FY2022 RT66 NOFO.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

All applications must be submitted via email to nofo-imr@nps.gov

Table of Contents

Section A: Program Description

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Funding Opportunity Title: Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program

Funding Opportunity Number: P22AS00190

Catalog Of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.958

Legislative Authority: Route 66 Corridor Preservation Act of 1999 (Public Laws 106-45; 111-11, Section 7304)

Federal Regulations: 2 C.F.R. § 200, 2 C.F.R. § 1402

Program Background Information and Objectives:

In recognition of the significance of Route 66 to America’s heritage, Congress passed an act in 1999 to create the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Administered by the National Park Service, the program is dedicated to preserving the special places and stories of the historic highway.

First funded in 2001, the program collaborates with private, nonprofit, and government partners to identify, prioritize, and address priority preservation needs of Route 66. The program provides cost-share grants for the preservation of the most significant and representative building, structures, road segments, and cultural landscapes along the length of the Route 66 corridor, covering Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Cost-share grants are also available for planning, research and educational initiatives related to the preservation of Route 66. The funding and technical assistance provided by the program empowers and leverages the public to preserve and commemorate the special places and stories of this important era of American history.

The cost-share grant program is established for Fiscal Year 2022 only and is subject to revision or cancellation based on annual congressional or programmatic appropriations and priorities.

The projects and activities will be individually authorized by separate awards, with each project or activity having a separate work plan and budget developed cooperatively between the NPS and the cooperator. Project categories include:

Eligible Projects

1) Construction Projects - Preservation, Restoration, and Rehabilitation

The preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of transportation-related historic properties on Route 66 are eligible project activities. Properties must have been in service and have had a clear and direct association with Route 66 during its 1926-1985 period of national significance; be on, or within view of a Route 66 road alignment; be in their original location; and retain historical and architectural integrity. Properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state register, or that have been determined eligible for a register by your State Historic Preservation Office, will receive priority consideration.

Examples of eligible transportation-related property types include:

· Gas stations, automotive repair shops, and other automobile-related businesses

· Restaurants and cafes

· Motels, hotels, and campgrounds

· Curio shops, tourist trading posts, tourism-related attractions

· Original road pavement and associated road features (e.g., bridges, culverts)

Other potentially eligible property types, though of lesser priority are:

· Transportation-related properties that date to the 1926-1985 period of significance but are not listed on or determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

· Properties that did not directly serve the traveler but were used by travelers or impacted the traveling experience such as theaters, public buildings, and landscape features. These properties must date to the 1926-1985 period of significance and have a well- documented, clear and significant association with Route 66.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to repair, rehabilitation, or restoration of:

· Doors and windows

· Light fixtures

· Historic neon, signs (in historic location)

· Bridges

· Historic road pavement

· Roofs

· Floors

· Foundations

· Structural elements

· Plumbing, electrical, HVAC

Important: Project plans and drawings prepared by a registered historical architect or other qualified professional must be included in all substantial preservation, rehabilitation and restoration projects, or, the development of such plans must be part of the project proposal. All work must conform to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties; requirements for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act review; Occupational Health and Safety Administration Standards; and all applicable local/state building codes.

Property owners must commit to providing care and protection for the properties to the best of their ability for no less than 10 years after the project is completed (see Property Maintenance and Protection Agreement for more information.)

Ineligible activities include but are not limited to:

· Acquisition of property or museum objects

· New construction (e.g., building additions, entrance gates)

· Reconstruction of non-extant buildings, structures, or significant features

· Demolition of historic buildings or historically significant building additions

· Standard maintenance of roadbed or parking lots, including new asphalt overlays, or widening (exception: historic concrete pavement repair/restoration)

· Fabrication/installation of new signs or murals

· Replica gas pumps

· Furnishings (carpet, beds, chairs, desks, museum display cases/fixtures, etc.)

· Landscaping

· General property maintenance (e.g., painting, mowing, site cleanup)

· Operating costs (e.g., insurance, utility bills)

· Production of tourism brochures and/or materials

· Events, festivals

· Projects or project phases that have already been completed

· Fundraising

2) Non-Construction Projects – Planning, Research, Interpretive, or Educational

Planning, research, interpretive or educational outreach projects are eligible project activities. Examples of eligible activities include:

· Project Planning and Architectural Drawings for preservation, rehabilitation or restoration of eligible historic properties. Plans and drawings must be prepared by a registered historical architect or related professional and comply with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

· Preparation of National Register Nominations prepare by qualified person.

· Historic Structures Reports prepared by a historical architect or related professional and which follow guidelines established in Preservation Brief 43, Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports: www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/43-historic-structure-reports.htm.

· Building, Road and/or Archeological Surveys by local, state, and tribal governments that identify and describe historic properties within an area or region along Route 66, and assess the significance, cultural value, condition and/or threats to the properties.

· Road Alignment or Pavement Preservation Plans prepared by local, state, and tribal governments.

· Local Corridor Preservation Management Plans prepared by local, state, and tribal governments

· Planning and Development of Research, Oral Histories, Interpretive or Educational Activities that directly advance the understanding and preservation of Route 66, are broadly accessible, appeal to a broad cross-section of the general public, and will have a demonstrable long-term impact

Section B: Federal Award Information

Anticipated Federal Funding: ($90,000) The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined once final FY 2022 appropriations have been made. This NOFO will be cancelled if FY 2022 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Non-Federal Entity Cost Share:

The non-Federal entity must provide a cost match of minimum of 50% of the total project cost. Contributions for cost match must be made from non-Federal sources which may include cash, in-kind contributions or services, or materials.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded: 10

Each activity or project under this agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available Per Award:

An estimated range of $5,000 To $30,000 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.

Anticipated Start Date:

Projects receiving funding through this NOFO will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made.

Anticipated Term of the Agreement: September 01, 2022 – September 30, 2023 Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and five years, depending on the negotiated project statement of work. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

Type of Agreement:

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 into 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.

Substantial Involvement:

For a grant agreement no substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated.

Data Availability:

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

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

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

(a) The scientific data relied upon;

(b) The analysis relied upon; and

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

Conflict of Interest:

1) Applicability.

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

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

2) Requirements.

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

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

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

3) Notification.

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

4) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients. Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 USC 1352.

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

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

Other Information:

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

Section C: Eligibility Information

Application Due Date: Applications must be received by Monday, April 25, 2022, 5:00 PM (Mountain Time).

Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline. An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of the application deadline will result in the application being excluded from consideration. This includes but is not limited to late and incomplete application packages.

1. Eligible Applicants In accordance with P.L. 106-45, Private individuals and business owners, Nonprofit organizations, Educational institutions, Local government agencies, State government agencies, and Tribal government agencies are eligible to apply.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

In accordance with P.L. 106-45, non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50% is required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. The non-Federal entity must be willing to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost from non-Federal sources as evidenced by a letter of commitment from the applicant. Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, in-kind contributions, and/or volunteer services. Non-Federal entity cost share contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A or C (reference section D, Application and Submission Information).

Criteria for considering voluntary committed cost sharing and cost share contributions above the minimum amount required, will be considered in the evaluation of applications in accordance with Section E. Application Review Information.

3. Other The preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of transportation-related historic properties on Route 66 are eligible project activities. Properties must have been in service and have had a clear and direct association with Route 66 during its 1926-1985 period of national significance; be on, or within view of a Route 66 road alignment; be in their original location; and retain historical and architectural integrity. Properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state register, or that have been determined eligible for a register by your State Historic Preservation Office, will receive priority consideration. Planning, research, interpretive or educational outreach projects are also eligible project activities. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, visit www.nps.gov/rt66/cost-share-grants

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package An application package has been included within this NOFO for your convenience, found in Appendix A. The Application Package contains three mandatory forms, which must be submitted with your proposal, forms include: form SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance), form SF-424A or C (Budget Information), and form SF-424B or D (Assurances). The Application Package can also be accessed and downloaded from the Synopsis page of this announcement in Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this NOFO.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV. SUBMISSION INFORMATION IS POSTED IN SECTION 7 (OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS), BELOW.

· Application Package must also include:

· Application Cover Sheet

· Signed SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (required)

· Project Proposal (required)

· Completed SF-424A or SF-424C – Budget Information (Non Construction or Construction Programs) (required)

· Budget Justification to Support the SF-424A or SF-424C (required)

· Signed SF-424B (Non-Construction Programs) or SF-424D (Construction Programs) – Assurances (required)

· Attachments:

· Letters of Recommendation

· Project Graphics and Maps (if applicable)

· State/National Register of Historic Places Nomination Forms (if applicable)

· Signed Property Maintenance and Protection Agreement (if applicable – for construction preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation] projects only)

· Signed Laws and Standards Agreement (if applicable – for construction [preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation] projects only)

2. Contents and Form of Application Submission You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms, in accordance with the instructions below, as required by this NOFO. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. A complete application must include:

· Signed Standard Form 424 (SF 424) - Application for Federal Assistance Complete this form as much as possible with all applicable information.

· Standard Form 424A or C (SF 424A/C) - Budget Information The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A and SF424C.

· Detailed Budget to Support the SF424A - A detailed budget is required noting all cost categories, cost item descriptions, quantities, costs per unit, and resultant calculations. An example detailed budget is attached in Appendix A. Applicants may create a detailed budget on their own or utilize the example budget provided. The example budget is not a mandatory template and may be used or modified at the applicant’s discretion. Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A.

· Standard Form 424B or D (SF 424B/D) – Assurances This form must be signed and submitted with your application.

· Project Narrative - Proposal Submission Format The proposal is a narrative description that should specifically address each of the review criteria (see Section E). The proposal text must be no longer than 1200 words, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 1200-word limit includes all text, figures, references, and resumes (Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and the statement of indirect charges are not counted as part of the 600-word limit). Additionally, only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

· Part One: Provide a clear, concise description of the specific work to be accomplished, including design and/or construction documents. If specific plans have not been developed, explain your plan for having them developed. Page allotment for response will depend on the scope and complexity of the project. Written response should not exceed 1,200 words. Drawings and other materials may be attached.

· Part Two: Develop a Task Timeline and Budget table, using the headings below. List and describe each individual task to be performed including the timeframe for implementation, cost, and funding source for each task. The task descriptions should be sufficiently detailed to give a clear understanding of the general flow of work necessary to complete the project. At the end of the table, tally total NPS, cash, and in-kind contributions, as well as total project cost.

Note: Timeline should include 45 days for Section 106 review for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation projects.

Please use the following headings for developing the table (additional headings may be included as needed):

Task Description Task Timeline

Task Budget

NPS

Contribution ($ amount) Applicant Cash Contribution ($ amount) Applicant In-Kind Contribution (Service/Item Description) Source of Cash or In-Kind Contribution

· Indirect Costs If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs may have those costs disallowed.

· Application Cover Sheet Provided in Appendix A

· Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation (for example, community members/leaders; Chambers of Commerce; Scenic Byway programs; Route 66 associations; historical societies; nonprofit organizations; State Historic Preservation Office; and/or state/federal legislators) that show substantial federal, state, regional, and/or community support and endorsement of the project.

Other Documents Required by the Program - All applicants must provide a statement to identify whether or not any overlap exists between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal). If no overlap or duplication exists, a sample statement to satisfy this requirement might be: “[Insert Applicant Name] affirms that no overlap or duplication exists between the proposed project in this application and any other active or anticipated project in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal).” If any overlap or duplication does exist, applicants must provide a description of the overlap including when the overlapping or duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be overlapping or duplicative of the funding requested from NPS, the applicant must immediately notify the NPS point of contact. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount.

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)

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant (unless exempt under 2 CFR §25.110) is required to:

(a) Be registered in SAM;

(b) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application (currently a DUNS number);

(c) 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.

Registration processes for SAM can be found at https://www.sam.gov

A financial assistance agreement will not be made with a non-Federal entity until the non-Federal entity has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If a non-Federal entity has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that an agreement is ready for award, a determination may be made that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award. That determination may be used as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

4. Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service.

Applications must be received by Monday, April 25, 2022, 5:00 PM, (Mountain Time). Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline.

Application preparation time may take several weeks, so please start the application process as soon as possible. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

5. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Applicants subject to EO 12372 must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State’s process. The names and addresses of the SPOC’s are listed in the OMB’s home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/

6. Funding Restrictions Costs incurred by the applicant prior to the start date of the period of performance of a signed Federal award are only allowable with written approval by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

7. Other Submission Requirements Applications must be submitted by email to the National Park Service by the deadline identified in paragraph 4 above. Applications submitted by other means or not received by the deadline will not be considered.

Applications must be sent to: nofo-imr@nps.gov. Submissions outside of this email address will not be accepted. Full applications must not exceed 25 megabytes of data to be accepted through the email submission inbox.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact: Kaisa Barthuli at 505-988-6701 or Kaisa_barthuli@nps.gov

START THIS PROCESS EARLY DON’T DELAY!

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed narrative, in accordance with section D.2., of the following criteria elements. It is HIGHLY recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled as follows:

FOR PRESERVATION, REHABILITATION, OR RESTORATION PROJECTS ONLY (CONSTRUCTION):

Criterion 1

Statement of Project Need, Purpose, Goals, and Potential Public Benefit

Were the need, purpose, and goals of the proposed project clearly stated and well-justified? Will the project results substantially benefit the preservation, understanding, and/or enjoyment of Route 66? Will the completed project be accessible to the public? Will the project results benefit the local economy?

Criterion 2

History and Description of Historic Property

Are the construction history, historic/present use, and ownership of the property adequately described? Does the property retain substantial historic integrity, including appearance, design, and materials?

Criterion 3

Significance of Historic Property

Is the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NR), determined eligible for listing on the NR by a State Historic Preservation Office, or listed on a state historic register? Did the property directly serve a transportation or traveler-related function during the historic period (1926-1985)?

Criterion 4

Project Description

Does the project meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties? Is the overall project a good model of preservation? Is there a demonstrated degree of physical damage or deterioration of the property, and demonstrable threats to its stability, integrity, or existence? Is the overall strategy, methodology, and approach well-reasoned and appropriate, and meet grant eligibility requirements? Are the members of the Project Team, including contractors and subcontractors, qualified for their project positions?

Criterion 5

Project Completion and Ongoing Maintenance (Risk Evaluation)

Does the proposal instill a high level of confidence that the project will be completed as proposed in a timely, professional manner? Is there strong support/capacity to sustain the project results into the future? If the proposal is for one phase of a multi-phased project, is there a solid, long-term plan to complete additional phases once the current phase is completed? Assess low, medium, high risk according to responses.

Criterion 6

Criterion 7

FOR PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS ONLY:

Criterion 1

Statement of Project Need, Purpose, Goals, and Potential Public Benefit

Were the purpose and goals of the proposed project clearly stated and well-justified? Is the proposed project a high priority for Route 66? Does the project address an important gap of information, or critical need on Route 66? Will the project results be accessible to the public, and/or have long-term impact? Will the project results benefit a wide cross-section of the public?

Criterion 2

Project Description

Is the overall strategy, methodology, and approach well-reasoned and appropriate? Are the members of the Project Team, including contractors and subcontractors, qualified for their project positions?

Criterion 3

Project Completion and Ongoing Maintenance (Risk Evaluation)

Does the proposal instill a high level of confidence that the project will be completed as proposed in a timely, professional manner? Is there strong support/capacity to sustain the project results into the future? If the proposal is for one phase of a multi-phased project, is there a solid, long-term plan to complete additional phases once the current phase is completed? Assess low, medium, high risk according to responses.

Criterion 4

2. 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; and (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination). 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 All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will be eligible for the Comprehensive Merit Review. Each criteria element will be scored on a 0-10 point scale:

The following numerical rating values may be assigned: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0.

The scoring of each criterion must be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application narrative. To assist in assigning an appropriate score, the following will be used as a guideline:

c. Selection The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors (list any specific policy factors and/or important criteria to be noted by the applicant while preparing their submission – example “property must be located in a Historic District/on National Park managed land”, preference regarding geographic diversity regarding applicant selection, etc.), and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding.

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 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.

3. Evaluation of Applicant Risk In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.205, applications selected for funding will be subject to a pre-award risk assessment which may include a review of information contained within the applicant’s proposal, past audits, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and/or past performance on previous Federal financial assistance awards. Negative information that leads to an applicant being designated as “Medium Risk” or “High Risk” may result in specific conditions, as identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.207, being incorporated into the final award.

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive a notification of the selection of their application for funding. NPS will notify applicants selected for award by May 28, 2022. A notice of selection is not an authorization to begin performance on an agreement. This notice will detail the next steps in the awarding process. Once all clearances and reviews have been conducted, a grant will be sent for signature.

Work cannot begin before the non-Federal entity receives a fully executed copy of the grant which contains the signature of the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. Any pre-award costs incurred prior to the receipt of a signed agreement or written notice signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer authorizing pre-award costs, is at the applicant’s own risk. A signed grant signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer is the only authorizing document to begin performance.

Applicants whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) By accepting Federal financial assistance, the non-Federal entity agrees to abide by the applicable Federal regulations in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program: 2 C.F.R. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements For Federal Awards

b. Standard Award Terms and Conditions Acceptance of a Federal financial assistance award from the Department of the Interior carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. All financial assistance awards are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the award document. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable, are listed within Appendix B of this announcement (Contact the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer with any questions regarding the applicability of any terms and conditions).

· 2 C.F.R. Part 175 - Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000

· 2 C.F.R. Parts 182 & 1401 - Government-wide Requirements for a Drug-Free Workplace

· 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 & 1400 - Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement)

· 43 CFR. 18 - Restrictions on Lobbying

c. Order of Precedence Any inconsistency in the agreement shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: (a) Any national policy requirements and administrative management standards; (b) 2 C.F.R. Part 200, in its entirety; (c) requirements of the applicable OMB Circulars and Treasury regulations; (d) special terms and conditions; (e) all agreement sections, documents, exhibits, and attachments; (f) and the non-Federal Entity’s project proposal.

d. Modifications The agreement may be modified by written agreement signed by both the non-Federal entity’s Authorized Representative and the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. Administrative changes (i.e. Financial Assistance Awarding Officer name change, etc.) which do not change the statement of work, agreement amount, etc., or otherwise affect the non-Federal entity may be signed unilaterally by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. Additionally, a unilateral modification may be utilized if it should become necessary to impose remedies for non- compliance, suspension or termination of the agreement in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Section 200.338 – 200.342.

All other changes shall be made by means of a bilateral modification to the agreement. No oral statement made by any person, or written statement by any person other than the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer shall be allowed in any manner or degree to modify or otherwise effect the terms of the agreement.

e. Payments All applicants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM) prior to award under this NOFO. Instructions for registering for SAM are located at http://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM. All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

All applicants must also be registered with, and willing to process all payments through, the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. All non-Federal entities with active NPS financial assistance agreements must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) (ALC) and the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number prior to the award of funds. If a non-Federal has multiple DUNS numbers they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique DUNS Number and/or Agency. Note that if your entity is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than NPS, you must enroll specifically with NPS in order to process payments.

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

g. Cost Principles:

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

h. Pre-award Costs:

Must comply with 2 CFR Part 200.458 and requires written approval from the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

3. Reporting

a. Financial Status Reports:

A report of expenditures is required as documentation of the financial status of awards according to the official accounting records of the non-Federal entity. The financial information will be reported by completing and submitting the Federal Financial Report (FFR), SF425. At a minimum, financial reports will be required annually and shall be submitted within 90 calendar days after the end of the annual reporting period. The Financial Assistance Awarding Officer may designate a reporting schedule requiring more frequent reporting based on the assessment of risk. The reporting requirements will be defined within the grant/cooperative agreement. A final FFR shall be submitted no more than 90 calendar days after the end date of the agreement.

The FFR can be downloaded at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/standard_forms/ffr.pdf

The NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer will review the report for patterns of cash expenditures and assess whether performance or financial management problems exist. Before submitting the FFR to the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer, the non-Federal entity must ensure that the information submitted is accurate, complete, and consistent with the non-Federal entity’s accounting system. The non-Federal entity’s Authorized Certifying Official’s signature on the FFR certifies that the information in the FFR is correct and complete and that all outlays and obligations are for the purposes set forth in the agreement documents, and represents a claim to the Federal Government. Filing a false claim may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

b. Performance Reports:

A report of performance is required as documentation of performance towards the accomplishments of the Federal award and detailing project activity and participant profile information. At a minimum, performance reports will be required annually and shall be submitted within 90 calendar days after the end of the annual reporting period. The Financial Assistance Awarding Officer may designate a reporting schedule requiring more frequent reporting based on the assessment of risk. The reporting requirements will be defined within the grant agreement. A final performance report shall be submitted no more than 90 calendar days after the end date of the agreement.

In accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200 § 200.328, the performance reports shall contain brief information on:

(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the Federal award established for the period. Where the accomplishments of the Federal award can be quantified, a computation of the cost (for example, related to units of accomplishment) may be required if that information will be useful. Where performance trend data and analysis would be informative to the Federal awarding agency program, the Federal awarding agency should include this as a performance reporting requirement;

(2) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and

(3) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

Before submitting the performance report to the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer, the non-Federal entity must ensure that the information submitted is accurate, complete, and consistent with the non-Federal entity’s Federal financial report. Filing false information may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

c. Non-Compliance:

Failure to comply with the reporting requirements contained in an agreement may be considered a material non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the award. Non-compliance may result in withholding of future payments, suspension or termination of the agreement, recovery of funds paid under the agreement, and the withholding of future awards. The specific information regarding type, frequency and means of submission of post-Federal award reporting requirements will be contained in the award document.

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Agency Contact Information:

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Questions and Requests pertaining to this Notice of Funding Opportunity shall be submitted to:

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Section H: Other Information:

1. Program Information

The NPS Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program facilitates the development of guidelines and a program of technical assistance and grants to set priorities for the preservation of the Route 66 corridor. The program provides financial assistance in the form of competitive cost-share grants for the preservation of the most significant and representative buildings, structures, road segments, and cultural landscapes along the length of the Route 66 corridor, covering Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Cost-share grants are also available for planning, research, and educational initiatives related to the preservation of Route 66. Since the program’s inception in 2001, over 158 cost-share grant projects have been funded and successfully completed. More information is available at https://www.nps.gov/rt66/cost-share-grants

2. Proprietary and Personally Identifiable Information

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

b. Personally Identifiable Information In responding to this NOFO, applicants must ensure that Protected Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is not included in the…