L14AS00325 CCS 2016.doc

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

BLM - Idaho

2016 Challenge Cost Share (CCS) Program All Projects This announcement is a request for proposals for projects anticipated being funded in BLM Fiscal Year 2016.

Authority: Challenge Cost Share, 31 USC 6305, PL 101-512

Funding Opportunity

L14AS00325

CFDA No. 15.238 Challenge Cost Share

ISSUE DATE: 08/20/2014

CLOSING DATE and Time:

December 12, 2014 11:59 MDT

Contact Information:

Chris Shaver Grants Management Officer (GMO)

Phone: (208) 373-3817 Fax: (208) 373-3915 SECTION I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Project Background Information: The Challenge Cost Share (CCS) Program was started in 1985 when Congress appropriated money within the wildlife program for partnership conservation projects. Since then the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has expanded this cost-share program to include other resource programs with partnership opportunities. The CCS program now funds the following kinds of activities: research, monitoring and inventory of resources; implementation of habitat improvement projects, protection or documentation of cultural resources; providing for enhanced recreational experiences; development and implementation of species conservation and recovery plans; environmental education; conservation projects for native plant communities and eradication of noxious and other weeds.

In Idaho, the program is managed to maintain a variety of partnerships for wildlife, recreation, cultural resources, rare plants, plant community conservation, fisheries and riparian habitat at the local level. Our goal in Idaho BLM is to have a diverse CCS program based on partnerships primarily developed with the field office or district staffs.

In 2016 we will manage the program to implement a variety of important projects that include resource inventory, monitoring and research, environmental education, habitat and plant community restoration, cultural site protection, special status species management, recreation and OHV management.

B. Project Objective: The objective of the Idaho CCS program is to have a cost effective, local-level cost share program with non-federal partners to implement conservation or other public land management projects for the good of the general public and public resources, including but not limited to, recreation, fish, wildlife, special status plants, water quality, cultural sites and historical trails.

C. Statement of Joint Objectives:

The Idaho CCS program is locally based and funds a variety of activities including the following:

· Research, monitoring and inventory of resources (e.g. wildlife, fish, and plant populations and habitat, cultural or historical sites, recreation use of facilities such as trails);

· Implementation of habitat improvement projects;

· Protection or documentation of cultural or historic resources;

· Providing for enhanced recreational experiences;

· Development and implementation of species conservation and recovery plans;

· Environmental education;

· Conservation planning and implementation;

· Conservation projects for native plant communities; and

· Eradication projects for noxious and other weeds in areas of special concern.

Cost-share projects submitted under this program will be developed in coordination with local BLM office Staff. For example, potential partners interested in a wildlife habitat project should contact the wildlife biologist in the appropriate field office or district. If a potential partner is interested in protecting a local cultural site then the appropriate field office or district archeologist should be contacted. If a potential partner is interested in a project with statewide implications, than the appropriate program leaders at the Idaho State Office should be contacted.

Cost share applicants should reference the Idaho BLM website at: (http://www.blm.gov./id/st/en/info/directory.2.html) for the staff directory of BLM state, district, and filed offices. Assistance in locating the appropriate BLM contact will also be provided by writing to Scott Hoefer, Challenge Cost Share Coordinator at the Idaho State Office at shoefer@blm.gov.

Under this program, BLM will cost share up to, but not exceeding, $40,000 per year per project. Multiple year projects can be submitted and will be ranked as a high priority for funding in succeeding years, provided Congress continues to maintain the funding levels for the Challenge Cost Share program.

Projects must meet national, state and local priority needs of BLM offices for public land management purposes. This is why cost share applicants should coordinate with BLM staff prior to proposal submission and note that coordination within the scope of their proposal.

Partners can match BLM funds in a variety of ways:

· The non-federal match may include cash; in-kind goods, services or labor; or project materials.

· If volunteers are used then labor contributions should be calculated using www.independentsector.org.

· Applicants should use local rates for other in-kind valuation of contributions (equipment operators, equipment use, professor salaries).

· The match will be explained in the project proposal and listed on the budget attachment.

D. Period of Project: 1 to 5 years based on the approved proposals.

SECTION II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Expected Number of Awards: 10 to 20 B. Estimated Total Program Funding: $200,000 C. Award Ceiling: $40,000 D. Assistance Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants: Restricted to non-federal partners B. Performance Measures: The activity to be undertaken through this agreement is in furtherance of the recipient’s and BLM’s mission and will support the following performance measures:

M1G1S1.01 Percent of DOI stream/shoreline miles that have achieved desired condition where condition is known and as specified in management plans. (SP) M1G1S1.02 Percent of DOI acres that have achieved desired condition where condition is known and as specified in management plans. (SP)

M1G1S1.03 Percent of baseline acres infested with invasive plant species that are controlled. (SP) M1G1S1.04 Percent of invasive animal species populations that are controlled. (SP) M1G1S1.05 Number of DOI riparian (stream/shoreline) miles restored to the condition specified in management plans. (SP)

M1G1S1.06 Number of DOI (upland + wetland) acres restored to the condition specified in management plans. (SP) M1G1S2.01 Number of threatened and endangered species recovery implementation activities implemented. (SP) M1G1S2.02 Percent of populations of species of management concern that are managed to desired condition. (Bureau Measure)

M1G1S2.03 Number of (stream/shoreline) miles of habitat restored or enhanced that directly support ESA listed and bureau sensitive species conservation or recovery. (Bureau measure) M1G1S2.04 Number of acres of habitat restored or enhanced that directly support ESA listed and bureau sensitive species conservation or recovery. (Bureau measure) M1G2S1.01 Percent of archaeological sites on DOI inventory in good condition. (SP)

M1G2S1.02 Percent of historic structures on DOI inventory in good condition. (SP)

M1G2S1.07 Miles of national scenic and historic trail inventory completed to standards.

M1G2S1.08 Miles of national scenic and historic trail monitoring completed to standards M1G2S1.09 Percent of designated Wild and Scenic River miles achieving goals, objectives, and desired conditions in maintaining, protecting, and/or enhancing river-related values.

M1G2S1.10 Percent of acres of Wilderness areas under BLM management meeting their heritage resource objectives under the authorizing legislation.

M1G3S1.01 Percent of visitors satisfied with the quality of their experience. (SP)

M1G3S1.02 Percent satisfaction among visitors served by facilitated programs (SP)

C. Cost Sharing or Matching: Cost Sharing or Matching: Non-federal partners are expected to match Idaho BLM CCS funds at or near 1:1 for their respective projects. Only non-federal funds can be used to match BLM CCS funds. If there is more than one non-federal partner for a project than their total contribution can be combined to meet the 1:1 cost share goal. If more than one project is funded with the same partner than the 1:1 match would apply to the total for all of the cooperative projects that fiscal year.

SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Address to Request Application Package: This announcement contains all information and electronic addresses necessary to submit an application through Grants.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application:

The application package shall consist of all the required Standard Forms shown below AND a

Certification for Federal Assistance “if applicable” (Attachment A), Proposal Submission Format (Attachment B) and Budget (Attachment C) narrative:

Required Standard Forms:

1. Indirect Charges. A copy of the organizations current negotiated rate agreement must be submitted with any proposed project. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs will have those costs disallowed.

2. Proposal Submission Format (Attachment B) can be used as an example when submitting your proposal. The proposal technical text must be no longer than 10 pages, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 10-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae. (The Budget, Attachment B, is not included in the 10-page limit.) The text should include the following:

a. Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance – (Attachment B, Section II) - (a) Describe why the project is needed by the applicant; (b) Describe the applicant’s objectives; (c) Describe how the applicant’s objectives support their mission and how this project will provide a public benefit.

b. Technical Approach – (Attachment B, Section II) - Describe how the applicant proposes to conduct and achieve the project in accordance with the Statement of Joint Objectives in Section I.B. The project design must contain enough detail to show the development of the project and the relationship between the partners, tasks, milestones, and objectives. The work plan must be clear, suitable, and feasible with respect to the following; (a) Describe the techniques, procedures, and methodologies to be used; (b) Describe data collection, analysis, and means of relationship interpretation; (c) Describe expected results or outcomes; and (d) Describe the procedures for evaluating project efficacy, including fixed performance indices with probabilities for obtaining them. Explain how the applicant will meet the completion schedule identified in Section I.B.

c. Qualifications, Experience, and Past Performance – (Attachment B, Section III) - Describe who will carry out the project activities. List all project personnel, including consultants. Describe their responsibilities and the amount of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to successfully achieve the stated objectives.

3. Detailed Budget (Attachment C, Section IV). Please include a description of the cost share (cash vs. in kind). The budget should contain the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. Include all employees and their titles working on the project.

b. Fringe Benefits. Propose your rates/amounts. If rates are audit approved, include a copy of the audit agreement and/or the name of the audit agency. If more than one rate is used, lest each rate and the wage or salary base.

c. Consultant/Contracting Fees. Include payments for professional and technical consultants and contractors participating in the project.

d. Travel and Per Diem. For each trip, indicate the number of persons traveling, the total days they will be in travel status, and the total subsistence and transportation costs for that trip. Per diem rates shall not exceed maximum Federal rates. To view current Federal per diem rates, visit http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=17943&contentType=GSA_BASIC and follow the links to per diem information.

e. Supplies and Materials. Include consumable supplies and materials to be used in the project, listing each item and quantity individually. Include items of expendable equipment, i.e., equipment costing less than $500 or with an estimated useful life of less than two years. Equipment costing more than that should be listed in the Other Costs category (Category G, below).

f. Services. This should include the cost of duplication and printing, long distance telephone calls, equipment rental, postage, and other services not previously listed.

g. Other Costs. List equipment items in excess of $500 and other items not previously listed. Note that equipment items worth less than $500 or that have a useful life of less than 2 years must be listed in the Supplies and Materials category.

h. Indirect Charges. If indirect costs will be charged to the grant, complete the table below with your current approved indirect cost rate and the direct costs it will be applied to. A copy of your most recent indirect cost rate must be attached if indirect costs will be requested. Any un-recovered indirect costs may be used towards your program match.

C. Submission Dates and Times:

1. The electronic submission to www.Grants.gov is due by the date and time listed on the cover sheet of this announcement. A proposal received after the closing date and time will not be considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal will not be considered due to lateness, the applicant will be so notified immediately.

2. All proposals will be required to be submitted electronically through grants.gov. All of the required attached forms can be prepared online. Any form that is not available online may be submitted as attachments at the end of the proposal. If you have not registered in grants.gov, go to visit the website www.grants.gov and get started in the registration process.

Application preparation time may take several weeks to get certified. Once at the website, choose “Get Started” and work through the first 5 steps. If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726. In addition, Grants.gov has an “Applicant Users Guide” available at: http://www.grants.gov/help/user_guides.jsp that will answer most if not all your questions.

D. Submission Instructions and Information:

Applications/proposals may be submitted by the following methods only:

1. On-Line Submittal - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is participating in the Grants.gov Initiative that provides the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. BLM requires applicants to submit their applications/proposals electronically through: http://www.grants.gov/Apply.

YOU MUST REGISTER WITH GRANTS.GOV PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION THROUGH THE GRANTS.GOV WEBSITE. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS MAY TAKE FROM 7 TO 21 DAYS.

2. Electronic Signature - Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The registration and e-authentication process establishes the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of your authorized organization representative on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the Authorized Organization Representative.

3. Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Application and/or Proposal - Any application/proposal received after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered in the original selection process unless the application is received before award is made and it is determined by BLM that the late receipt was due to mishandling by the Government. Any modification of an application or quotation is subject to the same conditions stated above.

4. Electronic Application Submission and Receipt Procedures - This provision provides information on the application submission and receipt instructions for applications submitted through Grants.gov apply. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

5. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission:

a. Electronic Submission. An electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt and save it.

b. BLM suggests that applicants submit their applications during the operating hours of the Grants.gov Support Desk, so that if there are questions concerning transmission, operators will be available to walk you through the process. Submitting your application during the Support Desk hours will also ensure that you have sufficient time for the application to complete its transmission prior to the application deadline. Applicants using dial-up connections should be aware that transmission will take some time before Grants.gov receives it.

c. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission message. The Grants.gov Support desk reports that some applicants abort 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. Uploading and transmitting many files, particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas, will take some time to be processed.

6. Customer Support - The Grants.gov website provides customer support via (800) 518-GRANTS (this is a toll-free number) or through email at support@grants.gov. The customer support center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, to address Grants.gov technology issues. For technical assistance on program related questions, contact the number listed in Section VII, Agency Contacts.

E. Intergovernmental Review:

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”. Applicants subject to EO 12372 must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State’s process. The names and addresses of the SPOC’s are listed in the OMB’s home page at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html

F. Funding Restrictions:

A cooperative agreement issued by the BLM Idaho State Office, signed by the BLM GMO, obligates BLM funds. Notification of a successful proposal does not constitute authority to incur costs. Costs incurred prior to receipt of a signed cooperative agreement may not be reimbursed. Once the cooperative agreement for a successful proposal has been signed by the BLM GMO, the recipient may incur costs as specified in their proposed and approved budget submittal. Funding for the first year does not guarantee funding in subsequent years. A new application must be submitted for subsequent years.

A. Evaluation Criteria

1. Technical Approach:

a. The project design must contain enough detail to show the development of the project and the relationship between the partners, milestones, and objectives. The roles and responsibilities of each partner are clearly articulated. The milestones are clear, and supported by a well thought-out schedule that supports the work to be accomplished for the duration of the project.

b. Describe how the applicant proposes to conduct and achieve the project in accordance with the Statement of Joint Objectives in Section I.

c. The work plan must be clear, suitable, and feasible with respect to the following:

(1) Describe the techniques, procedures, and methodologies to be used;

(2) Describe data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation;

(3) Describe expected results or outcomes; and

(4) Describe the procedures for evaluating project effectiveness, including fixed performance indices with probabilities for obtaining them.

d. The project proposal work plan must be designed to produce the proposed outcomes and outputs. The outcomes are clearly stated and tied to intermediate outcomes as stated in the announcement.

2. Qualifications, Experience, Past Performance:

a. Describe who will carry out the project activities.

b. List all project personnel, including consultants.

c. Describe their responsibilities and the amount of time each will dedicate to the project. Briefly describe how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to successfully achieve the stated joint objectives.

d. Ensure the qualifications and experience of the Project Director/Principal Investigator to be assigned for direct work on the project are evident, and appear to be adequate to achieve project goals and objectives and will be available for work on this agreement.

e. List the applicants past and current assistance awards that demonstrate how they have completed project goals.

3. Purpose, Objectives, and Relevance:

a. Describe why the project is needed by the recipient.

b. Describe the applicant’s objectives. Objectives are well defined, measurable, and realistic for the project’s anticipated timeframe.

c. Describe how the applicant’s objectives support their mission and how this project benefits the public. Objectives are tied to BLM Performance Measure listed on pages 3 and 4.

4. Budget:

a. The budget line items are appropriate, reasonable, allowable, well justified and commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish the project objectives.

b. The budget breakdown or narrative provides adequate justification for each budget category used. If equipment is requested by the applicant is it fully justified and necessary for the performance and completion of the project?

c. The applicant and other counter parts cash and in-kind matching funds or contributions are acceptable.

B. Review and Selection Process :

Proposals will be reviewed by BLM personnel. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

SECTION VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices:

If the applicant’s proposal is selected for award, work cannot begin before the awardee receives a fully executed copy of the agreement approved by the GMO. The award document may be provided through postal mail or by electronic means.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements:

1. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars

By accepting Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Circulars in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/ 2 CFR Part 220 (OMB Circular A-21) - Cost Principles for Educational Institutions

2 CFR Part 225 (OMB Circular A-87) - Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments

2 CFR Part 230 (OMB Circular A-122) - Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations 2 CFR Part 215 (OMB Circular A-110) - Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations

OMB Circular A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations."

2. Standard Award Terms and Conditions

This agreement incorporates the Standard Award Terms and Conditions found at the following Department of the Interior website as if they were given here: http://www.doi.gov/pam/TermsandConditions.html

Prohibition on Text Messaging and Using Electronic Equipment Supplied by the Government while Driving. This executive order introduces a Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment, driving company-owned or rented vehicles or GOV, or while driving POV when on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the Government.

Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by DOI and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

a. Program legislation/regulations.

b. Special terms and conditions.

c. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (Contact your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

2 CFR Part 175 Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000

43 CFR 12(A) Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for Assistance Programs

43 CFR 12(E)

Buy American Requirements for Assistance Programs 43 CFR 12(C) Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local

43 CFR 12(F)

Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, other Non-Profit and Commercial Organizations

43 CFR 43 Government wide Requirements for a Drug-Free Workplace 43 CFR 42 Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) 43 CFR 18 New Restrictions on Lobbying

3. Compliance with Buy American Act:

a. Notice: Pursuant to sec. 307 of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997, Public Law 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009, please be advised of the following:

In the case of any equipment or product that may be authorized to be purchased with financial assistance provided using funds made available in this act, it is the sense of the Congress that entities receiving the assistance should, in expending the assistance, purchase only American-made equipment and products.

b. Recipient agrees to follow the requirements in 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart E, Buy American Requirements for Assistance Programs.

4. Opposition to Any Legislation - In accordance with the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act, 2006, Title IV, Section 402, No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall be available for any activity or the publication or distribution of literature that in any way tends to promote public support or opposition to any legislative proposal on which Congressional action is not complete other than to communicate to Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.

5. Endorsements - Recipient shall not publicize or otherwise circulate, promotional material (such as advertisements, sales brochures, press releases, speeches, still and motion pictures, articles, manuscripts or other publications) which states or implies governmental, Departmental, bureau, or government employee endorsement of a product, service, or position which the recipient represents.

No release of information relating to this award may state or imply that the Government approves of the recipient’s work products, or considers the recipient’s work product to be superior to other products or services.

All information submitted for publication or other public releases of information regarding this project shall carry the following disclaimer:

The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Recipient must obtain prior Government approval for any public information releases concerning this award which refer to the Department of the Interior or any bureau or employee (by name or title). The specific text, layout photographs, etc. of the proposed release must be submitted with the request for approval.

A recipient further agrees to include this provision in a sub award to and sub recipient, except for a sub award to a State government, a local government, or to a federally recognized Indian tribal government.

6. Retention and Access Requirements for Records - All recipient financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical records, and other grants-related records shall be maintained and available for access in accordance with 43 CFR Subpart C, Section 12.82 for State, local and Indian tribal governments or 2 CFR, Subpart C, Section 215.53 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other non-profit and all other organizations.

IG’s Office Access to Records - Recipients shall provide additional access for the Inspector General’s office to examine recipient’s records and to interview officers/employees of recipient...

7. Increasing Seat Belt Use - Recipients of grants/cooperative agreements and/or sub-awards are encouraged to adopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use policies and programs for their employees when operating company-owned, rented, or personally owned vehicles. These measures include, but are not limited to, conducting education, awareness, and other appropriate programs for their employees about the importance of wearing seat belts and the consequences of not wearing them.

8. Special Terms and Conditions.

a. Order of Precedence - Any inconsistency in the agreement shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: (a) Any national policy requirements and administrative management standards; (b) 43 CFR Part 12 and 2 CFR; (c) requirements of the applicable OMB Circulars and Treasury regulations; (d) special terms and conditions; and (e) all agreement sections, documents, exhibits, and attachments; (f) and the recipient’s project proposal.

b. Modifications. The agreement may be modified by written agreement and signed unilaterally by the GMO including if it should become necessary to suspend or terminate the agreement in accordance with 43 CFR, Subpart C. Section 12.83 for State, local and Indian tribal governments or Subpart F, Section 12.961 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other non-profit and all other organizations. Start of a project or draw down of funds for reimbursement constitutes acceptance.

No oral statement made by any person, or written statement by any person other than the GMO, shall be allowed in any manner or degree to modify or otherwise effect the terms of the agreement.

All requests for modification of the agreement shall be made in writing, provide a full description of the reason for the request, and be sent to the attention of the GMO.

Any request for project extension shall be made at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the agreement or the expiration date of any extension period that may have been previously granted.

Any determination to extend the period of performance or to provide follow-on funding for continuation of a project is solely at the discretion of the BLM.

c. Budget and Program Plan Revision - The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. Recipients are required to report deviations from budget and program plans and request prior approval for budget and program plan revisions. Recipients are not required to request prior approval for deviations among approved direct cost categories when the cumulative amount of the transfer is less than 10 percent of that cost category.

However, the recipient must report any deviation to the GMO and Program Officer (PO).

d. Audit Requirements - Non-Federal entities that expend $500,000 or more during a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, which is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_circulars.html.

Federal awards are defined as Federal financial assistance and Federal cost-reimbursement contracts that non-Federal entities receive directly from Federal awarding agencies or indirectly from pass-through entities. They do not include procurement contracts, under grants or contracts, used to buy goods or services from vendors. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $500,000 for a fiscal year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in A-133, §_215(a), but records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials of the Federal agency, pass-through entity, and General Accounting Office (GAO).

Audits shall be made by an independent auditor in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards covering financial audits. Additional audit requirements applicable to this agreement are found at 43 CFR 12.66 or 43 CFR 12.926, as applicable. General guidance on the single audit process is included in a pamphlet titled, Highlights of the Single Audit Process" which is available on the internet at http://www.dot.gov/ost/m60/grant/sincontact.html. Additional information on single audits is available from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse at http://harvester.census.gov/sac/

e. Metric Conversion - All performance and final reports, other reports, or publications, produced under this agreement, shall employ the metric system of measurements to the maximum extent practicable. Both metric and inch-pound units (dual units) may be used if necessary during and transition period(s). However, the recipient may use non-metric measurements to the extent the recipient has supporting documentation that the use of metric measurements is impracticable or is likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to the recipient, such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in non-metric units.

f. Officials Not to Benefit - No member of or delegate to Congress, or resident commissioner, shall be admitted to any share of this agreement, or to any benefit arising from it. However, this clause does not apply to this agreement to the extent that this agreement is made with a corporation’s general benefit.

g. Deposit of Publications - In addition to any requirements listed in the Project Management Plan, two (2) copies of each applicable publication produced under this agreement shall be sent to the Natural Resources Library with a transmittal that identifies the sender and the publication, and states that the publication is intended for deposit in the Natural Resources Library. Publications shall be sent to the following address:

U.S. Department of the Interior

Natural Resources Library

Interior Service Center

Gifts and Exchanges Section

1849 C Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20240

h. Reimbursable Costs and Limitations:

The recipient shall not incur costs or obligate funds for any purpose pertaining to operation of the program or activities beyond the expiration date stated in the agreement.

The only costs which are authorized for a period of up to 90 days following the award expiration date are those strictly associated with closeout activities for preparation of the final report.

The BLM's financial participation is limited. The BLM will only fund up to its share of those amounts requested in the project proposal and as are subsequently approved and funded in the agreement. The recipient shall not be obligated to continue performance under the agreement or to incur costs in excess of the costs set forth in the proposal and subsequent agreement. However, if the recipient chooses to expend funds in excess of the approved project budget, the recipient will be responsible to fund the excess without funding participation by the Bureau.

i. Inspection - The BLM has the right to inspect and evaluate the work performed or being performed under this agreement, and the premises where the work is being performed, at all reasonable times and in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. If BLM performs inspection or evaluation on the premises of the recipient or a sub recipient, the recipient shall furnish and shall require sub-recipients to furnish all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

j. Copyrights:

1. For recipients subject to the administrative standards set forth in OMB Circular A-110, the following copyright provision, as implemented by 43 CFR 12.936(a), shall apply:

“The recipient may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was purchased, under an award. The Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.”

2. For recipients subject to the administrative standards set forth in OMB Circular A-102 and the Grants Management Common Rule, the following copyright provision, as implemented by 43 CFR 12.74, shall apply:

“The Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for Federal Government purposes:

(a) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, sub grant, or contract under a grant or sub grant; and

(b) Any rights of copyright to which a grantee, sub grantee or a contractor purchases ownership with grant support.”

k. Rights to Data - For recipients subject to the administrative standards set forth in OMB Circular A-110, the following provision, as implemented by 43 CFR 12.936(c), shall apply:

"The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish or otherwise use the data first produced under an award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.”

l. Procurement Procedures - It is a national policy to place a fair share of purchases with minority business firms. The Department of the Interior is strongly committed to the objectives of this policy and encourages all recipients of its grants and cooperative agreements to take affirmative steps to ensure such fairness. Positive efforts shall be made by recipients to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises, whenever possible. Recipients of Federal awards shall take all of the following steps to further this goal:

1. Ensure that small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises are used to the fullest extent practicable.

2. Make information on forthcoming opportunities available and arrange time frames for purchases and contracts to encourage and facilitate participation by small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.

3. Consider in the contract process whether firms competing for larger contracts intend to subcontract with small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.

4. Encourage contracting with consortiums of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually.

5. Use the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Development Agency in the solicitation and utilization of small business, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises.

m. System for Award Management (SAM).

1. System for Award Management (SAM) The Federal repository into which an entity must provide information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the SAM Internet site (currently at http://www.sam.gov).

2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number means the nine-digit number established and assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to uniquely identify business entities. A DUNS number may be obtained from

D&B by telephone (currently 866-705-5711) or the Internet (currently at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform).

3. Entity, as it is used in this award term, means all of the following, as defined at 2 CFR Part 25, Subpart C:

a. A Governmental organization, which is a State, local government, or Indian

Tribe;

b. A foreign public entity;

c. A domestic or foreign nonprofit organization;

d. A domestic or foreign for-profit organization; and

e. A Federal agency, but only as a sub recipient under an award or sub award to a non- Federal entity.

4. Subaward:

a. This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for which you received this award and that you as the recipient award to an eligible sub recipient.

b. The term does not include your procurement of property and services needed to carry out the project or program (for further explanation, see Sec.11.210 of the attachment to OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations).

c. A sub award may be provided through any legal agreement, including an agreement that you consider a contract.

5. Sub recipient: means an entity that:

a. Receives a sub award from you under this award; and

b. Is accountable to you for the use of the Federal funds provided by the sub award.

n. Payments:

Financial Management Service’s (FMS), Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) System. If recipient is registered in ASAP payments will be made through that system.

Payments will be made by the United States Department of Treasury, FMS, ASAP system. ASAP is a recipient-initiated, on-line payment and information system for Financial Assistance Agreements that is recipient initiated. The recipient will request federal funds that are due directly from the Federal Reserve Bank on a reimbursable basis.

The ASAP Requestor ID, furnished by the Department of Treasury, will be used to access the account to request reimbursement payments. The BLM GMO will create an ASAP Account ID unique to this agreement. The first nine characters will be the agreement number. The remaining three characters will identify BLM funding line items. Drawdown of funds will be taken from specific lines on this agreement. An amendment will be stamped to indicate the appropriate line number for the drawdown.

o. Property Management and Disposition - Any BLM property used or other property acquired under this agreement, including intangible property such as copyrights and patents shall be governed by the provisions of 43 CFR, Subpart C, Section 12.71 through 12.72 for State, local and Indian tribal governments or Subpart F, Section 12.930 through 12.937 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other non-profit and all other organizations.

The BLM assumes no liability for any actions or activities conducted under this agreement except to the extent that recourse or remedies are provided by Congress under the Federal Tort Claims Act [28 U.S.C. 1346(b), 2401(b), 2671 - 2680, as amended by P.L. 89-506, 80 Stat. 306]".

C. Reporting:

1. Federal Financial Reports:

a. Reports of expenditures are required as documentation of the financial status of awards according to the official accounting records of the recipient’s organization. The recipient shall submit a completed original and one copy of the quarterly, semi-annual or annual Federal Financial Report (FFR), Standard Form (SF) 425, to report the status of funds for this agreement. The forms and instructions may be downloaded at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_forms/.

b. If reports are required quarterly, the reporting periods are: January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30, and October 1 through December 31, and will continue through the life of the agreement.

c. If semi-annual reports are authorized, the reporting period is from the date of award through the sixth month following award, and will continue through the life of the agreement.

d. If annual reports are authorized, the annual reporting period is from the date of award through the twelfth month following award, and will continue through the life of the agreement.

e. The report(s) shall be sent to the GMO and are due 30 calendar days after the end of the reporting period. The recipient will report program outlays and program income on a cash basis. However, if the recipient organization’s accounting records are normally kept on an accrual basis, the recipient may report outlays on that basis.

f. In addition to the SF-425, the recipient shall include detailed information of costs, by budget categories that reflects the approved SF 424A, Budget Information. This may include a brief narrative describing the grant activities in direct support of funds draw down.

g. An original and one copy of the final FFR is due to the GMO no later than 90 calendar days after the expiration or termination of this agreement.

h. Recipients, who are placed on agency review, shall submit an original and one completed copy of the SF-425, Federal Financial Report, to report the status of funds for each payment requested before reimbursement payments are made. In addition include detailed information of costs, by budget categories that reflects the approved SF 424A, Budget Information. This does not relieve the recipient of the quarterly FFR requirement unless reimbursement is only requested on a quarterly basis.

i. The GMO may review the report for patterns of cash expenditures, including accelerated or delayed drawdowns, and to assess whether performance or financial management problems exist. Before submitting FFRs to the GMO, grantees must ensure that the information submitted is accurate, complete, and consistent with the grantee’s accounting system. The recipient’s Authorized Certifying Official’s signature on the FFR certifies that the information in the FFR is correct and complete and that all outlays and obligations are for the purposes set forth in agreement documents, and represents a claim to the Federal government. Filing a false claim may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

2. Performance/Progress Reports:

a. The recipient shall submit an original and one copy of the quarterly, semi-annual, or annual performance report(s) to the GMO. The performance report must be prepared in accordance with 43 CFR, Subpart C, Section 12.80 for State, local and Indian tribal governments or Subpart F, Section 12.951 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, other non-profit and all other organizations.

b. The performance report shall include a narrative summary both of completed activities and activities in progress, a calculation of percent of completed work based on work identified in the Recipient’s submitted proposal, Project Management Plan, the reason for slippage if objectives or milestones are not met, a prediction of future activities and how they will be accomplished, and a discussion of issues and problems which may impact the ability to complete the work on time. Recommendations to overcome problems shall also be provided. In addition, the performance report should reflect the BLM Performance Measures as listed in Section III, Paragraph B.

c. If performance/progress reports are required quarterly, the reporting periods are January 1 through March 31; April 1 through June 30; July 1 through September 30; and October 1 through December 31. In lieu of the fourth quarter performance report, an annual program performance report may be submitted at the end of each year of the agreement. If reports are required semi-annually, the reporting period will be from date of award through the sixth month following award. Quarterly or semi-annual reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period.

d. If performance/progress reports are required annually, the reporting period is from the date of award through the twelfth month following award. Annual reports are due 90 days after the end of the reporting period. Copies of this report may be required to be included with any application for continuing support of the agreement.

3. Non-compliance: Failure to comply with the reporting requirements contained in this agreement may be considered a material non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the award. Non‑compliance may result in withholding of future payments, suspension or termination of the agreement, recovery of funds paid under the agreement, and withholding of future awards.

D. DEFINITIONS:

1. Agreement - Cooperative or Grant Agreement.

2. Grants Management Officer (GMO) - The BLM's Grants Management Officer. The GMO is the only individual authorized to obligate funds, award, modify or terminate an agreement.

3. Project Officer (PO) - The Project Officer. The PO will be designated for the purpose of administering the technical aspect of an agreement. The PO is authorized to clarify technical requirements, and to review and approve work which is clearly within the scope of the work specified in an agreement. The PO is not authorized to issue changes or in any other way modify an agreement.

4. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - May also be referred to as Bureau.

5. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – General and permanent regulations issued by Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

6. Fiscal Year (FY) - The Federal fiscal year extends from October 1 of one year through September 30 of the following year.

7. Not-to-Exceed (NTE) Amount - The maximum Federal funding amount.

8. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) -

9. Project Inspector (PI) - The BLM's project inspector. At the time of award, a BLM employee(s) may be appointed as the PI. If appointed, the PI will be responsible for providing on-site inspection of the work and for giving the recipient’s representative any special instructions, guidance, or training necessary to complete or perform the work. The PI will not be authorized to issue changes or in any way modify the agreement.

10. Project Manager/Principal Investigator - The recipient's Project…