FY2021_GLRI_FR_RFA_Narrative_Form_PGR_Final_20210428.pdf

USDA Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - Forest Restoration FY 2021 Project Narrative Form

Project Information Applicant Organization:

Short Project Title:

Program Area (select one): 1 - Insect & Disease Mitigation 2 - Reduce Runoff

3 - Coastal and Riparian Habitats

Project Contact Name:

Project Contact E-mail:

Federal Funds Requested: $

Project Coordinates (decimal degrees) Latitude: Longitude:

Note: all of the following narrative sections must fit in space provided, regardless of character count.

Project Overview 750 characters (maximum including spaces) – Provide a summary of the project that includes the scope (e.g., number of trees planted), location, key partners, and expected accomplishment in acres treated or gallons of runoff intercepted using standards defined in the Program Area Information.

Purpose and Need 1,500 characters (maximum including spaces) – Describe how the project addresses criteria below. Attach a site location map to your application in Grants.gov.

Evaluation Criteria for Purpose and Need (20%):

The project location is strategically selected to maximize benefits to Great Lakes water quality and watershed health, and is designed to address a documented need or threat.

• Describe the connection between project activities and priorities of applicable strategic plans, such as the GLRI Action Plan III, Lakewide Action and Management Plan, and State Forest Action Plan or Tribal Land Management Plan. Additional emphasis will be given to projects that address specific rather than general priorities of these regional plans.

• Achieve goals or desired future conditions identified in local/regional watershed or stormwater plans, urban tree canopy management plans, or forest health assessments.

• Demonstrate environmental need using appropriate information on ecosystem stressors, water quality problems, canopy cover, or land use such as impervious cover (see i-Tree Landscape).

• Demonstrate attention to equity and environmental justice, supported by information such as Social Vulnerability Index, Opportunity Zone status, or other equity indicators.

Scope of Work 5,000 characters (maximum including spaces) – Provide a narrative that details the activities and methods proposed for addressing the measures, priorities, and emphasis of the Program Area for which you are applying. Address criteria below and include explanation of values in the Measurable Outcomes table if needed.

Evaluation Criteria for Technical Merit and Sustainability (30%):

Scope of work demonstrates ability to create and sustain environmental benefits over multiple decades.

• Tree planting projects attach a Tree Planting and Maintenance Plan that follows applicable best practices identified in the

Guidance for Landscape Tree Planting.

• Insect and disease mitigation projects use strategies and tools that are known to be efficacious.

• Applicant and partners show adequate expertise to address technical elements of the project, as shown by prior experience, qualifications, and technically sound project plans.

• Application shows capability and clear plans for long-term maintenance of project benefits.

• Project is designed to be resilient to the effects of climate change and other ecosystem stressors.

Measurable Results and Significant Outcomes Expected List the units of work to be completed and outcomes. Include required metrics (acres or gallons) for the Program Area and other applicable outcomes from the Metrics table in the RFA Instructions. Include additional activity details (e.g.

species planted, treatment methods, stormwater calculations) in the Scope of Work and attachments.

Evaluation Criteria for Measurable Results and Outcomes, including Budget Detail (30%):

Proposed work strategically and cost effectively advances Program Area priorities.

• Application defines expected outcomes (acres or gallons) required for the Program Area and clearly describes units of work to be accomplished (e.g., species, number, size of trees planted).

• Address priority issues, practices, or locations identified in the Program Area description.

• Federal cost per acre treated or per gallon intercepted is cost-effective relative to similar projects.

• Budget information is clear and consistent; costs are reasonable and allowable.

• Match or leverage goes beyond minimum requirements, including leverage of past projects, other GLRI-funded work, or long-term commitments beyond the life of the project.

Activity description (e.g. average size of tree stock planted; insect/disease treatment method)

Output (numeric value)

Metric (e.g., acres treated or gallons, number of trees established; metrics may be listed more than once)

Budget Detail List specific budget items under each object class category and provide a detailed description of budget items included in the SF-424A, Budget Information form. Identify Federal and matching expenses in each category.

Note that equipment purchase with Federal funds requires additional documentation and approval.

Detailed Budget Items by Object Class Categories

Federal

Match $ Description

Personnel

Fringe Benefits

Travel

Equipment (>$5,000 unit cost)

Supplies

Contractual

Other

Indirect Charges

Additional comments on budget, if needed:

Partnerships and Engagement 1,500 characters (maximum including spaces) – List and describe the role of any partners who will be materially involved, including subgrant or contract amounts, if applicable. Upload letters of support from project partners and State or Tribal agencies with your application in Grants.gov.

Evaluation Criteria for Partnerships and Engagement (10%):

Projects involve partners and ensure diversity representation in addressing local community interests.

• Engage diverse partners, including members of historically underserved communities, to improve equity, inclusion, and environmental benefits.

• Include key partners with jurisdiction or ownership in the landscape, such as state and local government, watershed organizations, Federal or Tribal land managers, or other organizations.

• Engage a spectrum of local residents in project planning, implementation, and maintenance.

Sharing Knowledge and Outcomes 1,500 characters (maximum including spaces) – Identify strategies that will be used to engage people and share outcomes and knowledge.

Evaluation Criteria for Sharing Outcomes and Knowledge (10%):

• Identify strategies for outreach beyond current partners.

• Develop deliverables to communicate project results and outcomes.

• Share knowledge, tools, or innovations that have practical application beyond the life of the project.

https://grants.gov/

Timeline 1,500 characters (maximum including spaces) – Provide an approximate schedule of intermediate steps and major milestones. Timeline can be by months or quarters.

Key Personnel Qualifications 2,500 characters (maximum including spaces) – Include names and titles of the project manager and key personnel. List any relevant experience and certifications of the organization and personnel. Include outcomes of any Forest Service grants held by the applicant in the last 5 years. If needed, attach a separate Statement of Experience with further information.