foa-weaverville comm forest stewardship (final).docx

[Attachment B] Budget Detail Page 7

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:

BLM OR-WA (for Redding, CA) Weaverville Community Forest Stewardship

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:

L15AS00163

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:

Request for Applications Issued: June 11, 2015

CFDA NUMBER & TITLE:

15.233 - Forests & Woodlands Resource Management

LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY:

STEWARDSHIP END RESULTS CONTRACTING PROJECTS, Section 347(a) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (16 U.S.C. 2104 note; Public Law 105-277, as amended)

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:

Monday, August 10, 2015, 2:30 PM Pacific Time

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management OR-WA State Office

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

for Federal Financial Assistance

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Walter B. Ullrey, Grants Management Specialist Telephone 503-808-6302, Email: wullrey@blm.gov

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

STEWARDSHIP END RESULTS CONTRACTING PROJECTS, Section 347(a) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (16 U.S.C. 2104 note; Public Law 105-277, as amended), Public Law 113-76, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, authorizes the Bureau of Land Management to enter into stewardship projects via agreement or contract as appropriate. Such projects involve services that achieve land management goals on BLM lands that meet local and rural community needs. Further, the BLM may apply the value of timber or other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of services received.

2. Description of Program and/or Project

a. Background: In 2005 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) entered into a 10-year Stewardship Agreement with the Trinity County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD) to manage the Weaverville Community Forest (WCF). These lands, approximately 1,000 acres of BLM-managed land within the Weaverville Basin, were up for disposal preceding the agreement. A trade was proposed to trade these lands with Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI), but the public outcry was immense. While multiple community meetings took place, the Stewardship Authority became available at about this same time. The BLM entered into a stewardship agreement with TCRCD at that time, and it has become a showpiece of successful stewardship cooperative agreements. Three forest health timber sales occurred in the area, firewood was sold to the community, Christmas trees planted, roads maintained and unapproved trails closed, and an experimental thinning and burning of oak woodlands has occurred. The agreement has been very successful.

b. Objectives: Now that the original agreement with TCRCD has expired, the BLM would like to develop and support another ten-year stewardship agreement for the WCF. The area lands supported with a new stewardship agreement would expand to include more BLM-managed land within the Weaverville Basin, bringing the total land within the agreement area to just over 3,000 acres. Forest health timber sales, broadcast burning, firewood sales, etc., are expected to continue. One main objective to be supported in the new agreement is to continue the community relationship the BLM has now developed with the management of these lands. A steering committee is currently in place comprised of TCRCD, BLM, USFS, and interested members of the community, including former logging professionals and environmental advocates. The BLM plans to continue to utilize the steering committee to provide input into the decision-making process regarding these lands, and continue to offer forest products, in the form of timber, firewood, biomass, etc., to the local community of Weaverville, CA. Also, recipient(s) will be expected to facilitate public outreach meetings on a yearly basis to discuss projects within the Weaverville Community Forest.

c. Public Benefit: The public would benefit from this agreement by having continued intense stewardship involvement with the lands located in the Weaverville basin. This agreement helps the public, through the partnership as well as the steering committee, to have a strong unified voice in the management of these lands. Awarding a new stewardship agreement would also help avoid interruption of the economic benefits received from the sale of the forest products of the area, as well as the benefits of service work jobs related to the agreement, all of which help improve the local economy. With the BLM's support, this agreement will help to better involve the community in the NEPA process, as well as incorporate public opinion into how public lands within their community are managed. The community brings a wealth of knowledge and history of the land to the table and with the BLM's support, can help land managers make better and more informed decisions.

3. Program/Project Performance Goals

In addition to developing and submitting an Annual Operating Plan (AOP) specifying to work to be accomplished (the AOP will be included as a part of this agreement through modification to the agreement). The following general goals and their measurements will be part of any agreement:

Performance Goals (Measures):

1) Assist with Inventory of Forest/Woodland vegetation (Acres inventoried).

2) Assist with Preparing of Vegetative Permits and Contracts (Permits/contracts issued).

3) Assist with Restoring Forest and Woodlands Through Sales (Acres restored).

4) Assist with Restoring Forest and Woodlands through Development (Acres restored through development).

Note: Specific Performance Goals and Measures may differ, as needed, to correspond with applicant proposals.

4. Stewardship Cooperative Agreement Requirements:

a. Any payment for work performed will be made in accordance with the Payments section of this agreement.

b. The value of service work and the value of forest products being removed will be documented in a statement of account.

c. If any forest products are removed, a Forest Product Sale (FPS) contract for the disposal will be attached to the agreement and the AOP, as often as appropriate.

d. In the event unused, established Stewardship Credits (SC) exist after all of the included products have been cut and removed, the BLM and the recipient will work together to determine if the BLM will add more products or make cash payment to the recipient for the unused SCs.

e. In the event the value of the included products exceeds the total value of all of the mandatory service work plus any optional activities, if identified in the AOP and for which the recipient has completed services, the recipient shall make cash payment for the excess product value. Payments will begin in the first month that excess receipts have accumulated and continue monthly based on harvested volume and value.

f. Recipient agrees to establish SCs, make cash payment, installment payments or provide a payment or performance bond equal to the value of the product in advance of product removal.

g. Recipient shall provide the Recipient Certification - Earned Stewardship Credits Invoice to the Government for each portion of service work for which credit will be given. Each statement shall identify the specific work that has been accomplished. Upon approval by the BLM Program Officer, SCs will be earned.

h. The value of forest products to be removed shall be negotiated within each FPS contract. The product value(s) shall apply for the duration of applicable the forest product contract (1-3 years). Whenever an FPS is negotiated for product removal, the PO and the recipient shall determine product value rates.

i. Unit prices for service work (rates) may be adjusted on an annual basis and shall be documented in the AOP.

5. Stewardship-Specific Definitions:

a. Annual Operating Plan (AOP): Plan of work developed annually by the Recipient and BLM to identify the following year’s program of work, including service work items and rates, required design features, silviculture prescriptions, forest products available for removal and best management practices.

b. Biomass - Any portion of any tree available for cutting and removal, which does not meet the utilization standards for sawlog specifications as defined in this agreement and/or Exhibit B of the forest product sale contract. This material includes non-sawlog quality products.

c. Brush - A woody perennial plant such as mountain mahogany.

d. Chip - The product of chipping of undesirable vegetation.

e. Cut-tree - A tree that is designated by the BLM for felling, and may be marked with blue paint at and above the stump, or via prescription or description.

f. DBH - Diameter at breast height; the diameter of a tree measured at a point 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree.

g. Forest Product or Vegetation Removal Contract Forms - Three forest product sale (FPS) contract forms may be used in conjunction with this stewardship agreement: Form 5450-1, Vegetative Resources Sale; Form 5450-3, Lump Sum Sale; and Form 5450-4, Scale Sale.

h. Hand pile - A pile that is constructed by laying limbs, stems, cut boles, and other slash in the pile so as to be parallel with each other. Slash that causes large air spaces in piles shall be cut to eliminate air spaces. Piles shall be compact, dirt free, and constructed to promote efficient combustion. The Government shall specify pile size, as determined by the requirement to meet resource or prescribed fire objectives.

i. Kelly Humps - An earthen berm 4 to 6 feet in height and placed at a right angle to the road or trail in order to deny vehicle access.

j. Landing - Area used to stage and load forest products just prior to removal from the block.

k. Leave Tree - A tree that is designated by the BLM, for ecological reasons as required to leave, and may be marked with orange paint, or via prescription or description.

l. Lop and scatter – To cut and scatter all existing slash so that all top and side branches are free of the central stem so that the slash is reduced to within the height limit specified by the Government. Central stem length shall not exceed six feet.

m. Machine pile –A pile that is constructed by laying limbs, stems, cut boles, and other slash in the pile so as to be parallel with each other. Slash that causes large air spaces in piles shall be cut to eliminate air spaces. Piles shall be compact, dirt free, and constructed to promote efficient combustion. The Government shall specify pile size, as determined by the requirement to meet resource or prescribed fire objectives.

n. Mastication - The mowing/mulching/chipping of undesirable vegetation. Slash created during mastication shall not exceed 3 inches diameter and 18 inches in length and shall be spread to a depth of no more than 6 inches in depth, or as specified by the Government.

o. Other Vegetative Resources - Vegetative material that is not normally measured in board feet, but can be sold or removed from public lands by means of the issuance of a contract or permit.

p. Product Value - the appraised value of timber or the fair market value of other vegetative resources.

q. Project Area - The area where all operations must be contained within, with the exception of hauling

r. Restricted Area - Areas delineated by flagging for the purpose of protecting sensitive plants or heritage resources. The areas are marked on the ground.

s. Slash -Vegetative debris generated by Recipient’s operation (i.e. limbs and tops).

t. Snag - Any dead standing tree.

u. Stewardship Credit (SC): SCs are credits that are earned and established when service work listed in the AOP has been performed and accepted by the Government. SCs shall be earned at the rate agreed to in the AOP. SCs are earned based upon actual quantities of service work accomplished and accepted by the BLM. Credits will not be earned for product removal; however, SCs may be earned for cutting, skidding, etc. if those activities are service work items within the AOP.

v. Stump Height -Shall not exceed 6 inches measured from the ground on the uphill side for sawlogs or 4 inches for un-merchantable material; or 4 inches above natural obstacles (boulders, wildlife logs, etc.).

w. Thinning – cutting or removal of specified trees. The number and type of trees to be removed will be specified in the AOP.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Award Instrument

a. Successful applicant(s) will be awarded a Financial Assistance Stewardship Cooperative Agreement.

b. Substantial Involvement: There will be substantive BLM programmatic involvement through the BLM Program Officer (PO) collaborating with the Recipient's Project Officer (RPO) to manage all stages of project development, implementation, and evaluation. Recipients and the BLM will share responsibility for project management, control, and direction although the BLM will have the right to intervene by modifying the project management plan if the project is not staying on schedule or technical issues arise.

c. All stewardship cooperative agreements shall be awarded on a "best value" basis. Best value is defined as the expected outcome that, in the government's estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the funding opportunity announcement.

3. Total Funding Expected to be Awarded through this Announcement

a. $20,000.00 Initial Funding

b. $500,000.00 Estimated Funding over the life of the Agreement

5. Estimated Start Date Approximately September 1, 2015

6. Estimated Period of Performance Specific Periods of Performance (POP) of agreements resulting from this announcement may vary depending on the requirements of the proposals to be supported. The maximum term of any agreement resulting from this announcement is ten (10) years from its effective date.

7. No Obligation to Award The BLM is under no obligation to award funds for this project. Only BLM Grants Management Officers (GMO) may obligate funds for financial assistance.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Application Package This announcement includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.

a. Provide a valid DUNS number (Dun & Bradstreet Universal Numbering System) on its application. DUNS numbers are nine-digit numbers established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. DUNS numbers may be obtained free of charge from Dun & Bradstreet, Inc., at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling them at (877) 930-5228.

b. Being registered in SAM (System for Award Management, www.SAM.gov) is required. SAM is the Official U.S. Government system that consolidated the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS. There is no fee to register at this site. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at: http://www.sam.gov.

c. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

Form Name and Number

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

SF-424B Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Project Proposal (Attachment A)

Budget Detail (Attachment B)

Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA, if applicable)

a. Project Proposal (Attachment A)

1) Attachment A is a suggested project proposal template and may be used when submitting your proposal. The proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a type-face no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15 page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B.)

2) All proposals are confidential.

b. Budget Detail (Attachment B)

1) Use the Budget Detail form (Attachment B) to present the breakdown of your estimated costs by category needed to accomplish project activities. Estimated costs should be described in sufficient detail so that they may be checked for reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed. Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detail breakdown of how the costs were arrived at. No profit or fees are allowable.

2) Budget details should be broken down into the following categories:

(a) Personnel Costs. Salaries or wages of employees working directly on this agreement project, indicate program manager and other key personnel by name and title. Other personnel may be indicated by title alone. For all positions, indicate salaries or wages and estimated hours or percent of time to be spent on the agreement.

(b) Fringe Benefit Costs. The costs of fringe benefits of employees working directly on this agreement project. Indicate rates/amounts, what costs are included in this category, and the basis of the rate computations. Federally approved rate agreements are acceptable for compliance with this item.

(c) Travel Costs. The estimated costs for travel related to agreement activities. Include the purpose of trip, destination, number of persons traveling, length of stay, and all travel costs including airfare, per diem, lodging, and miscellaneous travel-related expenses. For local travel, include mileage and rate of compensation. If applicable, indicate that the costs are per your organization's written travel policy. Current Federal per diem rates (the maximum allowances that federal employees are reimbursed for expenses incurred while on official travel) may be found at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.

(d) Equipment Costs. Equipment is defined as expendable tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one (1) year and an acquisition cost of more than $5,000.00, or a value which reaches the capitalization threshold level established by the organization for financial statement purposes.

(e) Supply Costs. The costs of consumable supplies and materials to be used for agreement activities. List each item and quantity individually.

(f) Contractual Costs. Include estimated costs of proposed professional and technical consultants and contractors participating on the project. Identify all work that will be accomplished, including a breakdown of all tasks to be completed, and a detailed budget estimate of time, rates, supplies, and materials that will be required for each task. Any changes or additions will require a request for approval. Procurement procedures must comply with 2 CFR Parts 200.317 through 200.326.

(g) Construction Costs. The cost of any construction directly related to the project activities.

(h) Other Costs. The cost of items not listed above and which do not fit in any other category, such as the cost of duplicating and printing, equipment rental, postage, etc. No profit or fee will be allowed.

(i) Total Direct Costs. The sum of categories (a) through (h).

(j) Indirect Costs.

(1) If indirect costs will be charged to the project, complete this section and show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for allowable indirect costs. It is not acceptable to simply incorporate indirect rates within other direct cost line items.

(2) Include a copy of any federally approved negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).

(3) If your organization has never had a NICRA, the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO) may allow an indirect cost rate of up to 10% of your base modified total direct costs (MTDC). MTDC includes all salaries and wages, fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subgrants and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each. Include the computational basis for the indirect expense pool and corresponding allocation base for your rate.

(4) Information on obtaining a NICRA, "Preparing and Submitting Indirect Cost Proposals," is available from the Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Indirect Cost Section, at http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/services/ICS.aspx.

(k) Total Costs. The total of both direct and indirect costs estimated to be expended on this agreement's activities.

4. Submission Dates and Times See announcement cover sheet for the deadline (date and time) for submission of applications. Applications must be received by the BLM prior to the posted deadline. Any application received after the deadline for submission may not be considered for award unless it can be determined the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling.

a. All applicants should register at www.Grants.Gov and all applications should be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov unless other arrangements are made and approved of in advance of the submission deadline. If you have any questions or problems with the registration or application submission process, contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4726, or go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/troubleshooting.html for online help.

b. Applications submitted through www.Grants.gov are considered to be electronically signed applications.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this funding opportunity announcement and which are determined to be outside the scope of the legislative authority listed above.

Award may be made to responsive eligible applicants submitting proposals which conform to the funding opportunity announcement and which are most advantageous to the Government considering the evaluation factors listed below.

The evaluation process will be comprised of the following three screening levels:

2. Basic Eligibility Screening

b. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.

3. Risk Management and Merit Review Evaluation

a. Risk Management.

1) The BLM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate the risk posed by supporting applicants' projects before it awards Federal funds.

3) If the BLM determines that a Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award.

b. Merit Review Evaluation. Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria using numerical scoring based on a 100 point maximum score.

4. Application Selection Process

a. Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by an ad hoc evaluation team assembled to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award using the above evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or more qualified personnel familiar with the program and who have been certified to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for award.

b. Reviews are treated as confidential documents. Once award decisions are made, applicants may request in writing a written summary of the evaluation of their application/proposal.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Uniform Guidance (Effective December 26, 2014) On December 26, 2013, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published its Final Rule for the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards with guidance for agency implementation (see 2 CFR Part 200 and Federal Register Volume 78, No. 248). The Uniform Guidance streamlines the Federal Government's administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards including grants and cooperative agreements. The Uniform Guidance supersedes OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110, and A-122; Circulars A-89, A-102, and A-133; and the guidance in Circular A-50, Audit Follow-up.) The Uniform Guidance provides a government-wide framework for Federal awards management, and is a key component of a larger Federal effort to more effectively focus Federal resources on improving Federal awards performance and outcomes while ensuring the financial integrity of taxpayer dollars in partnership with non-Federal stakeholders. This OMB guidance reform will reduce the administrative burden for non-Federal financial assistance recipients while reducing the risk of waste, fraud and mismanagement.

2. Federal Award Notices

a. Any award made from this announcement will be based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and will be regulated by OMB's Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

b. Acceptance. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down of funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Costs may not be incurred before the effective date listed on the award. Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, carries with it the responsibility to be aware of, and comply with, the administrative and national policy requirements and terms and conditions of award.

3. Reporting

Periodic submission of Federal Financial reports (SF-425) and Performance/Progress reports will be required under this financial assistance agreement. Submission of financial and performance/progress reports may be required either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

4. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. By accepting additional Federal funding under the current Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreement in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. OMB guidance is available at the following web site: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subtitleA.tpl

b. Administrative Requirements.

1) 2 CFR Part 200 Subparts A through D - Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost Principles.

2) 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F - Audit Requirements. Non-Federal entities that expend $750,000.00, or more, in federal awards in a single year shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.

3) Indirect Facilities and Administration (F&A) Costs.

(a) 2 CFR Part 200.414 - Indirect (F&A) Costs

(b) 2 CFR, Appendix III to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)

(c) Appendix IV to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Nonprofit Organizations

(d) Appendix V to Part 200 - State/Local Government-wide Central Service Cost Allocation Plans

(1) The provisions of 2 CFR 200.414(c) require Federal agencies to accept federally negotiated indirect cost rates. The BLM has applied the following policies, procedures and general decision-making criteria for deviations from negotiated Indirect Cost Rates for financial assistance programs and agreements.

(2) Distribution Basis. For all deviations to the Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, including statutory, regulatory, programmatic, and voluntary, the basis of direct costs against which the indirect cost rate is applied must be:

(i) The same base identified in the recipient’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, if the recipient has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement; or

(ii) The Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base in cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, with prior approval of the Awarding Agency, when the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages) and the use of the MTDC still results in an overall reduction in the total indirect cost recovered. MTDC is the base defined by 2 CFR 200.68, "Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)."

(iii) In cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, under no circumstances will the Department use a modified rate based upon Total Direct Cost or other base not identified in the federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or defined within 2 CFR 200.68. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that the reduced rate is applied against a base that does not include any potentially distorting items (such as pass-through funds, subcontracts in excess of $25,000, and participant support costs) and is based on the requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.68; 2 CFR 200.414(f); 2 CFR 200 Appendix III, Section C.2.; 2 CFR 200 Appendix IV, Section B.3.f.; and Appendix VII, Section C.2.c.

(3) Indirect Cost Rate Reductions Used as Cost-Share. Instances where the recipient elects to use a rate lower than the federally negotiated indirect cost rate, and uses the balance of the unrecovered indirect costs to meet a cost-share or matching requirement required by the program and/or statute, are not considered a deviation from 2 CFR 200.414(c) as the federally negotiated indirect cost rate is being applied under the agreement in order to meet the terms and conditions of the award.

c. Program Legislation and/or Regulations.

5. Standard Award Terms and Conditions

a. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (contact your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

b. Funding.

1) Awards shall be funded subject to availability of BLM funding. Initial funding does not guarantee additional funding in subsequent years.

2) Once the grant or cooperative agreement is signed by a BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO), funding is obligated and the recipient may incur approved costs beginning on the effective date of the award and as specified in their submitted and approved budget.

c. Payment Mechanism. BLM requires the use of the United States Department of the Treasury, Financial Management System, Automated Standard Application for Payment system (ASAP). The ASAP system (https://www.asap.gov) is a recipient-initiated, on-line payment and information system. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project reimbursable costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.

d. Conflicts of Interest. The Recipient must establish safeguards to prohibit its employees and sub-recipients from using their positions for purposes that constitute or present the appearance of a personal or organizational conflict of interest. The Recipient is responsible for notifying the Grants Management Officer (GMO) in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest which may include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient and/or recipient's employees and sub-recipients in the matter.

6. Special Award Terms and Conditions:

a. Liability, Insurance, and Indemnification. Recipients of awards arising from this announcement will be required to agree to the following:

1) Liability. The BLM assumes no liability for any actions or activities conducted under this agreement except to the extent that recourse or remedies are provided by Congress under the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 USC 2671.

2) Insurance. The recipient will be required to (1) obtain liability insurance or (2) demonstrate present financial resources in an amount determined sufficient by the Government to cover claims brought by third parties for death, bodily injury, property damage, or other loss resulting from one or more identified activities carried out in connection with this financial assistance agreement.

3) Insured. The federal government shall be named as an additional insured under the recipient's insurance policy.

4) Indemnification. The recipient hereby agrees:

(a) To indemnify the federal government, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), from any act or omission of the recipient, its officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, as appropriate) (1) against third party claims for damages arising from one or more activities carried out in connection with this financial assistance agreement and (2) for damage or loss to government property resulting from such an activity, to the extent the laws of the State where the recipient is located permit. This obligation shall survive the termination of this agreement.

(b) To purchase public and employee liability insurance at its own expense from a responsible company or companies with a minimum limitation of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per person for any one claim, and an aggregate limitation of three million dollars ($3,000,000.00) for any number of claims arising from any one incident. The policies shall name the United States as an additional insured, shall specify that the insured shall have no right of subrogation against the United States for payments of any premiums or deductibles due thereunder, and shall specify that the insurance shall be assumed by, be for the account of, and be at the insured's sole risk. Prior to beginning the activities authorized herein, the recipient shall provide the BLM with confirmation of such insurance coverage. Each policy shall have a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage and identifying the assistance agreement number.

(c) To pay the United States the full value for all damage to the lands or other property of the United States caused by the recipient, its officers, employees, or (members, participants, agents, representatives, agents as appropriate).

(d) To provide workers' compensation protection to the recipient’s officers, employees, and representatives.

(e) To cooperate with the BLM in the investigation and defense of any claims that may be filed with the BLM arising out of the activities of the recipient, its agents, and employees.

(f) In the event of damage to or destruction of the buildings and facilities assigned for the use of the recipient in whole or in part by any cause whatsoever, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the BLM to replace or repair the buildings or facilities. If the BLM determines in writing, after consultation with the recipient that damage to the buildings or portions thereof renders such buildings unsuitable for continued use by the recipient, the BLM shall assume sole control over such buildings or portions thereof. If the buildings or facilities rendered unsuitable for use are essential for conducting operations authorized under this agreement, then failure to substitute and assign other facilities acceptable to the recipient will constitute termination of this agreement by the BLM.

(e) Flow-down. For the purposes of this clause, "recipient" includes such sub-recipients, contractors, or subcontractors as, in the judgment of the recipient and subject to the Government's determination of sufficiency, have sufficient resources and/or maintain adequate and appropriate insurance to achieve the purposes of this clause.

(f) Identified Activities. All activities carried out in connection with financial assistance arising from this funding opportunity announcement.

b. Recipients must successfully complete an appropriate Defensive Driving Course before operating a Government-owned vehicle (GOV).

c. Recipients must successfully complete appropriate safety and training requirements before operating Government-owned equipment, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or other Government-furnished property (GFP).

d. Recipient/Sub-recipient Personnel Security and Suitability Requirements.

1) If performance of this grant/cooperative agreement requires recipient/sub-recipient personnel to have a Federal government-issued personal identification card before being allowed unsupervised access to a DOI facility and/or information system, the BLM Program Officer will be the sponsoring official, and will make the arrangements for personal identity verification and card issuance.

3) Recipient and sub-recipient employees are required to give, and to authorize others to give, full, frank, and truthful answers to relevant and material questions needed to reach a suitability determination. Refusal or failure to furnish or authorize provision of information may constitute grounds for denial or revocation of credentials. Government personnel may contact the recipient or sub-recipient personnel being screened or investigated in person, by telephone or in writing, and the recipient agrees to make them available for such contact.

4) Alternatively, if an individual has already been credentialed by another agency through OPM, and that credential has not yet expired, further clearance may not be necessary. Provide the sponsoring office with documentation that supports the individual’s status.

5) During performance of the grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will keep the Program Officer apprised of changes in personnel to ensure that performance is not delayed by compliance with credentialing processes. Cards that have been lost, damaged, or stolen must be reported to the Program Officer, Grants Management Officer, and Issuing Office within 24 hours. Replacement will be at the recipient’s expense. If reissuance of expired credentials is needed, it will be coordinated through the Program Officer.

6) At the end of grant/cooperative agreement’s performance, or when a recipient/sub-recipient employee is no longer working under this grant/cooperative agreement, the recipient will ensure that all identification cards are returned to the Program Officer. Before starting work under this agreement, a National Agency Check (NAC) will be conducted to verify the identity of the individual applying for clearance. Upon successful completion of the NAC process, an identification card will be issued and access granted.

7) Simultaneously, a NAC with Inquiries (NACI) will be initiated to determine the individual’s suitability for the position. If the NACI adjudication is favorable, nothing more needs to be done. If the adjudication is unfavorable, the credentials will be revoked. In the event of a disagreement between the recipient and the Government concerning the suitability of an individual to perform work under this grant/cooperative agreement, DOI shall have the right of final determination.

8) This requirement must be incorporated into any sub-grants/cooperative agreements that require sub-recipient personnel to have unsupervised access to a Federally controlled facility for more than 180 calendar days or unsupervised access to a Federally controlled Level 3 or 4 information system.

9) Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Training. Before the recipient, or any of its employees or sub-recipients, are granted access to the BLM Federal computer system they must first successfully complete the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) Federal Information Systems Security Awareness Online Course. This course was designed specifically for users of Federal computer systems. The course is a Web-based training product that explains the importance of Information Systems Security and takes approximately one hour to complete. This course is mandatory for all Department of the Interior employees, contractors, recipients, and all other users of DOI computer resources. Topics covered in the course include: threats and vulnerabilities, malicious code, user responsibilities, and new developments affecting Information Systems Security.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS

For questions, contact one of the individuals listed on the front cover of this announcement.

H. OTHER INFORMATION

Link to the OR/WA State Office Public Web Site for Federal Financial Assistance:

http://www.blm.gov/or/procurement/agreements.php

END

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Version 1 1/2015

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

OR/WA State Office Grants & Cooperative Agreements

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Instructions: A Project Proposal must be submitted with the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Financial Assistance for all Financial Assistance Agreements. A new proposal must be included with any request for modification which involves a revision to funding, project scope, period of performance, or key personnel.

Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.:

Date:

Organization Name:

Project Title:

Name & Title of Person Submitting Proposal:

* If a specific start work date is needed, contact your BLM Program Officer. Do not start work without prior approval from the Grants Management Officer.

2. Technical Approach:

(Describe how the project will be conducted. The project design must contain enough detail to show the development of the project, including the relationship between the partners, milestones, and objectives. Clearly describe the techniques, procedures, and methodologies to be used; the data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation; the expected results and/or outcomes; and the procedures for evaluating project effectiveness, including appropriate performance measures and the probabilities of obtaining them.)

3. Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance:

(Describe who will carry out the project activities. List all project personnel, including consultants, contractors, sub-recipients, etc., and their contact information. Describe their responsibilities and the amount of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to successfully achieve the stated objectives.)

[Attachment A]

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

OR/WA State Office Grants & Cooperative Agreements

BUDGET DETAIL

Instructions: Starting with the same budget amounts as listed on the SF-424A Budget Information form, use this worksheet to show details of the estimated costs. Provide enough information that costs may be analyzed for reasonableness as compared to costs or work of similar size and scope. Use the Narrative boxes as necessary to explain each cost.

Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.:

D…