Full Announcement_USDA-NRCS-MULTI-FSCP-19-GEN0010253.pdf

Summary Information

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department Of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Funding Opportunity Title: Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2019

Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-MULTI-FSCP-19-GEN0010253

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.934, Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program

Funding Opportunity Announcement Summary NRCS is announcing the availability of funds to assist landowners and conduct other activities as part of pilot projects established by USDA’s NRCS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for the eradication and control of feral swine. Applications are being accepted for partners to carry out activities as part of these pilot projects in States of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. APHIS has determined that these states have the highest feral swine population densities and corresponding associated damages. Maps of feral swine distribution may be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/feral-swine/sa-fs-history . A total of up to $33,750,000 is available for these activities in FYs 2019 - 2023. Non-federal, not-for-profit entities (NFE) are invited to submit applications. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum amount for a single award in FY 2020 is $1,500,000 and applicants must match at least 25% of federal funding.

APPLICATIONS DUE DATE: Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 19, 2019.

SUBMISSIONS: Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov. In addition, a PDF of the complete application must be emailed to lacey.williamson@usda.gov. Both submissions must be received by the time and date due. Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered. The agency will rely on system generated date and time receipt documentation for submission made both via Grants.gov and e-mail to determine whether applications meet the submission deadline.

The grants.gov electronic submission interface is called Workspace. Workspace is the standard way for organizations or individuals to apply for federal grants in grants.gov. Workspace allows an applicant grant team to access and edit different forms within an application simultaneously.

In addition, the forms may be filled out online or as a PDF. An overview of Workspace can be viewed at grants.gov (WEBINAR - Getting Started with Workspace: Become a Workspace Wizard).

Please allow extra time to register in Workspace because there are several preliminary registration steps before an applicant can submit the application. To register, go to www.grants.gov, click on “Applicants”, then click on “Get Registered.” If you have completed a prior grants.gov application, you may already have completed the registration process.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, or audio tape) should contact the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions about this announcement can be directed to lacey.williamson@usda.gov or (202) 619-8569. Questions about specific pilot projects may be directed to NRCS State contacts which can be found at this website: www.nrcs.usda.gov/FSCP

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority

Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) is authorized as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Title II, Part Subpart D, Section 2408. Authority for the administration of 50% of the funds has been delegated to the Chief of the NRCS.

B. Overview

The purpose of the FSCP is to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. Feral swine are a destructive, non-native, invasive species and their populations have been increasing across the United States. An estimated $2 billion in damage, including agricultural, is caused by feral swine each year. The species can have significant negative impacts on plant and animal habitats, soils, water quality, as well as other natural and cultural resources. Livestock and humans are also susceptible to diseases carried by feral swine. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 directs USDA to carry out the pilot program where the Secretary has determined that feral swine have been identified as such a threat. NRCS State Conservationists and APHIS State Directors, in coordination with State technical committees, have identified pilot projects which can be carried out within states with high feral swine densities. Pilot projects will consist broadly of three coordinated components: 1) feral swine removal by APHIS, 2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and 3) assistance to producers for feral swine control provided through grants with non-federal partners. This call for proposals is intended to address objective 3 described above for non-federal partners to provide landowner assistance for on-farm trapping and provide related services as part of the pilot projects described above. Funding for these services will be provided through grants between partners and NRCS.

NRCS financial assistance for producers and provided through grants is limited to providing financial assistance for activities that will help landowners control the feral swine population.

These activities may include, but are not limited to, outreach, training, equipment, and operations for feral swine trapping that are consistent with APHIS technical standards. Subsequent actions, including disposal, are the responsibility of those carrying out the trapping activities, and must occur consistent with all associated federal, state, and local laws. Funds distributed by NRCS for the FSCP may not be used to provide producer financial assistance for:

Ground shooting Euthanasia (use of barbiturates) Aerial gunning Drop Nets Snares Cable Restraints Foot Holds Relocation Frightening devices Immobilization Reproductive inhibitors Toxicants Any other state or locally identified prohibited techniques or practices

NRCS is accepting proposals that address the expected partner roles in the identified pilot projects. Additional information about specific pilot projects including target areas and the roles for which partner assistance is being requested can be found here: www.nrcs.usda.gov/FSCP

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

It is anticipated that a total of up to $33,750,000 in funding will be available for this announcement. The funding ceiling for a single award is $1,500,000. Awardees will be required to provide at least 25% of the budget as a match to NRCS funding provided.

Awards made through this announcement will be executed through a grant agreement between NRCS and the awardee. NRCS will not be substantially involved in the work performed under the grants and will undertake activities such as the following

NRCS accepts proposals for projects of one to three years in duration.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Applicant Eligibility

All non-Federal entities (NFE)with the exception of private for-profit entities, are eligible to apply for projects carried out in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Because these awards will be provided and managed at the state level, entities may submit more than one application and may enter into more than one grant agreement.

Individual producers and landowners are not eligible to submit project applications under this notice. Once NRCS select a project and establishes a grant agreement, individual producers and landowners may work with the partner to participate in the pilot project.

B. FSCP Payment Eligibility

FSCP payments are subject to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limitation of 7 CFR §§

1400.500 – 1400.503. All agricultural producers receiving a payment through participation in a FSCP project must have an AGI that does not exceed $900,000. If selected to enter into a grant agreement, partners must maintain records showing that participating producers receiving payments using FSCP funding meet the AGI requirements. Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 authorizes the Secretary to waive the AGI limit on a case by case basis if the Secretary determines that environmentally sensitive land of special significance would be protected as a result of such waiver. Requirements for obtaining and maintaining AGI records will be written and specified into individual agreements. It will be the duty of the awardee to ensure agricultural producers receiving payments meet AGI requirements.

C. Cost Sharing/Matching Requirements

FSCP award recipients must provide a non-federal funding match at least equal to 25% of the total cost requested. Applications that do not include match will be ineligible for grant agreements through this opportunity. Matching may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third party in-kind contributions. See Section IV, subsection 8 of this announcement for information on cost share/match.

D. Technical Assistance for FSCP Projects

FSCP grant agreements do not provide for substantial NRCS technical assistance for the activity supported with the federal assistance. The technical assistance required to carry out a project is the responsibility of the partner. NRCS designates an NRCS employee as a technical contact for each grant agreement. Technical contacts provide oversight activities during the project, such as site visits, reviewing performance reports, financial reports, and audits to ensure that standards, objectives, terms, and conditions for the projects are accomplished, but will not be substantially involved in carrying out the activity contemplated by the federal award.

E. SAM.gov Exclusions Database

Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program (2 CFR 200.205(d)).

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

There is no pre-proposal process for this announcement. All standard forms necessary for FSCP application submission are included in the grants.gov application package.

A. Executive Order (EO) 12372

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

B. Content and Format

Applications must contain the content, format, and information set forth below to receive consideration for funding. Submit a separate application for each project if submitting more than one. Applicants should not assume prior knowledge on the part of NRCS or others as to the relative merits of the project described in the application. Applicants must submit a single copy of the application in the following format:

Each page must be on numbered, letter-sized (8½” x 11”) paper using a white background that has one-inch margins; and

The text of the application must be typed, single spaced, black, and in a font no smaller than 12-point.

Applications that are incomplete or fail to comply with the required content and formatting requirements will not be considered for funding.

1. Project Abstract (1 page maximum).

On a single page, provide the following information:

The applicant entity name.

The duration of project in months.

The amount of federal funding requested.

The amount of non-federal cost-share/match funding committed.

The project title.

The geographic location of the project.

Other organizations, entities and agencies that would partner with the applicant in implementing the activities of the proposal.

A brief project description - describe in non-technical language the issue or problem, the objectives to address the issue or problem, the approach to be employed (including the role of participating partners, if applicable), how the impact will be quantified and outcomes measured, and the predicted benefits or deliverables of the project. Outcome measures for projects may include, but are not limited to, reduction in crop damage, changes in water quality, or other foreseeable benefits of feral swine control.

A technical and administrative contact for the project (if both are the same person, please note this). NRCS will use the technical and administrative contacts identified as the primary applicant contacts.

2. Standard application form.

“Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance” and instructions to complete it are included in the application package posted on grants.gov.

3. Project Narrative (15-page maximum).

The project description must include the following information in order:

a. Project background: Describe the issue or problem driving the need for the proposed project. Provide evidence that the proposed project has a high probability for success

b. Project objectives: Be specific using qualitative and quantitative measures, if possible, to describe the project’s purpose, goals, and objectives. Describe how the project is needed.

c. Project methods: Describe clearly the methodology of the project, the tools or processes that will be used to implement the project, and the role of the partner in completing the project.

d. Eligible producer participation: Estimate the number of eligible producers involved in the project, and describe the type and extent of their involvement.

e. Project action plan and timeline: Provide a table listing project actions, timeframes, and associated milestones through project completion. Applicants should develop their timelines based on an anticipated project start date of October 1, 2020.

f. Project management: Give a description of how the project will be organized and managed, including a list/description of project partners. Include a list of key technical and administrative personnel, their experience managing federal awards, and their anticipated contributions to the project. Also, include a description of how communication will be structured within the project team to ensure effective project management. Do not include resumes or CVs.

g. Project deliverables/products: Provide a list of specific deliverables and metrics or measures that will allow NRCS to monitor project progress and approve payments. The proposal must include a set of technical deliverables designed to evaluate outcomes, performance, and broader applicability of the project.

h. Project evaluation: Describe the methodology or procedures used to evaluate the project, determine technical feasibility, quantify the results of the project, and ensure project objectives were impactful.

i. Benefits or results expected and transferability: Identify the results and benefits derived from the project. Identify project beneficiaries, i.e., agricultural producers by type, region, or sector; Historically Underserved producers and communities; rural communities; and/or municipalities. Describe how the results will be communicated to others via outreach activities and how these entities will benefit. Forecast the lasting impact of project results.

j. Graphics – including pictures, charts, graphs and similar items – count towards the 15-page maximum.

k. References, bibliographies, and citations, if included, do not count towards the 15-page maximum.

4. Assessment of environmental impacts.

No additional information is needed from applicants regarding environmental impacts.

5. Budget Information, (12-page maximum).

The budget portion of the application consists of two parts, as described below:

a. Standard Form (SF) 424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs. The SF- 424A is included as part of the application package posted on Grants.gov. Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project. See Instructions for Completing SF 424A located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

b. Detailed Budget Narrative. Provide a detailed narrative in support of the budget for the project broken down by each project year. Detail how the totals on the SF-424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. Justify the project cost effectiveness and include justification for personnel and consultant salaries with a description of duties. Statement(s) of work for any subcontractors and consultants must be included as part of the application. The budget narrative should include both the federal funds requested and the applicant’s matching funds.

The budget narrative must be in text format with no charts, spreadsheets, or tables. It should be readable on letter-size, printable pages. The information needs to be presented in such a way that the reviewers can readily understand what expenses are incurred to support the project.

6. Funding Restrictions

FSCP funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless otherwise permitted by law or approved in writing by the Authorized Departmental Officer in advance of incurring such costs:

Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project;

Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant (pre-award costs);

Costs which lay outside the scope of the approved project and amendments thereto;

Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to project objectives;

Compensation for injuries to persons or damage to property arising out of project activities;

Consulting services performed by a federal employee during official duty hours when such consulting services result in the payment of additional compensation to the employee; and

Renovation or refurbishment of research or related spaces, the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces, and the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities.

This list is not exhaustive. For more details, refer to 2 CFR 200.

Profit is not an eligible project cost.

7. Indirect (F&A) costs.

To be eligible to recover any indirect costs under a federal award, an applicant must either 1) have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with its cognizant federal agency that has not expired or 2) qualify for use of the de minimis rate of 10% of the modified total direct costs (MTDC) as authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f). In order to qualify for the de minimis rate, the applicant must not have, or have previously held, a NICRA. A State, local, or tribal governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct federal funding is not eligible for the de minimis rate.

Applicants with a NICRA must calculate indirect costs using the rate and base specified in their NICRA. The total amount of indirect costs is entered in Section B, Row J, of the SF-424A (Budget Information). A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must be provided with the application. If the applicant does not have a current NICRA, indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA. A new NICRA can be negotiated with its cognizant federal agency, which is the agency that provides the applicant entity its largest amount of federal funding.

Entities that are eligible for the de minimis rate who already have a de minimis rate agreement must use the rate and base specified in the agreement, which is modified total direct costs (MTDC) as defined by 2 CFR 200.68 and also excluding the amount of each subcontract exceeding $25,000. Note that MTDC excludes certain costs from the base to which the rate is applied. A copy of the applicant’s de minimis rate agreement must be provided with the application. If a recipient is eligible to use the de minimis rate, but does not have a de minimis rate agreement, use an indirect cost rate of no more than 10% of MTDC when preparing the budget and state in the budget narrative that a de minimis rate agreement is requested. If selected for award, a de minimis rate agreement will be executed along with the award.

An applicant may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at their sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the NRCS. If voluntarily reduced or waived, the applicant may choose to apply any unrecovered indirect costs as part of their cost share or match. Unrecovered indirect cost are the difference between the amount charged to the federal award and the amount which could have been charged to the federal award under the applicant’s approved negotiated indirect cost rate (2 CFR 200.306(c)).

8. Cost Share or Matching Funds.

Selected applicants may receive FSCP funding of up to 75 percent of the total project cost of activities encompassed in their proposal. FSCP recipients must provide a non-federal funding match or cost-share amount at least equal to 25 percent of the total proposal cost requested. For example, if an applicant requests $100,000 in total proposal funding, at least $25,000 in non-federal cost-share or matching funds must be committed by the applicant and $75,000 may come from FSCP funding.

Matching funds may be committed by the project partners and can be a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. Examples of in-kind contributions include work done by unpaid volunteers and donations of supplies, facilities, or equipment. In-kind contributions identified in the project budget must be quantifiable, verifiable, and necessary to accomplish program activities.

Cost sharing/matching must be committed at the time of application submission. Cost sharing or matching funds must meet the criteria stated at 2 CFR 200.306 and be valued in accordance with 2 CFR 200.306(d). Additional details about cost sharing or matching funds/contributions is located at 2 CFR 200.306.

All matching funds must be identified in both the SF-424A and budget narrative components of the application. Project partners (other than the applicant) must provide commitment letters for all cash and in-kind matching contributions. A separate commitment letter is required for each cash and/or in-kind match contribution. Commitment letters must be signed by the authorized organizational representative of the contributing organization and the applicant organization and must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the project partner; (2) the name of the applicant organization; (3) the title of the project for which the contribution is made, (4) the dollar value of the contribution; and (5) a statement that the contributor commits to furnish the contribution during the grant period. A sample commitment letter is included as part of the application package on grants.gov.

Applications without signed written commitments covering the full value of the matching contribution are deemed incomplete.

The value of applicant contributions to the project is established according to federal cost principles. Applicants should refer to 2 CFR 200.306 for additional guidance on matching funds, in-kind contributions, and allowable costs.

9. Certifications.

All proposals must include the following signed certification forms, which are available at grants.gov:

AD-3030 Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. Must be submitted if entity is a corporate non-profit or for-profit corporation as indicated in the applicants SAM registration.

AD-3031 Assurances Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. Must be submitted if entity is a corporate non-profit or for-profit corporation as indicated in the applicants SAM registration.

SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs. Must be completed by all applicants.

Certification Regarding Lobbying. Must be completed by all applicants.

10. Letters of support.

Letters of support for the project from individuals or entities that are not project partners may be submitted and should be placed at the very end of the application package.

11. Risk Review Documentation

NRCS may request additional documentation from selected applicants in order to evaluate the financial, management, and performance risk posed by awardees as required by 2 CFR 200.205.

Based on this risk review, NRCS may apply to a FSCP award special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed.

C. DUNS and SAM Numbers

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number) in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award, application, or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. NRCS may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant complies with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant does not fully comply with the requirements when the NRCS is ready to make a federal award, NRCS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

NFEs must obtain a DUNS and register in SAM prior to registering with Grants.gov. NFEs are strongly encouraged to apply early for their DUNS number and SAM registration.

1. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number: A Dun and Bradstreet DUNS number is a unique, nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million businesses worldwide. Applicants must obtain a DUNS number. Information on how to obtain a DUNS number can be found at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling 1-866-705-5711.

2. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: SAM is the official Federal system that consolidated the capabilities of Central Contractor Registry, Federal Agency Registration, Online Representations and Certifications Application, and Excluded Parties List System. To register, go to: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. The Federal Service Desk is available for registration assistance, and can be contacted via the Help tab at the website listed above.

D. How to Submit an Application

Applications must be submitted 5 P.M. Eastern Time on August 19, 2019 through the Grants.gov web portal by and by emailing a PDF copy of the full application to lacey.williamson@usda.gov.

Submitting a FSCP application through www.grants.gov requires a number of tasks. There are several preliminary registration steps before an applicant can submit the application. To register in the grants.gov system, go to www.grants.gov, click on “Applicants,” amd then click on “Get Registered.”

If you have completed a prior grants.gov application, you may already have completed the registration process.

Please allow sufficient time to register in grants.gov, and for possible system delays. An overview of Workspace can be viewed through grants.gov (WEBINAR - Getting Started with Workspace: Become a Workspace Wizard).

Below are instructions for accessing the forms necessary to complete an application in grants.gov:

Go to www.grants.gov.

Select the “Applicants” tab.

Select the “Apply for Grants” heading.

Click on “Get Application Package.” Follow all steps.

All necessary forms are included within the grants.gov “Application Package.”

Provide the “Funding Opportunity Number” listed on page 1 of this announcement or return to the “Search Grants” section.

Applications not received by the submission due date and time will not be accepted. The emailed application must be assembled into one pdf file document in the order specified in section IV, part B. All applications must contain all of the elements of a complete package and meet the requirements described in this announcement. Grants.gov provides instructions for submitting the required application items through the portal. An application’s receipt date and time will be determined by the respective system-generated documentation of receipt date and time (grants.gov provides date and time stamps for all proposals submitted through the portal).

NRCS is not responsible for any technical malfunctions or website problems related to grants.gov or emailed submissions. If you encounter issues with grants.gov, please contact the grants.gov help desk at (800) 518-4726 or support@grants.gov. The applicant assumes the risk of any delays in application submission through grants.gov and therefore is encouraged to submit your application early to ensure there is time to work out unforeseen issues.

E. Due Date

Proposals must be received by 5 P.M. Eastern Time on August 19, 2019. Application receipt date and time will be determined by the respective system-generated documentation of receipt date and time (grants.gov provides date and time stamps for all proposals submitted through the portal). The applicant assumes the risk of any delays in application receipt.

F. Acknowledgement of Submission

Grants.gov provides receipt of application submissions. NRCS acknowledges receipt of proposals received by the submission deadline via email. An applicant who does not receive such an email acknowledgement within 15 business days of the submission deadline, but believes the proposal was submitted on time, must contact Lacey Williamson at lacey.williamson@usda.gov or (202) 619 – 8569 within 30 business days of the submission deadline. Failure to do so may result in the proposal not being considered.

G. Withdrawal

Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice at any time before award execution. Written notice of withdrawal must be signed by the applicant or an authorized representative.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Proposals will be initially screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this announcement. Incomplete or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition prior to initiation of the peer review process.

A. Application Evaluation Criteria

Risk Criteria Evaluation In accordance with 2 CFR 200.205, NRCS will review risk posed by applicants. This screening process includes:

1. Confirming the NFE does not have an active exclusion in SAM precluding it from eligibility receipt of an award (i.e., suspended or debarred; see 2 CFR Part 180 and 7 CFR Part 417).

2. Confirming the NFE does not have adverse information located in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

Merit Criteria Evaluation NRCS will assemble a technical peer review panels to evaluate applications. The panels will use the following criteria, to evaluate applications:

1. Activities

a. Proposed activities contribute to the goals of the pilot project;

b. Roles and responsibilities of all partners and participating parties are clearly defined, including the roles for each control technique.

2. Feasible Tools

a. The design and implementation of the project is based on sound methodology and demonstrated technology; and

b. Tools, activities, and methodologies follow APHIS guidelines and all state and local laws for the pilot project area.

3. Feasible Costs

a. The budget is adequately explained and justified, and expenses allowable.

4. Measures of Success

a. Both beneficial and adverse impacts are considered and a significant level of improvement will be achieved; and

b. The project outcomes are stated, measurable, and likely to be achieved.

5. Likelihood of Success

a. Timeline and milestones are clear, reasonable, and attainable.

6. Landowner Participation and Community Interest

a. There is potential for producers and landowners to use or participate in the project;

b. The potential for successful transfer of continued control efforts, through planned project activities, to producers and communities to prevent re-establishment of feral swine; and

c. Proposal includes robust partnership with entities that can substantially assist with delivery of project outcomes with clear project management structure and team communication laid out.

Partner matching contributions are considered an eligibility criterion as described in this section of the notice, and will not be considered in the evaluation.

B. Review and Selection Process

Proposals that pass the initial screening are then evaluated using a two part process:

State NRCS and APHIS offices will review proposals. Proposals that meet the expectations of the pilot projects and the partner role, as determined by NRCS and APHIS at the state level, will be prioritized.

The Chief of NRCS in consultation with the APHIS Administrator will make the final award selections based on the recommendations of the state offices and evaluation criteria.

C. Grant Agreements

Upon selection of applications, NRCS will enter into negotiations with partners to develop a grant agreement for the pilot project. The NRCS State Conservationist will initiate negotiations with the partner to finalize the scope and responsibilities to be reflected in the grant agreement.

As described in Section VIII, subsection C below, NRCS will neither select applications for implementation nor obligate funding under this APF unless/until the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et. seq. (NEPA) review process has been completed and a NRCS Record of Decision has been signed.

VI. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Federal Award Notices

Successful Applicants A successful applicant can expect to receive official notification by email from NRCS State office Staff. Awardees may not begin their project until a fully executed grant agreement has been signed by both NRCS and the awardee. The notice of federal award form (NRCS-ADS-

093) signed by the authorized agency official is the only authorizing document, and will be provided electronically to the applicant’s authorized official. Any pre-award costs incurred by the awardee will not be reimbursed.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All project funds will be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NRCS’ General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements. A copy of the General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements document may be obtained by contacting the Agency Contacts listed in Section VII below.

C. Reporting

Partners are required to submit progress, expenditure, and performance reports on an annual basis. Individual agreements may require more frequent reporting, which will be noted in an agreement if necessary. Progress reports will include annual operation and maintenance reports of activities, achievements, plans, and results for the project. Expenditure reports will include a SF-425, Federal Financial Report. Performance reports are required to indicate award documents for the program, as well as other documents determined by the individual agreement.

VII. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT:

The NRCS FSCP staff will be the agency contact for answering questions or helping with problems while this funding opportunity is open.

Phone: (202) 619 - 8569 Email: lacey.williamson@usda.gov

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIA)

Proposals are considered to be confidential information. Proposals are not shared with individuals or entities seeking public disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) without the consent of the applicant. More specifically, Executive Order 12600 and USDA FOIA regulation 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A require the NRCS to provide notice to applicants that a third party has requested copies of their business information, and requires NRCS and to consult with applicants regarding the releasability of their records.

B. Notice to Applicants

The Federal Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of this announcement. Only authorized federal officials can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

C. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

NRCS is in the process of adopting the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) prepared by APHIS for the control of feral swine. A forthcoming NRCS Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt the APHIS FEIS and provide an opportunity for public comment will be published in the Federal Register. That FEIS covers the full scope of APHIS’ actions, while the NRCS action, as defined herein and proposed in the NOI, is narrower than but complementary to APHIS’.

All activities within an agreement funded through FSCP must comply with the guidelines and recommendations set forth in that FEIS, as well as the parameters defined in this APF. After the NOI comment period and the recirculation of the FEIS, as required by NEPA, NRCS will sign a

Record of Decision to document the final decision and any associated parameters. That NEPA process will conclude prior to NRCS making selections resulting from this APF.

Following the conclusion of this NEPA process and subsequent NRCS review of applications for consistency with the defined parameters, no additional environmental review or assessment of impacts is needed for NRCS’ funding actions under this APF.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call

(866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.