fy 2015 soliciation for outreach services for alabama - usda-nrcs-al-cta-15-1 .pdf

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ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PROGRAM FUNDING

USDA-NRCS-AL-CTA-15-1

OUTREACH SERVICES

AGENCY

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Auburn, Alabama

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER

10.902 – Conservation Technical Assistance

(CFDA 10.902, CTA) Provide conservation technical assistance to private landowners, conservation districts, tribes, and other organizations through a national network of locally-respected, technically-skilled, professional conservationists and assist them in conserving, improving and sustaining our natural resources and environment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama is requesting applications to provide Outreach services. The services will consist of preparing and hosting Outreach workshops and Technical Topic Workshops. The objective of the CTA program is to provide technical assistance to private landowners and land users. Performance includes all work needed to secure locations, prepare flyers and other advertisement documents, set up location seating and equipment needed to conduct meetings such as projectors, refreshments, sign-in sheets, evaluation forms and securing speakers/trainers for each session. Applications are being requested from eligible government or non-government organizations, tribes, or individuals for competitive consideration of cooperative agreement award for a period from September 2015 through September 30, 2016.

This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for agreement proposals. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND ADDRESSES: Proposals must be received in the Alabama NRCS State Office by 4:00 p.m., Central Time (CT) on August 7, 2015.

Proposals that are hand-delivered or sent via express mail, overnight courier, US Postal Service, or any other form of mail delivery must be addressed to: USDA-NRCS, ATTN:

Zona Beaty, 3381 Skyway Drive, Auburn, AL 36830.

Fax or Email submissions will not be accepted!

PROGRAM CONTACTS

Zona L. Beaty John Hughes Assistant State Conservationist Assistant State Conservationist –Mgt & Stra

USDA-NRCS USDA-NRCS

3381 Skyway Drive 3381 Skyway Drive

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Auburn, AL 36830 Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 334-887-4532 Phone: 334-887-4568 zona.beaty@la.usda.gov john.hughes@la.usda.gov

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public Law 110-246; The Food Security Act of 1985, as amended Section 1231, 16 U.S.C 3831-3835a; Executive Order, Public Law - , 16 U.S.C 3801, as amended by The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127, as amended by The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 , Public Law 107-101.

Soil and Moisture Conservation Act of 1935, Public Law 74-76, Stat. , 16 U.S.C 590 a-f, as amended by Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1936, Public Law - , Stat. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Section 2602, Public Law 110-246; Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Section 2502, Public Law 107-171; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 , Section 387, Public Law 104-127, 110 Stat. 888, 16 U.S.C 3836a. Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act Of 1996 (1996 Farm Bill) Pub. L. 104-127.

Agricultural Act of 2014

B. AGREEMENT TYPE

Agreement types may include: Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of

1977 (FGCAA).

C. OPPORTUNITY TITLES

Conservation partners are invited to apply for NRCS assistance for the following opportunities:

a. Outreach Workshops and/or Conferences: Promote public awareness of NRCS programs and further the development of NRCS relations with its Conservation Partners and participants. NRCS objective is to increase public awareness of NRCS conservation programs at public forums specifically targeted to provide information on current agricultural topics of interest to underserved segments of the regional agricultural population.

The number of workshops required is a minimum of one in each of Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties from September 2015 through September 2016.

b. Technical Topic Workshops: Provide learning opportunities to educate Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia County agricultural producers in technical topics that are of interest to area producers from September 2015 through September 2016. The number of technical topic workshops required is three in the tri-county area during the specified time frame.

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D. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated against the specific objectives identified in the opportunity titles identified above. Failure to identify the specific opportunity title may result in a determination of ineligibility.

a. Technical Expertise (Capability to deliver benefit to public for identified project)

b. Target audience and benefits of proposed projects (public purpose of support)

c. Further the goals and objectives of specific NRCS programs to the public in South Alabama.

d. Reasonableness of costs in relationship to tangible benefits.

e. Prior work experience in providing similar type services.

E. SPECIAL AWARD SELECTION FACTORS

a. Priority will be given to applicants who share in a common mission area and can demonstrate their ability to deliver conservation support to target audience.

b. Priority will be given to State or local governments, and non-profit organizations who have direct responsibility for the natural resource concerns described in their project proposals.

F. METHODS OF EVALUATING AND RANKING APPLICATIONS

Initially, all application packages will be reviewed to confirm that applicants are eligible recipients. Ranking will then be determined by evaluating the total benefits associated with proposed deliverables in comparison to the objectives of the program.

Applicants will be notified of their award status within approximately 30 days from the deadline date. Applicants who have been selected for funding will receive a letter of official notification. However, all selections are contingent upon successful completion of the technical review process and financial review. The official notice will also indicate the need to work with the administrative contact to develop an agreement prior to starting work on the project. Applicants who are not selected will be notified by official letter.

G. AVAILABLE FUNDING: All awards are subject to the availability of funds appropriated by Congress. Applicants need to indicate whether significant NRCS involvement is necessary to carry out the objectives of the proposed project. It is anticipated that approximately $12,000 will be available for this announcement.

Funds are awarded through grant or cooperative agreements.

H. PROJECT PERIOD: Subject to the availability of funds, the resulting agreement would be for a one year period. Multiyear project may be funded based on availability of funds. Subject to the availability of funds, extensions may be granted by unilateral decision of the Government.

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I. TYPE OF FUNDING INSTRUMENT AND ESTIMATED NUMBER OF

AWARDS: The NRCS anticipates awarding approximately 1 Cooperative Agreement under this announcement. Selected recipients will be notified by email.

J. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS:

Awards will incorporate in full text or by reference:

- Statements of program and funding authority

- Purpose statements that describe objectives of each funded project

- Responsibilities of applicant and the NRCS

- Applicable Federal, State, and Tribal and local laws and requirements;

- Department standards, specifications, and program requirements;

- Conservation program goals and objectives agreement; and

- Budget proposals and payment certifications and instructions

(Applies only to Cooperative Agreements) The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Section 708, limits indirect costs under cooperative agreements between USDA and non-profit institutions, including institutions of higher education, to ten percent of the total direct costs of the agreement. Section 708 authorizes an exception to the ten percent limit for institutions that compute indirect cost rates on similar basis for all agencies for which the Act makes appropriations. If requested, indirect costs must be justified and may not exceed the ten percent limitation or the current rate negotiated with the cognizant Federal-negotiating agency. Applications from colleges and universities must provide a statement in the budget narrative verifying that the indirect costs requested are in accordance with institutional policies.

The applicant shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders and other generally applicable requirements, including those set out in 7 CFR 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, and 3052, which will be incorporated in the agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are specifically set forth in the agreement.

The applicant, by signing or submitting this application, is providing a certification set forth in Appendix C to 7 CFR 3017; Certification Regarding Drug- Free Workplace Requirements which will be included in any follow on award.

The OMB Circulars will be incorporated by reference and made a part of each agreement awarded under this process. Applicants are encouraged to review the appropriate circulars prior to requesting federal funds. OMB circulars may be viewed on-line at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html. Failure of a cooperator to comply with any provision may be the basis for withholding payments for proper charges made by the cooperator and for termination of support.

(a) Agreements with colleges and universities shall be in accordance with the following OMB circulars:

2 CFR 220, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

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2 CFR 215, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non- Profit Organizations

Circular A-133, Audits of Institutions of Higher Learning and Other Non- Profit Institutions

(b) Agreements with State and local governments shall be in accordance with the provisions of the following OMB circulars:

2 CFR 225, Cost Principles for State and Local Governments Circular A-102, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and

Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments Circular A-133, Audits of Institutions of Higher Learning and Other Non-

Profit Institutions

(c) Agreements made with non-profit organizations shall be in accordance with the following OMB circulars:

2 CFR 215, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and

Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations

2 CFR 230, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations Circular A-133, Audits of Institutions of Higher Learning and Other Non-

Profit Institutions

(d) Agreements with organizations other than those indicated above shall be in accordance with the basic principles of 2 CFR 215, and cost principles shall be in accordance with Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

(e) DUNS Number: A Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million businesses worldwide. A Federal Register notice of final policy issuance (68 FR 38402) requires a DUNS number in every application (i.e., hard copy and electronic) for a grant or cooperative agreement (except applications from individuals) submitted on or after October 1, 2003. For information about how to obtain a DUNS number, go to www.dunandbradstreet.com or http://www.grants.gov/ Request a DUNS or call 1-866-705-5711. Please note that the registration may take up to 14 business days to complete.

(f) Required System for Award Management (SAM) Registration The SAM is a database that serves as the primary government repository for contractor information required for the conduct of business with the government. This database will also be used as a central location for maintaining organizational information for organizations seeking and receiving grants from the government. CIG applicants must register with the SAM. To register, Visit https://www.sam.gov. Allow a minimum of five days to complete the SAM registration.

(g) Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information in accordance with 2 CFR Part 170 and award terms for Trafficking in Persons per 2 CFR 175.110.

(h) Appropriations Restrictions on Use of Funds to Enter Into Financial Transactions with Corporations with Felony Convictions or Delinquent Taxes.

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All funding application must include the following certification: (1) By submitting this grant or agreement application, the undersigned attests that [insert corporation name] has not been convicted of a felony criminal violation under Federal or State law in the 24 months preceding the date of signature, nor has any officer or agent of [insert corporation name] been convicted of a felony criminal violation under Federal or State law in the 24 months preceding the date of signature. (2) By submitting this grant or agreement application, the undersigned attests that [insert corporation name] does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability.

By signing the Standard Form (SF) 424, the corporation/entity is attesting to all the above certifications.

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Application and Submission Information

1. How to Obtain Application Materials

All OMB standard forms necessary for proposal submission are posted on the following site:

http://www.grants.gov/agencies/aapproved_standard_forms.jsp

Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance (submit with proposal) Standard Form 424A Budget Information – Non-construction Programs (will be used on future orders.)

Standard Form 424B Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (submit with proposal) SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (after award) SF-425 Financial Status Report (After award) SF-270 Request for Advance or Reimbursement (after award) AD-3031-FS Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax

Delinquent Status For Corporate Applicants

2. Proposal Content and Format

Proposals must contain the information set forth below in order to receive consideration for an award. Applicants should not assume prior knowledge on the part of NRCS or others as to the relative merits of the work described in the application. Applications must be submitted in the following format:

Proposals are to be typewritten on 8 ½” x 11” white paper, double spaced and on one side only. The test of the proposal must be typewritten in a font no smaller than 12-point, with one-inch margins.

Proposal must include all required forms and narrative sections described below;

incomplete applications will not be considered. Do not include letters of support, endorsement or recommendations for award.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to complete the grant or cooperative agreement application. Applicants should refer to http://www.grants.gov to apply. Further, the applicant must respond to the Evaluation Factors for Award, provide a detailed cost breakdown to support the proposed budget and include project narratives with a detailed discussion of the project and methodology used.

3. Cover Sheet. Applications must use Standard Form 424, including SF 424A and 424B) with the required information filled in and the certified assurance signed as the cover sheet for their proposal. NOTE: All applicants must provide DUNS number in Block 5. By signing the application form the applicant is providing the required certifications set forth in 2 CFR Part 417 regarding Debarment and Suspension and Drug Free Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, regarding Lobbying.

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4. Project Funding. Separate price proposal for the overall project period. In

Block 15 of the SF 424, show the percent of funding to be provided by each source. Attached to the SF 424 a spreadsheet including rates for the following:

personnel listed by labor category, equipment, materials and supplies, travel, all other costs and indirect costs. The agreed to rates will be incorporated into the agreement and be the basis for future orders.

Show all funding sources. Funds may be required from the NRCS under any of the line items listed above provided that the item or service for which support is required is identified as necessary for successful conduct of the proposed project, is allowable under the authorizing legislation and the applicable Federal cost principles and is not prohibited under any applicable Federal statute. Salaries of project personnel who will be working on the project may be requested in proportion to the effort that they will devote to the project. Show any costs that the applicant will contribute in support of the project, including the organization’s level of commitment in terms of the staff, equipment resources, and/or funding support necessary to leverage the project.

5. Project Description. The application shall include a narrative statement that addresses the following as a minimum:

a. A description of the resources and experience of the organization necessary to successfully perform requested services.

b. The proposed price for preparing, hosting, and conducting an

Outreach meeting and a Technical Topic Workshop.

c. The organization’s level of commitment in terms of the staff, equipment resources, and/or funding support necessary to leverage the cooperative agreement.

d. A brief description of the capabilities to perform the terms of the cooperative agreement, including a brief description of the organizational entity and of the qualifications, employment status, current responsibilities, and proposed level of effort for the project coordinator, and staff responsible for implementation. Resumes for key personnel should be included in an appendix to the application.

e. A list of past experiences with providing Outreach services.

f. The application shall include an appendix. Material should be included only when necessary to support information provided in the narrative. Copies of documents, brochures, etcs. Are encouraged to demonstrate experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

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6. Certifications. All applicants must include a signed SF 424B, Assurances, Non- Construction Programs. By signing and submitting an application, assure and certify that they are in compliance with following from 7 CFR:

a. 2 CFR Part 417, Government-wide Debarment and

Suspension (Non- procurement)

b. 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying;

c. 2 CFR Part 421, Government-wide Requirements for

Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance).

7. How to Submit a Written Proposal

Applicants must submit one signed original and three complete copies of each project proposal. Each copy of the proposal must be stapled securely in the upper left-hand corner. Proposals may be hand-delivered or sent via express mail, overnight courier, US Postal Service, or any other form of mail delivery to the address listed below. Applications submitted via facsimile or email will not be accepted.

Submit written proposals to:

USDA-NRCS

ATTN: Zona Beaty, ASTC 3381 Skyway Drive Auburn, Alabama 36830,

8. Acknowledgment of Submission

Proposals received by the due date will be acknowledged with an official letter. If an applicant has not received an acknowledgment within 30 days of the submission, the applicant must contact the administrative contact (see “Agency Contacts” above) immediately. Failure to do so may result in the application not being considered.

9. Evaluation Criteria:

The Alabama NRCS anticipates one award for this announcement.

Prior to the evaluation review, each application will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice by the appropriate NRCS staff.

Incomplete applications and those that do not meet the provisions of this notice will be eliminated from competition and notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant.

Applications meeting the provisions of this notice will be evaluated by an evaluation team against the evaluation criteria. The evaluation team will make

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The applications will be evaluated using the following criteria that are listed in descending order of importance:

A. Specialized experience and technical competence in the type of work required (50%)

Evaluation will be based on the extent of how the organization is able to perform Outreach activities. Included:

Organizational capabilities. The adequacy of organizational resources and experience to successfully secure locations, prepare and host meetings.

Ability to demonstrate successful past history and credibility of working with limited resource, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged farmers.

Examples of previous work shall be documented for review.

B. Capacity to accomplish the work (35%)

Evaluation will be based upon the entity’s current capacity to perform the work.

C. Past performance regarding work of this nature (15%)

Past experience with other government agencies and other organizations in regards to work of this nature.

Quality and timeliness of performance of work performed.

10. Selection

Each proposal will be evaluated and ranked in accordance with the evaluation factors listed above. Discussions may be held with each applicant regarding the applicant’s experience and operational methods. After selection, NRCS will enter into negotiations with the selected applicant(s) to discuss cost and the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement to be signed. The cooperative agreement will identify the USDA Office(s) to be served. NRCS has the option to cancel the announcement if there are no qualified applicants or limit the number of awards made from this announcement.

11. Award Information

A. Award Notification

Applicants who have been selected will be notified by the State Conservationist.

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Applicants whose proposals have not been selected will be notified by official letter.

B. Cooperative Agreement

The NRCS will use a cooperative agreement with selected applicants to document the agreement parameters. The cooperative agreement will include:

Project purpose;

Project objectives and deliverables;

Project progress and budget reporting requirements;

Award amount and budget information; (established in each task order) Information regarding requests for advance of funds or reimbursement;

Other requirements and terms deemed necessary to protect the interests of the

United States.

Neither the approval of any application nor the award of any cooperative agreement commits or obligates the United States to provide further support of a project or any portion thereof or implies any endorsement.

C. Reporting Requirements

Awardees must submit a Financial Status Report (SF-425) no later than 30 days at the end of each quarter and 90 days after completion of project.

In addition, every 30 days, the awardee must submit a written progress report to the NRCS Alabama State Office. Each progress report shall cover work performed during the previous 30-day period, including any funded or unfunded time extensions, a comparison of actual accomplishments to project goals.

Awardees will be required to comply with 2 CFR 176 for all awards made under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009.

More specifically as follows:

Reporting and Registration Requirements under Section 512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5 which requires the recipient to report on use of Recovery Act funds as part of the award.

Comply with Transparency Act, Public Law 109-282 Required Use of American, Iron, Steel and Manufactured Goods –

Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – which requires that all iron, steel and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States except as otherwise provided.

Wage Rate Requirements under Section 1606 of the American

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Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – which requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part with Recovery Act funds shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality.

Recovery Act Transactions Listed in Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and Recipient Responsibilities for Informing Sub- Recipients – which requires the recipient to separately identify each sub-recipient and document the sub-award and disbursement of funds.

The NRCS will designate a Government Representative and an Administrative contact for the agreement. These individuals will have technical oversight and administrative oversight responsibility for the agreement. The awardee must comply with any requests for information from these individuals. NRCS recommends that the awardee work closely with these individuals throughout the course of the agreement.