Foa_Content_of_S22AS00329.pdf

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

OSM-HQ - OSM Headquarters

S22AS00329

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 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; and under provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, 42 USC 66 et seq.; and 5 CFR § 315.605, the Appointment of Former ACTION volunteers.

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A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The OSMRE/VISTA Program is designed to partner with eligible applicants that have access to AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (hereinafter referred to as VISTA) positions through partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, or other intermediary organization, to administer the OSMRE/VISTA Program. The OSMRE/AmeriCorps Program was developed to provide an opportunity for OSMRE to increase its engagement with young people with skills and interest in activities aligned with the OSMRE mission. Recipients of OSMRE/VISTA Program financial assistance will support an innovative partnership, working directly with OSMRE in the following areas:

(1) community and environmental reclamation,

(2) community environmental stewardship,

(3) economic improvement,

(4) educational opportunities,

(5) research, and more.

The program places mission-oriented adults as VISTAs in communities impacted by pre-regulatory mining practices to serve for a period of one (1) year.

A VISTA is an individual who engages in national service through an activity approved by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), or an intermediate organization.

VISTAs receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, VISTAs may earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans, or a cash stipend. VISTAs who successfully complete their term of service also receive non-competitive eligibility for Federal jobs.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $225,000 B2. Award Amount Maximum Award $225,000 Minimum Award $1

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates Anticipated Award Date January 02, 2023

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

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

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 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 An Eligible Applicant is limited to not-for-profit IRS 501(c)(3) status organizations that meets the following conditions:

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

(b) Demonstrate established access to AmeriCorps VISTA positions through partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service or other intermediary organization.

(c) Manage and carry out all administrative functions associated with projects funded under this program, including maintaining all administrative records required for operation and management of the program.

(d) Exhibit the organizational capacity to oversee VISTA participants locally and across the country.

(e) Demonstrate a history of overseeing national VISTA teams or programs.

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

C3. Other In accordance with 2 CFR Part 200, 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 remain substantially involved during the course of the approved project.

Substantial involvement will be 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.

Funding for the OSMRE VISTA Program is contingent on availability of appropriations. In no event will OSMRE be responsible for the preparation costs incurred by any applicant if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of Agency priorities. Publication of this NOFO does not obligate OSMRE or the Department of Interior to award funding.

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

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).

1. Application Package. The application package is available at www.grants.gov under NOFO

#S22AS00329.

2. Forms and Content of Application Submission. The application must contain the following required forms and documents available on grants.gov:

(a) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The SF-424 must be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant organization.

(b) SF-424 should list the NOFO #.

(c) SF-424 should list the total estimated budget amount to complete the project as defined in the application including the Federal amount requested and other funding being brought to the project

Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications and representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Project Narrative The Technical Proposal is a document of no more than 15 pages. It should describe in depth the scope of the proposal: its goals, methods, schedule, personnel working on the project and their qualifications, and the instructional capabilities of the applicant.

The Project Abstract is a concise summary/abstract of the proposed effort. The project summary/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, award purpose, the activities to be performed, expected deliverables or outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipient activities, if applicable. The Project Abstract must not exceed one (1) single-sided page and counts toward the page limit of the Technical Proposal. Technical Proposal must include the following:

(1) Problems, Solutions and Technical Approach. This is a description of the methods through which the goals of the OSMRE VISTA 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.

(2) 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 Impact Statement 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.

(3) 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 project participants, including the proposed role of the program leader, key personnel and staff. A description of the applicant’s access to the necessary equipment and facilities to accomplish the proposed objectives should be included.

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

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.

The Budget information must reflect anticipated expenses for the project, considering all potential cost increases, including cost of living adjustment.

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). The Budget Narrative must provide a detailed breakdown of each of the object class categories as reflected on the SF-424 C. The budget justification should address all of the budget categories for which Federal funds are requested.

The written justification should include the necessity and the basis for the cost. 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.

(1) 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, basis for obtaining 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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

(4) 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. Please specify the method used to obtain estimates. If a destination is not known, an approximate amount may be used with the assumptions given for the location of the meeting.

(5) 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.

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

(8) Indirect Costs - Please refer to Section D6 for detailed instructions regarding indirect costs.

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

(a) Applicability.

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

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

(b) Notification.

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

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

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

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

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, 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.

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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 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 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) 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 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 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 Due Date for Applications 09/19/2022 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

Announcement andAward Dates. Awards will be announced approximately 60 - 120 days after the end of the review process.

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.

http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/

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.

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 https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services 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 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.

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 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.

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D7. Other Submission Requirements Application Format

(a) Submissions: All applications must be submitted utilizing grants.gov.

(b) Font: Use 12-point font and 1 inch margins.

(c) Smaller type may be used in figures and tables but type must be clearly legible.

(d) Figures, Graphs, Images, and Pictures. Should be of a size that is easily readable or viewable and maybe landscape orientation.

(e) Page Limit: The Application Package must not exceed a total of thirty (30) pages not including the required forms. The Technical Proposal for Applications is limited to fifteen (15) pages.

(f) Resumes are also excluded from the page count and are limited to two (2) pages.

(g) Page size: 8 ½ inches by 11 inches

(h) Application language: English

(i) 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.

(j) Pre-Applications: There are no pre-applications with this NOFO.

(k) Cover Sheet: The cover sheet for the Technical Proposal should reference the OSMRE Semester Internship Program Opportunity Number.

(l) Page layout: Technical Proposal must be in portrait orientation.

(m) Page numbering: Number pages sequentially.

(n) Table of Contents: Include major sections and the corresponding page numbers.

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria ACCESS TO VISTA POSITIONS Maximum Points: 15 Description Title

ACCESS TO

AMERICORPS

POSITIONS

Specific Details The extent to which:

1. The applicant clearly shows how the organization will receive VISTA positions from CNCS or other intermediate organization.

2. The applicant must state the minimum and maximum number of positions available.

3. The applicant must specify the type of positions received from CNCS.

For example, cost-share positions or Education Award only positions.

4. The applicant identifies the CNCS National Performance Metrics on which the program will report.

5. The application demonstrates how the performance metrics data will be collected and assessed.

PROGRAM DESIGN Maximum Points: 35

Description Title

PROGRAM

DESIGN

Specific Details The extent to which:

(a) The applicant clearly states its qualification to develop and implement strategic recruitment plans to advertise program opportunities to qualified individuals.

(b) The application demonstrates recruitment from traditionally underserved communities, including low-income and disadvantaged populations.

(c) The application discusses how the organization will build and maintain relationships with colleges, universities, and other organizations, particularly institutions serving underrepresented groups, to recruit participants from diverse backgrounds.

(d) The applicant demonstrates the ability to recruit participants from the geographic or demographic communities in which the program operates.

(e) The applicant clearly identifies a strategy for recruiting individuals for the OSMRE/VISTA Program who have the appropriate background qualifications and skill set.

(f) The application discusses the organization’s logistics in receiving applications, interviewing, and hiring participants in a timely manner.

(g) The applicant describes its plan for developing and recruiting host sites for OSMRE VISTA members to serve.

(h) The applicant states experience in working with community organizations to develop VISTA projects.

(i) The applicant clearly identifies a strategy for developing VISTA projects that falls in line with the objectives and goals of OSMRE.

(j) The applicant describes outreach and program marketing print and web publication strategies that will be used in supporting and promoting the program.

(k) The application describes the human capital, technical resources, and skills of the organization to accomplish outreach, program marketing, Member and supervisor support, and any other necessary tasks associated with the program design and success.

(l) The application states how the organization assesses success and how often assessments are performed.

ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY Maximum Points: 25 Description Title

ORGANIZATIONAL

CAPACITY

Specific Details The extent to which:

(a) The applicant describes the organization’s knowledge and experience administering VISTA programs.

(b) The application addresses how the organization is qualified to manage the administrative logistics of the program, including correspondence, budgeting, payroll, management, and travel coordination.

(c) The application states past work experience related to program administration, stipend payments to Members, and expense reimbursement.

(d) The applicant demonstrates past experience and success in administering a multistate VISTA program.

(e) The application describes the organization’s human capital, technical resources, and skills to accomplish the tasks necessary for the success of the program.

(f) The applicant submits an organizational chart which clearly highlights key personnel.

(g) The applicant demonstrates it has conducted high-quality process and outcome evaluations and used evaluation results for organizational learning and continuous improvement.

COST EFFECTIVENESS/BUDGET ADEQUACY Maximum Points: 25 Description Title

COST

EFFECTIVENESS/BUDGET

ADEQUACY

Specific Details Specific Details The extent to which:

(a) The budget is submitted and proposed costs are allowable, reasonable, and allocable to the award.

(b) Budget lists the cost per participant, support staff, training, and relevant cost.

(c) The budget narrative/justification clearly documents how each line item is calculated and why each line item request supports the goals and activities of the proposed project.

(d) The applicant’s budget narrative identifies the non- OSMRE funding and resources necessary to support the project.

E2. Review and Selection Process Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program 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 Bureau 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.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial

Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program 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 Bureau 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.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.206. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.208 should be applied the award.

Proposals, reports, documents and other information related to applications submitted to OSMRE and/or relating to financial assistance awards issued by OSMRE will be reviewed and considered by Federal employees or by non-Federal personnel who have entered into nondisclosure agreements covering such information, when applicable.

Initial Screening of all OSMRE Program Applications. All applications received in response to this NOFO will be reviewed as received on a rolling basis to determine whether they are eligible, complete, and responsive and aligned with the respective program objectives and research grant areas as described in the Program Description.

Applications determined to be ineligible, incomplete, and/or non-responsive based on the initial screening will be eliminated from further review. OSMRE, in its sole discretion, may continue the review process for an application that is missing non-substantive information that can easily be rectified.

Full Review of Eligible, Complete, and Responsive Applications. All applications that are determined to be eligible, complete, and responsive will proceed for full reviews in accordance with the review and selection processes set forth below for each of the respective programs.

OSMRE reserves the right to negotiate the budget costs with the applicants that have been selected to receive awards, which may include requesting that the applicant remove certain costs.

OSMRE may request that the applicant modify objectives or work plans and provide supplemental information. OSMRE also reserves the right to reject an application where information is uncovered that raises a reasonable doubt as to the responsibility of the applicant.

OSMRE may select some, all, or none of the applications, or part(s) of any particular application.

In some cases, OSMRE may ask applicants to consider combining projects. The final approval of selected applications and issuance of awards will be by the Assistant Director of the OSMRE Program Support Directorate.

Evaluation, Review, Ranking, and Recommendation

(1) At least three objective reviewers, knowledgeable in the subject matter of this NOFO and its objectives, will evaluate each application based on the evaluation criteria (see Section E, Part I of this NOFO).

(2) While every application will have at least three reviews, applications may have differing numbers of reviews if specialized expertise is needed to evaluate the application. The reviewers may discuss the applications with each other, but scores will be determined on an individual basis, not as a consensus.

(3) Each reviewer will assign individual scores to each criterion for each application.

(4) The scores provided by each reviewer for each application will then be combined to form a composite score for each application, which serves as the basis for the relative ordering or ranking of applications.

(5) OSMRE may select some, all, or none of the applications, or part(s) of any particular application.

Selection Factors

(1) The Merit Review Panel Lead will compile and recommend applications for award based upon the relative ordering ranking of the applications.

(2) The Selecting Official must prepare a Recommendation Memorandum for the Approving Official, who is the Assistant Director of the OSMRE Program Support Directorate, which demonstrates that the evaluation and selection process was compliant with the procedures published in the NOFO.

(3) The Approving Official may approve funding based on the Recommendation Memorandum however application may be awarded out of rank order based on one or more of the following selection factors, the availability of Federal funds and the alignment with program priorities.

(4) If an application was selected out of rank order, there must be a detailed justification relative to the selection out of rank order.

(5) Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants: Every unsuccessful applicant is entitled to a full explanation of why the application was not funded. The initial notice should provide a complete explanation, where possible. However, a notice may contain limited information regarding the unsuccessful application and indicate that a more detailed explanation will be provided at a later date or upon request.

(6) Retention of Unsuccessful Applications. A copy of each non-selected application will be retained for at least three (3) years for record keeping purposes in accordance with 2 CFR Part

200.334 Retention requirements for records.

(7) Federal Awarding Agency Review of Risk Posed by Applicants. After applications are proposed for funding by the Approving Official and prior to the issuance of an award, the OSMRE Grants Office will conduct an assessment of the risk posed by the applicant in accordance with 2 CFR 200.206. In addition to reviewing repositories of government- wide eligibility, qualification or financial integrity information, the risk assessment conducted by OSMRE will conduct the following:

(a) Review of applicants single audit submitted to Federal Audit Clearinghouse

(b) Review of applicants most recent independent audit

(c) Completion of financial capability questionnaire.

(8) The financial stability of an applicant; quality of the applicant’s management systems; an applicant’s history of performance; previous audit reports and audit findings concerning the applicant; the applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities. Upon review of these factors, if appropriate, specific award conditions that correspond to the degree of risk may be applied by the OSMRE Grants Office pursuant to 2 CFR 200.208. In addition, OSMRE reserves the right to reject an application in its entirety where information is uncovered that raises a significant risk with respect to the responsibility or suitability of the applicant.

(9) Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates. Review of applications, selection of successful applicants, and award processing is expected to be completed approximately 60 – 120 days after the end of the review process.

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information See the OSMRE Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards. OSMRE will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates Successful applicant will receive a Financial Assistance award notifying them that the project has been…