IRA Forest Landowner Support NOFO2_FAQ_v 3-8-24.pdf

Cooperative Forestry | February 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 2:

Tribal Access to Emerging Private Markets for Climate Mitigation or Forest Resilience

Key Definitions Eligibility and Eligible Activities Application and Award Process

Budget and Allowable Costs Reporting Requirements Proposal Design

Proposal Support Other Questions

Key Definitions “Emerging markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience” Healthy forests provide vital benefits including clean air and water, cultural resources, public health improvements, fish and wildlife habitats, and forest products. Many of these benefits—or “ecosystem services”—are not recognized in traditional market transactions.

Environmental markets account for the value of ecosystem services and formalize interactions between their buyers and sellers. These markets attract private capital to conservation efforts and create additional revenue streams for landowners, which can then be re-invested into forest stewardship.

The landscape of environmental markets is rapidly evolving. Today, active markets exist for greenhouse gases (including carbon), water quality, water quantity, habitat protection, and wetland restoration. These and other nascent environmental markets are within the scope of this NOFO. Also within scope are market innovations such as certifications for products and/or supply chains that address climate mitigation or forest resilience.

Importantly, eligible markets are private markets—not public programs—that promote climate mitigation and/or forest resilience.

“Non-Industrial Private Forest land” Program activities must target nonindustrial private forest land, which is defined as meeting all the following criteria:

• Is rural, defined as all areas outside United States Census areas with 50,000 or more people. Please use the Landscape Scale Restoration Project Planning Tool to confirm that the proposed project area(s) is within an eligible rural area.

• Has existing tree cover or is suitable for growing trees.

• Is owned by any nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation, Tribe, or other private legal entity.

“Tribal Organization” A Tribal Organization, as defined in the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S. Code § 5304), refers to the recognized governing body of any Indian Tribe; any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by

Last updated: 3/08/24 https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/7e0ca1a95e134de094c71cb3646372d3?item=1 https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/7e0ca1a95e134de094c71cb3646372d3?item=1 such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities:

Provided, that in any case where a contract is let or grant made to an organization to perform services benefiting more than one Indian tribe, the approval of each such Indian tribe shall be a prerequisite to the letting or making of such contract or grant.

“Navigators” Non-federal “Navigator Organizations,” or “Navigators,” have been identified to enhance and facilitate equitable access to financial and technical assistance opportunities offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. These Navigators provide free support to applicants and are poised to help communities that may benefit from extra assistance in (1) identifying funding opportunities, (2) engaging with a wide variety of new and existing Forest Service programs, (3) completing grant applications, and

(4) post-application financial compliance.

Tribal Navigators are available for NOFO application support. To inquire regarding support from Navigators organizations, please contact program staff by email (SM.FS.LandownerIRA@usda.gov).

Eligibility and Eligible Activities Which entities are eligible to apply to this

NOFO?

The following entities are eligible to apply:

• Federally Recognized Tribes

• Alaska Native Corporations/Villages

• Tribal Organizations (as defined in Key

Definitions above)

Are all Tribal lands eligible? Need Tribal lands be adjacent to National Forest System lands to qualify?

Applicants can propose projects that would benefit lands held in trust (both Tribal trust lands and allotted trust lands) and fee lands. Applicants can also propose work that would benefit other nonindustrial private forest land owned either by Tribal members or non-Tribal private forest landowners.

Proximity to National Forest System lands—or lack thereof—does not impact eligibility.

Is there a list of eligible “emerging markets”?

The landscape of environmental markets is rapidly growing and changing. In recognition of this, there is no formal list of eligible markets for this funding opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about strategies for increasing Tribal access to markets and market innovations that support climate mitigation or forest resilience.

What kinds of activities can be funded?

The focus of these funds is on Tribal access to emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.

Any activities that lead to increased access/participation in these markets are eligible, as long as the adhere to the following guiding principles:

• Forest management practices must emphasize ecosystem resilience rather than maximization of any single benefit to the detriment of ecosystem function.

• Forest management practices should measurably demonstrate “net positive” outcomes (additionality) over time for multiple public and ecosystem benefits including, but not limited to, carbon sequestration, biodiversity/habitat restoration, sustainably managed forest products, erosion control, medicinal plants, sustainable management of non-timber forest products, recreation, and/or improved water quantity or quality.

• Activities and practices should incorporate consideration of risk, including disturbance and future climate conditions, and contribute to forest resilience.

• Activities and practices must be designed for site-specific conditions (e.g., forest type; climate change impacts and vulnerability; and relevant laws, regulations, and policies).

• Emerging private markets that support these practices should optimize direct benefits to landowners, including financial benefits, while limiting risks to landowners, including financial risks.

Applicants should also keep in mind that direct payments to private landowners are not allowable under this funding opportunity. For implementation, applicants would need to contract work on behalf of landowners rather than compensating landowners directly for work on their land.

Can hazardous fuels treatment and other fire prevention activities be supported?

(question added 3/8/24) All proposed activities must ultimately serve to support participation in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. Fuels treatment proposals without a link to participation in an emerging climate market (e.g. carbon, biodiversity) will not be considered.

mailto:SM.FS.LandownerIRA@usda.gov

Can funds be used for “buyer of last resort” support to an eligible emerging market?

(question added 3/8/24) These funds are not intended to play a “buyer of last resort” role in markets. In other words, grant funds cannot be used to purchase goods or services in the case that the market does not generate sufficient demand or a sufficient price point for the goods or services. While this would be a way to reduce risk to forest landowners providing the goods or services through their land, it is not considered an eligible use of funds.

Can agroforestry projects be funded?

Please note that the Cooperative Forestry Program of the State, Private, and Tribal Forestry mission area of the Forest Service is governed by authorities that distinguish program activities from those supported by other USDA agencies. In proposing agroforestry projects, applicants should keep in mind that activities must target nonindustrial private forest land. Any agroforestry markets supported by these activities must address climate mitigation or forest resilience and align with the guiding principles listed above.

Is there a minimum or maximum acreage for Tribes, Tribal members, or other private landowners who will be beneficiaries of these programs?

There is no minimum or maximum acreage.

If an applicant applied to the first IRA Forest Landowner Support NOFO, are they eligible to apply to this NOFO as well?

Yes. Applicants who have applied or are currently applying for the first NOFO published by the IRA Forest Landowner Support team (“Supporting Underserved and Small- Acreage Forest Landowner Participation in Emerging Private Markets”1) are also eligible for this opportunity.

Applications can be submitted simultaneously or consecutively, whichever is preferred by the applicant.

1 USDA-FS-2023-IRA-FLS-01 on Grants.gov

What is meant by “certification systems” as referenced in the NOFO? Does this refer to existing forest certification programs?

Certification systems assure consumers that products meet social or ecological standards related to forest management.

Some forest product markets require certification and include a price premium. Certification can also facilitate market entry even if participation is voluntary. For the purposes of this NOFO, activities related to certification must support market participation and be directly aligned with the guiding principles described. The focus of this opportunity is on emerging private markets, and any certification efforts supported must be new or emerging, rather than well-established. Certification efforts for traditional wood products and/or modifications to existing certification programs are unlikely to be supported by this funding opportunity.

Will projects focusing on native species be prioritized?

Proposals should adhere to the guiding principles in the NOFO, including the principle that notes the value of ecosystem resilience. The Forest Service values and prioritizes native seeds and plants in restoration and reforestation efforts. Project efforts should focus on advancing market readiness and value in the identified private market for climate mitigation or forest resilience.

Assisted migration, hybrid, and nonnative cultivars may be acceptable if justified by market requirements and if it has been demonstrated that historically native species fail to meet sufficient or resilient survival/production to ensure ecosystem health and resilience in the face of current and anticipated stressors.

Are emerging wood products markets considered eligible?

This NOFO is not intended for wood innovations (e.g., mass timber, renewable wood energy, biochar, other soil amendments, and related technologies). Applicants interested in these markets should explore opportunities with the Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Program.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation

Can ecotourism be considered a relevant private market?

Ecotourism plays a significant role in tourism markets, with potential to serve environmental, social, and economic objectives. Proposals that address this market opportunity should explain why it is a new or emerging market and articulate a clear rationale tying the market opportunity directly to climate mitigation and/or forest resilience. Such proposals should also take care to follow the guiding principles outlined in the NOFO, including how risk is accounted for and how the proposed activities emphasize ecosystem resilience rather than maximization of any single benefit to the detriment of ecosystem function.

Application and Award Process How do I apply for funding?

Visit www.grants.gov and search for Opportunity #USDA-

FS-2024-IRA-FLS-02.

When will I find out if my application is selected for an award?

We anticipate award announcements in late 2024 or early 2025. Applicants should sign up for updates via Grants.gov.

Can we attach supplementary materials such as figures, maps, and staff directories as annex sections?

You may submit supplementary materials and/or annex sections together as one additional document. Please note that the review panel will focus on the required proposal documents for scoring and evaluation. The reviewers will be provided supplementary or annex sections for background.

Do we need to have specific contractors lined up for every task when submitting our application? And do we need to submit letters of collaboration from contractors?

You do not need to have all contractors identified prior to submission and you do not need to submit letters of collaboration from contractors.

Can letters of support or collaboration be submitted from entities that are not actively participating in a proposed project, but support its validity and the applicant’s ability to carry out the project?

Yes, supplemental letters of support may be submitted.

Such letters need not come through official correspondence channels. They should simply be attached to the proposal package submitted via Grants.gov.

Letters can be addressed to:

IRA-Forest Landowner Support Program State, Private, and Tribal Forestry USDA Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20250

Are there required templates for a proposal narrative and budget?

No, there are no required templates or forms beyond the standard forms listed in the application package; all standard forms are available at Grants.gov. The NOFO includes elements that must be included in proposals, including in the narrative and detailed budget, but there is no required format, template, or form for these elements.

Can two or more entities partnering on a project apply together, or should they apply separately?

Each application must be submitted by one eligible entity;

however, an application can represent a collaboration among multiple organizations, which would receive funds through contracts or sub-awards from the entity that applied for and received funding.

If proposed projects can be implemented independent of each other, then separate proposals would be allowable. If proposed projects are dependent on each other and cannot be implemented alone, then one consolidated proposal is the appropriate choice. If separate related proposals are submitted, there is a risk that one proposal would be funded and others not. Eligible entities should carefully consider the pros and cons of applying separately versus applying under one umbrella application.

http://www.grants.gov/

How will proposals be selected for awards?

All proposals will be screened for relevance, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with USDA Forest Service policies. Proposals will then be evaluated by multiple reviewers based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria, listed in priority order:

• Alignment with the program and its priorities as outlined in the Program Description and Content sections (e.g., targeted markets address climate mitigation and/or forest resilience, targeted markets enhance ecosystem health, barriers to market participation are addressed, potential to have significant and lasting impact, benefits are optimized while risks limited);

• Technical merit (approach is sound and well-designed, targeted markets are adequately understood and addressed, measurable outcomes clearly defined, monitoring well-designed); and

• Organizational capability and capacity (key personnel, both current and proposed, have appropriate skills and experiences; proposed partnerships are strong).

The agency will also account for program portfolio balance (e.g., geographic location, planned activities, market type, beneficiaries) in determining awards to be funded.

Strong proposals will (1) clearly articulate barriers to Tribal access to emerging markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience and (2) explain how project activities will address these barriers.

Budget and Allowable Costs Should budgets be submitted as PDF or Excel documents?

It is your discretion what type of document to use for budgets, but you might consider spreadsheet format to allow proposal reviewers to view formulas and gain insight into how you constructed your anticipated costs.

Is there a page limit for budget narratives?

There is no page limit for budget narratives, but a balance is recommended between comprehensive details and concise language.

I would like to issue sub-grants or sub-awards as part of my project. What requirements apply to sub-awards?

All regulations outlined in the portion of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that deals with Grants and Agreements (2 CFR §200) flow down to sub-awards.

Do sub-awards or contracts count toward the $2 million limit per applicant?

Each eligible applicant may submit one proposal requesting up to $2 million. Sub-awards and contracts count toward this $2 million limit.

Where should sub-awards be listed in the budget?

In the “Other” category.

Should budget narratives be included for sub-awards?

Strong proposals would include a concise budget narrative for each sub-award to give the Forest Service insight into how sub-award funds will be utilized.

Do people paid under the “Personnel” line item have to be W-2 employees?

Yes, all people paid under the “Personnel” line item must be W-2 employees. 1099s are considered independent contractors and as such, costs should be in the “Contractual” line item and follow rules for procurement, checking for debarment, etc.

What can be included in personnel rates for project budgets?

2 CFR §200 lists allowable costs and specifies the expenses that can be included in personnel rates. A grant manager, whose time is tracked and allocable to the administration of the award, for example, could be included in the personnel rates for project budgets, provided that is common practice and explicitly included for the project. General administrative and overhead personnel costs that are pooled at the organization by practice and are not tied to both a specific person and allocable and integral to a project activity under the grant should not be included. Those costs are assessed through the indirect cost rate. Additional guidance on direct versus indirect cost is available in 2 CFR §200.412 et seq.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

Where should administrative personnel’s salaries and wages go in the budget?

The salaries of administrative and clerical staff should normally be treated as indirect costs. Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate only if all of the following conditions are met (2 CFR 200.413):

(1) Administrative or clerical services are integral to a project or activity;

(2) Individuals involved can be specifically identified with the project or activity;

(3) Such costs are explicitly included in the budget or have the prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency; and

(4) The costs are not also recovered as indirect costs.

What if my proposed activities might or would generate income?

Anticipated project income should be noted in budget documents and will be discussed at the agreement phase after projects have been selected to receive awards. The recommended path is to utilize project income to augment project activities and thereby achieve expanded impact.

Any income generated after the period of performance ends and/or the award agreement is closed need not be reported to the Forest Service.

What if Tribal members as individual landowners receive income as a result of market participation, but the Tribe does not receive income?

Income received by Tribal members for work on their private land does not need to be reported to the Forest Service and does not impact the grant award in any way.

However, any income received during the lifetime of the agreement by the entity receiving federal funds must be reported. Applicants should clearly identify any potential income in their proposal(s).

Can we include in our budget funding for regranting funds to provide direct grants to landowners?

No, direct payments to landowners are not eligible expenses for this funding opportunity. The Forest Service anticipates future IRA Forest Landowner Support funding opportunities that will allow for direct payments to landowners.

What if a Tribal member is also a contractor whom we want to use? Can we pay him/her?

Any individual, whether a Tribal citizen or not, can be hired on a contract basis to complete work on land owned by the Tribe (trust or fee). For land owned by an individual, the owner cannot be paid directly or hired as a contractor to do work on their own land.

Can funding be used to support participation in regulatory markets? Or only voluntary markets?

Markets may be driven by regulation or other incentives such as cost or risk reduction. Regulatory markets that are created by government legislation or mandates at the federal, state, or local level (e.g. the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, California’s compliance carbon offset market, municipal commitments to carbon neutrality) are within the scope of emerging private markets for the purposes of this funding opportunity. Voluntary markets, such as the voluntary carbon market, are also within the scope of this funding opportunity, and are driven by entity commitments beyond regulation, including organizational mission, sustainability goals, or cost savings, among others.

A market, whether regulatory or voluntary, can be a tool to leverage private sector financial resources in environmental protection and climate mitigation efforts. Both regulatory and voluntary markets complement one another, increasing demand and transparency to the benefit of the farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who provide the land and projects that supply these markets.

Can this funding be used to pay for the implementation of forest management plans? Can this funding be combined with other federal funding (e.g., from NRCS) to develop and/or implement forest management plans?

Yes, this is allowable, as long as development of forest management plans is conducted explicitly to address barriers to market participation.

Is leasing land an allowable cost?

Grant funds can be used to lease land for training purposes if such is a necessary cost to support Tribal access to emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience.

Applicants must clearly explain why proposed leasing costs are reasonable, necessary, and permissible under existing program authorities. Additionally, applicants must consider the provisions and limitations under 2 CFR 200.465.

Can funds be used for land acquisition (conservation easement and fee simple) projects?

No. These funds cannot be used for direct land acquisition projects. See question below on easements for discussion of the allowability of associated costs.

Can we use this funding for fixed costs related to implementing conservation easements? These include legal fees, surveys, title work, recording, and stewardship endowments.

This funding cannot be used to fund endowments. The other cited activities—legal fees, surveys, title work, and recording—are all technically eligible expenses that can be reimbursed. That said, these activities have the potential to consume a significant portion of a budget. Applicants should carefully consider budget cost-effectiveness, which is one evaluation criterion for all proposals.

Can funds be used to support green bonds?

No. Forest Service funding cannot be used to issue green bonds.

Can funds be used to establish a revolving loan fund?

No. The Forest Service does not have an authority to establish revolving loan funds. However, interest expenses on existing loans can be part of general administrative costs of an organization as outlined in an indirect cost agreement.

Can funding be used for construction or capital expenditures?

No. These programs fall under the Landscape Scale Restoration Program (authorized under Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, 16 U.S.C.

2109a), which does not allow for construction or capital expenditures.

Can I purchase equipment with this funding?

Equipment is defined as having a per unit purchase cost of $5,000 or more and a useful life of more than one (1) year.

Tangible items costing less than $5,000 may be more appropriately categorized in the budget as “Supplies.”

While equipment may be an eligible expense for these funds, its purchase is discouraged. Applicants should carefully consider the rules and accounting requirements around managing equipment during and beyond the grant period and weigh the relative benefits of equipment purchase. As an alternative, applicants might consider equipment rental for key activities.

Are there other ineligible activities and uses of grant funds?

Ineligible uses of funds include the following:

• Basic research (as defined by 2 CFR § 422.1).

NOTE: Technical transfer, education, and outreach activities associated with applying research can be included in the proposal.

• Construction and capital improvements including facilities, infrastructure, roads, new buildings, culverts, and boardwalks.

• Land acquisition projects (including conservation easements).

• Equipment (defined above). Equipment purchases are rarely eligible, requiring approval prior to award and additional recordkeeping by the awardee.

• Lobbying, litigation, or political advocacy.

• Incorporation fees; brokers' fees; or fees to promoters, organizers, management consultants, attorneys, accountants, or investment counselors in connection with the establishment or reorganization of an organization.

• Initial resources to capitalize a revolving fund, defined as a pool of capital that can be loaned and replenished as a borrower pays back a lender.

• Cost-share, reimbursement, and other types of payment provided directly to individual landowners. However, funding may be used for direct cost reimbursement or for contracts— including with individual Tribal members, companies, or organizations—for work performed on eligible land.

• Profit. Profit is not an allowable expense.

Is there a match requirement for applicants to cover a share of project costs using non-federal funds?

There is no match requirement for proposals to be funded through this NOFO.

Reporting Requirements How often will we be expected to submit reports?

Financial and narrative progress reports must be submitted with frequency determined by agency guidance and specified in final signed award documents, at least annually and not more frequently than quarterly. Applicants selected for an award should review their award agreement carefully; the award agreement will include all relevant information regarding reporting. If quarterly or semi-annual reports are required, reports will be due 30 days after the end of each reporting period. For annual reports, reports will be due 90 days after the end of each reporting period.

What should be included in reports? Are there standard report templates or forms?

Awardees should use the standard SF-425 “Federal Financial Report” form. Awardees should also submit a detailed financial report and narrative progress report; there is no required format or form for these reporting documents. Progress reports should highlight direct quantitative and qualitative investment activities and outcomes and include illustrative impact stories. Geospatial data files that outline the project area and any other relevant data will be required as part of regular reporting, with more details on these requirements to be elucidated in individual award agreements.

Proposal Design Can I propose a project that is more than three years in duration?

We encourage applicants to consider a three-year program of work. That said, we will consider proposals for up to five years of work. The longest possible duration of an agreement is five years; all funds must be spent by the end of the agreement, no later than five years from the agreement’s execution. By planning for a three-year program of work, applicants have time for contingency efforts, should the operating environment shift.

Where can we find more information on specific emerging markets other than carbon markets?

This emerging sector is diverse. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions provide a variety of resources to share information with a spectrum of end users. While no single resource is comprehensive, several links are provided on the USDA Forest Service Ecosystem Services website. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also provides a helpful synthesis as part of their EnviroAtlas tool developed in collaboration with USDA’s Office of Environmental Markets and Forest Trends’ Ecosystem Marketplace.

Will the USDA Forest Service provide technical assistance or support (e.g. advice on species selection for reforestation efforts, relevant best practices for specific ecosystems and geographic areas)?

Requests for technical advice and input will be evaluated on a by-project basis. Proposed projects should not rely on USDA Forest Service expertise for success. If specific technical support is requested or required for a project, please describe this clearly in the Proposal Narrative.

Technical assistance may also be available through state forestry agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Forest Service will support learning networks for grantees to promote information-sharing (as appropriate) and dissemination of best practices.

Proposal Support How can I learn more about this opportunity?

The Forest Service will host a webinar within one month of publication of this NOFO to assist with further questions.

Virtual “office hours” will also be scheduled throughout the application period. Information regarding these sessions will be shared to the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support website.

How can I connect with a Navigator for application assistance?

Tribal Navigators are available for NOFO application support. To inquire regarding support from Navigators organizations, please contact program staff by email (SM.FS.LandownerIRA@usda.gov).

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2Fecosystemservices%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cleah.lord%40usda.gov%7Cb102abde7925423b5aca08dbb0960467%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638297930587636563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AKjGMMmoywn%2BME45UFYNmaAz7aSDeXpe8GJVuDGfLzU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Fenviroatlas%2Fecosystem-markets-enviroatlas&data=05%7C01%7Cleah.lord%40usda.gov%7Cb102abde7925423b5aca08dbb0960467%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638297930587636563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QoeawzKNIV9eSWBoJ4wPZWANH66y8E%2FrdyCNgGLskWo%3D&reserved=0 https://www.usda.gov/oce/energy-and-environment/markets https://www.usda.gov/oce/energy-and-environment/markets https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecosystemmarketplace.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cleah.lord%40usda.gov%7Cb102abde7925423b5aca08dbb0960467%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638297930587636563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YPvpoOo0951uXCNXLbJkLuoumoIEX2KHEiFV4g4Cbts%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecosystemmarketplace.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cleah.lord%40usda.gov%7Cb102abde7925423b5aca08dbb0960467%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638297930587636563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YPvpoOo0951uXCNXLbJkLuoumoIEX2KHEiFV4g4Cbts%3D&reserved=0 https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/state-private-forestry/coop-forestry/ira-forest-landowner-support https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/state-private-forestry/coop-forestry/ira-forest-landowner-support mailto:SM.FS.LandownerIRA@usda.gov

Whom should I contact if I need help with my SAM.gov registration?

Remember that the SAM.gov registration process can take several months to complete if issues arise. For assistance, contact a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC): https://www.aptac-us.org/for-free-help-with-sam-contact-a-ptac/

Other Questions Can entering an emerging market such as a carbon market compromise Tribal Sovereignty?

We recognize that participating in emerging markets may raise concerns specific to Tribes and Tribal members. With this funding opportunity, the Forest Service intends to support Tribes that self-determine interest in gaining access to emerging markets. Tribes that are interested in discussing this question are encouraged to connect with other Tribes that have walked this path previously. For carbon market considerations, Tribes might consider connecting with the National Indian Carbon Coalition, a project of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, for a discussion on this topic.

If an applicant plans to include information in its proposal that comprises “trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person (that is) privileged or confidential,” is it possible to label specific sections of the proposal that would keep them from being released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request?

For applicants who include information in their proposals that they consider as falling within Exemption No. 4 of FOIA ("trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person [that is] privileged or confidential)", please do the following:

1. In the proposal cover page, include the following paragraph which must be clearly visible:

This project proposal narrative contains information that constitute “trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person which is privileged or confidential” [5 U.S.C. §552 (b)(4)]. As such, this information shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a federal financial assistance instrument is awarded to this applicant as a result of—or in connection with—the submission of this information, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting award instrument. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The information subject to this restriction are contained in [insert page number/s].

2. Mark the paragraph/s of information it wishes to restrict with the following legend: “Use or disclosure of information contained on the following bordered paragraph/s is/are subject to the restriction on the cover page of this proposal.”

3. Do not mark the entire proposal or the entire proposal narrative with this restriction. The Forest Service must still be able to release the project narrative sans the restricted information.

Can this funding be used to support work on National Forest System (NFS) lands?

No. This funding is only for use off of National Forest System lands. The purpose of this NOFO is to benefit land owned by Tribes and Tribal members.

Should scalability be addressed in the proposal? If yes, how?

Applicants are encouraged to articulate in the project narrative if and how their proposal might be scaled either up or down. Please articulate anticipated changes to outcomes if the project is scaled either up or down. If there is a minimum dollar amount under which it would not be viable to move forward with the project, please indicate that minimum amount.

https://www.aptac-us.org/for-free-help-with-sam-contact-a-ptac/ https://www.aptac-us.org/for-free-help-with-sam-contact-a-ptac/

What if we receive an award, but do not spend all of our money?

Awardees should anticipate staying in touch with their Forest Service program manager and should communicate with the Forest Service regarding any significant changes to the program of work and/or budget. Recipients are encouraged to appropriately spend 100% of allocated funds. If this proves impossible under the scope of work as written due to a changing operating context or other extenuating circumstances, your Forest Service program manager will discuss options with you.

Will advances be available to awardees or will funds be disbursed as reimbursements only? (question updated 3/8/24) This will be determined in the award negotiation phase for those that are selected as grant recipients.

How does this work relate to the Growing Climate Solutions Act? (question added 3/8/24) These efforts complement the Secretary’s intent to establish a Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program, as authorized under the Growing Climate Solutions Act. The program will support landowners by providing a list of qualified technical assistance providers, qualified third-party verifiers, and widely accepted voluntary carbon credit protocols. For more information on the Growing Climate Solutions Act, see this recent USDA press release:

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/02/27/usda-announces-progress-newly-authorized-climate-programs https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/02/27/usda-announces-progress-newly-authorized-climate-programs https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/02/27/usda-announces-progress-newly-authorized-climate-programs https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/02/27/usda-announces-progress-newly-authorized-climate-programs