FY22 NCL NOFO L22AS00071.pdf

Bureau of Land Management

BLMHQ - BLM Headquarters

L22AS00071

01/14/2022

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

B6. Additional Funding Information

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Grants Management Officer Contact

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description Authority:

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 USC §1737 (b), Public Law 94-579

Federal Noxious Weed Act (Public Law 93-629, as amended) 7 USC §2814 Management of undesirable plants on Federal lands

Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 PL 113-76 and the Agricultural Act of 2014 PL 113-79, 16 USC §2113a

Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2005, 16 USC 6501, PL 108-148. Section 6501

National Trails Systems Act, 16 USC 1246, PL 90-543, as amended by PL 95-625, 96-87, and 98-11. Section 1246

Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978, 43 USC 1906, PL 95-514. Section 9. Section

Sikes Act, 16 USC 670h and 670j. PL 86-797, Title II, Sec. 202, as added PL 93-452, Sec 2; as amended PL 97-396, Sec 4. Sec 670h

Take Pride in America Act (TPIA), Public Law 101-628, as amended, 16 USC §4601, 4605

Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements (aka Wyden Amendment), 16 USC 1011, PL 104-208, Section 124, as amended by PL 105-277, Section 136, as amended by PL 108-7, Section 135. Section 1011

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 16 USC 1281, PL 90-542, Section 1281

Projects will be awarded under specific legislative authority that pertains to that particular project.

Assistance Listing:

15.248 Program Background, Objective, and Goals:

The BLM is unique in its mission of managing the public lands for multiple use and sustained yield of resources, including conservation. Approximately 35 million acres of BLM land is recognized for outstanding conservation values as designated for special management by Acts of Congress or Presidential Proclamations.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/43/chapter-35 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/43/chapter-35 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title7/chapter61&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title7/chapter61&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:2113a%20edition:prelim) https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:2113a%20edition:prelim) https://www.congress.gov/108/plaws/publ148/PLAW-108publ148.pdf https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1246 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1246 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title43/chapter37&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title43/chapter37&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/chapter5C&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/chapter5C&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/chapter66&edition=prelim https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1011 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1011 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1011 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/1281

The BLM manages these special areas to maintain and enhance their conservation values with the goal to conserve, protect, and restore these important landscapes and their outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values. These areas range from broad Alaskan tundra to red rock deserts and from deep river canyons to rugged ocean coastlines and include some of America’s finest natural and cultural treasures.

The National Conservation Lands include the following unit designations:

National Monuments and National Conservation Areas;

Wilderness/Wilderness Study Areas;

National Wild and Scenic Rivers;

National Scenic and Historic Trails;

California Desert National Conservation Lands; and Other similar designations such as Outstanding Natural Areas, National Scenic Areas, and Cooperative Management Areas

Natural, Scientific, and Cultural Benefits - The National Conservation Lands protect a myriad of rare species, diverse habitats and ecosystems, dark environments, iconic landforms, historic properties, and cultural resources. These designated lands help ensure that the Nation’s extraordinary natural resources and cultural heritage will be sustained for present and future generations to enjoy. Scientific resources span unique paleontological and geological records of deep time, extraordinary opportunities to learn from biodiversity, traditional landscapes and cultural sites. National Conservation Lands are also laboratories for identifying best management practices for application the broader spectrum of public lands.

Recreation Benefits - The National Conservation Lands conserve diverse landscapes for the public to explore and enjoy and host more than one-fourth of all recreation on BLM lands. These lands provide physical and psychological benefits through opportunities for outdoor recreation of all kinds, from stargazing to wildlife watching, rock climbing to hunting and fishing, hiking and skiing to bicycling, boating and off-highway vehicle riding. The BLM manages units that include over 2,700 recreation sites and 22 visitor centers and serves approximately 14 million visitors annually.

Public Benefits – National Conservation Lands benefit the communities which live, work, recreate, and learn from the lands and resources in their midst. Management studies may benefit the public with increased understanding of climate change for more effective application of conservation principles. The lands and resources promote benefits to the public with opportunities to understand natural systems, geomorphology, and diurnal processes, as well as social systems including unique human-land relationships through history, traditional uses, and contemporary working landscapes. In addition, demonstrated engagement of the public in the production of knowledge strengthens the values for which National Conservation Lands were designated.

Objectives:

The National Conservation Lands financially supports studies aimed at increasing our understanding of the resources present on BLM lands and the effectiveness of BLM’s resource management decisions. The program seeks to develop and maintain strong partnerships with State, local, university, and non-profit stakeholders in shared conservation stewardship by engaging partners in conducting management-focused research on the National Conservation

Lands. Results from these studies on National Conservation Lands will inform management strategies utilized throughout BLM as well as other land management entities.

The Management Studies Support Program for National Conservation Lands will utilize partnerships with University, State, local, tribal, and non-profit entities to gather the best available data and synthesize information to support BLM’s land management decision processes.

Legislative and Policy Priorities:

The Management Studies Support Program for National Conservation lands aligns with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which states that BLM can cooperate with partners on investigations, studies, and experiments involving the management and protection of public lands. Sec. 307. [43 U.S.C. 1737] (a) The Secretary may conduct investigations, studies, and experiments, on his own initiative or in cooperation with others, involving the management, protection, development, acquisition, and conveying of the public lands.

Projects must assist BLM in meeting one or more priorities in each of the following categories:

Biden-Harris Administration priorities including tackling climate change and advancing racial equity and civil rights. https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ and https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/joe-biden/2021

Department of the Interior’s priorities to conserve and restore our lands and waters, increase environmental protections, pursue environmental justice, and honor our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes. https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities

BLM's priorities for the specific National Conservation Lands area affected. State or local BLM staff contacts can provide additional detail regarding local resource management plans, unit science plans, and priorities (see ‘Related Documents’ files at the grants.gov site listing this NOFO for contact details).

Program Expected Outcomes:

The National Conservation Lands program requires specific performance goals and outcomes to be accomplished. Proposals must identify how the project incorporates at least one of the following themes:

1. Management-Driven Research: On-the-ground research that provides information that can directly inform a pertinent and pressing management question.

2. Citizen-Supported Studies: On-the-ground research that engages citizens (volunteers) as assistants in data collection, compilation, or data analysis to improve BLM’s management of the National Conservation Lands, advance evidence-informed decision-making, while benefitting society. If applicable, please also identify if the project qualifies as Citizen Science (defined as: a form of open collaboration in which individuals or organizations participate voluntarily in the scientific process in various ways, including-(A) enabling the formulation of research questions; (B) creating and refining project design; (C) conducting scientific experiments; (D) collecting and analyzing data; (E) interpreting the results of data; (F) developing technologies and applications; (G) making discoveries; and (H) solving problems. [15 USC 3724]).

The project proposal must identify specific deliverables or outcomes to be accomplished (e.g., reports, peer-reviewed articles, GIS files, outreach tools). At a minimum, deliverables must include:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/joe-biden/2021 https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section3724&num=0&edition=prelim

1. Annual progress reports;

2. A final report, suitable for distribution to BLM staff; and

3. A manager’s summary, suitable for broad public distribution (less than one-page report that helps inform managers’ decisions).

All proposed projects submitted under this funding opportunity must state a benefit to the public.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $350,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $40,000 Minimum Award $5,000

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates Projects funded through this NOFO will start upon issuance of a notice of award by the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO) executed through GrantSolutions.

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and no more than five years and are determined based on the period of performance as stated on the recipient’s project proposal.

Projects cannot be funded for more than a five-year period

B4. Number of Awards Anticipated Number of Awards The actual number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds. Awards will be based out of district or field offices where the project occurs.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement Awards cannot be finalized, until awardee completes their enrollment in the Department of the Treasury, ASAP System. See following website: http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap. If your organization is not enrolled in ASAP, contact the GMO in Section G2. Federal Awarding http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap

Agency Contacts of this funding opportunity.

The recipient should expect the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement may include, but not be limited to, such things as:

Joint collaboration between the BLM and recipient in carrying out management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed work.

Training of recipient personnel.

Review and approval by the BLM of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage.

Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award.

Participation in selecting recipient project staff.

Directing or redirecting of recipient work by the BLM because of relationships to other projects.

Ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives; and Close monitoring and/or operational involvement in the proposed work.

B6. Additional Funding Information Funding for projects is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds. Evaluation of proposals is based on the criterion in this NOFO. In appropriate circumstances, BLM reserves the right to partially fund proposals in discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If BLM chooses to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. Funded proposals through this competitive NOFO is not a guarantee of future funding.

When or if additional funding becomes available, BLM reserves the right to issue additional awards under this NOFO through the next fiscal year. These awards will not require further competition. Any additional selections will be made in accordance with the terms of this NOFO and BLM policy. Only Grants Management Officers can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Additional Information on Eligibility Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO.

This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews under the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II- Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to "hire" interns under this authority. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required for this program; however, a voluntary cost share is strongly encouraged.

CESU partners are encouraged to show the difference between their formal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate and the 17.5% rate agreed upon as a CESU partner as a voluntary cost share.

Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost-share/match.

C3. Other Foreign Entities or Projects:

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

Excluded Parties:

The DOI conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The DOI cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting Tricia Glass at pglass@blm.gov or 801-539-4194.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Project Summary Application narrative requirements must include at a minimum:

Project Narrative (Suggested format, Attachment A Project Proposal template is suggested to be used when submitting your proposal. If you elect to use a different format, all information requested on Attachment A must be included.) The project proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).

Application narrative requirements may include:

Project proposal title Research Theme (Management-driven research -or- citizen-supported studies) Coordination with BLM management Information on key project personnel Problem Statement Goals and objectives Scope and Priority (Biden-Harris administration, Dept. of the Interior and program interest of the local BLM National Conservation Land management) Methods and Study Area Timetable or milestones Information to support compliance review. (NOTE: Projects under wildlife management, the native plant program, threatened and endangered species habitat conservation - the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Projects involving cultural resources should provide enough detail so that reviewers are http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:pglass@blm.gov able to determine the type of compliance needed, or if other authorizations are needed, such as requests for consumptive analysis of BLM museum property. If applicable, identify any tribal or other stakeholder engagement efforts made prior to proposal submission. Wilderness proposals should identify any prohibited uses.)

Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement Required project monitoring and evaluation plan including how you will measure project performance and assessment tools to be used Prior funding received as well as anticipated future funding needs Details and supporting documentation on the project location, if any Other program or project-specific narrative requirements Public benefit

All proposals are confidential

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the BLM’s General Award Terms and Conditions. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the SF-424A budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s Assistance Listing number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The Assistance Listing number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source.

Identify any cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR 200.306 “Cost sharing or matching” for more information.

Include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see BLM’s suggested format Attachment B for more detail). Additionally, provide any cost sharing and matching funds in the same level of detail as the federal funds. The budget narrative submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms.

Budget items must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the supported activity.

Refer to 2 CFR §200, for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles.

If your proposal period of performance is for multi-year or multiple year funding, you must provide a budget and budget justification for the full amount of the project. Show each year in a separate column on the SF-424A and use a separate column for listing any matching funds.

Applicants must ensure that no Federal or non-Federal grant funds will be expended for in-kind goods or services, for purposes of providing transportation, travel, and other expenses for any Federal employee.

NOTE: Budget Detail and Narrative form (Attachment B) is a suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs, by category, needed to accomplish project activities. If you elect to use a different format, all information requested on Attachment B must be included.

Estimated costs must be documented in sufficient detail to determine reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed.

Additionally, for multi-year budgets, please describe in your budget detail justification any items to be purchased or expended that may be specific to a particular year of the proposed project.

Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detailed breakdown of how the cost were determined. Profit or fees are not allowable.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

a. Applicability.

1. 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.

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

b. Notification.

1. 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.

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

c. Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31 U.S.C. §1352.

d. 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.

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 §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

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Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regard to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the Bureau of Land Management in this application, we will immediately notify the Bureau of Land Management point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/43/18.100

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which will replace Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet In April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Applicants registering in SAM.gov prior to April 2022, may still be required to obtain a DUNS number prior to completing the registration process within SAM.gov. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number In April 2022, the Federal Government will stop requiring DUNS numbers. At that point, entities doing business with the government will use the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) created in SAM.gov in place of a DUNS number. A UEI will be assigned to entities upon registering with SAM. If an entity is applying for federal financial assistance prior to April 2022, a DUNS number may still be required as part of the SAM registration process. A DUNS Number can be requested through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form (version 3).

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

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm

D4. Submission Dates and Times Late applications will not be accepted or reviewed.

Applications must be submitted in English.

BLM requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt.

Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as your proof of timely submission.

Due Date for Applications 01/14/2022 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

D6. Funding Restrictions Any Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network partners submitting a project are subject to the CESU indirect cost rate cap (currently 17.5%).

Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients must have prior written approval from the BLM to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted with Application All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Attached is a copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification.

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We have prepared and will retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation.

A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted or does not have a current indirect cost rate proposal from our cognizant agency. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand that we must notify BLM in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by BLM.

A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”, which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of 17.5%. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per 2 CFR §1402.414.

If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from BLM to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that BLM approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=301d2113ecd423372a0181d3002e13a1&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1414&rgn=div8 a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements BLM requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt.

Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as your proof of timely submission.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.htm

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Merit Review Criteria Maximum Points: 0

Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by a field review committee to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award using the below evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or more qualified personnel familiar with the program and who have been certified to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for award. The final selection of applications will take place at the BLM Headquarters Office, National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships Directorate.

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this funding opportunity announcement, and which are determined to be outside the scope of the authority under which this announcement is posted.

Awards will be made to responsive, responsible applicants who submit proposals which conform to the funding opportunity announcement and are most advantageous to the Government considering the evaluation factors listed below.

The evaluation process will be comprised of the following four screening levels:

First Level Review --Basic Eligibility Screening

a. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Depending on the specifics of the opportunity, screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1) Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met;

2) Submission is timely;

3) Complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents (see D.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION) are included;

b. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.

Second Level Review - Merit Review Evaluation Maximum Points: 0

Each State will be responsible for designating a State Evaluation Committee (Committee) with appropriate expertise and professional qualifications for the Merit Review Evaluation. The BLM State Offices will evaluate proposals only for their specific State.

The Committee will review, rate, and recommend eligible applications for award in an objective and unbiased manner using the below evaluation criteria. An overall consensus rating will be determined for each application and submitted to BLM Headquarters Office, National Conservation Lands Division.

Projects will be evaluated by the State Evaluation Committee in a two-step process.

Step 1: Assess proposal relevance to themes and coordination with BLM

a. The Project clearly addresses one or both of the themes listed above (Yes or No).

b. There is clear demonstration of early coordination with the appropriate State Lead or unit manager in project development, design, compliance and stakeholder coordination, and implementation (Yes or No).

Note: potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate BLM office to discuss these considerations prior to submitting an application.

Projects that do not meet both of these criteria will not be considered for funding.

Step 2: Rate each proposal that addresses one or more theme and demonstrates BLM coordination using the following criteria

a. The project products will have direct management application, i.e. address an important conservation and management decision. (45%)

There is clear demonstration of the management issue being addressed and how well the information from the project feeds back to that management issue. The form or manner in which the project products will be made available for use by decision-makers or other intended users is clearly defined (e.g., technical reports, decision support tool, new or improved management technique(s)).

b. Technical Merit (30%)

Objectives are clearly stated, procedures are well designed, results are attainable, quantifiable estimates will be statistically reliable and comparable to other studies. There is a clear statement of project objectives and explanation as to how the proposed approach and methods are a technically sound and feasible way to meet those objectives.

c. The project addresses a BLM priority (15%)

Maximum score is given if the proposal clearly states how it will address a Biden-Harris administration priority (https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ and https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/joe-biden/2021), U.S.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/ https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/joe-biden/2021

Department of the Interior priority (https://www.doi.gov/ourpriorities), as well as priority of local BLM management for the affected National Conservation Lands (see ‘Related Documents’ files at the grants.gov site listing this NOFO for contact details).

d. The project clearly demonstrates a public benefit (10%)

Projects which clearly demonstrate dissemination of information to the public or other public benefits will receive higher scores.

Third Level Review - BLM Headquarters Office, NCL Division Maximum Points: 0

The National Office will have a national committee with membership based on expertise and professional qualification to review applications. Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner with the following merit review criteria.

An overall consensus rating will be determined for each application. The ratings and proposals will be submitted to the Assistant Director of the National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships for funding determinations.

a. State Evaluation Committee Ranking (75%)

b. Project’s scope has broad regional or national conservation relevance in line with DOI and BLM priorities (25%)

Project must assist BLM in meeting one or more of the White House administration and Department of Interior priorities.

Higher scores given to projects with broader regional or national application compared to projects that have significant but local application.

Fourth Level Review - Pre-award Clearance and Approvals Maximum Points: 0

Following the described review process, BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as:

a. Risk Management. The BLM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate the risk posed by the supporting applicants’ projects before it awards Federal funds.

1) BLM is required to review information available through OMB-designated eligibility and/or financial integrity databases, such as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). The BLM considers factors such as:

(a) Financial stability;

(b) Quality of management systems;

(c) History of performance managing Federal awards, timeliness of compliance with reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, etc.;

(d) Reports and findings from audits performed; and

(e) The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/priorities/

2) Budget review is based on the following:

(a) Budget line items must be allowable, allocable, reasonable in price, and appropriate for the level of effort needed to accomplish the project

(b) Budget details and justification must provide adequate explanation of, and justification for, each estimated cost

(c) Requested equipment must be justified and necessary for completion of the project

(d) Cost Sharing/Matching funds must not come from Federal funds

If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized.