FY20 Nonprofit RBS NOFO (FINAL Merged).pdf

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program

NOTE: If you are going to apply for this funding opportunity and have not obtained a

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and/or are not currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), please take immediate action to obtain a DUNS

Number, if applicable, and then to register immediately in SAM. It may take 4 weeks or more after you submit your SAM registration before your registration is active in SAM, then an additional 24 hours for Grants.gov to recognize your information. Information on obtaining a DUNS number and registering in SAM is available from Grants.gov at:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. Detailed information regarding DUNS and

SAM is also provided in Section D of this NOFO, subsection, Content and Form of Application

Submission.

A. Program Description

1. Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Coast Guard (USCG), Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety, Boating Safety Division

2. Assistance Listings (formerly Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)

Number)

97.012

3. Assistance Listings Title (formerly CFDA Title)

Boating Safety Financial Assistance

4. Funding Opportunity Title

National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

5. Funding Opportunity Number

DHS-USCG-2020-001

6. Authorizing Authority for Program

Recreational Boating Safety, Public Law 114-94, 46 U.S.C 131

7. Appropriation Authority for Program

Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, Public Law 114-94

8. Announcement Type

Initial

9. Program Overview, Objectives, and Priorities

The purpose of the National RBS Program is to reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths on America’s waterways and to provide a safe enjoyable experience for the http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html boating public. The program also encourages greater nonprofit organization participation and uniformity in boating safety efforts.

As stated in the Executive Summary of the National RBS Program 2017 – 2021 Strategic

Plan, the three major priorities are:

a. cultivate a boating public that is better prepared to engage in safer boating behaviors;

b. make better informed policy decisions by building and using highly-integrated systems to gather and evaluate data from many sources; and

c. nurture collaborative efforts among the stakeholders that benefit the boating public within the recreational boating safety community.

You can find more information about the National RBS Program 2017 – 2021 Strategic

Plan at http://uscgboating.org/content/strategic-plan.php.

This competition includes a list of Areas of Interest the USCG has created in order to better implement the Strategic Plan. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to address one of the Areas of Interest in their proposal. Applicants are also welcome to cite targeted priorities in their application, but there is no need to copy information directly from the Strategic Plan into the narrative.

Please see Appendix A: Areas of Interest.

10. Performance Metrics

Federal programs are required to relate financial data and performance accomplishments to the Office of Management and Budget per 2 CFR 200.301 Performance measurement.

Applicants are required to develop and submit two performance metrics, specifically tailored to the proposed project, that:

a. measure program-specific outcomes, and

b. identify program performance accomplishments.

Performance metrics should produce reliable data on the effectiveness and efficiency of the program and substantiate the use of federal assistance dollars. USCG will assess these performance metrics during the application review process (please see Section E. 1. a.

Programmatic Criteria for more information).

11. Key Changes for the 2020 Competition

Applicants may only apply for one-year awards

Updated Section B. 6. Funding Instrument Type

Updated Section D. 9. Content and Form of Application Submission

Updated instructions for the selection criteria

Updated Appendix A. Areas of Interest

Inclusion of Appendix B. Budget & Budget Narrative Templates

B. Federal Award Information

1. Available Funding for the NOFO: $3,885,748 http://uscgboating.org/content/strategic-plan.php https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=5921cc1590cbb94828b9e83f64c0d71e&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1301&rgn=div8

2. Projected number of Awards: 20

3. Period of Performance: 15 months

Extensions are permitted. Please refer to Section H. Additional Information, Period of

Performance Extensions.

4. Projected Period of Performance Start Date(s): 07/01/2020

5. Projected Period of Performance End Date(s): 09/30/2021

6. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement

A cooperative agreement is distinguished from a grant in that it provides for substantial involvement between the federal awarding agency and the non-federal entity in carrying out the activity contemplated by the federal award. USCG will work closely with grantees throughout the duration of the award to ensure that approved activities are conducted in accordance with program statute and federal regulations, requested costs are allowable and allocable, and deliverables are developed or enhanced with direct input and review by USCG staff.

USCG is able to halt an activity immediately if the detailed performance specifications or requirements, as determined by the agreed upon terms and conditions of the award agreement, are not met. USCG may require the review and approval of proposed tasks, activities, and deliverables prior to the grantee’s implementation or dissemination.

USCG staff also play a direct role in the post-award negotiation process. Please see

Section. F. 2. Grant Award Negotiations for more information.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education

2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria

46 U.S.C. 13104 authorizes federal financial assistance for "national boating safety activities of national nonprofit public service organizations." The Coast Guard has developed the following eligibility criteria based on federal law and regulations, legal rulings and interpretations, and guidance from other federal agencies. Organizations do not need to be boating related.

a. Applicants must be a nongovernmental organization.

b. Applicants must be designated as a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3).

Applicants are required to submit a copy of its letter from the IRS specifying the organization’s status.

c. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide recreational boating safety services that are national-in-scope. National-in-scope means the organization must demonstrate the ability to provide recreational boating safety services in all regions; is currently providing recreational boating services in all regions; or proposes a specific plan and timeline to partner and/or contract with other national, state, and/or local organizations across all regions to provide recreational boating safety services. A national membership base does not suffice. For more information regions, please see Appendix C: Grant Regional Map.

d. Applicants must demonstrate that one of its primary functions is to provide services to the public.

Nonprofit organizations that are associated with profit-making or taxable organizations are eligible for grants if they meet all the eligibility requirements.

3. Ineligible Organizations

The following organizations are ineligible for funding: (1) colleges and universities; (2) hospitals; (3) governments or governmental organizations (including city, county, state, etc.); (4) churches; (5) municipalities; (6) local units of national organizations; (7) fraternal, lobbying, or religious organizations; and (8) organizations that are unable operate on a national level.

4. Contracting with Ineligible Organizations

Eligible applicants may contract with ineligible organizations to provide direct services to the proposed project. In the project narrative, the applicant must:

a. indicate that it will maintain all project records, serve as the primary point of contact, and maintain funding accountability; and

b. explicitly state which activities will be conducted by the contracted entity.

5. Cost Share or Match

None

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Key Dates and Times

a. Application Start Date: 12/11/2019

b. Application Submission Deadline: 02/12/2020 at 11:59:59 PM EST

Applications received after the February 12, 2020 deadline will NOT be considered for funding. Application packages that are not properly completed may not be accepted. Please note that one completed application must be submitted in order to be considered for funding. A list of required documents is located in Section D. 9.

Content and Form of Application Submission.

c. Anticipated Funding Selection Date: 04/30/2020

d. Anticipated Award Date: 06/30/2020

2. Agreeing to Terms and Conditions of the Award

By submitting an application, applicants agree to comply with the requirements of this

NOFO and the terms and conditions of the award, should they receive an award.

3. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov.

For a hardcopy of the full NOFO, please write a request to:

Cynthia.M.Dudzinski@uscg.mil.

Applications will be processed through the Grants.gov portal.

4. Steps Required to Submit an Application, Unique Entity Identifier, and System for

Award Management (SAM)

To apply for an award under this program, all applicants must:

a. Apply for, update, or verify their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)

Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and Employer ID Number (EIN)

b. In the application, provide a valid Data Universal Numbering System DUNS number, which is currently the unique entity identifier;

c. Have an account with login.gov;

d. Register for, update, or verify their SAM account and ensure the account is active before submitting the application;

e. Create a Grants.gov account;

f. Add a profile to a Grants.gov account;

g. Establish an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) in Grants.gov;

The name listed as the AOR should be the person within your organization who has delegated signing authority. This person will be the primary contact on all official correspondence, including competition updates, notifications, and award documents. Please be sure to identify the correct person at the time of application.

h. Submit application in Grants.gov;

i. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.

Applicants are advised that DHS may not make a federal award until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. Therefore, an applicant’s

SAM registration must be active not only at the time of application, but also during the http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Cynthia.M.Dudzinski@uscg.mil https://www.login.gov/ application review period and when DHS is ready to make a federal award. Further, as noted above, an applicant’s or recipient’s SAM registration must remain active for the duration of an active federal award. If an applicant’s SAM registration is expired at the time of application, expires during application review, or expires any other time before award, DHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

5. Electronic Delivery DHS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. DHS encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov, depending on the funding opportunity.

6. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Registering in Grants.gov is a multi-step process. Read the instructions below about registering to apply for DHS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants. If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, then you may begin with step 3, Create a Grants.gov account, listed below.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and

SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines. Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational

DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with

SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with

Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

4) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

5) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for

Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

7) Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the

AOR role; this step is often missed, and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

7. How to Submit an Application to DHS via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each NOFO, you can create individual instances of a workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities using Workspace, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

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

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

c. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

d. Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

e. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number.

To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first.

Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

f. 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. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-

48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

g. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My

Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number

1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant to which you are applying.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov

Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist

DHS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

8. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

a. Online Submission. All applications must be received by 11:59:59 PM Eastern time on February 12, 2020. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by

Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When DHS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by

Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by DHS.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

9. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Format: Applications should be formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. black font.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

b. Required Sections & Page Limits

The following guidance and page limits apply to specific, required components of the application. Reviewers will not read or consider any text submitted beyond the page limits.

1) Executive Summary: One page Applicants must include an overview of the proposed project. It should include what the applicant plans to accomplish, a summary of the proposed activities and deliverables, and a description of the potential, broader impact of the grant’s successful completion. Reviewers will not assess the summary against the selection criteria, but use it as an introduction to the proposal. If the application is successful, USCG will post the summary, pending any necessary revisions or updates, to its public website.

Applicants should not include:

internal or technical jargon references to past grants or the Strategic Plan organizational information or prior history charts, graphs, or graphics

The Executive Summary should only include information about the proposed project or activities.

2) Organization Description: One page Applicants must provide a clear and concise description of the organization, including its knowledge, background, capacity, and technical experience to complete the proposed activities. If applicable, demonstrate the organization’s previous experience with or working in recreational boating safety.

This one-page description should be the primary location for reviewers to review and assess your organization’s ability to complete the proposed project. Please be sure to substantiate this experience vis-à-vis the resumes included elsewhere in this application and to cite this experience, as necessary but not to the point of redundancy, within the program narrative.

3) Program Narrative: 10 pages

Applicants are encouraged to review the selection criteria, understand how each will be assessed, and draft their narrative to address each one in order.

Applicants should clearly articulate their goals, objectives, and proposed deliverables, how these will be achieved, and the timeline in which they will be completed. The narrative should demonstrate how the proposed activities are relevant to recreational boating safety and how their successful completion serves the greater public.

Applicants should also:

provide as much as specificity as possible when describing key tasks, itemizing budget expenses, and explaining deliverables cross-reference relevant information to avoid redundancies and maximize page space avoid using technical jargon, short-hand, or abbreviations.

c. Budget, Budget Narrative, & Other Required Documents: NO PAGE LIMITS The following documents are required, but not subjected to page limits.

1) Budget

Applicants must submit a separate, detailed budget that mirrors the categories and line items of the SF-424A Section B. Applicants should follow the guidance provided in Appendix B. Budget & Budget Narrative Templates.

2) Budget Narrative

The budget narrative should describe, explain, and justify to the fullest extent possible, in the same order and in complete sentences, the itemized costs for the proposed activities identified in the budget. Reviewers will use this as a tool to assess the necessity and cost reasonableness for each line item. Applicants should use the budget narrative to expand upon what you want to request, for how much, and for what purpose. It should not be used as an “extension” of the project narrative. Applicants should follow the guidance provided in Appendix B.

Budget & Budget Narrative Templates.

3) Other Required Documents

1. 501 (c) (3) letter from the IRS designating the applicant’s nonprofit status

2. Verification of a federally approved accounting system

3. A copy of the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable

4. A Board of Directors roster that outlines duties, responsibilities, etc.

5. Resumes of principal participant(s), if applicable

A principal participant is the primary individual(s) responsible for the preparation, conduct, and administration of the grant, and serves as the lead for the project.

6. Travel Policy

Ensure that all travel requests and expenses are allowable and consistent with this policy.

10. Other Submission Requirements

a. Do not submit any additional documents that are not explicitly identified in this

NOFO. These documents will not be read or considered by reviewers. This includes, but is not limited to, letters of support, examples of past work, presentation materials, survey data, course lists, etc. Please only submit what is required.

b. We strongly request that documents are submitted via two separate PDF files:

1) Narratives: Executive Summary, Organization Description, Project Narrative, Budget, and Budget Narrative

2) Additional Documents: Other Required Documents

c. Please keep your file names short. Do not include the whole project title. If the file name is too long, it affects our ability to download it from Grants.gov.

11. Funding Restrictions

All expenditures under this program must be for allowable recreational boating safety costs.

12. Allowable Costs

a. Pre-Award Costs If successful, applicants may claim pre-award costs when encumbered within 90 calendar days prior to the effective date of the federal award. Encumbrances occurring more than 90 days prior to the effective date of the federal award require additional written approval from USCG.

b. Indirect Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Costs

Nonprofit organizations that have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge an indirect cost rate of 10% of total direct costs, which may be used indefinitely.

Any nonprofit organization that has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate may apply for a one-time extension of a current negotiated indirect cost rate for a period of up to four years. This extension will be subject to the review and approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs. If an extension is granted, the nonprofit organization may not request a rate review until the extension period ends. At the end of the four-year extension, the nonprofit organization must re-apply to negotiate a rate.

A nonprofit organization that has not previously established an indirect cost rate with a federal agency and opts to charge a rate different than 10% of total direct costs shall submit its initial indirect cost proposal immediately after the organization is advised that an award will be made and, in no event, later than three months after the effective date of the award. Organizations that have previously established indirect cost rates and opt not to extend the approved negotiated rate must submit a new indirect cost proposal to the cognizant agency within six months after the close of each fiscal year.

During the indirect cost rate review period, USCG may withhold the indirect cost rate portion of the grant until an agreement is finalized.

E. Application Review Information

1. Application Evaluation Criteria

a. Programmatic Criteria

This section includes the criteria that will be used to assess each application.

Applicants should draft the narrative in the order in which the questions appear to ensure each one is addressed. Please remember that the program narrative cannot exceed 10 pages. Reviewers will be instructed not to read any text that goes beyond the 10-page limitation. Also note that this section includes the points for each question, indicating its weight.

1. Does the applicant propose a project that addresses an area of interest? –

a. If yes: Does the applicant effectively demonstrate how it will target an area of interest in its proposed project? (20 pts)

b. If no: Does the applicant identify an area of need for the recreational boating safety community and effectively demonstrate an ability to complete the proposed project? (20 pts)

All applications are eligible to receive up to 20 points. “If yes:” Applicants should clearly identify the targeted area of interest, propose relevant activities, and address any specific requirements prescribed in the area of interest description. “If no:” Applicants should clearly identify the overall need it plans to address and substantiate its importance, relevance, and potential contribution to the recreational boating safety community.

2. Does the applicant clearly define a project timeline and milestones? (10 pts)

Applicants should demonstrate that the timeline for the proposed project is reasonable and that the milestones are achievable. Applicants should ensure that incremental goals and/or milestones are clearly planned and identified, as well as any projects that may be replicated during the period of performance (e.g.

delivering multiple training sessions of the same course). It is important to show the progression of the project start to finish.

3. Are the proposed activities measureable and consistent with program requirements? (10 pts)

Applicants should develop performance metrics using the guidance included in

Section A. 10. Performance Metrics. Applicants should indicate if their measurements are qualitative, quantitative, or both, and demonstrate that these measures are both realistic and achievable. Applicants should also explain how their proposed activities, and their measurements, contribute to the priorities identified for the RBS program.

4. Does the applicant effectively plan to measure and assess its deliverables? (10 pts) Reviewers will assess the effectiveness of the proposed performance measures.

5. Does the applicant demonstrate knowledge and experience in Recreational

Boating Safety? (10 pts)

Applicants should clearly explain how the organization and its staff have the knowledge, experience, and background to operate a RBS program successfully.

This information should be captured in the one-page Organization Description and substantiated vis-à-vis staff resumes and the program narrative.

6. Does the applicant have the organizational capacity and technical experience to complete the proposed project? (20 pts)

If the technical experience is not “in-house,” applicants should have a plan in place to acquire it and indicate the associated costs.

7. Does the applicant describe how the proposed project is, or will be, national-in-scope? (10 pts)

Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed project qualifies as national-in-scope. Applicants should review the program-specific definitions of national-in-scope identified in Section C. 2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria.

8. How effective are the applicant’s proposed methods of outreach and/or dissemination for its products and/or deliverables? (10 pts)

Applicants should indicate the associated costs.

9. Do the budget and budget narrative align with the proposed project? (10 pts)

Please ensure that the budget and budget narrative matches and/or is tailored to the proposed project, especially if your organization is submitting more than one application. Additionally, please use consistent terminology when describing items in the narrative, budget, and budget narrative, aligning the order in which they appear.

10. Are the budget line items necessary and/or reasonable? (10 pts)

Reviewers will assess the necessity and cost reasonableness of each budget line.

Use the budget narrative to describe, explain, and justify the associated costs of the project. Please see Appendix B: Budget & Budget Narrative Templates for additional guidance.

11. Are the proposed administrative costs reasonable? (10 pts)

Reviewers will assess if the costs associated with managing and executing the proposed activities are cost-effective as they relate to the deliverables. For example, reviewers will consider the level of effort to monitor a contract or create a deliverable against the amount of money paid to the person doing it. Reviewers will draw from their subject matter expertise to assess the proposed costs, and applicants should provide a clear explanation and justification for them in their budget narratives.

b. Financial Integrity Criteria

Prior to making a federal award, USCG is required by 31 U.S.C. § 3321 note, 41

U.S.C. § 2313, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.205 to review information available through any

OMB-designated repositories of government wide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information. Therefore, application evaluation criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

1) Financial stability.

2) Quality of management systems and ability to meet management standards.

3) History of performance in managing federal award.

4) Reports and findings from audits.

5) Ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements.

c. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review

Prior to making a federal award where the anticipated total federal share will be greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000 (see Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-91, OMB Memorandum M-18-18 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf):

1) USCG is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM, which is currently the Federal Awardee

Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) and is accessible through the SAM website.

2) An applicant, at its option, may review information in FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a federal awarding agency previously entered.

3) USCG will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2

C.F.R. § 200.205.

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications are subjected to a Merit Review performed by Subject Matter Experts

(reviewers). Reviewers assess the applications for technical merit, personnel qualifications, and the degree to which a proposal offers potential value and measurements to program goals as stated in this NOFO. Any persons who assess and score the nonprofit organization grant applications are required to complete a DHS

Conflict of Interest Form.

Upon completion of the review, BSX-2 staff logs the scores and prepares a ranking list, along with the recommended funding levels from the reviewers, for discussion and consideration. All recommendations are presented to the BSX-2 Branch and Division

Chiefs for their review. The Office Chief then reviews and presents a recommendation to the Director of Inspections and Compliance for their review and ultimate approval. The

Director of Inspections and Compliance has the authority to approve the awards.

Once the Director of Inspections and Compliance determines the final funding levels, an approval memo is generated, co-signed, and kept as part of the official program file.

BSX-2 staff notifies each applicant of their application(s) status, and, if awarded, also receives the contact information for their assigned Grant Technical Manager (GTM).

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/M-18-18.pdf https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Notice of Award

Before accepting the award, the AOR and recipient should carefully read the award package. The award package includes instructions on administering the grant award and the terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards.

Recipients must accept all conditions in this NOFO as well as any special terms and conditions in the Notice of Award to receive an award under this program.

All applicants will be notified of their funding status. Successful applicants will receive a letter indicating the funded proposal(s), award amount(s), and the assigned GTM(s). The letter will also include important information regarding grant award negotiations and participation in the annual, mandatory webinar.

2. Grant Award Negotiations After the successful applicants receive their funding notifications, the assigned GTM(s) will work with the grantee to identify areas of the narrative and/or budget that may require revision. Revisions may be required if:

a. the applicant is not awarded the amount of funding for which it applied;

b. there are activities and/or costs that are not allowable or approved; and/or

c. adjustments need to be made to the project timeline and/or period of performance.

Pending the results of the negotiations, grantees must submit the appropriate revised documents to the GTM and/or Nonprofit Coordinator for review. USCG staff may provide guidance and/or stipulations that help inform the grantee’s revisions. After review and mutual acceptance of the modified document(s), the Award Agreement will be sent to the grantee for signature.

The assigned Grant Technical Manager and Nonprofit Coordinator will remain the grantee's primary points of contact during the life of the project and should:

a. provide technical assistance as required,

b. review and approve the grantee's progress reports and requests for payments,

c. provide required federal forms and explain how to fill them out, and

d. act as liaison between the grantee and any other Coast Guard staff.

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All successful applicants for DHS grant and cooperative agreements are required to comply with DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, which are available online at: DHS

Standard Terms and Conditions.

The applicable DHS Standard Terms and Conditions will be those in effect at the time the award was made, unless the application is for a continuation award. In that event, the terms and conditions in effect at the time the original award was made will generally apply. What terms and conditions will apply for the award will be clearly stated in the award package at the time of award.

http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions http://www.dhs.gov/publication/fy15-dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions

4. Reporting

a. Federal Financial Reporting Requirements

The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form is available online at: SF-425 OMB #4040-

b. Programmatic Performance Reporting Requirements

Recipients are required to submit quarterly financial and progress reports due no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter. Quarterly report submissions should include a narrative report, signed SF-425, and SF-424A Section B for each grant.

Grantees should submit their reports simultaneously to their assigned USCG staff.

The reporting schedule for this program is:

Quarter 0*: Jul 1 – Sept 30th, due Oct 30th

Quarter 1: Oct 1 – Dec 31th, due Jan 30th

Quarter 2: Jan 1 – Mar 31th, due Apr 30th

Quarter 3: Apr 1 – Jun 30th, due Jul 30th

Quarter 4: Jul 1 – Sept 30th, due Oct 30th

*Quarter 0 is an adopted USCG term for the months preceding the federal fiscal year.

This will be clarified further during post-award guidance.

c. Closeout Reporting Requirements

Within 90 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued to close out a grant, recipients must submit the following:

1) The final request for payment, if applicable;

2) The final FFR (SF-425);

3) The final progress report detailing all accomplishments;

4) A qualitative narrative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance; and

5) Other documents required by this NOFO, terms and conditions of the award, or other USCG guidance.

After these reports have been reviewed and approved by USCG, a closeout notice will be completed to close out the grant. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds that will be deobligated, and address the requirement of maintaining the grant records for three years from the date of the final FFR, unless a longer period applies, such as due to an audit or litigation, for equipment or real property used beyond the period of performance, or due to other circumstances outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.333.

In addition, any recipient that issues subawards to any subrecipient is responsible for closing out those subawards as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.343. Recipients acting as pass-through entities must ensure that they complete the closeout of their subawards in time to submit all necessary documentation and information to USCG during the closeout of their prime grant award.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html#sortby=1

The recipient is responsible for returning any funds that have been drawn down but remain as unliquidated on recipient financial records.

d. Disclosing Information per 2 C.F.R. § 180.335

This reporting requirement pertains to disclosing information related to government-wide suspension and debarment requirements. Before a recipient enters into a grant award with USCG, the recipient must notify USCG if it knows if it or any of the recipient’s principals under the award fall under one or more of the four criteria listed at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335:

1) Are presently excluded or disqualified;

2) Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. § 180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against it or any of the recipient’s principals for one of those offenses within that time period;

3) Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (federal, state or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. § 180.800(a); or

4) Have had one or more public transactions (federal, state, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.

At any time after accepting the award, if the recipient learns that it or any of its principals falls under one or more of the criteria listed at 2 C.F.R. § 180.335, the recipient must provide immediate written notice to USCG in accordance with 2

C.F.R. § 180.350.

5. Monitoring

Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.336, USCG, through its authorized representatives, has the right, at all reasonable times, to make site visits to review project accomplishments and management control systems to review project accomplishments and to provide any required technical assistance. During site visits, USCG will review grant recipients’ files related to the grant award. As part of any monitoring and program evaluation activities, grant recipients must permit USCG, upon reasonable notice, to review grant-related records and to interview the organization’s staff and contractors regarding the program. Recipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to USCG requests for information relating to the grant program.

G. DHS Awarding Agency Contact Information

1. Contact and Resource Information

Cynthia Dudzinski: (202) 372-1064

Cynthia.M.Dudzinski@uscg.mil

H. Additional Information

1. Period of Performance Extensions (2 CFR 200.308) mailto:Cynthia.M.Dudzinski@uscg.mil https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=673efeec87215739dcd1151f88dcedbc&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6#se2.1.200_1308

One-time extensions are allowed. Grantees must request an extension in writing 10 days prior to the end of the period of performance. USCG staff will review the request, as well as the award’s agreed-upon deliverables, milestones, and timeline, to determine if the request is both appropriate and feasible. USCG will notify the recipient via email and/or an official notification letter.

2. Program Income (2 CFR 200.307) USCG approves nonprofit grantees to use the “addition” method of program income.

This means that recipients are allowed to generate funds via approved program activities and/or products that may be added to the overall grant budget, and must be used for the purposes and under the conditions of the federal award.

3. Appendices

A. Areas of Interest

B. Budget & Budget Narrative Templates

C. Grant Regional Map https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=673efeec87215739dcd1151f88dcedbc&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6#se2.1.200_1307

Appendix A: 2020 Areas of Interest

1. Standards Development

Develop and carry out a program to encourage active participation by members of the public and other qualified persons in the development and maintenance of technically-sound voluntary safety standards for the manufacturing of recreational boats and associated equipment, focusing on extending and/or enhancing federal safety regulations.

The standards should be designed to improve the safety of recreational boats and reduce boating accidents where the boat or its associated equipment is the cause or contributing factor.

2. Outreach, Marketing, and Year-Round Safe Boating Campaign Projects This category includes activities designed to inform the boating public and media advertising firms about the inherent risks associated with boating, to persuade the public and media firms to adopt safe boating behaviors, and to remind them of these behaviors.

In the case of media firms, establishing an outreach program to ensure any advertising campaign that may show recreational boating include safe behavior practices. Examples of projects include the Importance of Boater Education, Engine Cut-Off Switches, Life

Jacket Wear, Cold Weather, Consequences of Irresponsible Behavior on the Water, Navigation Rules, Boating Under the Influence, and Life-Jacket Labels.

3. Standardize State Recreational Boating Safety Statutes and Regulations This area of interest is to foster measurable standardization and reciprocity among State boating safety statutes, regulations and rules, and how they are administered and enforced with special focus on accident reporting, boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs, boater education and life jacket wear requirements. Hands-on coordination of State efforts and the establishment of cooperative environments, to include workshops and conferences where State officials can discuss issues regarding these topics, are required.

This standardization shall endeavor to be compatible with other State boating safety efforts and promote RBS program effectiveness, the use of national education standards, and improved administration of Coast Guard-approved vessel numbering and accident reporting systems. The successful grantee(s) shall provide for a systematic measurement depicting passage of State laws during the performance period that provide for uniformity and reciprocity of boating safety laws. The successful grantee(s) shall also maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive online guide to State recreational boating safety laws and regulations that can be modified upon notification or discovery of change.

4. Development of Recreational Boating Accident Standards of Investigation Develop Recreational Boating Accident Standards of Investigation that will be used for future curriculum development and training of recreational…