Instructions_FY2023 TRIBES CWDG NOFO_8-1-MF.pdf

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USDA Forest Service State, Private and Tribal Forestry Fiscal Year 2023 Community Wildfire Defense Grant

Notice of Funding Opportunity Instructions Tribes

Table of Contents

Overview and Submission Dates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023

Purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant

Key Points

Detailed Eligibility and Qualifying Proposal Types

Cost Share Match Requirements and Waivers

Scoring Criteria

Preparing an Application

Project Evaluation and Selection

Contacts for Further Information

Appendix I. Instructions for Submitting Applications through forestrygrants.org

Appendix II. CWDG Application Requirements Checklist

Overview and Submission Dates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023

• Applications are being requested for the FY 2023 Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG).

• This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for projects that will be carried out by Indian Tribes.

While this NOFO is specifically for Tribes, they may also apply under the corresponding state NOFO as well. For non-tribal applicants, please refer to the appropriate NOFO for specific instructions.

• Search for the following grant Opportunity Number in grants.gov and follow the included instructions:

USDA-FS-2023-CWDG-TRIBES

• SUBMIT ALL APPLICATIONS BY 11:59 pm, EASTERN TIME ZONE, October 31, 2023

Purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant The purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant is to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes with planning for and mitigating against the risk created by wildfire. This program is authorized in Public Law 117-58, ‘‘An Act to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes,’’ commonly referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Specifically, the CWDG is provided for in Title VIII, Section 40803 of that Act. There are two primary project types for which the grant provides funding: The development and revising of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), and the implementation of projects described in a CWPP that is less than ten years old. The Act prioritizes at-risk https://www.grants.gov/

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communities that are in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income, and/or have been impacted by a severe disaster. More details on these three priorities can be found in this

NOFO.

The CWDG helps communities in the wildland urban interface (WUI) implement the three goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Cohesive Strategy):

• Resilient Landscapes: Landscapes, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries, are resilient to fire, insect, disease, invasive species, and climate change disturbances, in accordance with management objectives.

• Fire Adapted Communities: Human populations and infrastructure are as prepared as possible to receive, respond to, and recover from wildland fire.

• Safe, Effective, Risk-based Wildfire Response: All jurisdictions participate in making and implementing safe, effective, efficient risk-based wildfire management decisions.

Key Points

• Who Can Apply: Entities eligible to apply for funding under the CWDG include:

a. Units of local governments representing communities located in an area with a risk of wildfires,

b. Indian Tribes (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska Native Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice),

c. Non-profit organizations including homeowner associations that assist such communities,

d. State forestry agencies (including U.S. territories and interests), and

e. Alaska Native Corporations (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska Native

Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice).

For-profit entities are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.

• Eligible Lands: Eligible applicants may apply for grant funding for a project proposal to be conducted on lands with the following ownership types, provided the project proposal directly reduces wildfire risk to a community:

a. Private lands,

b. Local governments,

c. Homeowner associations,

d. State government, and

e. Tribal/Alaska native corporation (includes Trust lands).

Lands administered by the federal government are not eligible for this funding opportunity with the exception of lands held in trust for Native American Tribes and individuals (hereinafter Trust lands).

• State Forest Action Plans and the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy: Projects should further the priorities, e.g., goal, strategy, and/or priority landscape, in the most recent State Forest Action Plans (or equivalent Tribal plan) as well as the relevant regional cohesive wildland fire management strategy document.

• Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government: We prioritize applications that show a clear benefit to underserved people and the communities where they reside or the forest areas that they value. Where this is the case, this should be described in the “Project Narrative Form.” Underserved communities are also eligible to request a waiver of match requirements.

https://forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/thestrategy.shtml

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• Minimum and Maximum Funding Levels:

a. There is no minimum Federal funding limit for projects under CWDG.

b. The maximum amount of Federal funding awarded to any one community or Tribe via this competitive process is:

• $250,000 for the creation or updating of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and

• $10 million for a project described within a Community Wildfire Protection Plan less than 10 years old.

c. For planning purposes, the Federal funding available through the CWDG competitive process could be up to $250 million for this second round.

• Required Matching Funds: The CWDG program has differing levels of match dependent upon the proposal for which is being applied. For proposals to develop or update a CWPP, the required match is 10%. For proposals to implement projects described within a CWPP, the required match is 25%. Matching funds must be derived entirely from non-Federal sources (unless expressly authorized in law by the other federal program). The match must be met by eligible and allowable costs and is subject to match provisions in grant regulations (Code of Federal Regulations Title 2 Part 200.306 and Subpart E for Cost Principles). Match must meet all the same requirements as the Federal share and be documented sufficiently to support financial tracking and accountability. Communities meeting the definition of underserved, nationally recognized Tribes, and Pacific Islands may request a waiver of match; no other waiver requests are allowable under this program.

• SAM.gov Active Registration: All applicants will need to have and verify an active registration with SAM.gov at the time of application. Failure to have an active registration will result in a disqualification of the application.

• Lead Agency or Organization: All applications must identify the lead agency or organization that will have primary responsibility for coordinating project work and reporting. The lead agency may pass funds to other partners performing work as relevant.

• Grant Timeframes: Projects must be completed within five (5) years.

• For Proposals Including Multiple Communities: For separate projects in separate communities, a separate application should be submitted for each project so they can be reviewed and scored independently. For an application consisting of a single project that spans multiple communities, the project can be applied for and described within the same application and narrative form.

• Scoring and Ranking of Applications: Applications will be evaluated and scored by members of a regional review panel. Individual reviewer scores will be normalized. All regionally-scored applications will be compiled in a single nationally-ranked list, which will be used to distribute funding.

• Reporting: Funded CWDG projects will be required to provide financial reports to the grant’s administrator on a quarterly basis, and project performance reports on an annual basis. The annual performance report shall include a spatial data component. This requires both Forest Service grant monitors and CWDG grant recipients to coordinate in entering project information.

• Build America/Buy America: The Build America, Buy America Act, enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, established a domestic content procurement preference for all Federal financial assistance obligated for infrastructure projects after May 14, 2022. The Buy America preference requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects are produced in the United States. If a recipient proposes a waiver of the Buy America preference, they must identify the items for which a waiver will be sought in the application. Applicants should not proceed with the expectation that waivers will be granted.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2ebab48582f1b4223c33f2ad6477d78f&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1306&rgn=div8 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=41f52eea9bd297f23a8b8f8a461c2f57&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=41f52eea9bd297f23a8b8f8a461c2f57&mc=true&node=sp2.1.200.e&rgn=div6

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• Floodplain Management Criteria: If applicable and appropriate, a project located in a Special Flood Hazard Area must implement and meet the conditions contained within the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS).

• Labor Standards: All laborers and mechanics employed by the applicant, subrecipients, contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work on an award or project in excess of $2,000 funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by funds made available under this grant program shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code commonly referred to as the “Davis-Bacon Act” (DBA).

Applicants shall provide written assurance acknowledging the DBA requirements for the award or project and confirming that all laborers and mechanics performing construction, alteration, or repair work on projects in excess of $2,000 funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through funding under the award are paid or will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Title 40, United States Code (Davis-Bacon Act).

Recipients of funding will also be required to undergo DBA compliance training and to maintain competency in DBA compliance. The U.S. Department of Labor offers free Prevailing Wage Seminars several times a year that meet this requirement, at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction/seminars/events.

For additional guidance on how to comply with DBA provisions and clauses, see the following websites: Davis Bacon and Related Acts and Protection for Workers in Construction.

Detailed Eligibility and Qualifying Proposal Types

All applicants are highly encouraged to coordinate with the State Forestry Agency (or equivalent) in proposal development. State Forester contact information is available on the National Association of State Foresters website.

The Forest Service State, Private and Tribal Forestry staff are also available to facilitate and assist with this coordination, can provide liaison support for Tribes, and can assist with application submission if needed.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• The following entities are eligible to submit a project proposal for funding:

o Units of local governments representing communities located in an area with a risk of wildfires, o Indian Tribes (please apply through either the Indian Tribes/Alaska Native Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice), o Non-profit organizations such as homeowner associations that assist such communities, o State forestry agencies, and o Alaska Native Corporations (please apply through the either Indian Tribes/Alaska Native

Corporations specific notice or the applicable regional notice).

• For-profit entities are not eligible to apply for a grant under this program.

For applications submitted by organizations that plan to work with multiple communities, it will be a requirement of the application to name each of the specific communities that the organization plans to assist. Those specified communities will each need to meet the same eligibility requirements as a community that would be applying on their own.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/construction https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/protections-for-workers-in-construction https://www.stateforesters.org/who-we-are/our-membership/ https://www.stateforesters.org/who-we-are/our-membership/

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If a non-profit or other organization is contracted with a State forestry agency for Community Wildfire Defense Grants Program related work, they will not be eligible to apply for a grant under the program unless the grant can be separately managed with no conflict of interest concerns.

Location of Projects An eligible applicant may apply for grant funding for a project proposal to be conducted on lands with the following ownership types provided the project proposal directly reduces wildfire risk to a community.

• Private,

• Local governments,

• Homeowner associations,

• State government, and

• Tribal/Alaska native corporation (includes Trust lands).

Lands administered by the federal government are not eligible for this funding opportunity with the exception of Trust lands.

Project Objectives A project proposal must advance objectives and priorities identified in a community wildfire protection plan that is not more than 10 years old (for this NOFO defined as a CWPP signed during calendar year 2013 or later).

A project proposal must be designed to achieve one or more of the following objectives:

• Assist a community with planning to address management of wildfire risk.

• Assist a community with mitigation measures or actions to reduce wildfire risk.

Projects to be Given Priority Applicants will have the responsibility to indicate on the application if they meet any or all of the three priorities.

The applicant will also need to provide supporting documentation or a link to such documentation for each priority that is checked. Priority will be given to project proposals that:

• Are located in an area identified as having a high or very high wildfire hazard potential;

• Benefit a low-income community; or

• Are located in a community impacted by a severe disaster within the previous 10 years.

General Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for grant funding, a project proposal must meet the following criteria:

1. Projects must be for a qualifying activity.

2. Meets the cost-share match or waiver requirement.

a. The cost-share match can be in the form of a cash or in-kind contribution.

b. A cash match cannot utilize other federal funding.

3. The maximum grant amount is:

a. $250,000 to develop or revise/update a CWPP

b. $10,000,000 to carry out projects described in a CWPP

4. Funds cannot be used on lands administered by the federal government with the exception of Trust lands.

5. The grant term is for a total maximum of five (5) years.

6. Communities that request funding for mitigation projects or the development/ update of a CWPP must verify if they currently have in place a code, ordinance, or regulation pertaining to wildfire exposure protection that requires that roofs for new building construction as well as the reroofing or replacement of a roof on existing buildings adheres to standards that are similar to, or more stringent

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than the roof construction standards established by the National Fire Protection Association or applicable model building code established by the International Code Council. (Note: It is not a requirement to have a roofing ordinance for grant eligibility.)

7. Communities that request funding for mitigation projects must:

a. meet the definition of an “at-risk community” as defined, and

b. be following a CWPP, Tribal hazard mitigation plan, or FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan with a wildfire component that is not older than 10 years, or

c. have a CWPP or FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan in place by the application deadline, and at the time of obligation of grant funds for mitigation projects, and

d. have the project(s) requested for funding described in the CWPP or similar plan.

PROJECT PROPOSAL TYPES

Applications may be submitted to fund the following types of project proposals:

CWPP Development or Revision: One of the fundamental building blocks in creating a fire adapted community is the development, adoption, and continuous use of a well-prepared Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

In some cases, a community may choose to utilize a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan or Tribal hazard mitigation plan with a wildfire component that meets the same objectives of a CWPP. A well-prepared, collaboratively developed CWPP or similar plan should address issues such as wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness (which includes smoke readiness), structure protection, or a combination of these issues, and will greatly assist a local government body in planning and prioritizing project work.

Specific CWPP development guidance, as well as any more stringent requirements of the relevant state government, may be obtained by contacting your state forestry agency.

Applications for CWPP development and/or revision are the only projects eligible for a 10% match.

Examples of CWPP proposals Eligible Projects Ineligible Projects

Creation of a CWPP or development of a wildfire section for a hazard mitigation plan

Creation and/or update of Forest Stewardship Plans

Update of an existing CWPP/hazard mitigation plan (Existing plan must be over five (5) years old.)

Table 1-Eligible CWPP Proposals

Planning: Local and Tribal governments are encouraged to conduct planning and exercises to assist their communities with wildfire preparedness, response, and adaptation efforts. Local governments should also consider how tools such as zoning, building codes and land use planning may be used to change how and where homes and businesses are constructed and located so that wildfire risk is reduced, and firefighter safety is improved if protective actions are required. In developing any planning tools, and determining risk both now and into the future, a community should consider the most recent climate data available for the planning area involved, as appropriate. In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Initiative to Advance Building Codes, launched in June 2022 by the National Climate Task Force to accelerate adoption of modern building codes to improve resiliency, create good-paying jobs, and lower energy bills, communities who develop and adopt modern NFPA, ICC, or similar building codes will receive access to funding reserved for communities with code requirements for any future CWDG applications.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/01/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-initiative-to-modernize-building-codes-improve-climate-resilience-and-reduce-energy-costs/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/01/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-initiative-to-modernize-building-codes-improve-climate-resilience-and-reduce-energy-costs/

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Finally, communities are encouraged to regularly refer to their CWPPs or similar plans, and conduct tests and exercises to ensure that recommended practices and objectives are being achieved.

Applications for Planning projects require a 25% match.

Examples of Planning Projects Eligible Projects Ineligible Projects Contract support to assist a community with developing building codes, zoning ordinances or land use planning

GIS and database systems unless they support a CWPP, wildfire risk reduction planning or fuels mitigation initiative or project

Direct staff funding support to assist a community with developing building codes, zoning ordinances or land use planning

Small business start-up funding

Tabletop or functional exercises to test effectiveness of community wildfire planning

Research and development projects

Plan and address public health and safety effects of smoke and mitigation from wildfire and projects that use prescribed fire (“Smoke Ready” efforts)

Economic development projects

Direct staff support for community wildfire mitigation leadership/coordination Training in the use of proven effective mitigation practices, such as the Forest Service’s mitigation best practices Direct staff support to assist in creation of a local or regional mitigation partnership

Table 2 - Eligible Planning Projects

Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Education/Outreach: Local and Tribal governments can provide leadership to result in reduced wildfire risk to their communities by coordinating, developing, and distributing educational programs. These programs and outreach may be delivered in association with states, insurance companies, non-governmental organizations, and other partners. Educational and outreach projects must raise awareness of what is the main cause of wildfires, what the risks are, and what actions they can take to reduce that risk.

Projects should lead to actions such as the use or establishment of one or more fire program elements such as fire safety codes, implementation of Firewise USA© practices, establishing local fire safe councils, and fuels treatments within fire-prone communities.

Projects should be concise and clearly demonstrate deliverables and measures of success of wildfire prevention/mitigation education and outreach activities.

Applications for Prevention and Mitigation Education/Outreach require a 25% match.

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Wildfire Prevention/Education/Outreach Eligible Ineligible Firewise USA© or similar programs outreach to communities and property owners

Printing of paper-based materials without an organized outreach/education program

Fire education presentation such as Project Learning Tree

Property inspections and/or assessments Training to conduct property inspections and/or assessments Implementation of WUI Structure / Parcel / Community Fire Hazard Mitigation Methodology (HMM) for community hazard reduction Adoption, implementation, enforcement, and training of National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council, or similar codes

Table 3 - Eligible Prevention/Education/Outreach Projects

Reduce Hazardous Fuels / Restore Fire-adapted Ecosystems: Fuel reduction projects and vegetation treatments have been identified as an effective means of mitigating wildfire hazards. Recipients shall facilitate and implement mitigating fuel treatments in, or adjacent to communities to reduce the threat of wildfire to such communities.

Effective fuels mitigation treatments can be implemented across jurisdictional boundaries, on adjoining private lands, or within the respective communities. Communities may consider fuel treatments that extend out from community boundaries by 1.5 miles. Projects of this type include fuel breaks, thinning, pruning, landscape modifications, etc. The overall purpose is to modify or break up the fuels in such a way as to lessen wildfire risk and its threat to the public, provide for firefighter safety, and reduce damage to property. Such treatments may have additional desirable outcomes, such as providing sustainable environmental, social and economic benefits.

Project proposals must consider all elements required to implement treatments on the ground, which includes acquiring the necessary permits and consultations needed to complete plans and assessments, as well as treatment prescriptions and measures of success. Projects should also consider any necessary maintenance treatments especially in those areas of the country where woody vegetation regrows rapidly.

Applications for Reducing Hazardous Fuels and Restoring Fire-adapted Ecosystems require a 25% match.

Examples of Hazardous Fuels Reduction/ Restoration Projects Eligible Ineligible Defensible space around homes, businesses, and other structures

Capital improvements including construction/infrastructure (building remodel, bridges, road construction, water development)

Development, creation, and/or maintenance of fuel breaks and fire breaks, including shaded fuel breaks

Home hardening, including but not limited to:

• Roof upgrades or replacements

• Fire resistant siding

• Metal gutters and vents

Fuels reduction beyond defensible space adjacent to at-risk communities

Fire suppression training (unless course is a requirement for prescribed fire qualifications)

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Examples of Hazardous Fuels Reduction/ Restoration Projects Eligible Ineligible Removal of standing woody vegetation by cutting, piling, and burning

Fire suppression equipment and apparatus

Removal of standing woody vegetation by cutting and chipping

Drones

Removal of standing woody vegetation using a mechanical mulcher or masticator type equipment mounted on mobile equipment Reduction of hazardous fuels through the application of prescribed fire Vegetation management (pruning, mowing, chemical treatment, grazing), including rights-of-ways for roads Maintenance of fuels projects. Up to two

(2) maintenance treatment allowed per project during the grant term.

Monitoring components of projects for effectiveness (must have established baseline) Prescribed fire training, including training on smoke management associated with prescribed fires Design and installation of dry hydrants and cisterns Purchase of mechanical equipment that meets, or does not exceed the following requirements:

• Brush/woodchippers that are towable or mountable to a skid steer, compact track loader or tractor with a maximum chipping capacity of no more than 15 inches.

• Self-propelled forestry mulchers up to a maximum 200 horsepower.

• Forestry mulcher attachments designed for skid steers, compact track loaders, excavators, or crawler dozers.

• Heavy duty brush mowers that can be utilized for maintaining road rights-of-ways and fire breaks

• Trailers necessary to transport equipment that is determined eligible in this section, including box-type trailers to store and transport prescribed fire equipment

Purchase of equipment for brush/fuel disposal, such as air curtain burner/trench burner

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Examples of Hazardous Fuels Reduction/ Restoration Projects Eligible Ineligible Purchase of the following equipment and supplies to support the use of prescribed fire:

• Personal protection equipment, including fire shelters and N95 filtering face respirators

• Drip torches

• Wildland hand tools

• Backpack blowers

• Chainsaws

• Portable wildfire pumps

• Wildland hose

• Portable folding water tanks

• Cache of air filtration units for use by the public

Table 4 - Eligible Hazardous Fuels Reduction/Restoration Projects

Cost Share Match Requirements and Waivers

Matching Requirements Cost-share is required for all applications funded under the CWDG Program. The cost share rates for this program are:

• Not less than 10 percent for a grant awarded to develop or revise a CWPP; and

• Not less than 25 percent for a grant awarded to carry out projects described in a CWPP that is not more than 10 years old.

This means Federal funding is available for up to 90 percent of eligible costs for developing or revising CWPPs and 75 percent for projects described in a CWPP. The non-Federal cost-share may consist of cash, donated or third-party in-kind services, materials, or any combination thereof. Cash and third-party in-kind matches must consist of eligible costs (i.e., same eligibility as the Federal share).

• Cash match is from the applicant’s budget, such as personnel salary, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, and supplies, or cash provided by another party. Source of cash match cannot be derived from another Federal award or grant.

• In-Kind match is a non-cash contribution of value. A non-Federal entity’s in-kind match must meet the following criteria:

o Are verifiable from the non-Federal entity's records (See Appendix K for examples);

o Are not included as contributions for any other Federal award;

o Are necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives;

o Are allowable under subpart E of 2 CFR 200;

o Are not paid by the Federal Government under another Federal award, except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs;

o Are provided for in the approved budget when required by the Federal awarding agency; and o Conform to other provisions of 2 CFR 200, as applicable.

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Applicants cannot apply other Federal award funds toward the CWDG non-Federal cost share unless the other Federal statutory authority allows the funds to be used to meet cost-share requirements. Ultimately, the recipient is responsible for ensuring that it contributes the proper cost share to its actual project costs. If actual total project costs exceed the projected total project costs stated in the Federal award, the recipient will not receive any additional Federal funding and will be responsible for contributing additional funds above the required cost match.

If actual total project costs are less than the projected total project costs stated in the Federal award, the recipient will be responsible for contributing a cost match calculated as a percentage of those actual project costs.

Cost-Share Waiver The Forest Service may waive the cost-sharing requirement for a project that serves an underserved community. In considering a waiver for the cost-sharing requirement, please include in your waiver request sufficient supporting documentation to demonstrate that the community is considered disadvantaged by either using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) or by meeting the Low-Income definition. Either can be determined utilizing the Wildfire Risk to Communities tool located at the following link:

https://wildfirerisk.org/cwdg-tool .

In addition to underserved communities, nationally recognized Tribes and Pacific Islands are also eligible for a match waiver.

https://wildfirerisk.org/cwdg-tool

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Scoring Criteria for Community Wildfire Defense Grants (100 points total)

Clearly and concisely address each of these criteria in the Application:

1. Project Description (10 points) The application should clearly define the scope of the project, what the project proposes to accomplish, why it is important, and how it links to the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and relevant State Forest Action Plan (or equivalent Tribal plan).

2. Budget (10 points) Grant Match TOTAL

Funds Requested Non-Federal Funds Total Project Cost Personnel/Labor:

Fringe Benefits:

Travel:

Equipment:

Supplies:

Contractual:

Other:

Indirect Costs:

TOTAL:

The budget narrative must describe how the grant funds will be spent with specific detail for each grant expenditure. It must describe how expenditures are applicable and relevant to the goals and objectives of the project. A project proposal must also show how the applicant will meet matching requirements or qualify for a waiver. If qualified for a waiver, you do not need to show funding in the match column.

3. Accomplishments (10 points) A proposal must clearly define how a project will be accomplished, timelines and milestones, as well as measures and metrics. Examples include:

a. How the selected objectives will lead to measurable outcomes for community wildfire risk reduction.

b. How the applicant will measure progress towards those outcomes (such as, acres treated to reduce hazardous fuels, change in fire regime).

c. The proposed metrics for measuring progress, which must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.

4. Collaboration (10 points) The application should clearly define collaborative elements including support from partners, agencies, landowners, and communities. A project proposal must identify partners that will be actively engaged in carrying out the project and add value to project planning and implementation, with a description of each partner’s role. Collaboration may be qualitative in nature, and the contribution of a partner may be more than the number of partners.

5. Landscape Impacts (10 points) The application should clearly define the scale of the project including relationships with past, present, or future projects that, when combined, offer more benefits than when taken individually. The overall landscape that the project influences, in addition to the defined project area, should be clearly described, as well as the land ownerships within the area. Specify areas targeted for planning or mitigation. Clearly

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6. Project Sustainability (10 points) The application should clearly define how or if the project will sustain itself after the grant period is over.

Any steps or plans that will be carried out to continue the project benefits beyond the life of the grant should be described, as well as who or what organizations will be responsible.

7. Low Income Community (10 points) The application should clearly demonstrate and document whether the project benefits a low-income community, as defined.

8. Affected by a Severe Disaster (10 points) The application should clearly demonstrate and document whether the project benefits a community that has been impacted by a severe disaster within the previous ten (10) years, and clearly exhibit how the severe disaster increased wildfire risk and/or hazard and was of a scale and scope to have had landscape impacts (please see full definition later in this NOFO). Note: simply listing a disaster will not suffice, you must explain how this disaster has impacted the community’s wildfire risk and hazard (not all disasters will qualify for points if it cannot be shown they have influenced the community’s risk or hazard).

9. Area of Wildfire Hazard Potential (20 points) The application should clearly demonstrate and document whether the project is located in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential as defined by a local, state, Tribal, regional, or national wildfire hazard potential assessment.

Criteria Scoring Rubrics: These rubrics are for the review team members to reference while scoring the applications. Note: there are two separate rubrics; one for CWPPs and one for Projects.

Scoring Criteria and Prioritization Factors for CWDG Applications to “Develop or Revise a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)”

CWPP Criteria Scoring Rubric Criteria High Score Medium Score Low Score

1. Project Description

7-10 points

The community has clearly articulated the purpose and need for revising or creating a new CWPP. They have outlined a process, identified key players, and have articulated the ability to get it completed within their timeline.

They have referenced how revising or creating a new CWPP will help them meet the intent of the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and relevant State Forest Action Plan or equivalent Tribal plan.

3-6 points

The community has indicated that they understand the critical need for a CWPP or CWPP revision and have partially outlined the process but appear to have not clearly outlined how they plan to fully get the document written, may still need to identify partners and establish timelines.

Mentions Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and/or relevant State Forest Action Plan or equivalent Tribal plan, but only cursory.

0-2 points

The community has communicated that they understand the critical need for a CWPP or CWPP revision, yet the application fails to clearly establish any processes, identified partners, or mentioned any timelines.

No linkage to Cohesive Strategy or State Forest Action Plan or Tribal equivalent.

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2. Budget 7-10 points

Budget is complete, easy to understand, and budget items are clearly labeled.

Narrative provides clear and concise explanation of each budget line item and its function within the project, and the requested budget is applicable for the scope of a CWPP revision or creation.

3-6 points

Budget items are present and detailed, but one or more budget line items lack explanation and function within the project description, and/or the requested budget appears somewhat askew from the scope of a CWPP revision or creation.

0-2 points

Major errors in budget calculations. Expenditures and budget line-item functions are unclear and/or poorly written.

Requested budget is not in line with the scope of a CWPP revision or creation.

3. Plan for the Accomplishment of a CWPP

7-10 points

The proposal establishes a compelling, clear, and concise plan for the successful outcome of completing a new or revised CWPP, indicating measures that are specific, achievable, clear, realistic, and with reasonable timelines.

3-6 points

The proposal establishes a plan for the successful outcome of completing a new or revised CWPP, some items are less clear or less concise. Project metrics are ambiguous.

0-2 points

Weak description, plan unclear, or lack of clarity for metrics.

4. Collaboration 7-10 points

Partners have been identified, and proposal demonstrates strong collaboration with, and commitment by, partners.

Indicates good coordination with other entities, and cross boundary collaboration.

3-6 points

Some partners identified, or proposal indicates limited to moderate coordination with partners.

Demonstrates some, but not strong, commitment by partners.

0-2 points

Partners appear yet to be identified or are unknown. Proposal indicates very little to no coordination with neighboring entities or complementary programs.

5. Landscape Impacts

7-10 points

Demonstrates a clear understanding of how the CWPP or revision will be written with forethought on having a positive impact on the landscape and/or community beyond the defined project area. Clear description of the community(s) and landscape that the CWPP can influence. Proposal applicant has good data on the reach (# of structures, or acres) that will benefit.

3-6 points

Impacts on the landscape level or community reach are described in general, nor clearly defined or understood. Adequate description of the community and landscape that the CWPP can influence.

Somewhat unclear on the reach of the benefit.

0-2 points

Proposal narrative not clearly written, key descriptions of landscape community level activities and overall impact are absent.

Proposal is unclear on project reach; data absent regarding number of structures or other impact metrics.

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6. Project Sustainability

7-10 points

Application is well written, indicates measures and timelines will be in place so that a successful long term CWPP or revision can be developed, and is clear about who is responsible for maintenance, duration, and if any processes or long-term plans are in place to support the CWPP after grant funding is expended.

3-6 points

Application missing key details or specificity, and unclear of how the CWPP will be maintained beyond the life of the grant, but is otherwise well written, detailed, and descriptive.

0-2 points

Omits multiple details or is poorly detailed and unclear on how the CWPP will be sustained beyond the life of the grant.

7. Low-Income Community

10 points

Some or part of the community to be covered under the CWPP or revision is located in a low-income community as defined.

Not applicable 0 points

All of the areas to be covered by the CWPP or revision are located outside the footprint of a low-income community, as defined, or is not documented.

8. Affected by a Severe Disaster

10 points

All or part of the area to be covered by a CWPP or revision through this grant application has been impacted by a severe disaster, as defined, is documented, and an explanation of how the disaster has impacted the wildfire risk or hazard.

Not applicable 0 points

None of the area to be covered by a CWPP or revision through this grant application has been impacted by a severe disaster, as defined, or is not properly documented or described. No explanation of how the disaster has impacted the wildfire risk or hazard.

9. High/Very High Wildfire Hazard Potential

20 points

All or part of the area to be covered by a CWPP or CWPP revision is located within an area of high or very high wildfire hazard potential and is properly documented.

Not applicable 0 points

Area to be covered by a CWPP or revision is located outside any area with high or very high wildfire hazard potential or is not documented properly.

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Scoring Criteria and Prioritization Factors for CWDG Applications for Projects within a current CWPP, not more than 10 years old

Project Criteria Scoring Rubric Criteria High Score Medium Score Low Score

1. Project

Description 7-10 points

The community has clearly articulated the purpose and need for the project(s) within a CWPP that is not more than 10 years old. They have outlined a process, identified key players, and a timeline, and have articulated the ability to complete the project within their timeline.

They have referenced how the project will meet the intent of the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and relevant State Forest Action Plan or equivalent Tribal plan.

3-6 points

Project(s) are within a CWPP that is not more than 10 years old, and the community has indicated that they understand the critical benefits to the community and have partially outlined the process they will utilize to get started but appear to have not clearly outlined how they plan to fully implement, may still need to identify partners and establish timelines.

Mentions Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and/or relevant State Forest Action Plan or equivalent Tribal plan only cursory.

0-2 points

Project(s) are within a CWPP that is not more than 10 years old, and the community mentions that they understand the critical need of the mitigation project, yet the application fails to clearly establish any processes, identified partners, or mentioned any timelines.

No linkage to Cohesive Strategy or State Forest Action Plan or equivalent Tribal plan.

2. Budget 7-10 points

Budget is complete, easy to understand, and budget items are clearly labeled. Narrative provides clear and concise explanation of each budget line item and its function within the project.

The requested budget is applicable for the scope and magnitude of the proposed project(s).

3-6 points

Budget items are present and detailed, but one or more budget line items lack explanation and function within the project description, and/or the requested budget appears somewhat askew from the scope and magnitude of the proposal.

0-2 points

Major errors in budget calculations. Expenditures and budget line-item functions are unclear and/or poorly written.

Requested budget is not in line with the scope and magnitude of the project(s).

3. Accomplishments 7-10 points

The proposal establishes a compelling, clear, and concise plan for the successful outcome of the project(s), indicating measures that are specific, achievable, clear, realistic, and with reasonable timelines.

3-6 points

The proposal establishes a plan for the successful outcome of the project, some items less clear or less concise. Project metrics are ambiguous.

0-2 points

Weak description, plan unclear, or does not appear to paint a picture to meet accomplishments, or there is a lack of clarity for metrics.

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4. Collaboration 7-10 points

Partners have been identified, and proposal demonstrates strong collaboration with, and commitment by partners.

Indicates good coordination with other entities, and cross boundary collaboration.

3-6 points

Some partners identified or proposal indicates limited to moderate coordination with partners.

Demonstrates some, but not strong commitment by partners.

0-2 points

Partners appear yet to be identified or are unknown. Proposal indicates very little to no coordination with neighboring entities or complementary programs.

5. Landscape Impacts

7-10 points

Demonstrates a clear understanding of how the project(s) will be implemented with forethought on having a positive impact on the landscape and/or community beyond the defined project area. Clear description of the community and landscape that the project(s) will influence.

Proposal applicant has good data on the reach (# of structures, or acres) that will benefit.

3-6 points

Impacts on the landscape level or community reach are described in general, nor clearly defined or understood. Adequate description of the community and landscape that the project can influence.

Somewhat unclear on the reach of the benefit.

0-2 points

Proposal narrative not clearly written, key descriptions of landscape community level activities and overall impact are absent.

Proposal is unclear on project reach. Data absent regarding number of structures or other impact metrics.

6. Project Sustainability

7-10 points

Application is well written, indicates measures and timelines will be in place so that the project(s) will succeed and provide benefits into the future, and is clear about who is responsible for maintenance, duration, and if any processes or long-term plans are in place to continue support to the project(s) after grant funding is expended.

3-6 points

Application missing key details or specificity, and unclear of how the project(s) will be maintained beyond the life of the grant, but is otherwise well written, detailed, and descriptive.

0-2 points

Omits multiple details or is poorly detailed and unclear on how the project(s) will be sustained beyond the life of the grant.

7. Low-Income Community

10 points

All, or part of a project area is located in a low-income community as defined.

Not applicable 0 points

All of a project is located outside the footprint of a low-income community, as defined, or is not documented.

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8. Affected by a Severe Disaster

10 points

All or part of the area to be covered by the project(s) through this grant application has been impacted by a severe disaster, as defined, is documented, and has an explanation of how the disaster has impacted the wildfire risk or hazard.

Not applicable 0 points

None of the area to be covered by the project(s) through this grant application has been impacted by a severe disaster, as defined, or is not properly documented.

9. High/Very High Wildfire Hazard Potential

20 points

All or part of the area to be covered by the project(s) is/are located within an area of high or very high wildfire hazard potential and is properly documented.

Not applicable 0 points

Area to be covered by the project(s) is/are located outside any area with high or very high wildfire hazard potential or is not documented properly.

Preparing an Application

This Notice of Funding Opportunity, along with supporting materials, is located in Grants.gov. Search for grant Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2023-CWDG-TRIBES. Submit all applications for this funding opportunity through cwdg.forestrygrants.org. See Appendix I for cwdg.forestrygrants.org instructions.

Prior to preparing an application, carefully read this document to ensure eligibility requirements, purposes, match requirements, and what the review panel will be looking for during evaluation and scoring. Applicants should also be familiar with the relevant State’s Forest Action Plan(s) as well as the Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. It is highly recommended to work with the appropriate state contact (see list in this NOFO) early on in the application process for guidance.

The Wildfire Risk to Communities tool has been developed to assist applicants in finding data to answer CWDG application questions. The tool is available at https://wildfirerisk.org/cwdg-tool. Applicants are not required to utilize the tool.

Completed application packages are due by 11:59 pm, Eastern Time Zone, October 31, 2023.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.stateforesters.org/forest-action-plans/ https://forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/thestrategy.shtml https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwildfirerisk.org%2Fcwdg-tool&data=05%7C01%7C%7C026428b5d2f345f492d708db83c6edf2%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638248662645028183%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HM9i1LxsEiicE12yNyqSd5PQibWva8Y%2BLCs%2BfRRKG%2Bg%3D&reserved=0

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Application Form Instructions Clearly and concisely respond to each section in the Application Narrative.