G21AS00299.pdf

United States Geological Survey

National Climate Adaptation Science Center Program (NCASC) https://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/climate-adaptation-science-centers

Notice of Funding Opportunity - Fiscal Year 2021 Funding Opportunity Number (FON) G21AS00299

Closing Date: 06/14/2021

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Award Amount

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

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. Program Administration Contact

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, Div. F, Title I, P.L. 110-161 and 43 USC 36d

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.820

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements Program Description, Background, and Overview

A. Purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

1. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks to identify applicant organizations that propose to host and, as applicable, serve as consortium partners for a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) in the region indicated below, and to determine if their proposed science, partnership, and program support activities and strategies are appropriate to serve in the following roles:

Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC). The geographic footprint for potential hosts of this CASC includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin (see Attachment A). The specific climate science focus anticipated for the MW CASC is described below, under Section C.C3.1.b.

2. Once selected, the recipient will be established as Host Institution. As a Host, an institution will be the solely entity eligible to receive funding to conduct follow-on research/science projects anticipated as a part of this NOFO. Host Institutions may engage with other institutions, including by subaward, as part of these projects.

B. Program Description - The USGS Climate Adaptation Science Center Network

1. DOI has established a network of geographically dispersed Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASC) (see https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/learn-about-regional-cascs?qt-science_support_page_related_con=0#qt-science_support_page_related_con). The USGS, through the National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC), manages the CASCs on behalf of DOI (see https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers). CASCs are based at organizations (hereafter termed Hosts or Host Institutions) that provide suitable facilities; partnerships; science, capacity building, communications, and programmatic capabilities, either alone or in combination with other partners (“consortium partners”). At the national level, USGS (through NCASC) provides executive staffing https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/learn-about-regional-cascs?qt-science_support_page_related_con=0#qt-science_support_page_related_con https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/learn-about-regional-cascs?qt-science_support_page_related_con=0#qt-science_support_page_related_con https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/learn-about-regional-cascs?qt-science_support_page_related_con=0#qt-science_support_page_related_con https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers and administrative support, conducts a program to link and synthesize CASC research activities, and provides information technology strategy coordination.

2. The goal of each CASC is to work with managers of land, water, fish and wildlife, as well as nearshore, coastal, and cultural heritage resources in order to identify high priority resource management and decision needs for which information on climate/global change, impacts, and adaptation is needed. Each CASC works to deliver scientific information and tools that can help resource managers develop strategies, policies, programs, and activities for responding to climate/global change.

3. Specifically, the primary functions of CASCs are to:

a. Identify priority management needs through ongoing interactions with resource management entities within the region and to identify scientific information and tools that may inform these management challenges. Wherever possible, this should involve an appropriate level of co-development, which entails processes and relationship-building to frame management questions, understand the objectives of managers and other key stakeholders, develop science/research plans to address management questions, and ensure the appropriate transfer and use of information to improve management of natural and cultural resources in a changing climate.[1]

b. Identify impacts of climate/global change on priority species, habitats/ecosystems, ecosystem goods and services, and other natural and cultural resources within the region, as guided by the management priorities identified above.

c. Translate, integrate, aggregate, and synthesize existing or new scientific information to meet key information needs identified in conjunction with natural and cultural resource managers.

d. Work with partners to identify, evaluate, and provide science to design, implement, and evaluate adaptation strategies to address identified climate impacts (along with other stressors such as land use or land cover change) on priority resources.

e. Provide students or post-doctoral researchers at each Center experiences that help them understand high-priority resource management challenges, the management objectives of key stakeholders, and how science can provide information about the impacts of potential policies on these management challenges and objectives.

f. Foster development and use of research products by conducting capacity-building activities.

g. Provide information management capacity and infrastructure for the Center’s research activities. This does not include the development of regionally specific data portals, repositories, or online data management systems. CASCs should leverage the infrastructure developed and supported by NCASC (See Section D2.2.B. Proposal Contents – Technical Proposal Narrative, for details).

4. CASCs operate in a highly partnership-oriented governance environment, including the following critical partnerships:

a. Each CASC currently convenes a “Stakeholder Advisory Committee” that includes representatives of government entities (state, Federal, tribal, sovereign) from the region, who provide input on regional management and science priorities, as well as outreach and partnership activities. Input from and engagement of CASC Host Institutions (and, where applicable, consortium partners) and USGS regional science assets are crucial components of this science-management dialogue.

b. Research and other activities undertaken by CASC Hosts/partners and Federal staff are parts of, and should be managed as, a coherent response to information needs identified by stakeholders. Close partnership between CASC Hosts/partners and USGS principals is required in designing a scientific program and ensuring effective implementation and communication.

c. CASC scientific needs require expertise and perspective from across the CASC, whether this occurs at one institution or amongst several consortium partners, and USGS Centers.

Each CASC serves as a node in a national network. While its primary goal is to provide a full complement of regionally focused capabilities at each CASC, DOI is interested in the development of unique, nationally recognized capabilities that can also serve the nationwide priorities of DOI bureaus. In order to facilitate national recognition and consistency, NCASC developed high-level communication guidance that must be implemented on websites and other public products. The CASC communications guidelines can be found here: https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/5e430a8be4b0edb47be845ca?f=__disk__ 58%2F89%2Fa7%2F5889a7e7d56ed407066eb1d1b4a6a20b75761d1f

Information and data management are crucial elements in enabling seamless interactions across the CASC network. CASC research activities funded through this agreement or through related agreements must comply with USGS Public Access Plan and Data Management Policies (https://www2.usgs.gov/quality_integrity/open_access/) and NCASC Data Policies (https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/data-policy-and-guidance). Requirements include completion of project metadata and data management plans for CASC research projects. Research data management plans, research data products, associated metadata, and other products developed with CASC funds must be submitted to the CASC Data Steward when projects are complete. Host Institutions should work with NCASC on this function.

5. CASCs include USGS employees working on-site at Host Institutions and may include staff from other public or private organizations. Several CASCs have staff supported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (tribal climate liaisons). Other DOI bureaus may provide resources (including staff) for CASC operations over time. The specific staffing and expertise at each CASC will be defined by the scientific priorities and focus of that Center and by available partnerships that facilitate access to external scientific assets. USGS/DOI staffing at CASCs may include the CASC Director and Deputy Director, Science/Research Coordinator, researchers, tribal liaisons, administrative personnel, etc. Students and post-doctoral researchers may also be located at the CASC.

[1] Based on the 2015 report of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/5e430a8be4b0edb47be845ca?f=__disk__58%2F89%2Fa7%2F5889a7e7d56ed407066eb1d1b4a6a20b75761d1f https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/5e430a8be4b0edb47be845ca?f=__disk__58%2F89%2Fa7%2F5889a7e7d56ed407066eb1d1b4a6a20b75761d1f https://www2.usgs.gov/quality_integrity/open_access/ https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/data-policy-and-guidance https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/data-policy-and-guidance

Resource Science, available at https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5c1d05d3e4b0708288c9bc2a.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 4,500,000

B2. Award Amount Maximum Award $ 4,500,000 Minimum Award $ 0 Proposal Funding, Cost Sharing or Matching, and Other Requirements

1. Number of awards anticipated from this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): 1 (one)

2. Each non-Federal entity applicant may submit one proposal as a prospective Host. Candidate Host applicants may be included as consortium partners on proposals for which others have a Host role. Candidate consortium partners may be listed on multiple Host proposals.

3. The maximum budget amount an applicant may request is $4,500,000 for five years, or an average of $900,000 per year. A proposal exceeding the funding limits or project period term described herein will be rejected without review.

4. Cost sharing is not required in this program and will not be considered in the evaluation of applications. In the past however, many CASC Host Institutions have provided in-kind and financial resources that augment these Federal funds.

5. It is anticipated that the CASC Hosting Agreement will be funded for one base year, with the four additional project years subject to availability of funds. Beyond the base year, each subsequent year of funding will also be contingent upon satisfactory performance (including both substantive and financial), satisfactory submission of required reporting, and hosting of an annual review meeting to discuss progress during the preceding year. All renewals are at the discretion of USGS. All awards and funding under this NOFO are subject to the availability of funds. “Required reporting” includes financial and annual project reporting included as standard requirements under USGS cooperative agreements, and any reporting required under grants or cooperative agreements issued under the auspices of the CASC hosting cooperative agreement to support scientific and related activities.[2] See Attachment B: USGS General Terms and Conditions for https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5c1d05d3e4b0708288c9bc2a detailed reporting requirements.

6. USGS will enter into a cooperative agreement with a single institution. This Host Institution will be responsible, where applicable, for appropriately transferring funds to sub-award consortium partners. Separately, it will also, as applicable, be the recipient of research project funding for all partner institutions and will be responsible for appropriately transferring such sub-award funds as well as providing appropriate subaward oversight (see 7 below). Proposals including consortium partners must be submitted as a single integrated proposal by the lead Host Institution.

7. Host Institutions will be eligible for research project funding as a component of this agreement. Research or other project activities must address the goals of the Center as described in the Centers’ Science Agenda or Strategic Plan. They must also comply with NCASC and USGS data management policies, including the preparation of Data Management Plans (see https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/data-policy-and-guidance). As noted above, research project funds will be awarded only to the Host Institution, with subawards to consortium partners or others administered by the Host. The annual magnitude of federal funding anticipated to flow through the agreement for research is estimated at around $1,000,000. All funded research intended for publication must provide attribution of the USGS funding. See https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/project-tracking-policy-and-guidance, as well as the USGS General Terms and Conditions in Attachment B.

Funding Restrictions The reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs is not authorized under this NOFO.

[2] In recent years, required annual reports from CASC university partners were, at USGS direction, merged with overall CASC “annual reports” for a broad audience. This practice will be modified significantly, returning to a model of annual reporting that supports increased communication about non-federal entity activities and enables greater oversight of specific commitments. A listing of deliverables and commitments will be drafted based on accepted proposals and made part of the resulting cooperative agreement via the terms and conditions of the award. This listing will be the basis of annual reviews by USGS in anticipation of release of upcoming-year funds.

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates Anticipated Award Date January 03, 2022

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/data-policy-and-guidance https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/data-policy-and-guidance https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/project-tracking-policy-and-guidancem https://www.usgs.gov/land-resources/climate-adaptation-science-centers/project-tracking-policy-and-guidancem

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement Financial assistance instrument: Cooperative Agreement.

Substantial involvement on the part of USGS is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded. In particular, it is anticipated that USGS will: Regularly review progress under the award and provide project guidance as appropriate; direct and/or redirect work because of interrelationships with other related CASC projects; provide guidance for communications with project stakeholders. This includes identifying points of contact and designing appropriate communication methods with Tribal, Federal, and state agencies; provide guidance in ensuring that the communication activities follow the MW CASC Strategic Communications Plan.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 00 – State 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 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 04 – Special district governments 20 – Private institutions of higher education Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible Applicants

1. Non-Federal entities eligible to submit proposals under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) include state, not-for-profit, local government, and tribal entities, including academic institutions. USGS entities may not submit proposals and may not be listed as formal partners on proposals. Federal agencies may collaborate in the execution of projects; Federal partners must receive money through other methods as appropriate and not through Federal financial assistance (i.e., the CASC hosting cooperative agreement).

2. Any eligible non-Federal entity organization or consortium interested in hosting a Center in the identified CASC region may apply; consortium partners are not required to be physically located within their corresponding CASC region. However, proposals involving institutions located outside the focal region should provide strong evidence of experience and capability to conduct research and maintain active partnerships with resource management stakeholders within the focal region, either directly or through other consortium members.

3. Proposals may be submitted for a single institution or by one institution serving as the CASC Host, along with additional consortium partners. Consortium partners should only be included if they will play a clear and substantive role in CASC strategy and operations. Examples include the provision of cooperative agreement funding for faculty and students or post-doctoral researchers for research activities related to the CASC science agenda.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No

C3. Other General Expectations, Requirements, and Conditions

1. The USGS will only enter into a Hosting Agreements with an applicant that meets the following criteria and standards:

a. Provide appropriate expertise and experience to achieve the CASC mission of identifying climate/global change impacts to and effective adaptation strategies for land, water, fish and wildlife, as well as nearshore, coastal and cultural heritage resources, and the ecosystem services upon which human communities depend.

b. In addition to general global change science needs, it is expected that the scientific focus of the Midwest CASC will include the following specific topic areas to address concerns of federal, state and Tribal natural and cultural resource managers:

Heavy precipitation events and drought: heavy precipitation events, flooding, and drought alter the condition, structure, services, and management of natural resources.

Loss of winter: warming winters, altered snow patterns, and increased variability affect fish and wildlife populations, habitat management, nature-based recreation, and cultural heritage.

Climate impacts to sportfishing and hunting opportunities in the Midwest, integration of adaptation in future opportunities for fishing and hunting in the Midwest.

Altered hydrological regimes: changes in temperature, flows, and connectivity alter high-value fish populations, at-risk aquatic organisms, and culturally important resources.

Novel terrestrial landscapes: shifts in vegetation and human responses to climate change alter the suitability of the landscape for priority wildlife populations and traditional use by Tribal communities.

Barriers to and opportunities for adaptation: climate change alters the feasibility of management goals and suitability of management tools.

Laurentian Great Lakes: climate-driven issues such as shifts in fish communities, changes in invasive species patterns, coastal erosion, and harmful algal blooms.

c. Demonstrate institutional commitment to a multi-disciplinary and organizationally effective science and management support program, through the direct involvement of senior representatives of multiple departments, colleges, etc. or higher-level institutional sponsorship and engagement (e.g., Dean, Vice President of Research, etc.)

d. Demonstrate commitment to the actionable science/co-development model and make available relevant science capabilities that complement and enhance USGS and DOI scientific computing and data visualization capacity and that of other science partners.

e. Demonstrate a willingness to engage as partners with the USGS CASC Director[3]and other USGS staff in shaping and guiding a research portfolio to meet high-priority regional needs, as well as willingness to make the CASC a vibrant, growing entity that is “greater than the sum of its parts.”

f. Contribute to the expansion of capacity to address climate impacts on, and adaptation of, natural and cultural resources.

i. Formal or informal capacity building involving research activities and responsibilities with university faculty.

ii. Capacity building supported under a CASC Hosting Agreement must involve research directly linked to the CASC science agenda and program. USGS/CASC staff must have substantial involvement in the selection of students and post-doctoral researchers and input on their programmatic activities, so as to ensure a strong linkage of these activities to CASC science needs. Proposals must clearly articulate this relationship.

g. Proposals must identify a single individual at the Host Institution to serve as the University Director/Principal Investigator.[4] The proposal should provide an explanation of how this individual is or will:

i. Be familiar with the full suite of activities underway within the Host Institution, consortium partners, and other CASC-funded staff (e.g., USGS).

ii. Play a leadership role in support of the implementation of specific research activities connected to the CASC’s science agenda, in conjunction with the USGS CASC Director and the Stakeholder Advisory Committee.

iii. Encourage and facilitate the engagement of faculty and staff from across the institution (and CASC consortium, where appropriate) to increase awareness of, and where possible, increase contribution to, the goals of the CASC.

iv. Facilitate the development of the CASC as a known and desired research partner across the involved institution(s).

v. Represent CASC needs with Host Institution management, including:

1. Timely and efficient award, subaward, and contract management

2. Timely and efficient implementation of agreement commitments (e.g., for space, personnel, reporting, etc.)

h. Communication of scientific results to intended users is an integral and expected element of CASC funded research. Proposals should describe how they will address communication needs and suggest mechanisms for evaluation of the effectiveness of science-management information activities. At a minimum, proposals should outline support for basic communication activities for the CASC that conform to NCASC communication guidelines. Basic communication activities required by USGS and DOI include providing weekly highlights of upcoming CASC activities, coordination of press releases (as appropriate), coordination of CASC communication activities with NCASC and USGS Communication staff, and the development and maintenance of a CASC website. Proposals should include a strategy for website hosting, content updates, and maintenance.

i. Provide adequate administrative support to ensure rapid and responsive financial award management at both the pre- and post-award stages that adheres to DOI, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other relevant regulations and policies. Reference Attachment B for the USGS (and DOI) General Terms and Conditions.

2. The USGS identifies the following additional considerations that will influence selection of a Host Institution:

a. Effective governance and interdisciplinary engagement: Description of past, present, and future governance and interaction strategies among institutional colleges and departments; across consortia members; with existing USGS science centers, units, and programs in the region and elsewhere; and with other related institutions, with the goal of fostering collaborative activities and engaging expertise from across the Host and partner institutions. Demonstration of substantial institutional-level commitment is strongly encouraged.

b. Supporting Capacity Building as it relates to the research that would be conducted: Effective strategies for ensuring collaborative interactions and a sense of involvement with the CASC, especially where researchers are distributed among departments or institutions.

c. Addressing tribal and indigenous communities: Engagement of tribal institutions, including tribes and tribal colleges/universities, and other institutions affiliated with American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders;

extension faculty involvement, etc.

d. Building regional science capacity: Expand regional access to science and fostering regional science-management dialogue, through regional “summits,” etc.

3. Where consortium arrangements are proposed, the USGS will consider the following factors:

a. Clear and substantive roles for all consortium members: Consortium members must either be funded to support specific substantive activities connected to the CASC science agenda or serve other clearly defined functions/roles.

b. Effective use of funds: An appropriate balance between the number of personnel funded under the Hosting Agreement and the imperative to maintain a low fixed cost budget.

c. Effective cross-institutional governance.

4. Proposals may include the provision of space to house the CASC, including USGS staff, other Federal staff (e.g., BIA-funded positions), Host staff, and students and post-doctoral researchers. Ideally, such space would provide a visible and recognizable on-campus “location” for the CASC.

a. Space arrangements will be discussed directly with applicants as part of the agreement finalization process.

b. Where space is proposed as part of the agreement, especially where both Federal and university staff (e.g., faculty, students) are to be housed together, details regarding the extent and nature of support for that space should be provided, e.g., furniture, supplies and equipment ordering and maintenance (copier, paper, whiteboards, etc.), communications infrastructure.

[3] The USGS CASC Director will be responsible for the following items, with appropriate consultation with the University Director/Principal Investigator: establishing/engaging a Stakeholder Advisory Committee or its analogue (e.g., Alaska Climate Change Executive Roundtable); managing overall interactions with key partners, including Federal, state, sovereign, and tribal/indigenous entities; managing USGS funds; developing a research agenda based on input from stakeholders, Host and consortium partners, and, as appropriate, on guidance from NCASC/USGS; managing USGS employees at the CASC and integrating other Federal or partner employees (e.g., BIA-funded liaisons); and ensuring compliance with USGS and other relevant scientific integrity requirements.

[4] USGS awards identify the primary individual responsible for a project as the “Principal Investigator”. However, in the CASC operations, this individual is usually referred to as the

“University Director”.

Excluded Parties: USGS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. USGS 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 Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

1. Electronic Delivery

USGS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. USGS encourages applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

2. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for USGS funds.

Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

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

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

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

1)Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS Number in the data entry field labeled\\\\"Organizational DUNS\\\\" on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS Number, refer to:

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

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

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

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

4) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

5) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

b. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

3. How to Submit an Application to USGS via Grants.gov

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

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

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

4) Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800- 518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the USGS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

a. Online Submission. All applications must be received by the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When USGS successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by USGS.

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

D1. Address to Request Application Package

1. Requirements for application documents can be found in this Notice of Funding

Opportunity (NOFO) and on Grants.gov.

2. Preapplications will not be accepted nor reviewed.

3. Electronic Application Requirement – Final applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) by the due date indicated in this NOFO. Hard copy/paper submissions will NOT be accepted. Electronic copies submitted via email will NOT be accepted under any circumstances.

4. All proposals must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov on or before: Monday, June 14, 2021 at 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

5. Throughout the application period, an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through Grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is revised and indicating that the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. Such submissions must be completed by Monday, June 14, 2021 at 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

Program Website Link http://www.grants.gov https://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/climate-adaptation-science-centers

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (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, signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. 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).

Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications and representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Project Narrative A. Proposal Preparation

1. Proposal Components: Each proposal must include separate components, preceded by a title page that provides basic information regarding the submitting organization, including name, physical address, and contact information for a single primary point of contact for the proposal:

a. Technical Proposal Narrative

b. Budget Tables

c. Budget Justification text

d. Letters of support

2. Proposal Format: The proposal technical narrative, budget tables, budget justification, and letters of support must be combined together into one PDF document, in the order noted above, and submitted through Grants.gov. Applications must be not more than 15 pages, (including figures and tables, but NOT including the budget narrative and supporting budget documents such as an applicant’s official indirect cost rate agreement and documentation of fringe benefit rates, and a data management plan), using Times New Roman not smaller than 12-point font, single-spaced, with one-inch page margins. Excess pages will not be evaluated. All pages of the application shall be numbered. All text, figures, and tables shall be sized to fit on 8½" by 11" paper. The standard forms noted above and letters of support do not count toward the 15-page limit. Budget items and narratives may be included within the 15-page limit or attached to the 15-page narrative and still be accepted. The application shall be in color as needed for review by peer review panel members.

B. Proposal Contents - Technical Proposal Narrative Provide detailed information to describe your organization’s ability to host a CASC. Include section titles at the beginning of each section. If additional information about your natural resource and climate/global change research program and partnerships can be found online, refer to the appropriate links. Exceeding the page limit provides no benefit, as the excess pages will not be evaluated.

The narrative should address the following elements:

1. Consortium Skills and Interactions: NCASC seeks consortia in which all members will play an active and direct role in conducting and overseeing research projects and related CASC activities undertaken by the consortium. Proposals that include multi-institution consortia should address the role/skill set of each partner institution and how the proposal principals will interact.

a. Identify the individual at the Host Institution who will serve as University Director/Principal Investigator. Describe this person’s role and what funding (for the University Director/Principal Investigator or other staff) is requested to support this requirement. Describe why this department/center as a host “home” and individual as university leader are best suited to addressing the science challenges facing the CASC.

b. As appropriate, identify the proposal principals (Leadership Team), who should include, at a minimum, one senior investigator from each consortium partner. Identify each principal’s individual strengths and how their expertise complements, supplements, or amplifies that of the other leadership team members. Describe how the Leadership Team members will coordinate and interact with one another. Provide brief descriptions of the current research activities (e.g., awards, projects) of each consortium partner principal.

c. Describe institutional-level commitment to the CASC, including how the institution will coordinate and work across Departments, Colleges and other administrative units within the institution.

d. Describe the governance strategy and activities for the consortium team, including proposed modes of interaction between Host and consortium partners and between all partners and the USGS CASC Director and staff.

e. Describe the institutional context in which the CASC would be located; that is, list other departments and programs that would be closely associated, including other Federal or non-Federal partners (e.g., NOAA Cooperative Institutes or USDA Forest Service labs), etc. Describe any anticipated activities or strategies to maximize the benefits from and leveraging of these assets. The roles of all partners (Federal and non-Federal) must be clearly identified.

f. Describe how proposal principals would enable and encourage other faculty, staff, and students to participate in research activities. Describe how the consortium leadership would facilitate awareness of and potential engagement in responding to requests for proposals issued by a CASC.

g. Identify any involvement of proposal principals in activities or projects of:

i. The National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC)

ii. Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASC)

iii. USDA Regional Climate Hubs (Hubs)

iv. NOAA Regional Integrated Science and Assessment (RISA) center(s)

v. Other entities whose mission reflects similar goals, providing information for adaptation planning and decision making for natural and/or cultural resources

2. Science

a. Explain the team’s vision of the nature of the science required for climate and other global change related adaptation or resource management decision-making in the region, including items described in Section C.C3.1.b, and the most effective approaches for meeting those needs. Identify how specific university or consortium skills match up with needs and complement USGS resources. Describe how the proposal, with details provided for individual members of the team, will effectively support research and related activities across the relevant CASC region. Identify new capabilities that need to be developed regionally, as appropriate. Provide at least one case example for each of the proposal principals that involves identification of climate impacts or adaptation strategies for natural or cultural resources.

b. Explain the proposal team’s understanding of “co-production” and “actionable science” or “usable science.” Describe how the consortium would facilitate and foster co-production and actionable science approaches in CASC-funded activities. Provide at least one case example for each of the proposal principals that illustrates co-production or actionable science principles.

c. Describe any proposed activities to generate and foster regional dialogue and information sharing with cultural or natural resource managers on climate impacts and adaptation science.

d. Describe the involvement of consortium partners, and especially the proposal principals, in activities related to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, or other indigenous peoples.

3. Capacity Building

a. List and describe the broad research areas in which capacity building activities are proposed (e.g., ecological modeling, vulnerability assessment). Identify the intended physical location(s) and institutional affiliation(s) for the proposed researchers.

b. Describe the strategy for linking capacity building activities among multiple departments or institutions. Describe specific actions that will be taken to engage participants across institutions, with the result being to enhance cross-disciplinary learning, to offer new collaboration opportunities, to invite joint funding opportunities, and to show the efficient and effective utilization of unique capacities that each university brings to the consortium. Describe any strategies or plans to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and center cohesion.

c. Describe the proposed role of the USGS CASC Director in…