L18AS00020 Bat Study.docx
DOCX document 143 KB Posted
- Attached to
- MT/DAK Bat Study
- Opportunity number
- L18AS00020
- Issued by
-
Department of the Interior
About this file
Full announcement
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| L18AS00020 Bat Study.pdf | ||
| oppL18AS00020-cfda15.231-instructions.docx | DOCX document |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
[Attachment B] Budget Detail Page 4
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE:
MT/DAK Bat Study
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER:
L18AS00020
ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE:
Request for Applications Issued: June 21, 2018 Modification No. 00 Issued (Date)
CFDA NUMBER & TITLE:
15.231 – Fish, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Resource Management
LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY:
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 USC, 1737(b)
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:
July 21, 4:00 p.m. Local Time
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Montana State Office 5001 Southgate Drive Billings, Montana 59101
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
for Federal Financial Assistance
MT/DAK Bat Study L18AS00020
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Lori Anderson, Grants Management Specialist Telephone: 406-329-3723, Email: landerso@blm.gov James Sparks, Program Officer Telephone: 406-329-3914, Email: jrsparks@blm.gov
Page | 6
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1. Description of Program and/or Project
a. Background: Bats are diverse and integral components of ecosystems. They feed on insects, pollinate plants, disseminate seeds and nutrients, and provide food for many species. Bat populations are declining globally due to factors such as development of wind energy, spread of white nose syndrome, and changes in land use. These variables increase the need to better understand bat ecology to prevent further declines or local extirpation of species. Bats require different types of roost sites to complete their life history; these areas provide protection and are essential for survival and reproduction. Bats also must spend time foraging to meet their nutritional requirements, as well as to support lactation and development of pups. Sufficient roosts, especially maternity roosts, and productive foraging areas are both key habitat components to support bat populations. The BLM, Missoula Field Office has available funding to collaborate with a partner to help resolve some of the issues influencing declining bat populations.
b. Objectives: BLM has an opportunity to work with a partner organization to assist BLM with the effects of beetle and salvage logging on bat populations. Two questions would be answered: 1) when selecting foraging and roost sites in forests during the active season, what microclimate, structural, and landscape characteristics do bats prefer; and 2) how do large-scale forest disturbances affect the availability and use of these preferred characteristics? These questions would be answered with the following objectives: 1) quantify characteristics of foraging sites, maternity roosts, and random sites in forests during summer; 2) evaluate how availability of bat foraging and roost sites change with different intensities of large-scale forest disturbance such as beetle kill and salvage harvest; 3) develop resource selection models to characterize foraging areas and roosts in forests using data collected on individual tree and landscape-level predictors; and 4) provide management recommendations and guidelines for structural characteristics of forests, based on resource selection models, to ensure availability of bat foraging areas and natural summer roosts.
c. All awards under this funding opportunity must benefit the general public:
The public is interested in the life history of bats, such as bat forage, roost, and hibernating habitat and how salvage harvest effects bat habitat. The study answers questions regarding these attributes and elevates support and stimulation for bats. As an indirect interest, the public is also interested in bats as plant pollinators and the effect of white-nosed syndrome on bat populations.
2. Program Expected Outcomes:
· The project would capture important bat information, such as foraging and roosting sites, and how they are affected by forest disturbance related to beetle kill and salvage logging;
· Quantify characteristics of (1) foraging sites and (2) maternity roosts (as well as random sites) in forests during summer;
· Evaluate how availability of foraging and roost sites of bats change with different intensities of large-scale forest disturbance (beetle kill and salvage harvest);
· Develop resource selection models to characterize foraging areas and roosts for bats in forests using data collected on individual tree and landscape-level predictors.
· Provide management recommendations and guidelines for structural characteristics of forests (based on resource selection models) to ensure availability of foraging areas and natural summer roosts for bats.
B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
1. Award Instrument
In accordance with the Legislative Authority, awards made under this FOA will be through a cooperative agreement. The recipient should expect Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement may include:
· Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or subawards prior to their award
· The ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives
· Assist with project development, sharing ideas, and providing guidance on project design and implementation.
· The BLM would assist with field work and help with technical assistance when requested.
· The BLM would provide financial assistance to the recipient to help with costs associated with the project.
| 2. | Expected Number of Awards |
| One (1) Cooperative Agreement |
| 3. | Expected Individual Award Amounts |
| $20,000 at award and $45,000 over the life of the agreement. |
4. Total Expected Funding to be Awarded through this Announcement - $45,000
5. Anticipated Period of Performance Start Date – September 1, 2018
| 6. | Length of Project |
| In general, proposed project completion should be completed within the shortest timeframe need to meet all the expected program outcomes. Application packages for projects requiring more than a three year timeframe will only be considered for funding under limited circumstances. |
7. Additional Funding Information Funding for this project(s) is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds and evaluation of proposals is based on the criterion in this announcement. In appropriate circumstances, BLM reserves the right to partially fund proposals in discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If BLM chooses to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. Funded proposals through this competition is not a guarantee of future funding.
BLM reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement if additional funding becomes available after the original award selections are made, Any additional selections for award will be made no later than September 30, 2018.
Any additional selections must be made in accordance with the terms of this announcement and BLM policy.
Only BLM Grants Management Officers (GMO) are authorized to obligate funds for financial assistance.
C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
| 1. | Eligible Applicants |
| The following types of entities are eligible to apply for award under this announcement. Failure to meet eligibility requirements will result in precluding the BLM from making an award. Eligible applicant types are: | |
| • | Unrestricted, anyone may apply |
| 2. | Cost Sharing or Matching |
| This program has no cost sharing or matching requirements. |
D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
This announcement includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.
| 2. | Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award |
| Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to: |
| a. | Provide a valid DUNS number (Dun & Bradstreet Universal Numbering System) on its application. DU Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. Request a DUNS number online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling the Dun & Bradstreet Government Customer Response Center, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 8 PM CST at the following numbers: |
| U.S. and U.S Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711 | |
| Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1) For Hearing Impaired Customers Only call: 1-877-807-1679 (TTY Line) |
b. Entity Registration in SAM: Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Register in SAM online at http://www.sam.gov/. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have been made to DUNS and IRS information.
c. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which the applicant has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.
3. The Application Package
Applications must include all required Standard Forms (SF) shown below, a Proposal (Attachment A), a Budget Detail (Attachment B), and a copy the applicant's approved federal agency Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable. Non-governmental organizations that have not previously received award funds or have not had an active award within 3 (three) years must complete a Financial Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire may be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed on the application coversheet.
WHAT TO SUBMIT:
Form Name and Number
SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs
SF-424B Assurances - Non-Construction Programs
Grants.gov Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form
Project Proposal (Attachment A to this document)
Budget Detail (Attachment B to this document)
Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable
Financial Assistance Evaluation Questionnaire (if applicable)
a. Project Proposal (Attachment A)
1. Attachment A is a suggested project proposal template and may be used when submitting your proposal. The proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a type-face no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15 page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B).
2. All proposals are confidential.
b. Budget Detail and Justification of costs (Attachment B- Suggested Format)
| 1. | All applications must have a complete detailed budget narrative explaining and justifying the federal and the non-federal expenditures by object class category as listed on SF-424A - Section B (Budget Category) for non-construction awards (and the SF-424C for construction awards). For clarification and simplicity, it is best to discuss each expense by object class in the order that they appear on the SF424A. Include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see suggested format attachment B for more detail). Additionally, provide any cost sharing and matching funds in the same level of detail as the federal funds. The budget narrative submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms. Please explain each calculation and provide a narrative that supports each budget category (the SF-424 must equal total costs identified on the SF-424A form which must match the budget narrative). |
| 2. | Costs proposed to NOFO awards must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the supported activity. Refer to 2 CFR §200, for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles. |
| 3. | If your award is for multi-year or multiple year funding, you must provide a budget and budget justification for each year. Show each year in a separate column on the SF-424A and use a separate column for listing any match funds. NOFO expects that applicants will ensure that no Federal or non-Federal grant funds will be expended for in-kind goods or services, for purposes of providing transportation, travel, and other expenses for any Federal employee. |
| 4. | Budget Detail and Narrative form (Attachment B) is an suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs by category needed to accomplish project activities. Estimated costs should be described in sufficient detail so that they may be checked for reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed. Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detail breakdown of how the cost were arrived out. No profit or fees are allowable. |
5. Required Indirect Cost Statement and Documentation:
All applicants must include in their budget justification narrative one of the following indirect cost rate statements and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:
We are:
| a. | A state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification is attached. |
| b. | A state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We are required to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation to support those costs. |
| c. | A non-profit organization that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement is attached. |
| d. | A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made. |
| e. | A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. However, in the event an award is made, will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, section 200.68. We understand that the 10% rate will apply for the life of the award, including any future extensions for time, and that the rate cannot be changed even if we do establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. |
| f. | A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly. |
All applicants are hereby notified of the following:
| ● | Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate (includes accepting the 10% de minimus rate, when eligible) are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. |
| ● | Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs under the award unallowable. |
| ● | Only the indirect costs calculated against the Federal portion of the total direct costs may be charged to the Federal award. Recipients may not charge to their BLM award any indirect costs calculated against the portion of total direct costs charged to themselves or charged to any other project partner, Federal and non-Federal alike. |
| ● | Recipients must have prior written approval from the BLM to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted for direct costs or to satisfy cost-sharing or matching requirements under the award. |
| ● | Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation. |
4. Submission Dates and Times
See announcement cover sheet for the deadline (date and time) for submission of applications. Applications must be received by the BLM prior to the posted deadline. Any application received after the deadline for submission may not be considered for award unless it can be determined the delay was caused by Federal government mishandling.
E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
A total of 100 points will be used to score each proposal received. The scores assigned to each criteria in the second level evaluation correspond to their relative importance. Proposals will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by appropriate BLM Staff expert in the program's field of study.
The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this funding opportunity announcement and which are determined to be outside the scope of the authority under which this announcement is posted.
Award will be made to responsive, responsible applicants submitting proposals which conform to the funding opportunity announcement and are most advantageous to the Government considering the evaluation factors listed below.
The evaluation process will be comprised of the following three screening levels:
1. First Level Screening --Basic Eligibility
| a. | Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Depending on the specifics of the opportunity, screening may include, but is not limited to, the following: |
| 1) | Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; |
| 2) | Submission is timely; |
| 3) | Complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents (see D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION) are included; |
b. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.
2. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation
a. Merit Review Evaluation. Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria using numerical scoring based on a 100 point maximum score. Proposals must include the following information. Applicant
1. OBJECTIVE (Maximum score 30/100 Points) Describe your mission and objectives.
2. TECHNICAL APPROACH (Maximum score 30/100 Points) Describe the techniques, processes, methodologies to be used. Please refer to objectives above in “Description of Program/Projects” and “Evaluation Criteria and Merit-Based Reviews.”
3. PUBLIC BENEFIT (Maximum score 10/100 Points) Describe how this project benefits the general public. The public is interested in bats as unique mammals that fly, eat insects, and pollinate herbaceous vegetation. Benefits include: enhancing public awareness of life history information and management of habitat to conserve forest bats.
4. QUALIFICATIONS and PAST PERFORMANCE (Maximum score 30 /100 Points) List key project personnel and their contact information..
Describe key personnel responsibilities, time to be dedicated to the project, and how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to success of the project.
List contractors, if known, and their qualifications.
Describe any unique qualifications which support being awarded assistance for this project, such as continuation of the proposed project, technical expertise, cost-sharing ability, etc.
5. OFFERED COST SHARE or MATCH (Cost is not normally not evaluated. However, is reviewed during the merit review, if you want to use cost as a tie breaker, please indicate).
The Authority under which this opportunity is being announced requires a recipient cost share or match of: At least a 1:1 match: $45,000.
Indicate the type and amount of any offered cost share or match (any offered match must be from non-Federal sources). At least a 1:1 match with non-federal source such as the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Montana State University, or the Montana Natural Heritage Program
3. Third Level Review Pre-award Clearance and Approvals
Following the described review process, BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as:
a. Risk Management. The BLM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate the risk posed by the supporting applicants’ projects before it awards Federal funds.
| 1) | BLM is required to review information available through OMB-designated eligibility and/or financial integrity databases, such as the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). The BLM considers factors such as: |
| (a) | Financial stability; |
| (b) | Quality of management systems; |
| (c) | History of performance managing Federal awards, timeliness of compliance with reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, etc.; |
| (d) | Reports and findings from audits performed; and |
| (e) | The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities. |
2) Budget review is based on the following:
| (a) | Budget line items must be allowable, allocable, reasonable in price, and appropriate for the level of effort needed to accomplish the project |
| (b) | Budget details and narrative must provide adequate explanation of, and justification for, each estimated cost |
| (c) | Requested equipment must be justified and necessary for completion of the project |
| (d) | Cost Sharing/Matching funds must not come from Federal funds |
If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized. If the BLM determines that a Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award
If the results of pre-award reviews and clearances are unsatisfactory, consideration of funding for the project may be withdrawn.
4. Application Selection Process
a. Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by an ad hoc evaluation team assembled to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award using the above evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or more qualified personnel familiar with the program and who have been certified to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for award.
b. Reviews are treated as confidential documents. Once award decisions are made, applicants may request in writing a written summary of the evaluation of their application/proposal.
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Federal Award Notices
a. Any award made from this announcement will be based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and will be regulated by OMB's Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
b. Award cannot be finalized until awardee finalizes their enrollment in the Department of the Treasury, Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) System. See following website: http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap. If your organization is not enrolled in ASAP contact the POC on the cover-sheet of this funding opportunity.
c. Acceptance. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down of funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Costs may not be incurred before the effective date listed on the award. Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, carries with it the responsibility to be aware of, and comply with, the administrative and national policy requirements and terms and conditions of award.
2. Reporting
Periodic submission of Federal Financial reports (SF-425), Performance/Progress reports, and Youth Employment reports (if applicable) will be required under this financial assistance agreement. Submission of financial and performance/progress reports may be required either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Submission of youth employment reports (if applicable) is required quarterly.
3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
a. Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements. By accepting additional Federal funding under the current Federal assistance, your organization agrees to abide by the applicable OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreement in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program. OMB guidance is available at the following web site: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=954b81d94bf127c6de3c76a3c99d8d9f&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2subtitleA.tpl
b. Administrative Requirements.
1) 2 CFR Part 200 Subparts A through D - Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost Principles.
2) 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F - Audit Requirements. Non-Federal entities that expend $750,000.00, or more, in federal awards in a single year 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, available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_default.
3) Indirect Facilities and Administration (F&A) Costs.
(a) 2 CFR Part 200.414 - Indirect (F&A) Costs
(b) 2 CFR, Appendix III to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)
(c) Appendix IV to Part 200 - Indirect (F&A) Costs Identification and Assignment, and Rate Determination for Nonprofit Organizations
(d) Appendix V to Part 200 - State/Local Government-wide Central Service Cost Allocation Plans
(1) The provisions of 2 CFR 200.414(c) require Federal agencies to accept federally negotiated indirect cost rates. The BLM has applied the following policies, procedures and general decision-making criteria for deviations from negotiated Indirect Cost Rates for financial assistance programs and agreements.
(2) Distribution Basis. For all deviations to the Federal negotiated indirect cost rate, including statutory, regulatory, programmatic, and voluntary, the basis of direct costs against which the indirect cost rate is applied must be:
(i) The same base identified in the recipient’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, if the recipient has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement; or
(ii) The Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) base in cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or, with prior approval of the Awarding Agency, when the recipient's federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages) and the use of the MTDC still results in an overall reduction in the total indirect cost recovered. MTDC is the base defined by 2 CFR 200.68, "Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)."
(iii) In cases where the recipient does not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, under no circumstances will the Department use a modified rate based upon Total Direct Cost or other base not identified in the federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement or defined within 2 CFR 200.68. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that the reduced rate is applied against a base that does not include any potentially distorting items (such as pass-through funds, subcontracts in excess of $25,000, and participant support costs) and is based on the requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.68; 2 CFR 200.414(f); 2 CFR 200 Appendix III, Section C.2.; 2 CFR 200 Appendix IV, Section B.3.f.; and Appendix VII, Section C.2.c.
(3) Indirect Cost Rate Reductions Used as Cost-Share. Instances where the recipient elects to use a rate lower than the federally negotiated indirect cost rate, and uses the balance of the unrecovered indirect costs to meet a cost-share or matching requirement required by the program and/or statute, are not considered a deviation from 2 CFR 200.414(c) as the federally negotiated indirect cost rate is being applied under the agreement in order to meet the terms and conditions of the award.
c. Program Legislation and/or Regulations.
4. Standard Award Terms and Conditions
a. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (contact your program officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):
| 1) | 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and System of Award Management |
| 2) | 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subawards and Executive Compensation |
| 3) | 2 CFR Part 175, Award Term for Trafficking in Persons |
| 4) | 2 CFR Part 180 & 2 CFR Part 1400, Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) |
| 4) | 2 CFR Part 182 & 2 CFR Part 1401, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance) |
| 5) | 43 CFR 18, New Restrictions on Lobbying: Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A, Certification Regarding Lobbying. |
| 6) | 41 USC §4712, Pilot Program for Enhancement of Recipient and Sub-recipient Employee Whistleblower Protection: This requirement applies to all awards issued after July 1, 2013 and shall be in effect until January 1, 2017. |
| 7) | 41 USC §6306, Prohibition on Members of Congress Making Contracts with Federal Government: No member of or delegate to the United States Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this award, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom; this provision shall not be construed to extend to an award made to a corporation for the public’s general benefit. |
| 8) | Executive Order 13513, Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving: Recipients are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving, including conducting initiatives of the type described in section 3(a) of the order. |
| 9) | Executive Order 13043 , Increase Seat Belt Use in the United States 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. |
| 10) | Executive Order 13658, Minimum Wage for Contractors, seeks to increase the efficiency and cost savings in the work performed by parties who contract with the Federal Government by increasing the hourly minimum wage paid by those contractors and any subcontractors. (see 79 CFR 9851). |
| 11) | Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI's reputation and ability to uphold the public's trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted to http://www.doi.gov, or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law. For more information go to URL: https://www.doi.gov/scientificintegrity. |
| 12) | Prohibition on Issuing Financial Assistance Awards to Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements |
| Section 743 of Division E, Title VII of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Resolution Appropriations Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available under that or any other Act for grants or cooperative agreements to an entity that requires employees or contractors of such entity seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information. |
Recipients must not require their employees or contractors seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.
Recipients must notify their employees or contractors that existing internal confidentiality agreements covered by this condition are no longer in effect
b. Payment Mechanism. Payment will be made by draw-down reimbursement through the Department of the Treasury, Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) System. See following website: http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap Treasury Circular 1075 (31 CFR 205) requires that draw-downs to a recipient organization shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed and shall be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient organization in carrying out the purposes of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs
c. Conflicts of Interest. Applicants must notify the BLM in writing of any actual or potential conflict of interest that are known at the time of application or that may arise during the life of this awards, in the event an award is made. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award an any other outside interest. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient and/or recipient's employees and sub-recipients in the matter. Applicants must notify the BLM in writing in their application if any key project personnel, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are known to be related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in or associated with the program to which you are applying for funding or who otherwise may be involved in the review and selection of the applicant. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award.
5. Special Award Terms and Conditions:
a. Liability, Insurance, and Indemnification. Recipients of awards arising from this announcement will be required to agree to the following:
1) Liability. 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 USC 2671.
G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
For questions, contact one of the individuals listed on the front cover of this announcement.
END
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
| BLM Funding Opportunity Announcement |
| No. L16AS##### |
| Project Title |
| Page 2 of 1 |
Rev 4-2016
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Financial Assistance (Cooperative Agreements)
PROJECT PROPOSAL
(Suggested Format)
Instructions: A Project Proposal must be submitted with the Standard Form (SF) 424 Application for Federal Assistance for all BLM Assistance Agreements. Complete each section below. Use additional sheets as needed.
Person Submitting Proposal:
Date:
Organization Name:
Agreement or Announcement No.:
Agreement or Announcement Title:
Estimated Period of Performance:
Proposed Project Location:
This work will occur on: ☐ Public Lands ☐ Private Lands ☐ Both Public & Private Lands
MISSION AND OBJECTIVES:
Describe your project objectives, goals, and how your mission relates to this announcement.
Describe why this support is being requested.
Describe how your objectives of the project support your mission.
TECHNICAL APPROACH:
Describe the details of the project, the procedures to be used, how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted, etc.
Describe expected goals and outcomes and how project effectiveness will be measured and evaluated. (Include a detailed project work plan narrative and a table such as below to summarize the project schedule.)
| Milestone / Task / Activity |
| Start Date |
| Completion Date |
DIRECT BENEFIT TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC:
(Describe how this project will impact the general public.)
QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE:
List key project personnel and responsibilities, along with their contact information.
Describe the time to be dedicated to the project, and how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to the success of the project.
List contractors, sub awards, consultants, if known, and their qualifications A list of federally funded assistance agreements (not contracts) that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than 5, and preferably BLM agreements), and describe how you documented and/or reported on whether you were making progress toward achieving the expected results (e.g., outputs and outcomes) under those agreements. Describe similar successful projects completed in the past and any unique qualifications your organization may possess.
LEVERAGING OF RESOURCES (Cost is not normally evaluated. However, is reviewed during the merit review and will be used as a tie breaker).
Demonstrate how you leverage funds or resources with other federal and/or non-federal sources of funds or resources to carry out the proposed project.
[Attachment B] [Attachment A]
Rev 3-2018
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Financial Assistance (Cooperative Agreements)
BUDGET DETAIL and NARRATIVE (Suggested Format) Instructions: Using the estimated amounts listed on your SF-424A Budget Information form, use this worksheet to provide details of those estimated costs. In the Justification Boxes, explain the purpose of each cost and provide sufficient detail so costs may be analyzed for reasonableness.
A cost share/non-federal match of 25% is required for this NOFO. This budget must demonstrate it meets the matching requirements. Provide sources of the match and provide adequate documentation for in-kind match. The match should provide the same level of detail as the federal share outlined in this guidance; therefore, it should be broken down by object class category (personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, other, indirect costs, etc.) The non-federal share is subject to the same regulations as the federal share. (See reference under “D. 3. b. 5. Required Indirect Cost Statement and Documentation” regarding cost sharing and indirect cost reate computation).
Agreement or Funding Opportunity No.:
Date:
Organization Name:
Project Title:
A) PERSONNEL COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6a.)
Provide the name of the person in each position (if known), and provide both the annual (for Multiyear awards) and total: salary/amount each position is paid; the percent of time position contributes to this award; and the number of months the employee is paid. State if any positions are vacant at the time, and if so, anticipated hire date. Also, provide a justification and description of each position (including vacant positions). Relate each position specifically to program objectives. Personnel cannot exceed 100% of their time on all active projects. Recipient should ensure the cost of living increase is built into the budget and justified.
The salaries of administrative and clerical staff should normally be treated as indirect (F&A) costs (2 CFR §200.413c). Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate only if all of the following conditions are met: (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 approved budget or have the prior written approval of the Grants Officer; and (4) The costs are not also recovered as indirect costs.
| Name & Title or Position Title |
| Salary or Wage |
| Months or Hours |
| Matching Funds |
(if applicable)
BLM
Funds
| Example: James Smith, Project Coordinator |
| $20,000.00/Mo. |
| 3 Mos. |
| $15,000.00 |
| $45,000.00 |
| A) | TOTAL PERSONNEL COSTS: |
| (SF-424A Object Class Category 6a. Personnel) | |
| $ | |
| $ |
Justification: EXAMPLE - Project Coordinator - [Name]: This position directs the overall operation of the project; responsible for overseeing the implementation of project activities, coordination with other agencies, development of materials, provision of in-service and training, conducting meetings and coordinating with agencies, designs and directs the gathering, tabulating and interpreting of required data, responsible for overall program evaluation and for staff performance evaluation; and is the responsible authority for ensuring necessary reports/documentation are submitted to NOFO. This position relates to all program objectives. John Doe will provide 10 months effort for a total of $xx each year for three years (total $xx).
B) FRINGE BENEFIT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6b.)
Fringe benefits are usually applicable to direct salaries and wages. Provide the fringe benefit rate used and a clear description of how the computation of fringe benefits was done. Provide both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total. If a fringe benefit rate is not used, show how the fringe benefits were computed for each position. The budget justification should be reflected in the budget description. Elements that comprise fringe benefits should be indicated. The fringe rate should be proportional among the federal and non-federal share categories. If a fringe rate is greater than 35%, a description and breakdown of the benefits must be provided unless a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) has been provided. If fringe benefits are not computed by using a percent of salaries, provide a breakdown of how the computation is done. The applicant should not combine the fringe benefit costs with direct salaries and wages in the personnel category.
| Name & Title/Position |
| Salary/Wage Base |
(BLM Amounts budgeted in Section A above)
| Fringe Benefit Rate (%) |
| Matching Funds |
(if applicable)
BLM
| Example: James Smith, Project Coordinator |
| $20,000.00 |
| 30% |
| $0.00 |
| $6,000.00 |
| B) | TOTAL FRINGE BENEFIT COSTS: |
| (SF-424A Object Class Category 6b. Fringe Benefits) | |
| $ | |
| $ |
Justification: EXAMPLE: The fringe benefit rate for full-time employees for years one and two is calculated at 33%. The fringe rate for the student is calculated at 7%. For years three and four, the fringe rate is anticipated to increase to 34% for employees and remain at 7% for graduate students.
If fringe rate is greater than 35%:
Project Coordinator - Salary [amount] Retirement 5% of $35,000 = [amount] FICA 7.65% of $35,000 = [amount] Insurance = [amount] Workman’s Compensation, etc. = [amount] Total [amount]
C) TRAVEL COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6c.)
Domestic travel includes travel within and between the U.S., the commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Island, and the territories and possessions of the United States. Provide a narrative justification describing the travel staff will perform. List origin and destination, number of trips planned, who will be making the trip, purpose of travel and how it relates to the scope of work, and approximate dates. If mileage is to be paid, provide number of miles and the cost per mile. If travel is by air, show cost of airfare and proposed airline (if known). If per diem/lodging is to be paid, indicate number of days and the amount for each day’s per diem and the number of nights and the amount for each night’s lodging. Include any ground transportation when applicable. Total each trip planned.
Dollars requested in the travel category should be for staff travel only. Travel for consultants should be shown in the consultant category along with the consultant’s fee. Travel for training participants, advisory committees, review panels and etc., should be itemized the same way as indicated above and placed in the “other” category. Travel should include: origin and destination, estimated costs and type of transportation, number of travelers, related lodging and per diem costs, brief description of the travel involved, its purpose, and explanation of how the proposed travel is necessary for successful completion of the project.
If travel details are unknown, then the basis for proposed costs should be explained (i.e., historical information). Travel costs can be charged on an actual basis, on a per diem or mileage basis in lieu of actual costs incurred, or a combination of the two if applied consistently and results in reasonable charges. Travel support for dependents of key project personnel may be requested only when the travel is for a duration of six months or more either by inclusion in the approved budget or with the prior written approval of the Grants Officer (2 CFR §200.474(c)(2)).http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.
Proposed Travel (Lodging & Per Diem)
| No. of People |
| No. of Days |
| Cost Per Person Per Day |
| Matching Funds |
(if applicable)
BLM
Funds
To:
From:
To:
To:
To:
| Example: | Portland, OR |
| Eugene, OR | |
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| $150.00/ |
Day
| $100.00 |
| $200.00 |
SUB-TOTAL, MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - The cost of reimbursement for estimated mileage traveled in recipient vehicles for agreement activities. Give details and the purpose of the travel in the Narrative Box. Current Federal mileage reimbursement rates may be found online at: www.GSA.gov. NOTE: Mileage reimbursement rates include all vehicle costs, i.e. fuel, insurance, maintenance, etc.
Proposed Travel (Mileage Reimbursement)
| No. of Miles |
| No. of Trips |
| Cost Per Mile |
| Matching Funds |
(if applicable)
BLM
Funds
To:
To:
To:
To:
| Example: | Portland, OR |
| Eugene, OR | |
| 110 Miles | |
| 2 | |
| $0.10/ |
Mile
| $0.00 |
| $22.00 |
SUB-TOTAL, OTHER TRAVEL COSTS - The costs of airfare, bus fare, car rental, etc., required for agreement activities. Explain the details and the purpose of the costs in the Narrative Box.
Proposed Other (Travel Reimbursement)
| Type |
| Cost |
| No. |
| Matching Funds |
(if applicable)
BLM
Funds
To:
To:
To:
| C) | TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS: |
| (SF-424A Object Class Category 6c. Travel) | |
| $ | |
| $ |
Justification: EXAMPLE - The Project Coordinator and the Education Specialist will travel to [event location] to provide training at the “Sage Grouse Workshop” being held [date]. They will both travel from [orgin] to [destination], and take ground transportation from the airport to the even/hotel.
D) EQUIPMENT COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment) Provide justification for the use of each item and relate them to specific program objectives. Provide both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for equipment. Equipment is defined as an article of tangible personal property that has a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes, or $5,000. A recipient organization may classify equipment at a lower dollar value but cannot classify it higher than $5,000. For example, a state may classify their equipment at $1,000 with a useful life of a year. It is recommended that internal policies for equipment are provided in this section in order to avoid requests by BLM for closeout documents and delays during the closeout period.
General use of equipment (i.e., computers, faxes, etc.) must be used 100% for the proposed project if charged directly to the agreement. Maintenance fees for equipment should be shown in the “other” category.
Provide a lease versus purchase analysis. This must accompany every equipment request over $5,000 even if a lease vs purchase analysis cannot be completed, a statement is required to that effect. General purpose equipment such as office equipment and furnishings, and information technology equipment and systems are typically not eligible for direct cost support (2 CFR §200.439).
Provide objective-related justification for all equipment items after the detailed budget. The source for determining the budget price for each unit of equipment should be included in the justification. Explain the need and purpose of the equipment in the Justification Box below.
| Equipment |
| Quantity |
| Cost per Unit |
| Matching Funds |
(if applicable)
BLM
| Example: John Deere Compact Tractor |
| 1 |
| $17,500.00 |
| $7,500.00 |
| $10,000.00 |
| D) | TOTAL EQUIPMENT COSTS: |
| (SF-424A Object Class Category 6d. Equipment) | |
| $ | |
| $ |
Justification: EXAMPLE - Equipment costs of [$ amount] is requested for modified gill nets (1x$20,000), anchors (2x$6,000), floating and acoustic transmitters and receivers (4x$10,000). The gill nets will be used for [description]. The anchors are needed for [description]. The transmitters and receivers will be used for [description].
E) SUPPLY COSTS (SF-424A Object Class Category 6e. Supplies) List by supply item. An explanation is necessary for supplies costing more than $5,000, or five percent of the award, whichever is greater. Show unit cost of each item, number needed, and total amount. Provide both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for supplies. Provide justification of the supply items and relate them to specific program objectives.
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
File details come from the government source that posted it.