Foa_M23AS00350 5-24-23.docx

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M23AS00350

06/26/2023

Signature Date

Table of Contents

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

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

43 U.S.C. 1345(e) gives the Interior Secretary general authority to enter into cooperative agreements with affected States for purposes which are consistent with OCSLA. Such agreements may include, but need not be limited to, the sharing of information (in accordance with 43 U.S.C. 1352), the joint utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint planning and review, and the formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

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

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a bureau of the Department of the Interior (DOI), is responsible for managing the exploration and development of energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM’s mission is to promote economic development and energy independence while ensuring protection of the environment. To ensure that the nation receives the best value for its resources, the Marine Minerals Program (MMP) actively seeks out and generates information to support decision-making both in the DOI and in coastal states and local governments. The MMP also has stewardship responsibilities over OCS marine minerals, whether critical, strategic, or economic.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), Section 1331 encourages state participation in policy and planning decisions related to OCS resources. OCLSA Section 1336 authorizes leasing of minerals on the OCS. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

Cooperative partnerships for marine minerals investigations have successfully been completed since 1994.

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

15.424 Authorization Legislation 43 U.S.C. 1345(e) gives the Interior Secretary general authority to enter into cooperative agreements with affected States for purposes which are consistent with OCSLA. Such agreements may include, but need not be limited to, the sharing of information (in accordance with 43 U.S.C. 1352), the joint utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint planning and review, and the formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

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

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

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $600,000 This section should specify the amount authorized for the entire program, not individual awards. Sample Text: 'The total amount of federal funds available is anticipated to be $32,000,000.'

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $600,000 Minimum Award Amount $600,000 If Minimum/Maximum Award Amounts do not apply, mark as 0$ and add a thorough explanation in the text field below.

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date September 01, 2023 Provide award date and specify any rolling deadlines.

B4. Period of Performance As applicable, describe the anticipated periods of performance for awards issued through this funding opportunity Length of Project Periods 48-month project period with four 12-month budget periods Length of Project Period Explanation of Other Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months For multi-year projects, outline multi-year project period and funding structure. (i.e. total amount of money allocated each year and how it will be provided.)

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

Expected Number of Awards

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

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

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

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

06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Additional Information on Eligibility Explanation required if “Others” is selected.

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

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

C3. Other Excluded Parties:

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

Insert additional eligibility criteria.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package In the following text field, provide information for potential applicants on how to get application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply. Specify if this Notice of Funding Opportunity contains everything needed or if applicants must go elsewhere to complete all documentation requirements The application must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal at "Apply for Grants." The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.424 or this announcement in the Grants.gov search engine. See sections D3 and D7 for more information on the application process.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance SF-424a Budget Information SF-424b Assurances – Non-Construction Programs Project Narrative Form (including Proposal Cover Sheet described below) Budget Narrative Form GG Certification Regarding Lobbying Form (Complete the Optional SF-LLL Lobbying form only if lobbying has occurred) The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: SF 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: SF 424D, Assurances for Construction Programs Project Summary There is an Administration and Department interest in identifying potential domestic sources of critical minerals. BOEM is responsible for managing energy and mineral resources on the Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), a key component of potential mineral resources. BOEM’s mission involves providing access to OCS energy and mineral resources to meet both national and local needs while ensuring protection of the environment.

Identifying new sources of critical minerals requires a focused, ongoing effort to evaluate the domestic potential of both conventional and unconventional resources. The lack of geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, topographic, and bathymetric mapping at the scale required for mineral resource assessments and private sector exploration is a critical information gap that must be closed to facilitate domestic development. Less than 35 percent of the Nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been bathymetrically mapped with modern methods, and much less has been geologically mapped or characterized with enough resolution to facilitate mineral assessments This award will fund a collaborative effort by University and BOEM’s Marine Mineral Program staff to: Characterize the marine minerals in the OCS and provide information useful for leasing or other regulatory aspects like resource evaluation and management. The primary beneficiary of this effort will be the affected states, local governments, and universities who can use the information gain to plan for industry changes, municipal infrastructure, plan labor force and experience in integration of high tech to minimize the impacts of scientific studies.

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

1. Project Title:

2. PI(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

iv. E-mail:

3. Name of University/Department:

4. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

5. Project Status: New/Continuation

6. Project Duration: (years or months)

7. Proposed Start Date:

8. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

9. Proposed Completion Date:

10. Amount Requested From BOEM:

11. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

12. Total Project Cost:

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

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

15. Signature, Name and Contact Information of Sponsoring University’s Office of Sponsored Programs

Proposal Text The proposal must be in 11–12 point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1"-page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Text, figures, etc. in support of items 1-10 below should be no longer than 15 pages. The proposal should include how the applicant will comply with the SAND EA as described in D6.

Please include the following in the Proposal:

1. Abstract

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

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

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

5. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: Applicants shall provide plans for executing the duties of the awardee listed in Section F3.

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

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

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

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

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

11. Budget Justification Narrative: See below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Amount Proposed. Total items 10 and 11.

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

(a) Applicability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The following header will display if this checkbox is selected: 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 if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

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

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

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

D4. Submission Dates and Times Notice of Funding Opportunities must identify due dates and times for all submissions according to 2 CFR 200, Appendix I, section D (4). Review and address all of the 2 CFR 200-Appendix I requirements for this section. These include clearly stating deadlines in terms of date and local time (Please Note: Grants.gov uses Eastern Time); what the deadline means and if submission method affects it; and the effect of missing a deadline. Format the information in this section so that it is easy to understand and use. A tabular format or checklist may be more helpful than narrative paragraphs.] This includes not only the full applications but also any preliminary submissions (e.g., letters of intent, white papers, or pre-applications). It also includes any other submissions of information before Federal award that are separate from the full application. If the funding opportunity is a general Notice of Funding Opportunity that is open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications, this section should say so.

Application Due Date 06/26/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Required, if applicable. If the funding opportunity is subject to Executive Order 12372, 'Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,' the notice must say so. In alerting applicants that they must contact their state's Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the state's process under Executive Order 12372, it may be useful to inform potential applicants that the names and addresses of the SPOCs are listed in the Office of Management and Budget's Web site. www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

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 Notices must include information on funding restrictions in order to allow an applicant to develop an application and budget consistent with program requirements. Examples are whether construction is an allowable activity, if there are any limitations on direct costs such as foreign travel or equipment purchases, and if there are any limits on indirect costs (or facilities and administrative costs). Applicants must be advised if Federal awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs.

Indirect Costs: Individuals Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

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

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

We are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prohibited Uses of Awards Funds Add any additional program restrictions here.

Reimbursement of Pre-Award Costs No

D7. Other Submission Requirements This section must address any other submission requirements not included in the other paragraphs of this section.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

E. Application Review Information This section must address the criteria that the Federal awarding agency will use to evaluate applications. This includes the merit and other review criteria that evaluators will use to judge applications, including any statutory, regulatory, or other preferences (e.g., minority status or Native American tribal preferences) that will be applied in the review process.

E1. Criteria Author Instructions: All Competitive programs must design formal application evaluation and selection procedures before posting Notices of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. Programs must document these procedures in writing and either describe them in full, or incorporate them by reference, in all Notices of Funding Opportunity. Describe all criteria and sub-criteria used to evaluate applications, including merit and other criteria used to judge applications. Include any statutory, regulatory, or other preferences applicable to the process and provide a detailed explanation of those and their effect (e.g., result in additional points). These criteria are different from eligibility criteria addressed before accepting an application for review and any program policy applied during selection after the review process is complete. The intent is to be transparent about the process so all applicants have a fair opportunity to address those in their applications. If cost sharing will be considered in the review (as opposed to being treated as an eligibility criterion), specifically address how it will be considered (e.g., results in additional points, or to break ties between applicants with equivalent scores after evaluation of all other factors). Clearly state any restrictions on the types of costs that are acceptable as cost sharing

1. Scientific quality and impact: Has the applicant clearly and thoroughly explained the hypotheses and relevance to MMP’s mission?

2. Work plan/Methodology: Is the strategy clear? Are proposed methods adequate to meet objectives? Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate?