FY 2026 JACS NOFO P26AS00021.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

P26AS00021

Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program

Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program

Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: P26AS00021 Legislative Authority: Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites (Public Law 109-441, 120 State. 3288), as amended Assistance Listing Number: 15.933 Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites Total Anticipated Funding to Award: $4,604,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 20 Each activity or project under anticipated agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through award negotiations, including project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

Anticipated Amount Per Award: An estimated range of $5,000 to $500,000 of funding is anticipated for each award. The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

Cost Sharing Required? Yes Submission Dates and Times: June 15, 2026, 11:59pm ET Estimated Processing Time: The National Park Service anticipates that the grant recipients and projects will be announced in late spring 2026. After an applicant’s proposal is selected for award, the applicant will receive a letter from the Awarding Officer.

Anticipated Award Date: Summer 2026 Projects receiving funding through this NOFO will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made.

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions? Contact nps_jacsgrants@nps.gov

Executive Summary The Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) Grant Program provides financial assistance to organizations and entities working to preserve historic Japanese American confinement sites and their history, including: private nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; state, local, and tribal governments; and other public entities, for the preservation and interpretation of U.S. confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II.

Projects funded through the JACS Grant Program must benefit one or more historic Japanese American confinement sites. The term historic confinement sites are defined as the ten War Relocation Authority sites (Gila River, Granada, Heart Mountain, Jerome, Manzanar, Minidoka, Poston, Rohwer, Topaz, and Tule Lake), as well as other historically significant locations, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. These sites are specifically identified in Confinement and Ethnicity: An Overview of World War II Japanese American Relocation Sites, published by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Western Archaeological and Conservation Center, in 1999. This document may be seen at https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/anthropology74/.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants ☒ State governments ☒ County governments ☒ City or township governments ☐ Special district governments ☒ Independent school districts ☒ Public and State controlled institutions of higher education ☒ Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) ☐ Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities ☐ Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) ☒ Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education ☐ Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education ☒ Private institutions of higher education ☐ Individuals ☐ For profit organization other than small businesses ☐ Small businesses ☐ Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) ☐ Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Information on Eligibility Each applicant may submit up to 3 applications annually, for 3 separate projects, but each applicant can receive only 2 grants per fiscal year grant cycle.

Foreign Entities or Projects: This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

Eligible Sites Projects funded through the JACS Grant Program must benefit one or more historic Japanese American confinement sites. The term historic confinement sites are defined as the ten War Relocation Authority sites (Gila River, Granada, Heart Mountain, Jerome, Manzanar, Minidoka, Poston, Rohwer, Topaz, and Tule Lake), as well as other historically significant locations, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. These sites are specifically identified in Confinement and Ethnicity: An Overview of World War II Japanese American Relocation Sites, published by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Western Archaeological and Conservation Center, in 1999. This document may be seen at https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/anthropology74/.

Confinement Sites Eligible for Funding:

War Relocation Authority Gila River, Arizona Granada, Colorado Heart Mountain, Wyoming Jerome, Arkansas Manzanar, California Minidoka, Idaho Poston, Arizona Rohwer, Arkansas Topaz, Utah Tule Lake, California Citizen Isolation Centers Moab, Utah Leupp, Arizona

Additional War Relocation Authority Facilities Antelope Springs, Utah Cow Creek, Death Valley, California Tule Lake, California

Assembly Centers and Sites Bainbridge Island/Eagledale Ferry Dock, Washington Fresno, California Marysville, California Mayer, Arizona Merced, California Pinedale, California Pomona, California Portland, Oregon Puyallup, Washington Sacramento, California Salinas, California Santa Anita, California Stockton, California Tanforan, California Tulare, California Turlock, California

Department of Justice Facilities Temporary Detention Stations:

Angel Island, California Cincinnati, Ohio East Boston, Massachusetts Ellis Island, New York San Pedro, California Seattle, Washington

Internment Camps:

Crystal City Internment Center, Texas Kenedy Internment Center, Texas Kooskia Work Camp, Idaho Fort Lincoln, North Dakota Fort Missoula, Montana Fort Stanton, New Mexico Santa Fe, New Mexico Seagoville, Texas Sharp Park, California Tuna Canyon, California

U.S. Army Facilities Camp Florence, Arizona Camp Forrest, Tennessee Camp Livingston, Louisiana Camp Lordsburg, New Mexico Camp McCoy, Wisconsin Fort Meade, Maryland Fort Richardson, Alaska Fort Sam Houston, Texas Fort Sill, Oklahoma Haiku Camp, Maui, Hawaii Honouliuli, Hawaii Sand Island, Hawaii Kalaheo Stockade, Kauai, Hawaii Stringtown, Oklahoma

Federal Bureau of Prisons Catalina Federal Honor Camp, Arizona Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, Kansas McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary, Washington

Eligible Projects The types of projects eligible for funding from the JACS Grant Program include the following categories:

· Capital projects: including construction of new interpretive centers, restrooms and interpretive trails.

· Documentation: including identification, research, and evaluation of historic confinement sites; projects may include archeological surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, and National Historic Landmark nominations.

· Oral history interviews: including recording, transcribing, digitally processing and sharing the interviews.

· Interpretation and education related to historic confinement sites: projects may include wayside exhibits, creative arts and educational curricula.

· Preservation of confinement sites and related historic resources: projects may include stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, acquisition, relocation of historic buildings and structures to their original locations, reconstruction of key structures, and collections conservation.

· Planning projects: such as interpretive plans for new exhibits and programs, land use plans, and resource management plans.

· Non-Federal real property acquisition: only allowed with the owner’s written permission only at Heart Mountain, Honouliuli, Jerome, Rohwer, and Topaz, per stipulations of Public Laws 109-441 and 111-88.

The JACS Grant Program does not provide funding for:

· Projects that have already been completed

· Establishment of Friends groups

· Fundraising or the formulation of fundraising plans

· Lobbying

· Long-term maintenance, operations, or curatorial work beyond the grant period

· Organizational operations/permanent staff positions

· Land acquisition at sites other than: Heart Mountain, Honouliuli, Jerome, Rohwer, and Topaz.

Cost Sharing Requirement In accordance with Public Law 109-441 (120 Stat. 3288), each grant “…shall require a 50 percent non-Federal match.” Eligible non-Federal sources of contribution must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, in-kind contributions or services, or materials/supplies/equipment, or *land. The non-Federal match may be raised and spent during the grant period; it does not have to be “in the bank” at the time of the application. (*Note: Land applies only to Jerome, Rohwer, Topaz and Honouliuli in accordance with Public Laws 109-441 and 111-88.)

The non-Federal match must be identified in the required Application Package documents (see Section D: Application and Submission Information).

The required non-Federal match will be considered in the evaluation of applications in accordance with Section E. Application Review Information.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

· Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

· Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

· Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

Applications must be received by June 15, 2026, 11:59PM PM, (Eastern Time). Note: this is not a postmark date.

Complete Application Packages must be submitted to the National Park Service by the deadline. See Submission Instructions.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals The JACS Grant Program will provide financial assistance to preserve historic Japanese American confinement sites and their history, for the preservation and interpretation of U.S. confinement sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. Up to $38 million was authorized for the life of the JACS grant program “…for the purpose of identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, protecting, restoring, repairing, and acquiring historic confinement sites in order that present and future generations may learn and gain inspiration from these sites and that these sites will demonstrate the Nation’s commitment to equal justice under the law” (Public Law 109-441, 120 Stat. 3288).

Program Description Projects funded through the JACS Grant Program must benefit one or more historic Japanese American confinement sites. The term historic confinement sites is defined as the ten War Relocation Authority sites (Gila River, Granada, Heart Mountain, Jerome, Manzanar, Minidoka, Poston, Rohwer, Topaz, and Tule Lake), as well as other historically significant locations, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II. These sites are specifically identified in Confinement and Ethnicity: An Overview of World War II Japanese American Relocation Sites, published by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Western Archaeological and Conservation Center, in 1999. This document may be seen at https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/anthropology74/.

There are separate funding announcements for the JACS Grant Program (P26AS00021) and the Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education grants (P26AS00020). Eligible organizations may submit a distinct project application to one or both funding announcements.

Recipients are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

Legislative Authority Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites (Public Law 109-441, 120 Stat. 3288), as amended by Sec. 119 of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-88) and Sec. 644 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328).

Type of Award Grant Agreement - A legal instrument of financial assistance between The National Park Service and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6302, 6304:

(1) Is used to enter a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from the Federal awarding agency to the non-Federal entity to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. § 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal awarding agency’s direct benefit or use.

(2) Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement between the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and the non-Federal entity in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award.

Other Information: Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Contents and Format Pre-Application Requirements Address to Request Application Package An Application Package has been included with this Notice of Funding Opportunity for your convenience, found in Appendix A. All application materials are also available on the JACS Grant Program website at: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/grant-application.htm.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should review presidential actions found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI Secretary’s Orders found at: https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below. Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

Required from all applicants

Budget Justification to support SF-424A or SF-424C

Note: A sample template is provided in Appendix A but use of this template is not required.

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative The proposal is a narrative description that should specifically address each of the review criteria (see Section E: Application Review Information). The Project Narrative may be submitted on the optional “Project Narrative” template in the Application Package in Appendix B (also available on the JACS Grant Program website), or in another format of your choosing, such as a word-processing document. It is highly recommended that applicants use the provided Project Narrative template. However, if using another format, the maximum page length is 9 pages. Project Narratives that are longer than 9 pages will not be reviewed (see additional specifications below). Recommended page lengths for Project Narrative sections are given below.

The Project Narrative must specifically address each of the review criteria listed below (also see Section E. Application Review Information). It is HIGHLY recommended that the Project Narrative have sections labeled as follows: Project Information, Project Summary, Project Need, Project Impact, Project Feasibility, Project Sustainability, Project Support, and Sources of the Non-Federal Cost Match.

The Project Narrative must be no longer than 9 pages, use no smaller than font size 11, and have minimum 1/2-inch page margins. The Project Narrative must include the following:

1. Project Information (recommended length: ½ to 1 page)

a. Project Name

b. Project Type (select only one: Capital Project, Documentation, Oral History, Preservation, Interpretation & Education, Planning, or Real Property Acquisition). Note that property acquisition is limited to Heart Mountain, Honouliuli, Jerome, Rohwer, and Topaz, as stipulated by Public Laws 109-441 and 111-88.

c. Brief Summary of Project (limit to 2 sentences)

d. Confinement Site(s) that will benefit from project, and the location of those Confinement Site(s) (include the City, County, State, and Zip Code)

e. Contact Information, including name, phone number and email address of the Authorizing Official and Project Director (if different from Authorizing Official).

2. Project Summary (recommended length: 1 page): Briefly summarize the proposed project, listing all key activities and project deliverables to be supported by this grant and the non-Federal match.

3. Project Need (recommended length: 1 page): Problem Statement and Desired Outcome

a. What is the critical problem that needs to be addressed?

b. What is the desired outcome of the project, and how will it address the critical problem (identified above) with an appropriate solution? (For example, explain how the project will preserve a threatened resource or improve the interpretation of the confinement site experience.)

4. Project Impact (recommended length: 1 page)

a. What impact(s) will the project have on the interpretation and/or preservation of the confinement site experience and what audience(s) will the project reach? How widespread will the impact be and how will the project be publicized and shared with others?

b. The JACS grant program’s authorizing legislation states that the program was created “…for the purpose of identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, protecting, restoring, repairing, and acquiring historic confinement sites in order that present and future generations may learn and gain inspiration from these sites and that these sites will demonstrate the Nation’s commitment to equal justice under the law” (Public Law 109-441, 120 Stat. 3288). How will this project meet that purpose, particularly the sections underlined above? Explain how these messages will be conveyed to and shared with the public.

5. Project Feasibility (recommended length: 2 pages): Describe the ability to successfully complete the project.

a. How is the project budget reasonable? (Explain how the Federal funds and non-Federal match will be used, and demonstrate how this use of funds is allowable, reasonable, and directly relevant to the project. Explain your plan for providing the non-Federal match).

b. Do the selected personnel have the qualifications and ability to complete the project in a timely and professional manner? (List key personnel and briefly describe their qualifications. If personnel have not been selected, describe the qualifications you will require. Film projects must include a sample of previous work by the filmmaker. This sample must be submitted with the application package. If submitting an application by mail, the applicant must provide a playable DVD. If submitting the application by email, the applicant must provide an active, online web link to the sample footage. Sample footage should be no more than 5-10 consecutive minutes in length.)

c. How will the project be effectively managed and completed? (For example, explain any pre-project planning or research that has been completed, such as a Historic Structures Report. Describe methodologies, procedures and proposed actions. Provide a timeline for completion, including each major activity and the final deadline date. Projects must be completed within an established grant period, generally within two years of funding.)

6. Project Sustainability (recommended length: 1 page): Describe the ability for long-term maintenance, operation, distribution, and/or follow-up of the project.

a. How will the project be sustained over time? (Demonstrate that you have the ability for the long-term maintenance, operation, distribution and/or follow-up of the project. For example, for construction projects, describe the plan for long-term management, maintenance, and operations of the building. For preservation projects, explain how your organization will ensure continued maintenance of the historic property or collection. For non-construction projects, describe how your organization will meet the long-term objectives of the project, disseminate project results and/or follow up on planned subsequent phases of the project.)

7. Project Support (recommended length: ½ page)

a. How much support and participation does the project have from formerly confined people, stakeholders, and/or the public? (Letters of support are shared with the JACS Grant Program Review Panel. Letters should demonstrate a strong level of support and/or a commitment of resources to the project, either through cash funding, in-kind support, public participation or continued involvement during and after completion of the project.)

8. Sources of Non-Federal Cost Match (recommended length: ½ to 1 page)

a. A 2:1 Federal to non-Federal match is required. Please list the secured sources and amounts of the required non-Federal cost match, which can be cash, supplies/materials/equipment, *land or in-kind services. Federal funds may not be used for the match. If the match is not yet secured, please list the planned sources and amounts. (*Note: Land applies only to Jerome, Rohwer, Topaz and Honouliuli per stipulations of Public Laws 109-441 and 111-88.)

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions. The Budget Justification may be submitted on the optional “Budget Justification” template (Excel) in the Application Package in Appendix B, or in another format of your choosing. It is strongly recommended that applicants use the provided “Budget Justification” template.

Budget items must be:

· Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

· Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

· De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

· Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Other Required Information Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures: If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement: Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

· Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

· Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

· Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

· A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

· Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement: U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $1,000,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Proof of Applicant’s governmental, non-profit, or institutional status Examples include: an official document identifying the applicant as a unit of state, tribal, or local government or other tax-exempt multipurpose organization (if prepared specifically for this application, the certification must be on the parent organization letterhead and certified by an official of the parent organization); or a copy of the Federal IRS letter indicating the applicant’s eligibility for nonprofit 501(c)3 status under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.

Letter from owner and/or participating organization giving consent (AS APPLICABLE) If the applicant does not own the historic property (where work will be conducted) or collection, you must attach a letter from the owner giving consent to the applicant to undertake work on the property or collection for this specific project.

If the applicant requires the approval of another participating organization (for example, permission to attend a pilgrimage event or work with artifacts in a collection), please attach a letter of support from that organization giving consent to the applicant for this specific project.

Supplemental Information (AS APPLICABLE) Supplemental information, such as architectural concepts and exhibit designs, may be submitted, but is not required. If supplemental information is submitted, it must be included with the grant application package and will not be considered if sent separately. Any supplemental information submitted in an electronic format must be sent as a PDF and must be directly pertinent to the project proposal.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service. Applications must be electronically submitted by June 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline. Note: Per 2 CFR 1402.204 (f) Bureaus and offices must consider the timeliness of the application submission. Applications that are submitted beyond the announced deadline date must be removed from the review process. Application preparation time may take several weeks, so please start the application process as soon as possible. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

Submission Instructions Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

· Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

· Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

· Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

· Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support 1-800-518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact Katie Gaertner by phone at 720-595-4942 or email at nps_jacsgrants@nps.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR 25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the NPS checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review Criteria NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria in the Project Narrative application requirement. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed project narrative of the following criteria elements. It is highly recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled by criterion.

Criterion A: Project Need (Problem Statement and Desired Outcome)

The application clearly identifies a critical problem that encompasses major features of a historic resource and/or addresses major gaps in the interpretation of the confinement site experience. Project is urgently needed to address the problem and delaying it beyond this grant period (1-2 years) will result in the loss of an important opportunity and/or historic resource(s).

The problem is critical but does not involve the most significant resource(s) or the most important interpretive aspects of the confinement site experience. The problem does not need to be addressed within this grant period (1-2 years).

Although there is a problem, it is not critical.

Criterion A. Project Need (Problem Statement and Desired Outcome)

The desired outcome is clearly identified and the project directly addresses the critical problem identified in A-i with an appropriate solution, and:

a. The project will result in significant improvement and/or the preservation of the site resource(s) and encompasses major features of the resource(s). If the resource has a new use, it is an appropriate and sensitive adaptive reuse in keeping with the property’s historic character and/or the overall preservation and interpretation of the site resource(s).

OR

b. The project will significantly improve the interpretation or documentation of the confinement site experience and/or resource(s). The project will result in a major new interpretation of stories connected to the confinement experience and/or resource(s), or will make previously unavailable or unknown primary source material(s) available to the public and will deliver an important message that will greatly enhance understanding of the national story of the Japanese American confinement.

The desired outcome is identified, and the proposed project adequately addresses the critical problem identified in A-i with an appropriate solution, and:

a. The project will improve or preserve the historic resource(s), but not in a major or significant way. While the project is beneficial, it does not address the most significant or major resource problems.

OR

b. The project will improve the education/interpretation or documentation of the confinement site experience and/or resource(s). While the project is beneficial, it will not result in a major new interpretation of stories connected to the confinement experience and/or site resource(s) or will not make previously unavailable or unknown primary source material(s) available to the public. However, it will be of benefit to visitors.

The proposed project only minimally addresses the critical problem.

Criterion B: Project Impact

The project will be one of the "signature projects" of the JACS Grant Program. The project will have a significant and powerful national impact on the interpretation and/or preservation of the confinement site experience. The project is compelling and will capture the attention of a national audience and the national media. The application clearly states that the project will be publicized nationally and shared with others.

The project will have a moderate and/or regional impact on the interpretation and/or preservation of the confinement site experience. The project will primarily capture the attention of groups already knowledgeable about the confinement site experience.

The project will have a minimal and/or local impact on the interpretation and/or preservation of the confinement site experience.

Criterion B: Project Impact

Bii. Public Law 109-441 (120 STAT 3288) – the grant program’s authorizing legislation – states that the program was created “for the purpose of identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, protecting, restoring, repairing, and acquiring historic confinement sites in order that present and future generations may learn and gain inspiration from these sites and that these sites will demonstrate the Nation’s commitment to equal justice under the law.” The project meets the purpose of the grant program’s authorizing legislation and addresses how these messages will be conveyed and shared with the public.

Total Points: 10

The project will be of great benefit in helping present and future generations learn and gain inspiration from the confinement site experience. The project is a strong demonstration of the nation’s commitment to equal justice under the law. The project clearly outlines how these messages will be conveyed to the public.

The project will increase public awareness and understanding of the Japanese American World War II confinement site experience. The project demonstrates the nation’s commitment to equal justice under the law. The project implies how these messages will be conveyed to the public but does not provide clear statements.

Criterion C: Project Feasibility (The applicant has the ability to successfully complete the project)

Ci. The project budget is reasonable

Total Points: 10

The grant application budget is comprehensive and well detailed, clearly documents the Federal and non-Federal match and includes a realistic plan for acquiring non-Federal match. All budget items are allowable, reasonable, and directly relevant to the project. The budget reflects competitive sourcing and reasonable cost comparisons.

The grant application budget presents basic information, including documentation of Federal and non-Federal match. Budget items are generally appropriate, although there are some questions and possible inadequacies in terms of appropriateness, technical soundness, and applicability.

The grant application budget minimally presents basic information, including documentation of Federal and non-Federal match. Some budget items may not be appropriate and there are major questions regarding technical soundness and applicability.

Criterion C: Project Feasibility (The applicant has the ability to successfully complete the project)

Cii. Selected personnel have the qualifications and ability to the project in a timely and professional manner.

Total Points: 10

Key personnel are in place and have clearly demonstrated the ability and qualifications to manage the project and/or undertake the work based on the successful management of projects of similar scope and scale. If all key personnel have not been selected, it is clear that the selected persons (including contractors and consultants) will have all of the qualifications and professional expertise needed to successfully complete the project.

Key personnel are in place and have adequately demonstrated the ability and qualifications to manage the project and/or undertake the work. If all key personnel have not been selected, it is clear that the selected persons (including contractors and consultants) will have adequate qualifications and professional expertise to successfully complete the project.

Criterion C: Project Feasibility (The applicant has the ability to successfully complete the project)

Ciii. The project will be effectively managed and completed. The project supports and complies with executive and Secretarial orders

Total Points: 10

The applicant has a clear understanding of the project planning and research that is needed to successfully complete the project. Pre- planning and research have been completed and will provide a solid foundation for the successful completion of the project. Project activities and products are clearly defined, and the methodologies, procedures, and proposed actions are technically sound, and adhere to the highest standards and all applicable laws. The timeline is reasonable and describes each major activity with a schedule for its completion and its costs. Overall, the applicant demonstrates a very strong ability to accomplish all the project objectives within the grant period.

While all of the pre-project planning, research and compliance has not been completed, it will be fully and adequately completed prior to project activity and will provide a solid foundation for the successful completion of the project. The applicant demonstrates an ability to complete the project in a timely and professional manner. Methodologies, procedures, and proposed actions are generally sound, although there may be some inadequacies. The timeline is reasonable.

Little or no pre-project planning or research has been completed, and it is not clear that there are plans to complete adequate planning and research. The timeline is not well-described, nor reasonable, and it is unclear that the project will be successfully completed within the grant period.

Criterion D: Project Sustainability

The applicant strongly demonstrates the organizational capacity (staff and resources) and/or financial capability to sustain the project over the long term. Regarding construction and preservation projects, the applicant has a very clear and well-developed plan for the long-term management, maintenance, and operations of the property. For non- construction/non-preservation projects, it is clear that the applicant has a strong ability to meet the long-term objectives of the project, will widely disseminate projects results, and/or will follow up on planned subsequent phases of the project. The applicant has a long track record of sustaining similar projects.

Long-term sustainability and/or project follow-up is reasonably ensured. The applicant does not have a long track record regarding similar projects but appears to have sufficient organizational and financial capacity to sustain the project over the long term.

Criterion E: Project Support

Review and Selection Process NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

a. Initial Review Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination); and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review The JACS Grant Program Review Panel, a panel of Federal agency experts representing applicable disciplines, will review and evaluate all eligible applications based on the criteria listed above.

All eligible applications for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. In order to comply with financial assistance regulations, 2 CFR 200 "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards," past Federal grant performance information may be considered during the selection process.

A summary of the review panel comments will be provided to the applicant if requested

c. Selection The JACS Grant Program Review Panel will consider the merit review, as well as the amount of funds available and the following program policy factors:

1. Geographic distribution

2. Representation of the full spectrum of major elements of the national story of the Japanese American confinement

3. Equitable funding to a range of small, medium and large projects and/or organizations

4. Complies with Executive and Secretarial Orders to align with administrative priorities.

The Review Panel will provide recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior for final project selection. The Secretary of the Interior will select the successful proposals.

d. 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) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is capable of complying with the requirements of the Department of Interior (DOI) Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

· figures are correct

· estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

· avoid obviously unallowable costs

· identify costs requiring prior approval

· ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

· confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

Risk Review Prior to…