Full_Announcement.docx

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Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
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G27AS00074
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This is a Cooperative Agreement announcement for an affiliated partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to develop modeling tools for predicting non-native fish invasion in Northwestern freshwater aquatic habitats. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering one cooperative agreement with a total estimated funding of $360,000 for a two-year budget period, with funds fully obligated at time of award. The project aims to predict invasion likelihood of non-native fishes such as brook trout and smallmouth bass in stream networks, co-produce models to predict management outcomes under different invasion scenarios, and facilitate application of results to protect native bull trout and other species. The work aligns with Executive Order 14313 (Make America Beautiful Again Commission), Executive Order 14276 (Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness), and Secretarial Order 3447 (Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access).

Eligible recipients must be participating partners of the Pacific Northwest CESU Program, and applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number G27AS00074. Required application materials include a cover page with project details, principal investigator and authorized representative information, a technical narrative addressing introduction and problem statement, objectives, procedures and methods, planned products and dissemination strategy, project schedule and timeline, references cited, and budget narrative organized by object class categories with corresponding SF-424A forms. The budget must include detailed breakdowns of personnel (with names, titles, rates, and effort levels), fringe benefits, supplies, equipment with justifications and quotes, contractual services, travel (with GSA-compliant per diem rates), other direct costs, and indirect costs at the CESU-approved rate of 17.5%. Applications will be evaluated on research topic alignment with objectives and DOI priorities (30 points), experience of recipient (25 points), work plan clarity and appropriateness (25 points), and budget justification and clarity (20 points). Recipients must submit annual progress reports within 90 calendar days of each agreement year anniversary, a final technical report within 120 days of the performance period end date, annual SF-425 Federal Financial Reports within 90 days of each annual period, and must comply with USGS data management plan requirements, geospatial data standards, publication acknowledgment and disclaimer requirements, and Department of the Interior library submission requirements.

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Cooperative Agreement for Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU)-affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest CESU

Funding Opportunity Description

Freshwater aquatic habitats in the Northwest sustain native fish such as bull trout, salmon, and lamprey that are important to the region’s food economy, outdoor recreation, and as Tribal resources. However, increasing water temperatures and fluctuating precipitation can increase the vulnerability of these habitats and native species to biological invasions. Among non-native species that are known threats to the iconic native bull trout are brook trout and smallmouth bass. This project aims to inform freshwater ecosystem management by developing a modeling tool that predicts the likelihood of non-native fish invasion and impacts in the Northwest under different future scenarios and management approaches. The modeling tools will help decision-makers evaluate and prioritize actions that safeguard native bull trout and freshwater streams from the impacts of non-native fishes and interacting environmental stressors.

This work advances EO 14313 Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission (July 3, 2025) by evaluating fish, wildlife, and habitat to inform species recovery efforts and management plans at federal, state, and Tribal levels. It also advances science-based conservation of natural resources and strengthens the ability of agencies and communities to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems from biological degradation. Additionally, this work supports EO 14276 -Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness (April 17, 2025) and SO 3447 -Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters (January 7, 2026) by providing science to improve fisheries management, sustain access to recreational fishing, and safeguard the region’s cultural and economic interests.

Projects supported under this cooperative agreement should advance Administration priorities, including, but not limited to, American energy dominance, critical mineral development, water security, infrastructure resilience, and natural hazard preparedness. Research and activities may incorporate scientific expertise in areas such as hydrology, geology, geospatial science, biosecurity, and near-earth space science, including extreme events such as drought, flooding, wildland fire, coastal erosion, severe storms, and geologic hazards, to develop actionable science, data, and tools that support informed decision-making by resource managers and stakeholders.

Research Objectives:

1. Predict the invasion likelihood of non-native fishes in stream networks across the Northwest

2. Co-produce a model to predict management outcomes under different invasion scenarios

3. Facilitate the application of co-production results

Award information

The award instrument for this project is a cooperative agreement.

It is anticipated that one award will be made for a two-year budget period. The total estimated funding for this project is $360,000. Funds will be fully obligated at time of award. The recipient should submit the proposal to reflect the full two-year project period.

Eligibility Information

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under the CESU Program. CESUs are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Pacific Northwest CESU Program.

Application and Submission Information

The USGS requires that all applications for financial assistance be posted through Grants.gov. To post your application, go to www.grants.gov, select "Applicants,” "How to Apply for Grants,” “Search for Opportunity Package” (highlighted in red on the bottom right of screen), and use the Funding Opportunity Number G27AS00074.

Questions are to be directed to Grant Specialist Katie Calder, katherine_calder@ios.doi.gov

Content and Form of Application:

Cover page of written technical narrative:

1. Anticipated award recipient’s name

2. Project title

3. Proposed project start date

4. Anticipated Principal Investigator Name (individual who will oversee the cooperative agreement) including title, address, phone number, , and email address

5. Authorized Representative administrative contact (Recipient staff member(s) in the recipient’s research office who will administer the cooperative agreement) including name, title, address, phone number, and email address

6. Include names and affiliations of Co-PIs, and if they are funded by the project or in kind

7. Include names, titles, and contact information for expected USGS collaborators on the project

8. List any other cooperators and partners

9. List laboratories, equipment, study area(s), and facilities available for project work.

10. State experience of project staff to conduct the stated work objectives of the project

Proposal text should include the following:

a. Introduction and Statement of Problem. Give a brief introduction to the research problem. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work that has been completed or is ongoing in this area.

b. Objectives. Clearly define goals of project. Include geographic scope. State how the proposal addresses USGS goals and its relevance and impact. Explain why the work is important.

c. Procedures/Methods. This section should include a fairly detailed discussion of the work plan and technical approach to both field and laboratory techniques.

d. Planned Products, Dissemination of Research Results, and Technology Transfer. List product(s) (reports, analyses, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered at the end of the project period. The USGS considers dissemination of research data and results to potential users of those results to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects funded by this program. Beyond the requirements for a final report, describe your plan for dissemination of project data and results that will result in the greatest possible benefit to customers as defined by your proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to disseminate research results to the scientific community and appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and Federal agencies; and the public. The USGS encourages the Recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals. All products must adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices.

e.Schedule, Duration of Study, and Reporting Schedule. Provide anticipated project start and end dates and a project timeline of key milestones.
e.References Cited. List all references to which you refer in text and references from your past work in the field that the research problem addresses. Be sure to identify references as journal articles, chapters in books, abstracts, maps, digital data, etc.
f.Legal and Policy-Sensitive aspects (if applicable)
g.Animal Use or Human subjects (if applicable)

Budget Narrative - This information will provide details and a breakdown of funds requested on the SF 424A form. Organize the narrative by Object Class Category titles on the SF-424A and ensure the amounts correspond to the SF-424A. Break out and show all project budget years you are applying for in your budget documents (budget narrative and SF-424A). Include the following:

a.Personnel: For salaries and wages, list names, position/job title, job category/classification, rate of compensation, and how the rate was determined, or what it is based on. Include their total time/level of effort. For each personnel member also include role on the project.
b.Fringe benefits: Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures and recipient policy. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Attach fringe benefit rate sheet or agreement or provide a link to official rates if posted online.
c.Supplies: Supplies include all tangible personal property other than those described in the equipment definition. A computing device is a supply if the acquisition cost is below the lesser of the capitalization level established by the recipient or subrecipient for financial statement purposes or $10,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item, which represents a significant portion of the proposed amount.
d.Equipment: Equipment means tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost that equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the recipient or subrecipient for financial statement purposes, or $10,000. Show the cost of all equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available.

*Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient.

e.Contractual: Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated consultant, the estimated amount of time required (level of effort), and the quoted rate per day or hour.
* Lab Analyses. Include geochemical analyses, radiocarbon age dating, etc. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work (if applicable); Could also fall under Other Direct Costs.
f.Travel: State the purpose of each budgeted trip and itemize the estimated travel costs for each trip required. Include purpose of travel, to and from locations, persons traveling by name if known, number of days for each trip, the per diem (lodging and M&IE) rates (in accordance with GSA allowable published rates and recipient travel policy), the cost of each method of transportation and how that cost was determined, 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 include a justification of cost
*Field Expenses. Briefly itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, lodging and transportation costs, and other travel costs).
g.Other direct costs: Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere; such as, shipping, computing, equipment-use charges, or other services.
*Publication costs. Show the estimated cost of publishing the results of the research, including the final report. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.
h.Total Direct Charges: Totals for items a - g.
i.Indirect Charges (Overhead): Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, modified total direct cost base, and total 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 copy of recipient’s official negotiated indirect cost rate agreement. NOTE: CESU NEGOTIATED IDC RATE IS APPROVED AT 17.5%.
*See Note on Indirect Cost Modified Total Direct Cost base below.
j.Total: Total items h and i.

Missing budget details will delay awarding timelines. USGS will not support any costs incurred prior to the start date established on the award by the Contracting Officer.

*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:

(1) 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

(2) 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 bureau or office, 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 200.1 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).”

(3) In cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, DOI will not 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 200.1 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).”

USGS Data Management Plan Requirements

Proposals submitted to USGS must include a supplementary document labeled "Data Management Plan" (DMP). This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g. “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), as long as the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document may include:

· the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced over the course of the project;

· the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);

· policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements;

· provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and

· plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of free public access to them.

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data Management website here: https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans

Simultaneously submitted collaborative proposals and proposals that include subawards are a single unified project and should include only one supplemental combined DMP by the lead PI that also addresses all subaward data management needs, regardless of the number of non-lead collaborative proposals or subawards included.

Prohibition on Issuing Financial Assistance Awards to Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements

Section 743 of Division E, Title VII of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available under that or any other Act for grants or cooperative agreements to an entity that requires employees or contractors of such entity seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

Recipients must not require their employees or contractors seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

Recipients must notify their employees or contractors that existing internal confidentiality agreements covered by this condition are no longer in effect.

Biographical Sketch Common Format (Attachment A)

This Biographical Sketch Common Form provides instructions for submission of a biographical sketch by each individual identified as a senior/key person on a Federally funded research project. The biographical sketch used to assess how well qualified the individual, team, or organization is to conduct the proposed activities.

Consistent with NSPM-33, individuals are required to disclose contracts associated with participation in programs sponsored by foreign governments, instrumentalities, or entities, including foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs. Further, if individuals receive direct or indirect support that is funded by a foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment program, even where the support is provided through an intermediary and does not require membership in the foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment program, that support must be disclosed. Individuals must also report other foreign government sponsored or affiliated activities. In accordance with 42 USC § 19232, individuals are prohibited from being a party in a malign foreign talent recruitment program.

A table entitled, NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance Pre- and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support1 has been created to provide helpful reference information regarding pre-award and post-award disclosures. The table includes the types of activities to be reported, where such activities must be reported in the application, as well as when updates are required in the application and award lifecycle. A final column identifies activities that are not required to be reported.

Individuals are reminded not to submit any personal information in the biographical sketch. This includes items such as: home address; home telephone, fax, or cell phone numbers; home e-mail address; driver’s license number; marital status; personal hobbies; and the like. Such personal information is not appropriate for the biographical sketch and is not relevant to the merits of the proposal. The Federal research funding agency is not responsible or in any way liable for the release of such material.

The Biographical Sketch Common Form is provided in Attachment A. DOI does not currently have a required format for this document. The format of the information is at the discretion of the applicant, however the required information and attestation with signature must be present. Templates provided by other federal agencies are acceptable.

Current And Pending (Other) Support Common Format (Attachment B)

The individual agrees to update this disclosure at the request of the Federal research funding agency prior to the award of support and at any subsequent time the agency determines appropriate during the term of the award. (Refer to the Federal research funding agency’s policy on updating award support).

Instructions for Submission of the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form.

Current and pending (other) support information is used to assess the capacity or any conflicts of commitment that may impact the ability of the individual to carry out the research effort as proposed. The information also helps assess any potential scientific and budgetary overlap/duplication with the project being proposed.

This document provides instructions on submission of current and pending (other) support information for each individual identified as a senior/key person on a Federally funded research project.

A separate submission must be provided for each proposal and active project, as well as in-kind contributions using the instructions and format specified below. Note that there is no page limitation for this section of the application, though some fields have character limitations for consistency and equity.

Consulting activities must be disclosed under the proposals and active projects section of the form when any of the following scenarios apply:

The consulting activity will require the senior/key person to perform research as part of the consulting activity;

The consulting activity does not involve performing research, but is related to the senior/key person’s research portfolio and may have the ability to impact funding, alter time or effort commitments, or otherwise impact scientific integrity; or The consulting entity has provided a contract that requires the senior/key person to conceal or withhold confidential financial or other ties between the senior/key person and the entity, irrespective of the duration of the engagement.

Consistent with NSPM-33, individuals are required to disclose contracts associated with participation in programs sponsored by foreign governments, instrumentalities, or entities, including foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs. Further, if individuals receive direct or indirect support that is funded by a foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment program, even where the support is provided through an intermediary and does not require membership in the foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment program, that support must be disclosed. Individuals must also report other foreign government sponsored or affiliated activities. In accordance with 42 USC § 19232, individuals are prohibited from being a party in a malign foreign talent recruitment program.

In accordance with the NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance, senior/key persons typically do not include graduate students.

A table entitled, NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance Pre- and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support2 has been created to provide helpful reference information regarding pre-award and post-award disclosures. The table includes the types of activities to be reported, where such activities must be reported in the application, as well as when updates are required in the application and award lifecycle. A final column identifies activities that are not required to be reported.

Individuals are reminded not to submit any personal information in the current and pending (other) support. This includes items such as: home address; home telephone, fax, or cell phone numbers; home e-mail address; driver’s license number; marital status; personal hobbies; and the like. Such personal information is not appropriate for the current and pending (other) support template and is not relevant to the merits of the proposal. The Federal research funding agency is not responsible or in any way liable for the release of such material.

The format for submission of the two types of support: (a) proposals and active projects; and (b) in-kind contributions are provided in Attachment B. DOI does not currently have a required format for this document. The format of the information is at the discretion of the applicant, however the required information and attestation with signature must be present. Templates provided by other federal agencies are acceptable.

Project Abstract Summary (PAS) (Attachment C)

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memoranda M-21-20 and M-22-02, Federal agencies are now required to provide complete and accurate financial assistance award descriptions within USAspending.gov. As such, the Department of the Interior is requiring its bureaus and offices to provide a Project Abstract Summary for all financial assistance awards to include the following information:

Use the following sections to format your PAS:

· Project title

· Include a plain language description Award purpose (avoid acronyms or Federal or agency-specific terminology);

· Activities to be performed;

· Deliverables and Expected Outcomes;

· Intended beneficiary(ies) as well as;

· Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award

Project Abstract Summary character limitation as 1 page or less (no more than ~4000 characters) and use of 12 pt. font and Times New Roman is recommended.

Upon issuance of the cooperative agreement, this Project Abstract Summary will be publicly available at USAspending.gov.

Review and Selection Process

Applications are considered based on the completeness of documentation, meeting of stated basic eligibility (reference Eligibility Information above), and other category requirements. Specific evaluation factors are identified below. Budget information will be evaluated for reasonableness and appropriateness to applicant project goals.

Proposals are reviewed, evaluated, and scored by U.S. Geological Survey technical personnel. The evaluations and scores will be submitted to the Contracting Officer for final award determination.

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Research Topic (30 points)

a) How well does the proposed research address the Research Objectives as defined in the announcement?

b) How well does the project, including proposed products or outputs, advance DOI priorities? This includes but is not limited to:

a. EO 14313 - Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission (July 3, 2025); EO 14276 -Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness (April 17, 2025) and SO 3447 -Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters (January 7, 2026)

2. Experience of Recipient (25 points)

a) Is the level of experience and expertise of the applicant(s) applicable to elements described in Funding Opportunity Description and Research Objectives?

3. Work Plan (25 points)

a) How clear and appropriate are the proposed methods to address the stated objectives?

b) How appropriate are the scientific objectives and methods for the proposed time frame, budget, and staff?

4. Budget Justification and Clarity: 20 points)

a) The staff is sufficient to accomplish proposed goals.

b) The budget line items are reasonable and commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish project objectives.

c) Budgeted costs are appropriate and necessary to complete project objectives.

Award Administration Information

Award recipients are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the grant/cooperative agreements and sub-award supported activities to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements and regulations and to ensure that performance goals are being achieved.

Recipient Responsibilities Regarding Subrecipients and Contractors

Recipients who pass Federal funds to subrecipients and contractors must ensure that the entities understand and comply with the applicable award statutes, regulations, and agency requirements. Recipients should carefully review their official award documents for any additional administrative and programmatic requirements. See also, 2 CFR § 200.332 “Requirements for pass-through entities.”

Progress Reports

a) The recipient must submit annual progress reports electronically through GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) and via e-mail to the project officer within 90 calendar days after the agreement year (i.e., 12 months after the approved effective date of the agreement and every 12 months thereafter until the expiration date of the agreement.). For agreements with a total anticipated performance period of twelve months (12) months or less, only a final technical report will be required. A progress report is not required in the final budget year, unless the recipient requests an extension to the project period.

b) The progress reports shall include the following information:

(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the agreement established for the budget period and overall progress in response to the performance metrics.

(ii) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.

(iii) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

(iv) An outline of anticipated activities and adjustments to the program during the next budget period.

c) Between the required reporting dates, events may occur which have significant impact upon the project or program. In such cases, the recipient shall inform the USGS as soon as the following types of conditions become known:

(i) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the agreement. This disclosure must include a statement of the action taken, or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.

(ii) Favorable developments which enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Final Technical Report

a) The Recipient must submit the final technical report electronically through GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/). The final performance report will be due 120 calendar days after the period of performance end date.

b) The final technical report shall document and summarize the results of Recipient’s work. The report shall include a quantitative description of activities and overall progress in response to the performance metrics which documents and summarizes the results of the entire agreement. The final report shall include tables, graphs, diagrams, sketches, etc., as required to explain the results achieved under the agreement. The report shall also include recommendations and conclusions based upon both the experience and the results obtained.

Annual Financial Reports

a) The Recipient must submit an annual SF 425, Federal Financial Report, for each individual USGS award. The SF 425 is available at grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms. The SF 425 will be due within 90 days following the end of the annual period or within 90 days following the end of each annual period coinciding with the award start date.

b) The SF 425 must be submitted electronically through GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/). Recipient must include the USGS award number (see page 1, block 4 titled: Grant No.) in the subject line of all e-mail correspondence. If, after 90 days, recipient has not submitted a report, the recipient’s account in Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) will be placed in a manual review status until the report is submitted.

Final Financial Report

a)The Recipient will liquidate all obligations incurred under the award and submit a final SF 425, Federal Financial Report in accordance with C.3.b. no later than 120 calendar days after the agreement completion date.
b)Recipient will promptly return any unexpended federal cash advances or will complete a final draw from ASAP to obtain any remaining amounts due. Once 120 days has passed since the agreement completion date, USGS shall unilaterally de-obligate federal funds as reflected in the final SF 425.
c)Subsequent revision to the final SF 425 will be considered only as follows:
(i.)When the revision results in a balance due to the Government, the recipient must submit a revised final SF 425, Federal Financial Report, and refund the excess payment whenever the overcharge is discovered, no matter how long the lapse of time since the original due date of the report.
(ii.)When the revision represents additional reimbursable costs claimed by the recipient, a revised final SF 425 may be submitted to the USGS Grants Management Official with an explanation. If approved, the USGS will either request and pay a final invoice or reestablish the ASAP subaccount to permit the recipient to make a revised final draw. Any revised final report representing additional reimbursable amounts must be submitted no later than 1 year from the due date of the original report, i.e., 15 months following the agreement completion date. USGS will not accept any revised SF 425 covering additional expenditures after that date and will return any late request for additional payment to the Recipient.

Publications

a) Acknowledgment of Support

Recipient is responsible for assuring that an acknowledgment of USGS support:

1) is made in any publication (including World Wide Web pages) of any material based on or developed under this agreement, in the following terms:

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. (see page 1, block 4 titled: Grant No.).

2) is orally acknowledged during all news media interviews, including popular media such as radio, television and news magazines.

b) Disclaimer

Recipient is responsible for assuring that every publication of material (including World Wide Web pages) based on or developed under this agreement, contains the following disclaimer:

The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.

c) USGS Logo

Use of the USGS logo (also known as "visual identity" or "identifier") constitutes the recipient’s agreement to and acceptance of the following terms:

· The USGS identifier is trademarked and not in the public domain.

· Use of the trademarked USGS identifier is authorized by USGS for use only by recipients of USGS funding.

· Use is authorized on information products that result from research funded by the financial assistance award.

· Use of the USGS identifier for any other purpose without written permission from USGS is prohibited; doing so constitutes trademark infringement.

· Recipient will adhere to the design requirements, which are as follows:

· The USGS identifier must appear in black, white, or green only.

· The USGS identifier cannot be modified in any way except for proportional sizing.

· The USGS identifier should appear at the same size as logos of other agencies, if any.

· If used on a digital product, the USGS identifier should link to www.usgs.gov

d) Publication

Publication of the results of any project carried out under this assistance award is authorized in professional journals, trade magazines, or may be made by the USGS. Such manuscripts or publications submitted to journals or professional publications for publication shall be accompanied by the following notation:

“This manuscript is submitted for publication with the understanding that the United States Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes.”

e) Copies for USGS

Recipient is responsible for assuring that the USGS Project Office is provided a digital version, preferably as a MS Word DOCx file, of every accepted manuscript upon acceptance for publication by the journal.

f) Department of the Interior Requirements

Two copies of each publication produced under a grant or cooperative agreement shall be sent to the Natural Resources Library with a transmittal that identifies the sender and the publication. These copies can be in print or digital format. If a publication in a born-digital document only available online, a digital copy or a link to where the publication may be available on the Internet must be sent to <Library@ios.doi.gov>. The address of the library is:

U.S. Department of the Interior Library 1849 C Street, NW, Room 1151, MS 1151 Washington, DC 20240

Payment

Payments under financial assistance awards must be made using the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system (www.asap.gov).

a) The recipient agrees that it has established or will establish an account with ASAP. USGS will initiate enrollment in ASAP. If the recipient does not currently have an ASAP account, they must designate an individual (name, title, address, phone and e-mail) who will serve as the Point of Contact (POC).

b) With the award of each grant/cooperative agreement, a sub-account will be set up from which the recipient can draw down funds. After recipient’s complete enrollment in ASAP and link their banking information to the USGS ALC (14080001), it may take up to 10 days for sub-accounts to be activated and for funds to be authorized for drawdown in ASAP.

c) Inquiries regarding payment should be directed to ASAP at 855-868-0151.

c) Payments may be drawn in advance only as needed to meet immediate cash disbursement needs.

Geospatial Requirements:

The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 outlines specific requirements for federal recipients when collecting or producing geospatial data using Department of the Interior financial assistance funds. Here’s a summary of the key points:

· Due Diligence Search: Federal recipients must first check the GeoPlatform.gov list of datasets to see if the needed geospatial data, products, or services already exist.

· Use of Existing Data: If the required data is already available, recipients must use it rather than producing new data.

· Production of New Data: If the needed data is not available, recipients must produce new geospatial data, products, or services in accordance with guidance and standards established by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC), which can be found at www.fgdc.gov.

· Submission Requirements: Recipients must submit a digital copy of all GIS data produced or collected under the award to the relevant bureau or office.

· Data Format: All GIS data files must be in an open format.

· Metadata Requirements: All delineated GIS data (such as points, lines, or polygons) should be compliant with approved open data standards and include complete feature-level metadata.

These requirements ensure that geospatial data is managed efficiently, used appropriately, and made accessible in a standardized format for future use and sharing. open data standards with complete feature level metadata.

2 CFR 1402.315 Availability of Data

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

Recipient Integrity and Performance

Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters: Appendix XII to 2 CFR Part 200. Applies to awards with a total Federal share of more than $500,000, except for awards to foreign public entities. See also § 200.113 Mandatory Disclosures.

Terms and Conditions applicable to the Award:

The Award will contain the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Terms and Conditions, which incorporates the DOI General Terms and Conditions, available at: https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions. Full text is available upon request.

Agency Contacts

Grants.gov Help Desk available 24/7 at:

Grants.gov Phone: 1-800-518-4726 (U.S.)

Phone (international): 1-606-545-5035 Email: support@grants.gov U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Grants Management Contact: Nikolas Lushenko, nikolas_lushenko@ios.doi.gov

Applicants are strongly urged to submit questions via e-mail to:

Katie Calder, Grant Specialist U.S. Department of Interior Office of Grants Management 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS205 Reston, VA 20192 Email: katherine_calder@ios.doi.gov

For technical questions concerning the content, goals, and objectives, please contact:

Jackson Valler, Research Coordinator U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 205 Reston, VA 20192 Email: jvaller@usgs.gov

Madeleine Rubenstein, National Science Lead U.S. Geological Survey National Climate Adaptation Science Center 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192 Email: mrubenstein@usgs.gov

--End of Program Announcement --

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