FY 2023 EIC Grant Application Instruction Package_FINAL.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior

OFFICE OF INSULAR AFFAIRS

ENERGIZING INSULAR COMMUNITIES PROGRAM (EIC)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.875

FISCAL YEAR 2023 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

I. Program Description The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is requesting proposals for its Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program which provides grant funding for sustainable energy strategies that mitigate climate change, reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fuels, develop and utilize domestic energy sources, and improve the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in the territories. All proposals must be directly and explicitly tied to updated and in-use strategic energy plans, energy action plans, or integrated resource plans. The Office of Insular Affairs will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals:

· whether the proposal is identified and supported in the strategic energy plan, energy action plan, or integrated resource plan;

· the projected energy cost savings.

Multiple project proposals may be submitted. Satisfactory Energizing Insular Communities funding proposals will:

· provide a title, detailed narrative description, and budget for each proposed project;

· provide a complete timeline that demonstrates the project can be accomplished within 36 months (inclusive of required NEPA compliance);

· provide a copy of the territory’s current energy plan, and describe the connection to the plan, impact on foreign fuel imports, and to the extent practicable, electricity costs;

· include the applicable SF-424 grant application forms; and

· include a project abstract.

EIC grant funds are not intended to supplant local funding for routine operating expenses of an insular government or organization. EIC grant funds are not intended to fund the salaries of local, existing employees though they may be utilized to provide temporary, short-term expertise from contractors or consultants to help carry out the project if approved in the proposed budget.

Eligible technologies for energy supply and energy efficiency projects should incorporate commercially available technology. This may include energy from solar, wind, geothermal, geothermal heat pumps, waste to energy, and biogas. Energy storage, transportation and grid feasibility studies are also eligible.

Examples of projects that were awarded in previous years include: distributed solar, utility-scale solar, integrated resource planning, wind turbines, energy efficiency improvements (lighting, air conditioning, cool rooftop, etc.), plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and supply equipment, net metering policies, debit meters, backup battery systems, microgrids, grid stability and integration studies.

Project proposals for power generation, thermal and/or energy storage systems, or studies to support the integration of those systems to the grid should include the following items to the extent applicable:

1. Estimated size of the proposed system including DC power and AC energy delivery of the system as appropriate. For wind and solar projects, the estimated energy delivery shall be based on average weather data for the proposed project site.

2. Estimated total price for proposed system. Show a breakout of the cost assumptions made for the major components.

3. Size of the energy load to be served

4. Description of what entity or organization is the offtaker/beneficiary of the system, expected energy cost savings, and estimated reduction in fossil fuel usage for current generation or offsetting load increase (show calculations).

5. Location of proposed system, its square footage, and demonstrated site control

6. Insurance covering system damage and third-party liability Statement affirming that the system will be insured to the full cost. Per 2 CFR 200.447, insurance costs are eligible under this grant.

7. Designed and constructed to withstand extreme, but reasonably likely weather events such as typhoons/hurricanes.

8. Address whether and how the project improves the territory's disaster resilience

9. Demonstrate that the chosen technology is commercially proven (tested and demonstrated, carries a warranty, has service and parts readily available), is ready for immediate deployment, and is financeable, i.e. commercially proven.

10. Coordinate with utility to ensure that the proposed project, if interconnecting to the utility, is consistent with utility interconnection requirements. This includes describing consultations with utility, design reviews, and participating in any needed interaction between utility and the proposed project. Describe plan of required steps to complete interconnection approval if project is approved.

11. A proposed commissioning, operations and maintenance plan, which describes the commissioning process, sequence of operations, equipment run times and schedules, energy metering, and other requirements to ensure sustained energy performance.

12. Annual system operations and maintenance (O&M) cost and responsible party (i.e., who has the expertise and will perform the required maintenance). (Note: annual O&M costs over the life of the project are not allowable costs under the grant award and must be covered by the grantee)

13. Quantification of non-energy benefits, such as reduction in water consumption, avoided infrastructure improvements, jobs created, etc.

14. A description of the territory's procurement rules and regulations applicable to the proposed project

Project proposals for energy efficiency and conservation should incorporate the following items to the extent applicable:

1. Project location(s) and total price of project(s) with a breakout of costs and assumptions made for major system components.

2. Projected annual and lifetime energy savings (for both electrical and thermal energy as appropriate) as demonstrated by proposed energy consumption of the project as compared to an energy baseline taken from energy bill data, and who will benefit from these savings.

3. Description of project scope including, for buildings: the number of buildings, square footage, and systems (HVAC, lighting, mechanical, building envelope, plug loads, water heating, etc.).

4. Energy conservation measures with a favorable payback period identified through an energy audit. Identify the level of audit already performed or to be performed: ASHRAE Level 1: walkthrough assessment, Level 2: energy survey and analysis, or Level 3: detailed analysis/modeling.

5. Replacement of high energy consuming equipment/devices/processes/controls that are inefficient in their use (e.g. under or oversized, in the wrong application), are outdated/obsolete, or in poor operating condition with highly efficient (e.g. Energy Star certified) equipment/devices/processes/controls that are commercially available, able to be installed within 36 months, with proven success in similar applications, warrantied, with readily available service and parts, and available training/support to ensure successful operation & maintenance.

6. Quantification of impacts on the electricity grid, such as the extent of peak load reduction or system congestion relief.

7. An adequate level of energy metering/sub-metering to measure and verify ongoing project performance and energy savings.

8. A proposed commissioning, operations and maintenance plan, which describes the commissioning process, sequence of operations, equipment run times and schedules, energy metering, proposed set points, and other requirements to ensure energy efficient operations.

Note that not all energy efficiency or conservation projects are expected to meet all of the criteria above. An auditing project proposal will not be expected to quantify energy savings, for example.

II. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants are local government entities, utilities, semi-autonomous agencies, and educational institutions located in the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

III. Award Information

A. Review and Selection Process The review committee will review and evaluate all eligible applications. The review committee will provide recommendations to the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs for final project selection. The Assistant Secretary will select the successful proposals.

All applications for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined below. In order to comply with the new financial assistance regulations, 2 CFR 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards," past performance information will be recognized during the selection process. Scores will be provided to the applicant if requested.

B. Review Criteria Initial Review Criteria: Prior to a comprehensive merit evaluation, OIA will perform an initial review to determine that (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the announcement has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied; and (4) the proposed project is responsive to the objectives of the funding opportunity announcement. If an application fails to meet these requirements, it may be deemed non-responsive and eliminated from full Merit Review.

Merit Review Criteria: The following factors will be used in the comprehensive valuation of applications. The sub-criteria under each criterion are of equal weight.

Criterion 1: Goals and Objectives Weight: 25% Applies to all applications.

· Whether or not the proposed project is identified and supported in the territory’s Strategic Energy Plan and/or Energy Action Plan.

· Clarity and completeness of the discussion of the project goals and objectives.

· Extent to which the proposed project provides economic, environmental, cultural, or social benefits to the territory.

· Potential for future replicability or expansion beyond the currently proposed project.

· Soundness of the discussion that justifies the need for OIA funding.

· Clarity and completeness of the discussion of how the project will be financially sustained after OIA funding.

Criterion 2: Project Description and Implementation Plan Weight: 40%

Only the criteria under one of the following topic areas will be applied, subject to the focus of the application: feasibility study; development (pre-construction) of renewable energy and power generation projects and/or deployment (construction) of renewable energy and power generation projects; deployment of energy efficiency and conservation projects.

Topic Area 1: Grid Studies, Deployment of Renewable Energy and Power Generation Projects, Thermal and Energy Storage Systems Applies only to related proposed projects.

· Clarity and completeness of the discussion of the proposed project.

· Estimated size of the proposed system including DC power and AC energy delivery of the system as appropriate. For wind and solar projects, the estimated energy delivery shall be based on average weather data for the proposed project site.

· Estimated total price for proposed system. Show a breakout of the cost assumptions made for the major components.

· Size of the energy load to be served

· Estimated energy cost savings (show calculations)

· Location of proposed system, its square footage, and demonstrated site control Insurance covering system damage and third-party liability

· Designed and constructed to withstand extreme but reasonably likely weather events such as typhoons/hurricanes.

· Address whether the project improves the territory's disaster resilience

· Demonstrate that the chosen technology is commercially proven (tested and demonstrated, carries a warranty, has service and parts readily available), is ready for immediate deployment, and has financing available from private sector organizations.

· Coordinate with utility to ensure that the proposed project satisfies all utility criteria for interconnection to the utility electric transmission or distribution system. This includes coordinating all negotiations, meeting with utility, design reviews, and participating in any needed interaction between utility and the proposed project.

· Annual system operations and maintenance (O&M) cost. (Note: annual O&M costs over the life of the project are not allowable costs under the grant award and must be covered by the grantee)

· Quantification of non-energy benefits, such as reduction in water consumption, avoided infrastructure improvements, jobs created, etc.

· A description of the territory's procurement rules and regulations applicable to the proposed project

Topic Area 2: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Applies only to related proposed projects:

· Project location(s) and total price of project(s) with a breakout of costs and assumptions made for major system components.

· Projected annual and lifetime energy savings (for both electrical and thermal energy as appropriate) as demonstrated by proposed energy consumption of the project as compared to an energy baseline taken from energy bill data. Anticipated annual energy savings must be at least 15% for the project to be considered. Supporting calculations should be provided.

· Description of project scope including, for buildings: the number of buildings, square footage, and systems (HVAC, lighting, mechanical, building envelope, plug loads, water heating, etc.).

· Energy conservation measures with a favorable payback period identified through an energy audit. Identify the level of audit already performed or to be performed: ASHRAE Level 1: walkthrough assessment, Level 2: energy survey and analysis, or Level 3: detailed analysis/modeling.

· Replacement of high energy consuming equipment/devices/processes/controls that are inefficient in their use (e.g. under or oversized, in the wrong application), are outdated/obsolete, or in poor operating condition with highly efficient (e.g. Energy Star certified) equipment/devices/processes/controls that are commercially available, able to be installed within 24 months, with proven success in similar applications, warrantied, with readily available service and parts, and available training/support to ensure successful operation & maintenance.

· Quantification of impacts on the electricity grid, such as the extent of peak load reduction or system congestion relief.

· An adequate level of energy metering/sub-metering to measure and verify ongoing project performance and energy savings.

· A proposed commissioning, operation and maintenance plan, which describes the commissioning process, sequence of operations, equipment run times and schedules, energy metering, proposed set points, and other requirements to ensure energy efficient operations.

Criterion 3: Environmental Considerations Weight: 15% Applies to all applications.

· Clarity and completeness of the discussion of the environmental benefits and impacts of the proposed project.

· Clarity of the discussion of environmental analyses conducted and quality of the environmental analyses provided.

· Quality of the description of land for deployment projects only and evidence of a commitment of the use of that land.

· Thoroughness of the discussion of Federal, State, or local permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), or other approvals as required for the proposed project.

· Likelihood of obtaining the required permits, approvals, and NEPA decisions within the 3-year timeframe allotted. Please refer to the included NEPA Screening Template for guidance on what level of NEPA compliance potential projects may require.

· If applicable, the soundness of the plan to dispose of any sanitary or hazardous waste (e.g., construction and demolition debris, old light bulbs, lead ballasts, piping, roofing material, discarded equipment, debris, and asbestos) generated as a result of the proposed project.

Criterion 4: Roles, Responsibilities, Resources, and Capabilities Weight: 10% Applies to all applications.

· Soundness of the project management concept with respect to proposed tasks and organizational structure to achieve project objectives.

· Capabilities of the applicant and participants to comprehensively address all aspects of the proposed project or reasonableness of the plan to obtain qualified suppliers, subcontractors, or consultants.

· Level of commitment of the applicant and each participating organization as evidenced by level of involvement, contributions, and cost sharing (if any) identified in declarations and letters of commitment.

· Reasonableness of the business agreements between each of the parties to implement the project, if any.

· Soundness of the project co-financing and evidence of the capability of the applicant and participating organizations to meet cost sharing requirements (if any) of the proposed project.

Criterion 5: Project Support Weight: 10% Applies to all applications.

· Level of support from stakeholders, the public, Congress, and local government, as evidenced by letters of support, historical support by Congress/the Administration, or signature on grant documents by the Governor of the insular area.

The Assistant Secretary and/or designated official will consider the merit review, as well as the amount of funds available and geographic distribution of funding when making recommendations for funding.

C. Discussions and Award The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) OIA needs additional information to determine that the recipient is capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance Regulations and/or (3) special terms and conditions are required. Failure to resolve satisfactorily the issues identified by OIA will preclude award to the applicant.

IV. Application Information

EIC applications must be submitted via GrantSolutions (www.grantsolutions.gov) or Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). If you have access to GrantSolutions, it is recommended that you apply there. Log in and search for the announcement using Funding Opportunity Number OIAOIA-EIC2300317, or search using the CFDA number (15.875) or grant program name, then follow the instructions to download required forms and complete and submit your application. To access the application package in Grants.gov, in the “Search Grants” tab, enter CFDA number (15.875). Downloading and saving the application package to your computer makes the required forms fillable and printable. Submit applications downloaded via Grants.gov in Grants.gov.

You will receive automatic confirmation of your application in GrantSolutions or Grants.gov. OIA will also receive system notifications that document you have submitted your application by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be rejected, unless you can demonstrate that a technical problem with GrantSolutions or Grants.gov resulted in late or incomplete submission of your application.

Although it is not a requirement, we encourage you to submit a PDF copy of your entire application, via e-mail, to the grant manager listed in Section X of this announcement.

Submission Deadline: Applications will be accepted via Grants.gov and GrantSolutions.gov until June 15, 2023. Applications received later than June 15th may not receive consideration.

Review Timeframe: OIA will act on applications in as timely a manner as possible. Generally, OIA reviews and awards take place during the summer.

Decisions: OIA anticipates that grant recipients and projects will be selected in the summer of 2023. Applicants will be notified of the final determination on their applications, generally via email, once a decision is reached. It is suggested that applicants create a GrantSolutions.gov account if they do not already have one, as an account is necessary to process awards.

Application Preparation: Applications should be prepared and submitted by the entity who would receive the grant award. Applications submitted and prepared by a third party, such as an existing contractor or a potential contractor who may benefit from the grant, are not considered allowable. Please note that grant recipients must follow the applicable procurement procedures contained in 2 CFR 200, as well as all current Buy American Build American requirements (please see www.doi.gov/grants/buyamerica) when procuring services and goods under OIA grants. In addition, please note that OIA is responsible for ensuring that all Federally-funded projects are in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable environmental laws and regulations. Therefore, please factor the cost of compliance into the formulation of your request.

Application Format: OIA does not require a standard format; however, your proposal should include all of the following elements in order to receive full consideration:

A. Signed and Dated Cover Letter: The cover letter should briefly summarize the application and be signed by an Authorized Representative of the applicant organization. Cover letters should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs:

Carmen G. Cantor Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Mail Stop 3117 Washington, D.C. 20240

B. Project Narrative:

1. Detailed Project Description(s): Provide a clear description of what is to be constructed or acquired. Provide as much detail as possible.

2. Detailed Project Budget(s): Provide detailed budget information for the proposed project(s) and activities. A budget breakout chart, by category, is suggested. Please make sure to explain categories that are not self-explanatory, such as “OTHER”, in full. Also provide a description of external contracts that will be required to complete the project. State the basis for the budget cost estimates, whether it is based on research by government technical staff, a recently completed similar project, information provided by quotes or an outside source, etc.

If charging indirect costs, please include or attach a copy of the negotiated indirect cost rate document. Please note that all activities and costs to be charged to the grant must be in full compliance with the applicable cost principle found in OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).

3. Detailed Project Timeline(s): Provide a detailed project timeline for completion of each proposed project.

4. Statement of Need: Describe why this project is necessary and include supporting information. Summarize previous or ongoing efforts (of your organization as well as outside organizations) relevant to the proposed work. Explain how this project is tied to/reference where it is in the territory’s updated strategic energy plan, energy action plan, or integrated resource plan.

5. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term goals of what you want to achieve. Objectives are the specific steps you will take to reach your stated goals. State your objectives, which must be specific, measurable, and realistic (attainable within the project’s period of performance).

6. Environmental Permitting: Describe what will be required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and how long it will take to acquire the necessary permits. Please Please refer to the included NEPA Screening Template for guidance on what level of NEPA compliance potential projects may require.

7. Priority Listing for Multiple Projects: If multiple projects are being proposed, please provide a listing of the proposed projects in order of priority. An example is provided below:

SUMMARY PRIORITY PROJECTS

Priority Project (list in priority order) Requested Amount

1. Priority 1 - Project [Name] $

2. Priority 2 - Project [Name] $

3. Priority 3 - Project [Name] $

Total Request for Fiscal Year 2023 $

8. Grant Recipient: Please provide the name, title, and address of person to who the grant award, if made, should be addressed. This is normally, the head of the entity applying for the project. Please ensure that the recipient organization matches the entity designated on the SF-424 forms.

9. Recipient Grant Manager: Please provide the name, title, and contact information for the person who will be the day-to-day grant manager if the proposal is funded. Contact information should include the mailing address, phone number, fax number and email address (as applicable).

10. Financial Capabilities: IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING FROM OIA IN THE LAST FIVE (5) YEARS, please ensure that the following questions are answered on your application:

a. Does your organization have independent financial capabilities that can comply with the financial management and accounting requirements detailed in 2 CFR 200 (see below)?

b. Does your organization have a financial unit? If so, please describe the staffing and structure (such as the number of CPAs, utilization of accounting software etc.)

c. Has your organization received and managed federal grant funding before?

d. Does your organization undergo an annual financial audit?

e. Has your organization ever completed a single audit?

All applicants, but especially first-time applicants, are strongly encouraged to review Code of Federal Regulations Title 2, Part 200 (2 CFR 200) in order to familiarize themselves with the Department of the Interior’s administrative requirements, particularly the financial management requirements, associated with managing federal grant funding. 2 CFR 200 can be viewed using the following link:

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

11. Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Identification Number: Organizations already enrolled in ASAP under Agency Location Code 14010001 should list their ASAP identification number on their application. Please see Section VI. Fund Disbursement below for additional information.

12. Registration Process Requirements: All entities wishing to do business with the federal government must have a unique entity identifier (UEI). Applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaced the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

C. Required SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance Forms

Applicants must complete and submit the appropriate SF-424 forms when applying for OIA grants. In addition to the core SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance form, applicants must complete two additional forms: either the SF-424A Budget Information – Non Construction Programs or the SF-424C Budget Information – Construction Program, as appropriate to the proposed project(s); and the SF-424B Assurances – Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424D Assurances – Construction Programs, as appropriate to the proposed project(s).

In total, three SF-424 forms must be submitted as part of the application. The forms can be found on the Grants.Gov website at the following link:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Please note that the entity designated on the SF-424 forms will be the entity receiving the grant award.

D. Project Abstract Summary

E. Application Restrictions

Applications should not include requests to fund force accounts:

Force Accounts: A force account refers to a grantee’s own (existing) personnel being charged to the grant. In general, OIA is opposed to funding force accounts with its grants, however, outside expertise and consultant services will be considered if detailed in the project narrative and budget.

OIA Budget and Grants personnel cannot review proposals before they are submitted for any reason. We can provide technical assistance with Grants.gov but cannot provide any other assistance with writing or reviewing your proposal before submission due to the competitive nature of the process and prohibitions on providing unfair advantage to one applicant over another.

Financial Capabilities All applicants must answer the following questions:

· Does your organization have independent financial capabilities that can comply with the financial management and accounting requirements detailed in 2 CFR 200, including, but not limited to, policies and procedures in place that meet the financial management standards in 2 CFR §200.302 (yes/no)?

· Does your organization have a financial unit? If so, please describe the staffing and structure (such as the number of CPAs, utilization of accounting software etc.)

· Has your organization received and managed federal grant funding before?

· Does your organization undergo an independent financial audit? Please specify the last audit year that was completed and include a copy of this audit. Did your organization receive an unqualified opinion on their independent audit (Yes/No)? If no, did your organization receive a qualified, adverse, or disclaimer of opinion on the independent audit (yes/no)? Did your organization receive a qualified, adverse, or disclaimer of opinion on the independent audit (yes/no)?

· Has your organization ever completed a single audit? Was this audit uploaded on the single audit clearinghouse? If so, please provide the EIN number for the audit. If it was not uploaded, please provide a copy.

· Does your organization have a FAPIIS record, or any adverse performance information (yes/no)?

F. Application Package Checklist

A complete application package must include:

· Core SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance form

· SF-424A Budget Information – Non Construction Programs (or SF-424C for projects involving construction)

· SF-424B Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (or SF-424D for projects involving construction)

· Signed and Dated Cover Letter

· Complete Project Narrative (detailed project description, detailed budget, detailed timeline, statement of need, project goals and objectives, priority listing (if applicable), grant recipient, grant manager, first time applicant responses & ASAP Identification.

· Project Abstract

· Negotiated indirect cost rate document (if applicable)

· Letter(s) of Support (if applicable)

V. Award Administration Information

A. Award Instrument Information

· Projects will be funded, subject to availability of funds, by issuance of a grant agreement.

· Agreements will include a cover letter signed by an Office of Insular Affairs Official and a grant award document issued by the grant manager.

· The recipient shall obtain prior approval for any budget or program revisions.

B. Funding Restrictions

· All funding is contingent upon the availability and appropriation of funds by the United States Congress.

· Costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.

C. Submission from Successful Applicants

· If selected for possible award, the Office of Insular Affairs reserves the right the request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary.

D. Award Notices

· After an applicant’s proposal is selected for award, the applicant will receive a letter from the Office of Insular Affairs. This letter will detail the next steps in the awarding process.

· OIA anticipates that the grant recipients and projects will be chosen during summer 2023.

E. GrantSolutions.gov

· All awards will be administered through GrantSolutions.gov. It is suggested that applicants without an account, create one in order to be able to access their award documents.

F. Administration and National Policy Requirements

· Code of Federal Regulations – By accepting financial assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable Federal regulations in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program: 2 CFR Part 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

VI. Grant Reporting

The standard grant reporting requirements are listed below:

· An SF-425 Federal Financial Report and a narrative Performance Progress report will be due semi-annually for the periods beginning January 1 and ending June 30, and beginning July 1 and ending December 31.

· Reports are due within 30 days of the end of the period. Final reports are due 120 days after the expiration or termination of the award.

· Reports should be submitted via GrantSolutions.gov within the required time frames, in order to be considered accepted.

· If applicable to the project scope, Performance Progress Reports should reflect all impacts upon fuel/electricity bills and pricing.

· Please note that the performance measures need to be reported on in every Performance Progress Report submitted. If performance goals are not being met, a detailed explanation of why they are not being met should be included in the report.

· Even if no progress has been made during a report period, a Performance Progress Report must still be submitted.

These standard reporting requirements will apply to all awards unless otherwise indicated in the Terms and Conditions section of the award. Additional requirements are assigned on a case-by- case basis and may also be found in the Terms and Conditions section of the award.

Significant Development Reports Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Bureau in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify OIA in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Real Property Reports Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period. The Bureau will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, in the Notice of Award when applicable.

VII. Fund Disbursement

Grant recipients located in the U.S. Territories or in the United States will be required to enroll with, and utilize, the U.S. Treasury's Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system to request payments under a grant. All payments are made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or Automatic Clearing House (ACH).

Please note that a grantee must be enrolled in ASAP under Agency Location Code 14010001 to have access to OIA grant funds. A grantee may already be enrolled in ASAP for another grant program, such as through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but if the grantee is not specifically enrolled under ALC 14010001 it will not have access to the OIA grant.

Organizations already enrolled in ASAP under ALC 14010001 should list their ASAP ID on their applications as noted above in Section IV(B)(9).

The ASAP enrollment forms can be found on the OIA website:

https://www.doi.gov/oia/fiscal-payments

VIII. Audits

In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503. In addition, grantees are subject to site visits and audits by the Department of Interior (DOI) and other Federal officials.

IX. Other Information

A. Modification or Changes to the Announcement Notices of any modifications to this announcement will be posted on Grants.gov. When you download the application materials at Grants.gov, you can also register to receive notifications by email of any changes or modifications to this announcement.

B. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate OIA reserves the right, without qualification, to reject any or all applications received in response to this announcement and to select any application, in whole or in part, as a basis for negotiation and/or award

C. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability OIA reserves the right to conduct an independent third-party review of financial capability for applicants that are selected for negotiation of award.

D. Notice of Potential Disclosure under Freedom of Information Act Applicants should be advised that identifying information regarding all applicants, including applicant names and/or points of contact, may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, whether or not such applicants are selected for negotiation of award.

E. Personally Identifiable Information In responding to this Announcement, applicants must ensure that Protected Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is not included in the Application Package. These documents will be used by the Technical Assistance Grant Program Review Panel in the review process to evaluate each application. PII is defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as:

Any information about an individual maintained by an agency, including but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as their name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, biometric records, etc., including any other personal information that is linked or linkable to an individual. This definition of PII can be further defined as: (1) Public PII and (2) Protected PII.

1. Public PII:

PII found in public sources such as telephone books, public websites, business cards, university listing, etc. Public PII includes first and last name, address, work telephone number, email address, home telephone number, and general education credentials.

2. Protected PII:

PII that requires enhanced protection. This information includes data that if compromised could cause harm to an individual, such as identity theft.

F. Conflicts of Interest

1. Applicability.

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

b. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub-recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

2. Requirements.

a. Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the recipient's ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.

b. In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual or proposed recipient or sub-recipient, who is substantially involved in the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with respect to that recipient or sub-recipient or in development of the requirement leading to the funding announcement.

c. No actual or prospective recipient or sub-recipient may solicit, obtain, or use nonpublic information regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that recipient or sub-recipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or sub-recipients.

3. Notification.

a. Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or passthrough entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112, Conflicts of interest.

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

4. Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 USC 1352.

5. Review Procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

6. Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR Part 180).

G. Data Availability

1. Applicability. The Department of the Interior is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by the Department to inform its decisions.

2. Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award, including the provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.

3. Availability of Data. The recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any subaward(s) available to the Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow meaningful third party evaluation and reproduction of the following:

a. The scientific data relied upon;

b. The analysis relied upon; and

c. The methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze data.

X. Agency Contacts

Jonathan Dunn Director, Budget and Grants Management Division Office of Insular Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Mail Stop 3117 Washington, DC 20240

(202) 219-0614 jonathan_dunn@ios.doi.gov

Krystina Alfano EIC Grant Manager Office of Insular Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Mail Stop 3117 Washington, DC 20240

(202) 219-8536 krystina_alfano@ios.doi.gov

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