced.

2. The proposal addresses all technical variables that could reasonably be expected to impact success.

3. The proposal includes a technology transfer plan or indicates a technology transfer plan will be implemented.

4. The study is an investigation of practical application of accepted theory.

5. Does the proposed study present new or innovative techniques that are relevant to coal mining and/or coal mine reclamation?

6. Is the proposed time frame appropriate for the stated scope of work?

Criterion 3 - TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER POTENTIAL Maximum Points: 5

Title Technology Transfer Approaches

Specific Details The extent to which:

1. Will the results be posted on a website other than OSMRE’s or the Principal Investigator’s institution website?

2. Will the results be…

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