FY27 State RBS NOFO Draft (2026-09-10).pdf

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Application due: 08/31/2026 11:59PM EDT

State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

Assistance Listing Number: 97.012 Boating Safety Financial Assistance

Funding Opportunity Number: DHS-USCG-STATE-2027

Contents

Before you begin 3

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic Information 5

Eligibility 6

Program Description 7

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 10

Registration and Submission Requirements 11

Step 3: Write Your Application 12

Application Contents and Format 13

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 15

Application Review Information 16

Intergovernmental Review 17

Step 5: Submit Your Application 18

Application Submission and Deadlines 19

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 20

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 21

Contacts, Support, and Appendices 28

Contacts 29

Appendices 29

Before you begin

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were before clicking an internal link by pressing Alt + Left

Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registration is active and up to date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and other criminal or noncriminal misconduct related to this program may be reported to the Office of Inspector

General (OIG) Hotline. The toll-free numbers to call are 1-(800)-323-8603 and

TTY 1-(844)-889-4357

https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

Step 1: Review the Opportunity

Jump to a step

In this step

Basic Information 5

Eligibility 6

Program Description 7

1. Review 2. Get ready 3. Write 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Basic Information A. Award Facts

Agency Name:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Coast

Guard (Coast Guard), Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety, Boating

Safety Division (BSX)

Assistance Listing Number:

97.012 Boating Safety Financial Assistance

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Title:

State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program

Funding Opportunity Number:

DHS-USCG-STATE-2027

Announcement Type:

Initial

Expected Award Range:

Approximately $780,000 to $12,400,000, currently based on

Appendix A. FY27 Estimated Allocation Memo & Chart.

Expected Total Funding:

$126,888,345

Anticipated Number of Awards:

Anticipated Award Date:

1. Usually no later than 03/31/27.

2. BSX programmatically approves applications on a rolling basis. However, the formal award-making process and issuance of documents are based upon the receipt of trust funds via an interagency transfer.

3. Upon receiving the funds from the U.S. Department of Interior via the U.S. Treasury, the Coast Guard will initiate the award-making process by releasing the Final Allocation Chart.

4. The Final Allocation Chart may be released as early as December or as late as February. There is no set schedule.

5. The Coast Guard will work with a state, as applicable, to ensure its budget is aligned with the amount of federal funding available for its use.

Key Dates

Application Start Date:

09/10/2026

Application End Date:

10/30/2026 at 11:59PM EDT

Anticipated Funding Selection Date:

Applications will be reviewed and programmatically approved on a rolling basis.

Anticipated Award Date:

Usually no later than 03/31/2027.

More information is in Section A.

Period of Performance Start Date:

10/01/2026

Period of Performance End Date:

09/30/2027

Budget Period:

10/1/2026 - 9/30/2027

6. Award documents are typically generated on a rolling basis pending coordination with the state and the BSX Grants Management Branch.

B. Executive Summary

The mission of the National RBS Program is to ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating experience by implementing programs designed to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, and property damage while cooperating with environmental and national security efforts via formula grants to designated state agencies.

Eligibility A. Eligible Entities

Applicant Eligibility

This program is not open to the public. Eligibility is determined by federal statute. Applications can only be accepted from the designated state authority or agency.

B. Project Type Eligibility

Allowable Project Types

Award funds shall be used to support annually approved state recreational boating safety activities.

Unallowable Project Types

The Coast Guard will determine unallowable projects via a state program-based determination.

C. Requirements for Personnel, Partners, and Other Parties

There are no additional requirements for personnel, partners, and other parties. If applicable, subapplicants/subrecipients must submit short bios and resumes.

D. Maximum Number of Applications

States may only submit one application.

E. Additional Restriction

Applicants or recipients/subrecipients are required to certify their compliance with federal statues, DHS directives, polices, and procedures.

F. References to Other Eligibility Factors

Please see the following references provided below:

1. “Threshold Criteria” subsection.

2. “Financial Integrity Criteria” subsection.

3. “Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Review” subsection.

G. Cost Share Requirement

Per 46 U.S.C. § 13104(b): The amount received by a State under this section in a fiscal year may be not more than one-half of the total cost incurred by that State in developing, carrying out, and financing that State’s recreational boating safety program in that fiscal year.

H. Cost Share Description, Type, and Restrictions

1. All eligible, approved RBS expenditures may count towards the state share and should be reported (unless those expenditures are already counted towards another federal grant).

2. States should not “match” expenses item-for-item, nor should it “pre-identify” what qualifies as state share. All expenditures are considered state share until reimbursement is requested.

3. The total state share must be at least equal to, but can be greater than, the total federal share.

4. The Coast Guard may reimburse a state for up to one-half of its total state expenditures pending the availability of federal funds. Once a state receives reimbursement, the funds should be spent per the state’s discretion and/or internal policies.

I. Cost Share Example

A state that submits expenditures for $1,000,000 may request reimbursement up to $500,000.

J. Required Information for Verifying Cost Share

Recipients submit quarterly financial reports at which time the cost share is verified prior to reimbursement.

Program Description A. Program Purpose

The purpose of the National RBS Program is to reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths on America’s waterways and to provide a safe enjoyable experience for the boating public.

B. Goals and Objectives

1. The Strategic Plan of the National RBS Program has three initiatives designed to prevent deaths and injuries of recreational boaters:

a. Initiative 1: Positively Influence Recreational Boater Behavior.

b. Initiative 2: Positively Influence Recreational Boat and Accessory Manufacturers.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title46/subtitle2/partI/chapter131&edition=prelim https://uscgboating.org/library/strategic-plan/Strategic-Plan-of-the-National-Recreational-Boating-Safety-Program-2022-thru-2026.pdf

c. Initiative 3: Leverage Recreational Boating Data.

2. BSX will facilitate the execution of the three initiatives via the courses of action (CoA) and activities listed in the strategic plan.

C. Performance Measures and Targets

The Coast Guard uses the following performance measures for the State RBS Grant Program:

1. The total number of recreational boating fatalities nationwide.

2. The total number of on-water recreational boating safety patrol and search and rescue hours conducted by state and local partners.

3. The number of persons successfully completing state boating courses and gaining certificates.

D. Federal Assistance Type

Cooperative Agreement

1. The Coast Guard has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with each state recipient.

2. The MOA provides a complete list of the Coast Guard’s roles and responsibilities that qualify as substantial involvement, as well as the requirements and expectations of each state.

3. If you do not have a copy of your MOA, please reach out to your regional RBS Specialist.

E. Program-Specific Unallowable Costs

The Coast Guard will determine unallowable costs via a state program-based determination.

F. General Funding Requirements

Costs charged to federal awards (including federal and non-federal cost share funds) must comply with applicable statutes, rules and regulations, policies, this NOFO, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. This includes, among other requirements, that costs must be incurred, and products and services must be delivered within the budget period (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.403(h)).

General Spending Prohibitions

Recipients may not use federal funds or any cost share funds for the following activities:

1. Matching or cost sharing requirements for other federal grants and cooperative agreements

(see 2 C.F.R. § 200.306).

2. Lobbying or other prohibited activities under 18 U.S.C. § 1913 or 2 C.F.R. § 200.450.

3. Prosecuting claims against the federal government or any other government entity (see 2

C.F.R. § 200.435).

Prohibition on Covered Equipment or Services

Recipients, sub-recipients, and their contractors or subcontractors must comply with the prohibitions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18%20section:1913%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section1913)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.450 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.435 set forth in Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which restricts the purchase of covered telecommunications and surveillance equipment and services. Please see 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.216, 200.327, 200.471, and Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 for more information.

Beneficiary and Participant Eligibility

The beneficiary of this program is the general boating public. Participant eligibility should be defined by the recipient organization and their organizational policies.

This NOFO and any subsequent federal awards create no rights or causes of action for any beneficiary or participant. Please consult the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions and your awarding documents for more details.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs (IDC) are expenses not readily assignable to specific cost objectives without disproportionate effort. Please see 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E Direct and Indirect Costs for more information.

Applicants who desire to exercise a current Federal negotiated IDC rate, should they receive an award that allows for IDC, must provide a copy of their IDC rate agreement with their application.

Award recipients without a current Federal negotiated IDC (including a provisional rate) may charge up to the de minimis rate, unless your award has statutory or regulatory restrictions to indirect cost.

Please check with your awarding agency for more information.

As it relates to the IDC for subrecipients, a recipient must follow the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§

200.332 and 200.414 in approving the IDC rate for subawards.

Budget Period

This funding opportunity has one budget period from 10/01/2026 to 09/30/2027.

Pre-Award Costs

The Coast Guard provides written approval of pre-award costs in its terms and conditions.

Management and Administration Costs

Not applicable.

G. Authorizing Authority

46 U.S.C. §§ 13101–13109.

H. Appropriation Authority

Dingell‑Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act, Chp. 658, § 4, 64 Stat. 432, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 777c);

Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, Pub. L. No. 97‑424, § 531(a), 96 Stat. 2187‑2191, as amended (26 U.S.C. § 9503).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.327 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72/section-200.471 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20II%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Submission Requirements and Application Deadlines 11

Submission Requirements and Application

Deadlines A. Registration

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register, go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and click “Get Started.” From the same page, you can also click on the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by step instructions at the

Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

B. Requesting the Application Package

Application materials and related documents are available via Grants.gov.

C. Submission Instructions

All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov.

D. Application Deadline

10/30/2026 at 11:59PM EDT.

E. Other Deadlines

Not applicable.

F. Effects of Missing Deadlines

Applications received by Grants.gov after the deadline will be considered late. Please reach out to your

Grants Management Specialist if you have any concerns.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Step 3: Write Your Application

Application Contents and Format 13

Application Contents and Format A. Pre-Application Requirements

States must have an approved RBS program for enforcement, education, casualty reporting, and certificates of number, and a signed MOA with the Coast Guard.

B. Application Requirements

All applicants must have an up-to-date SAM.gov registration and a designated Authorized

Organizational Representative (AOR) appointed to sign and submit the application.

C. Required Documents, Content, and Formatting

Formatting

All applications must be written in 12 pt. Times New Roman with one-inch margins.

Page Limits

There are no page limits for this program, however, states are encouraged to be clear, concise, and only provide required information.

Required Documents

1. Program Narrative

a. Applicants are required to download Appendix B: Program Narrative Template and use it as the foundation for their narrative.

2. Budget: Completed via the Budget Tool or the Budget Information for Non-Construction

Programs (SF-424A)

a. The budget should correspond to the goals, activities, and projects in the program narrative.

b. The total budget should include any eligible RBS expenditures regardless of the funding source (i.e., federal vs. state share).

c. All eligible RBS expenditures must be programmatically approved to count towards the three-part formula for future funding.

3. Equipment List Template

a. Applicants are required to download and fill out Appendix C. Equipment List Template.

4. For Construction Projects

a. Budget Information – Construction Programs (SF-424C): A separate SF-424C is required for each construction or public access project. For example, if you are planning 23 public access projects, you must submit 23 individual construction budget sheets. Ensure that the totals reported on this document match the totals reported in the Construction category of the SF-424A.

b. Applicants are required to follow the supporting documentation and map instructions in

Appendix B: Program Narrative Template.

D. Post-Application Requirements

Not applicable.

Step 4: Learn about the Award Review

Process

Application Review Information 16

Intergovernmental Review 17

Application Review Information A. Threshold Criteria

1. Eligibility is determined by federal statute. Applications can only be accepted from the designated state authority or agency.

2. States must have an approved RBS program for enforcement, education, casualty reporting, and certificates of number, and a signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Coast Guard.

B. Application Criteria

Applicants must download Appendix B: Program Narrative Template and Appendix C: Equipment

List Template to complete the narrative and budget requirements.

C. Financial Integrity Criteria

Before making an award, the awarding agency is required to review OMB-designated databases for applicants’ eligibility and financial integrity information. This is required by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 116-117, § 2 (2020)), 41 U.S.C. § 2313, and the “Do Not Pay

Initiative” (31 U.S.C. § 3354). For more details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206.

Thus, the Financial Integrity Criteria may include the following risk-based considerations of the applicant:

1. Financial stability.

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

3. History of performance in managing federal award.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

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

D. Supplemental Financial Integrity Criteria and Risk Review

Before making an award expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (currently a total federal share of $250,000) over the period of performance:

1. The awarding agency is required by 41 U.S.C. § 2313 to review or consider certain information found in SAM.gov. For details, please see 2 C.F.R. § 200.206(a)(2).

2. An applicant may review and comment on any information in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov.

3. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant.

https://www.congress.gov/116/statute/STATUTE-134/STATUTE-134-Pg113.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title31-chapter33&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section2313&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206

E. Reviewer Selection

The State RBS Grant Program is a non-competitive formula. Applications are read and reviewed by the assigned State Program Coordinator and Grants Management Specialist.

F. Review Process

1. The Grants Management Branch reviews the application package from eligible applicants for completeness. Once verified, the package is forwarded to the Program Management & Operations Branch for programmatic review. States will be contacted if the application package requires additional information or further explanation. All applications from eligible recipients will be reviewed for approval.

2. After each application is approved, the Grants Management Specialist will alert the state that their application is “programmatically approved.” The Grants Management Branch will provide the official award documents once the interagency transfer of RBS funds to the Coast Guard is finalized.

G. Final Selection

Intergovernmental Review A. Requirement Description and State Single Point of Contact

An intergovernmental review may be required. Applicants must contact their state’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. If you do not find a contact for your state in the latest version of the SPOC list, no further action is needed. This requirement does not apply to tribal governments.

If a state has selected the RBS program for review under Executive Order 12372, the state review process must be followed. Any comments must accompany the application. If the program was not selected for review or no comments were made, this should be indicated in item 16 of the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424).

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Application Submission and Deadlines 19

Application Submission and Deadlines See Step 2 by clicking for application requirements, registration, and deadlines.

See Step 3 by clicking for required components, formatting, and naming of your application.

here here

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award

Award Notices 21

Post-Award Requirements and Administration 21

Other Information 27

Award Notices A. Notice of Award

1. The Authorized Organization Representative should carefully read the federal award package before accepting the federal award. The federal award package includes instructions on administering the federal award as well as terms and conditions associated with responsibilities under federal awards.

2. States must accept all conditions in this NOFO, as well as any special terms and conditions in the award package, to receive an award under this program.

3. The award package includes the following:

a. United States Coast Guard Award Letter.

b. United States Coast Guard Terms and Conditions.

c. DHS Notice of Award.

d. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions.

B. Note Regarding Pre-Award Costs

Even if pre-award costs are allowed, beginning performance is at the applicant’s own risk.

C. Obligation of Funds

Funds are obligated in the Coast Guard financial system upon the final allocation of awards.

D. Notification to Unsuccessful Applicants

Post-Award Requirements and

Administration A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Presidential Executive Orders

Recipients must comply with the requirements of Presidential Executive Orders related to grants

(also known as federal assistance and financial assistance), the full text of which are incorporated by reference.

However, this requirement does not apply to any federal award under this funding opportunity to the extent their application is limited by the injunction in County of Santa Clara v. Noem, No. 25-cv-8330

(N.D. Cal.), City of Chicago v. Noem, No. 25-cv-12765 (N.D. Ill.), or any other litigation, so long as that injunction is in force. If the relevant injunction is stayed, vacated, or extinguished, the requirement to comply with Presidential Executive Orders will immediately become effective.

In accordance with Executive Order 14305, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty (June 6, 2025), and to the extent allowed by law, eligible state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients under this

NOFO are permitted to purchase unmanned aircraft systems, otherwise known as drones, or equipment or services for the detection, tracking, or identification of drones and drone signals, consistent with the legal authorities of state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. Recipients must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and adhere to any statutory requirements on the use of federal funds for such unmanned aircraft systems, equipment, or services.

Subrecipient Monitoring and Management

Pass-through entities must comply with the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management as set forth in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.331-333.

Termination of a Federal Award per 2 C.F.R. § 200.340

1. By DHS. DHS may terminate a federal award, in whole or in part, for the following reasons:

a. If the recipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award;

b. With the consent of the recipient, in which case the parties must agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated; or

c. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the federal award.

d. For convenience, pursuant to Executive Order 14332, Improving Oversight of Federal

Grantmaking, including when the award no longer advances agency priorities or the national interest, but subject to appropriate exceptions, including agreements entered into in furtherance of international trade agreements or those awarded by the Department of Commerce under title XCIX of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283), the CHIPS and Science Act of

2022 (Public Law 117-167), or Division F of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).

2. By the Recipient. The recipient may terminate the federal award, in whole or in part, by sending written notification to DHS stating the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if DHS determines that the remaining portion of the federal award will not accomplish the purposes for which the federal award was made, DHS may terminate the federal award in its entirety.

3. Notice. Either party will provide written notice of intent to terminate for any reason to the other party no less than 30 calendar days prior to the effective date of the termination.

4. Compliance with Closeout Requirements for Terminated Awards. The recipient must continue to comply with closeout requirements in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.344 and 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.345 after an award is terminated.

B. DHS Standard Terms and Conditions

A recipient under this funding opportunity must comply with the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions in effect as of the federal award, except as limited by the injunction in Illinois, et al., v. FEMA, 25-cv-

00206 (D.RI October 14, 2025). The DHS Standard Terms and Conditions are available online and can be found: DHS Standard Terms and Conditions | Homeland Security. For continuation awards, the terms and conditions for the initial federal award will apply unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions of the continuation award. The specific version of the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions applicable to the federal award will be in the federal award package.

However, the provisions relating to DEI and DEIA do not apply to any federal award under this funding opportunity to the extent their application is limited by the injunction in County of Santa Clara v.

Noem, No. 25-cv-8330 (N.D. Cal.), City of Chicago v. Noem, No. 25-cv-12765 (N.D. Ill.), City of Seattle v.

Trump, No. 2:25-cv-1435 (W.D. Wa.), or any other litigation, so long as that injunction is in force. If the relevant injunction is stayed, vacated, or extinguished, the requirement to comply with the DEI and

DEIA terms will immediately become effective.

NOTE: While not a requirement in the DHS Standard Terms and Conditions, as a best practice:

“Entities receiving funds through this program should ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into the design, development, operation, and maintenance of investments that impact information technology (IT) and/ or operational technology (OT) systems.”

C. Financial Reporting Requirements

1. Recipients must report obligations and expenditures through a federal financial report. The Federal Financial Report (FFR) form, also known as Standard Form 425 (SF-425), is available online at SF-425 OMB #4040-0014.

2. Recipients are required to submit quarterly financial reports per the federal fiscal year:

a. October 1st – December 31st due January 30th

b. January 1st – March 31st due April 30th

c. April 1st – June 30th due July 30th

d. July 1st – September 30th due October 30th

3. The final FFR is due within 120 calendar days after the end of the period of performance.

4. States are required to comply with the reporting requirements. States must submit an extension request to the Coast Guard for approval prior to the reporting deadline. Any report submitted after the published deadline without an approved extension will be considered late.

5. The Coast Guard may withhold future federal awards and cash payments if FFRs are not timely, complete, detailed, and accurate. FFRs showing inadequate progress may also cause future federal awards and cash payments to be withheld

D. Closeout Reporting Requirements

Within 120 days after the end of the period of performance, or after an amendment has been issued https://www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-standard-terms-and-conditions https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF425a_2_0-V2.0.pdf to close out a federal award, recipients must submit the following:

1. The final request for payment, if applicable.

2. The final FFR.

3. The final progress report detailing all accomplishments.

4. A qualitative narrative summary of the impact of those accomplishments throughout the period of performance.

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

Coast Guard guidance.

After the awarding agency approves these reports, it will issue a closeout notice. The notice will indicate the period of performance as closed, list any remaining funds to be de-obligated, and address the record maintenance requirement. Unless a longer period applies, such as due to an audit or litigation, for equipment or real property used beyond the period of performance, or due to other circumstances outlined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.334, this maintenance requirement is three years from the date of the final FFR.

Also, pass-through entities are responsible for closing out those subawards as described in 2 C.F.R. §

200.344; subrecipients are still required to submit closeout materials within 90 calendar days of the subaward period of performance end date. When a subrecipient completes all closeout requirements, pass-through entities must promptly complete all closeout actions in time for the recipient to submit all necessary documentation and information to the awarding agency during the closeout of their prime award.

The recipient is responsible for returning any balances of unobligated or unliquidated funds that have been drawn down that are not authorized to be retained per 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(e).

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

Before entering into a federal award, the applicant must notify the awarding agency if it knows that the applicant or any of the principals (as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 180.995) for the federal award:

1. Are presently excluded or disqualified;

2. Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R.

§ 180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against you for one of those offenses within that time period;

3. Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity

(Federal, State, or local) with the commission of any of the offenses listed in 2 C.F.R. §

180.800(a); or

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

This requirement is fully described in 2 C.F.R. § 180.335.

Additionally, 2 C.F.R. § 180.350 requires recipients to provide immediate written notice to the awarding agency at any time after entering a federal award if:

1. The recipient learns that it failed to earlier disclose information as required by 2 C.F.R.

180.335;

2. Due to changed circumstances, the applicant or any of the principals for the federal award now meet the criteria at 2 C.F.R. 180.335 listed above.

Administrative Closeout

Administrative closeout is a mechanism to unilaterally execute closeout of an award. The Coast

Guard may use available award information in lieu of final recipient reports, per 2 C.F.R. § 200.344(h)-

(i). It is an activity of last resort, and if the Coast Guard administratively closes an award, this may negatively impact a recipient’s ability to obtain future funding.

F. Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

Appendix XII to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 states the terms and conditions for recipient integrity and performance matters used for this funding opportunity.

If the total value of all active federal grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts for a recipient exceeds $10,000,000 at any time during the period of performance:

1. The recipient must maintain the currency of information reported in SAM.gov about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of Appendix XII;

2. The required reporting frequency is described in paragraph 4 of Appendix XII.

G. Single Audit Reports

A recipient expending $1,000,000 or more in federal awards (as defined by 2 C.F.R. § 200.1) during its fiscal year must undergo an audit. This may be either a single audit complying with 2 C.F.R. § 200.514 or a program-specific audit complying with 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.501 and 200.507. Audits must follow 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart F, 2 C.F.R. § 200.501, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards.

H. Monitoring and Oversight

Per 2 C.F.R. § 200.337, DHS and its authorized representatives have the right of access to any records of the recipient or subrecipient pertinent to a Federal award to perform audits, site visits, and any other official use. The right also includes timely and reasonable access to the recipient’s or subrecipient’s personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents or the Federal award in general.

Pursuant to this right and per 2 C.F.R. § 200.329, DHS may conduct desk reviews and make site visits to review and evaluate project accomplishments and management control systems as well as provide any required technical assistance. Recipients and subrecipients must respond in a timely and accurate manner to DHS requests for information relating to a federal award.

I. Program Evaluation

Title I of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Evidence Act), Pub. L. No.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/appendix-Appendix%20XII%20to%20Part%20200 https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.329 https://www.congress.gov/115/statute/STATUTE-132/STATUTE-132-Pg5529.pdf

115-435 (2019), urges federal agencies to use program evaluation as a critical tool to learn, improve delivery, and elevate program service and delivery across the program lifecycle. Evaluation means

“an assessment using systematic data collection and analysis of one or more programs, policies, and organizations intended to assess their effectiveness and efficiency.” Evidence Act, § 101 (codified at 5 U.S.C. § 311). OMB A-11, Section 290 (Evaluation and Evidence-Building Activities) further outlines the standards and practices for evaluation activities. Federal agencies are required to specify any requirements for recipient participation in program evaluation activities (2 C.F.R. § 200.301).

Program evaluation activities incorporated from the outset in the NOFO and program design and implementation allow recipients and agencies to meaningfully document and measure progress and achievement towards program goals and objectives, and identify program outcomes and lessons learned, as part of demonstrating recipient performance (2 C.F.R. § 200.301).

As such, recipients and subrecipients are required to participate in a Program Office (PO) or a DHS

Component-led evaluation, if selected. This may be carried out by a third-party on behalf of the PO or the DHS Component. Such an evaluation may involve information collections including but not limited to, records of the recipients; surveys, interviews, or discussions with individuals who benefit from the federal award, program operating personnel, and award recipients; and site visits or other observation of recipient activities, as specified in a DHS Component or PO-approved evaluation plan.

More details about evaluation requirements may be provided in the federal award, if available at that time, or following the award as evaluation requirements are finalized. Evaluation costs incurred during the period of performance are allowable costs (either as direct or indirect) in accordance with

2 C.F.R. § 200.413.

Recipients and subrecipients are also encouraged, but not required, to participate in any additional evaluations after the period of performance ends, although any costs incurred to participate in such evaluations are not allowable and may not be charged to the federal award.

J. Programmatic Reporting Requirements

1. Recipients are required to submit the following annual reports:

a. Certification of Numbered Vessels due January 31st

b. Report of Certificates of Number Issued to Boats due prior to March 1st

i. States should use the most recent version of the CG-3923 with an expiration date of 08/31/2026. Older versions are no longer current

c. Annual Performance Report Part I (Narrative) due December 31st

d. Annual Performance Report Part II (Statistical Data) due December 31st

2. Please see Appendix D: Annual Performance Report Narrative Guidance for more information.

K. Additional Reporting Requirements

Recipients must comply with 2 C.F.R. § 180.335 disclosure requirements and Appendix XII to 2 C.F.R.

Part 200 on integrity and performance, and undergo a Single Audit if expending $1,000,000 or more in federal awards during their fiscal year.

Anytime there is a change in personnel for any of the awardees and/or subrecipients, their https://www.congress.gov/115/statute/STATUTE-132/STATUTE-132-Pg5529.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section311&num=0&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title5-section311&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.301 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.301 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.413 information needs to be submitted for approval (all the previous personal information identified).

Other Information A. Period of Performance Extension

Extensions to the period of performance for this funding opportunity are not allowed.

B. Program Income

1. Program income means gross income earned by the state that is directly generated by a supported RBS activity or earned because of the RBS award during the period of performance.

Program income includes, but is not limited to, income from fees for services performed, the use of rental of real or personal property acquired under the RBS award, the sale of commodities or items fabricated under the RBS award, license fees and royalties on patents and copyrights associated with the state RBS program, and principal and interest on loans made with RBS award funds.

2. Per the terms and conditions of the financial agreement, program income is to be spent on allowable state RBS expenditures and applied to the state’s share as described in 2 C.F.R. §

200.307(b)(3).

3. Program income excludes:

a. interest earned on advances of RBS funds

b. rebates, credits, discounts, and interest earned on any of them

c. taxes, special assessments, levies, fines, and other such revenues raised by the state are not program income.

4. Program income must be used for allowable and approved grant activities, and it must be expended prior to the end of the project period.

5. Recipients are encouraged to spend program income first before requesting additional grant funds.

C. State Guide

The current State Guide can be downloaded from Grants.gov via this funding opportunity announcement.

Contacts, Support, and Appendices

Contacts 29

Appendices 29

Contacts

Program Office Email: cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil

Technical Assistance Email: cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil or jack.roberts@uscg.mil

Grants.gov Grants.gov provides 24/7 support. You can call 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov. Hold on to your ticket number.

SAM.gov If you need help, you can call 866-606-8220 or live chat with the Federal Service Desk.

Appendices Appendix A: FY27 Estimated Allocation Memo & Chart

Appendix B: Program Narrative Template

Appendix C: Equipment List Template

Appendix D: Annual Performance Report Narrative Guidance mailto:cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil mailto:cynthia.m.dudzinski@uscg.mil mailto:jack.roberts@uscg.mil mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp