L21AS00318 Revised WY Youth Conservation.docx

Bureau of Land Management

WYSO - BLM Wyoming State Office

L21AS00318

04/19/2021

Table of Contents

A. Program Description This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity. It may be as long as needed to communicate to potential applicants the areas in which funding may be provided. It describes the Federal awarding agency's funding priorities or the technical or focus areas in which the Federal awarding agency intends to provide assistance. As appropriate, it may include any program history (e.g., whether this is a new program or a new or changed area of program emphasis). This section may communicate indicators of successful projects (e.g., if the program encourages collaborative efforts) and may include examples of projects that have been funded previously. This section also may include other information the Federal awarding agency deems necessary, and must include citations for authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity, at a minimum. Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

A1. Authority In the text box below, insert complete legislative authority citation(s) for the statute(s) that authorize the program to issue financial assistance awards for the purpose and activities described in this Funding Opportunity. The statutes listed here must also appear in the program’s SAM.gov Assistance Listing (CFDA) profile (currently at beta.SAM.gov). If your program has a new authorizing statute that does not appear in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing (CFDA) profile, please contact the Bureau’s CFDA Coordinator..

Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, Section 1721-1729, excluding Section 1725a Direct Hire Authority.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number Select the program's CFDA. Select muliple CFDAs, as applicable.

15.243

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements In the text box below, provide a full programmatic description of the funding opportunity. Describe program’s funding priorities or technical focus areas in which the program intends to provide assistance. As appropriate, include any relevant program history (e.g., whether this is a new program or a changed area of program emphasis). This section may communicate indicators of successful projects (e.g., if the program encourages collaborative efforts) and may include examples of projects that have been funded previously. All funding opportunities must specifically identify the Department of the Interior Secretarial Priorities addressed by the program or opportunity, and a brief description of how the program or opportunity meets each priority. The Department does not expect programs to meet all of the Department’s FA priorities; list only those clearly supported by the program or opportunity.

The Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices have collaborated with Qualified Youth and Conservation Corps, as authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act (PLC), to accomplish conservation projects for numerous years. This program’s projects provide employment for participants and opportunities to learn about and gain work experience in public lands and natural resources management while promoting long-term interest in public lands stewardship and the BLM. The BLM Youth Program assists the BLM with diversifying the workforce while exposing participants to the complex cultural and natural resource issues faced by National Conservation Lands managers.

The BLM Youth Program partners with qualified youth and conservation corps to engage individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 (inclusive) and veterans up to age 35 (inclusive) including tribal members. Young people are recruited from local communities to assist with conservation projects that protect and promote multiple-use on public lands.

Projects available under this funding announcement are developed in collaboration with the State Youth Program Lead and District/Field Offices and emphasize on-the-ground projects, training, and mentorship opportunities for participants. The BLM is committed to connecting youth, from diverse backgrounds, to natural and cultural resources on public lands through conservation service projects, recreational experiences, natural resource-based employment, and educational opportunities, including scientific studies. These projects create jobs that strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with youth conservation corps striving for balanced stewardship and use of public lands. Participants are mentored by BLM professionals, acquire new skills, and gain experience in natural and cultural resource management. Through their BLM experience, youth gain an appreciation for public lands, learn about conservation-related careers, and become the next generation of public lands stewards. In addition, the public gains improved access to sustainable recreation activities as well as hunting and wildlife-related recreation opportunities on BLM administered lands.

Projects developed within this funding opportunity support the following Secretarial orders and priorities:

· SO 3347 - Conservation Stewardship & Outdoor Recreation

· SO 3356 - Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting & Wildlife Conservation Opportunities & Coordination with States, Tribes & Territories

· SO 3362 - Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range & Migration Corridors

· SO 3366 – Increasing Recreational Opportunities on Lands and Water

· SO 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land Through Active Management.

Projects developed for this fiscal year are detailed in Section II. C. as noted below and include, but are not limited to, such things as:

· Enhancement of recreation opportunities through trail building, maintenance and restoration, and other improvements to visitor and recreation facilities (e.g. kiosks, campgrounds, signage etc.).

· Monitoring riparian area vegetation and hydrological functions, collecting soil and stream data, timber stand improvement projects for wildlife habitat and overall forest health.

· Habitat restoration and wildlife protection, including reduction of invasive species, tree planting, fence removal/installation, riparian area restoration, etc.

· Development and implementation of natural and cultural resource stewardship plans or educational and informational materials for visitors.

· Performance of studies such as resource inventories, historic or archival research, archaeological digs, oral histories, historic preservation, habitat surveys, etc.

· Preservation of cultural resources, including historic structures.

· Seed collection for restoration of lands affected by natural disasters such as catastrophic wildfires and landslides; as well as protection, conservation, and restoration of threatened, endangered, and special status species with the goal of preventing or de-listing of species.

· Reduction of wildfire risk to communities, watersheds, and other public land ecosystems.

· Production of materials and programs on natural, cultural, and/or paleontological resources, communication, education, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.

· Performance of in-house projects, such as science, policy, or program internships, with a clear benefit for natural or cultural resources. In-house projects to include a field component of at least 120 hours.

The focused projects may be organized as crews in which participants work collectively and intensely together under supervision of trained and experienced crew leaders or conservation professionals; or organized as individuals or small teams working on specific individual tasks requiring dedicated attention; or projects may be organized in both formats.

Regardless of the format, trained and experienced crew leaders or staff from partner organizations shall directly supervise participants. While BLM conservation professionals may provide project guidance and mentoring, they may not serve as direct supervisors.

While there is no maximum number of hours that a PLC participant may serve, an individual may not be assigned to the same PLC project for more than two years for part-time work, and no more than one year for full-time work.

Expected Program Outcomes:

Projects may vary in length, but none should last longer than three years. Projects may be located in different geographic locations on BLM administered lands. The overall project success shall be validated and tracked by the BLM project coordinator using various criteria such as:

· Expose young people to public service, furthering their understanding and appreciation of the nation’s natural and cultural resources, while implementing Secretarial Orders and priorities.

· Stimulate interest in conservation careers by working with BLM conservation professionals and providing qualified conservation projects that will allow corps members to be certified for two year noncompetitive hiring status upon completion of the projects and 640 hours.

· Promote job creation to strengthen America’s economy and foster relationships with organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

· Promote and stimulate public purposes by providing education, job training, development of responsible citizenship, and productive community involvement in the care and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

· Assist qualified conservation corps to enhance and maintain public lands and waters by engaging youth in conserving or developing natural and cultural resources.

· Engage young people within the local area or within the states to provide opportunities to stimulate interest in conservation activities.

Individual project awards will also identify outcomes specific to those particular projects.

The following program legislation authority, BLM Manuals, etc. may be applicable to your award project:

1. Designation of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, 16 USC, Section 460ddd. PL 101-628, Title II, Section 460ddd.

2. Endangered Species Act, 16 USC 1535

3. Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, 16 USC § 6805(a

4. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – BLM Handbook 1790-1

5. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470, as amended through December 19, 2014, as codified in Title 54 USC, Subtitle III, Division A, Subdivision 2 Chapter 3023 § 302304. Contracts and cooperative agreements, (b)

6. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470, as amended through December 19, 2014, as codified in Title 54 USC, subtitle III, Division A, Subdivision 2 Chapter 3027—Historic Preservation Programs and Authorities for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations

7. Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements, 16 USC § 1011 (b) This program continues to advance the Administration’s priorities to create a conservation stewardship legacy while generating revenue and utilizing our natural resources. BLM’s continued commitment to reduce and streamline its processes and procedures to serve its customers and the public better and faster across all its program areas. These reforms allow the Bureau to realign time and resources to completing important on–the-groundwork.

All proposed projects submitted under this funding opportunity must state a benefit to the public.

B. Federal Award Information This section provides sufficient information to help an applicant make an informed decision about whether to submit a proposal. Relevant information could include the total amount of funding that the Federal awarding agency expects to award through the announcement; the anticipated number of Federal awards; the expected amounts of individual Federal awards (which may be a range); the amount of funding per Federal award, on average, experienced in previous years; and the anticipated start dates and periods of performance for new Federal awards. This section also should address whether applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

This section also must indicate the type(s) of assistance instrument (e.g., grant, cooperative agreement) that may be awarded if applications are successful. If cooperative agreements may be awarded, this section either should describe the “substantial involvement” that the Federal awarding agency expects to have or should reference where the potential applicant can find that information (e.g., in the funding opportunity description in A. Program Description—Required or Federal award administration information in Section D. Application and Submission Information). If procurement contracts also may be awarded, this must be stated.

Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

B1. Total Funding The program may include the estimated total amount of funding to be award through this announcement.

Estimated Total Funding $ 33,000

B2. Expected Award Amount If the program has established maximum and/or minimum values for individual award amounts, enter those in the fields below. If either of these values does not apply, enter $0 in the corresponding field(s).

Maximum Award $ 11,000 Minimum Award $ 5,000

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates In the text field below enter information on the expected amounts of individual Federal awards (which may be a range); the amount of funding per Federal award, on average, experienced in previous years; and the anticipated start dates and periods of performance for new Federal awards. This section also should address whether applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

Use this language when you do not know specific funding amounts available in each district or field office. Do not list specific details of project or you will need to go through the SPI/ISD process to make determination whether project is contract or FA.

Example: X District Office has estimated 2020 funding in the amount of $#,###,###.## for up to ## agreements.

Use this language when you know funding available per district/field office.

The following estimated fiscal year 2020 funding and potential number of awards per District/Field Office are as follows:.

[Name] Field Office $##,###.## up to five (5) projects BLM POC Name, telephone, email NOTE: BLM (state) is encouraging other proposal submissions in support of the objectives and outcomes of this funding opportunity in the case additional funding becomes available.

You may attach a map of your office boundaries.

Anticipated Start Date:

Projects funded through this NOFO will start once funding is secured and awards issued. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO).

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and five years and are determined based on the period of performance as stated on the project proposal.

Projects cannot be funded for more than a five-year period.

Below are individual awards and amounts listed by District or Field Office for FY2021.

Casper Field Office, POC: Katy Kuhnel (Estimated $11,000 available in F2021) This is an ongoing project each summer with an estimated time frame of up to 4 months. Estimated miles of route to maintain or improve over the 3-year agreement is a total of 21 miles; estimated 7-miles per year.

Activity: Maintenance and improvement of trails including but not limited to:

Trimming brush and vegetation;

Improve drainage and surface water control using water bars, grade dips, ponding, back slope and fill slope techniques;

Removal of roots, stumps, and rock from the trail tread.

Fix tread creep, and slough and berm work;

Placing rocks for steps, reinforcing trail sidewalls with cribbing;

Sign and marker installation;

Delineating parking areas and trailheads with local, natural materials.

Work area(s): Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area, North Platte River Special Recreation Management Area/Trapper's Route

Cody Field Office, POC: Rick Tryder (Estimated $11k available in F2021) This is an ongoing project each summer with an estimated time frame of up to 4 months. Estimated miles of route to maintain or improve over the 3-year agreement is a total of 15 miles; estimated 3-miles per year.

Activity: Maintenance and improvement of trails including but not limited to:

Trimming brush and vegetation;

Improve drainage and surface water control using water bars, grade dips, ponding, back slope and fill slope techniques;

Removal of roots, stumps, and rock from the trail tread.

Fix tread creep, and slough and berm work;

Placing rocks for steps, reinforcing trail sidewalls with cribbing;

Sign and marker installation;

Delineating parking areas and trailheads with local, natural materials.

Work area(s): Sheep Mountain Trail, Five Springs Falls Area, Hogan and Luce Recreation Area

Newcastle Field Office, POC: Rachel Woita (Estimated $11k available in F2021) This is an ongoing project each summer with an estimated time frame of up to 4 months. Estimated miles of route to maintain or improve over the 3-year agreement is a total of 12 miles; estimated 4-miles per year.

Activity: Maintenance and improvement of trails including but not limited to:

Trimming brush and vegetation;

Improve drainage and surface water control using water bars, grade dips, ponding, back slope and fill slope techniques;

Removal of roots, stumps, and rock from the trail tread.

Fix tread creep, and slough and berm work;

Placing rocks for steps, reinforcing trail sidewalls with cribbing;

Sign and marker installation;

Delineating parking areas and trailheads with local, natural materials.

Work area(s): Stateline Special Recreation Management Area Projects funded through this NOFO will start once funding is secured and awards issued. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO).

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and three years and are determined based on the period of performance as stated on the project proposal.

B4. Number of Awards In the text field below enter information on the anticipated number of Federal awards.

Anticipated Number of Awards The actual number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds. Awards will be based out of district or field offices where the project occur.

B5. Type of Award Select the Type of Award below by choosing the appropriate assistance instrument from the drop-down list. If the program is authorized to issue grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts, select the value that displays the appropriate instrument

(s) .

If you are awarding cooperative agreements, you must also enter text in the following text field to describe the substantial involvement the BLM expects to have in the performance of the agreement, or reference where the potential applicant can find that information elsewhere in this document (e.g., in section I. Program Description above).

Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement Award cannot be finalized, until awardee completes their enrollment in the Department of the Treasury, ASAP System. See following website: http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap.

If your organization is not enrolled in ASAP, contact the GMO in Section G2. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts of this funding opportunity.

The recipient should expect Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement may include, but not be limited to, such things as:

· Joint collaboration between the BLM and recipient in carrying out management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed work.

· Training of recipient personnel.

· Review and approval by the BLM of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage.

· Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award.

· Participation in selecting recipient project staff.

· Directing or redirecting of recipient work by the BLM because of relationships to other projects.

· Ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives; and

· Close monitoring and/or operational involvement in the proposed work.

B6. Additional Funding Information Funding for projects is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds. Evaluation of proposals is based on the criterion in this NOFO. 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 competitive NOFO is not a guarantee of future funding. When or if additional funding becomes available, BLM reserves the right to issue additional awards under this NOFO through the next fiscal year. These awards will not require further competition. Any additional selections will be made in accordance with the terms of this NOFO and BLM policy. Only Grants Management Officers can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

C. Eligibility Information This section addresses the considerations or factors that determine applicant or application eligibility. This includes the eligibility of particular types of applicant organizations, any factors affecting the eligibility of the principal investigator or project director, and any criteria that make particular projects ineligible. Federal agencies should make clear whether an applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of an application deadline will result in the Federal awarding agency returning the application without review or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude the Federal awarding agency from making a Federal award. Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

C1. Eligible Applicants Identify the types of entities that are eligible to apply by selecting the checkbox for the type of entity. Multiple checkboxes may be selected. If there are no restrictions on eligibility, you may simply indicate that all potential applicants are eligible. In the text box below the checkbox selection indicate if there are restrictions on eligibility. It is important to be clear about the specific types of entities that are eligible, not just the types that are ineligible. For example, if the program is limited to nonprofit organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)), the announcement should say so. Similarly, it is better to state explicitly that Native American tribal organizations are eligible than to assume that they can unambiguously infer that from a statement that nonprofit organizations may apply. Programs may also express eligibility by exception (e.g., open to all types of domestic applicants other than individuals). In the textbox specifically reference any documentation applicants must submit to support an eligibility determination (e.g., if the program limits eligibility to only non-profits with a specific IRS status, state in the field below that proof of 501(c)(3) status as determined by the Internal Revenue Service or an authorizing tribal resolution is required). To the extent that any program funding restriction could affect the eligibility of an applicant or project, the announcement must either restate that restriction in the textbox in this section or provide a cross-reference to its description as it appears elsewhere in this template.

If checkbox 25-Others is selected you must complete the text box, Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification.

Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Additional Information on Eligibility Explanation required if “Others” is selected.

Must insert the following statement unless new legislation allows for these types of entities to apply. “Individuals and For-Profit Organizations are not ineligible to apply for awards under this NOFO”.

Use this language for all NOFOs, except for CFDA15.243 & 15.234 or specifically states in legislative authority. “This program NOFO does not support entities hiring interns or crews. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, 16 USC, Chapter 37, Subchapter II-Public Lands Corps, is the only legislative authority that allows BLM to “hire” interns. Therefore, eligible Youth Conservation Corps may only apply for projects developed under NOFO 15.243 – BLM Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands”.

Explanation required if “Others” is selected.

This opportunity is open to any qualified youth conservation corps established by a state or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a qualified nonprofit organization interested in working cooperatively with the BLM to develop and administer multiple-use conservation projects. Conservation projects must focus on providing employment, education, and public-service opportunities for U.S. citizens and legal residents (between ages 16 and 30 inclusive and veterans up to age 35 inclusive) recruited from local and surrounding communities to assist with projects on public lands.

No other entities are eligible to respond. All responding non-profit entities must provide a copy of their Section 501(c) (3) status determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service.

The term "qualified youth or conservation corps" means any program established by a state or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a nonprofit organization that:

· Is capable of offering meaningful, fulltime, productive work for individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and veterans up to age 35 in a natural or cultural resource setting;

· Provides participants a mix of work experience, basic and life skills, education, training, and support BLM’s mission; and

· Provides participants opportunities to develop life skills and work ethics through their work on BLM lands that transfer to their community and the United States.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Select the appropriate value from the list to indicate if recipient cost sharing or matching is required. If the program has a cost sharing or match requirement, you must also enter a complete description of the cost sharing or matching requirement in the following text field. Required cost sharing may be a certain percentage or amount or may be in the form of contributions of specified items or activities (e.g., provision of equipment). It is important to be clear about any restrictions on the types of cost (e.g., in-kind contributions) that are acceptable as cost sharing or match. Cost sharing as an eligibility criterion includes requirements based in statute or regulation as described, in 2 CFR §200.306 or those imposed by administrative decision of the funding bureau or office. Include specific reference to the appropriate section(s) of this announcement stating any pre-award requirements for submission of letters or other documentation to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirements if a Federal award is made. Programs without a required cost sharing or matching requirement may enter clarifications regarding voluntary committed cost sharing or other related information in the following text field, as applicable Required language for CFDA 15.243 “The cost sharing or matching required from the recipient under this agreement will be 25% of the total project funding. The BLM shall not pay more than 75% of the cost of any appropriate conservation project carried out on public lands by a qualified youth or conservation corps under the Public Lands Corps authority.

The matching 25% of costs must be from non-federal sources and can be in the form of funds, donations, services, facilities, materials, equipment, and/or any combination of the above.

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Yes Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching The cost sharing or matching required from the recipient under this agreement will be 25% of the total project funding. The BLM shall not pay more than 75% of the cost of any appropriate conservation project carried out on public lands by a qualified youth or conservation corps under the Public Lands Corps authority.

The matching 25% of costs must be from non-federal sources and can be in the form of funds, donations, services, facilities, materials, equipment, and/or any combination of the above.

Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost-share/match.

C3. Other In the text box below, insert a description of any other criteria that have the effect of making an application or project ineligible for Federal awards, as applicable. If there are other eligibility criteria (i.e., criteria that have the effect of making an application or project ineligible for Federal awards, whether referred to as “responsiveness” criteria, “go-no go” criteria, “threshold” criteria, or in other ways), clearly state those in the following text field. Include reference(s) to the regulation of requirement that describes the restriction, as applicable. State any limit on the number of applications an applicant may submit under the announcement and make clear whether the limitation is on the submitting organization, individual investigator/program director, or both. Specify any eligibility criteria for beneficiaries or for program participants other than Federal award recipients.

General program criteria for working with the BLM under this NOFO

· Your organization’s work serves young people between the ages of 16-30 and veterans up to age 35.

· Your organization must engage participants who are U.S. citizens, national, or lawful permanent resident aliens of the United States, meeting the same citizenship requirements as those for serving in AmeriCorps (http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps) and Public Lands Corps (http://www.corpsnetwork.org/public-lands-service-corps-act).

· Your organization should demonstrate participant recruitment to traditionally underserved communities, including low-income and disadvantaged populations where the project resigns or within the state.

· Your organization’s programs can be either: a) individual or small-team based where participants work individually or in coordinated teams under the direction of conservation professionals on initiatives that require specific skills and dedicated attention or b) crew-based where participants work collectively together directly supervised by trained and experienced crew leaders or conservation professionals. Crew and team leaders must fully understand the appropriate and necessary safety regulations for projects to which they are assigned, when BLM requests a crew or a team.

· Your organization must support projects that involve significant outdoor activity and hands-on work that help young people gain meaningful work related to natural and cultural resource management. Some programs may include work that is in-house that have a clear connection to the BLM’s mission, but will have a 120-hour minimum of on the ground fieldwork.

· Your organization’s programs must provide participants with job skill development; community skill development to help participants acquire an ethic of service to others; and help instill a deeper understanding of, and connection to, the natural or cultural environment.

· Provide safe and reasonable round-trip transportation for participants to and from BLM project sites at the beginning and end of their assignment. For participants living within commuting distance of their duty station, reimbursement for travel expenses.

· Provide crew-based participants with food, camping equipment, and all educational, first aid, recreational and general training, and supplies required as appropriate to the assignment.

· Conduct on-site project evaluations in coordination with BLM to assess project progress and make sure participants are receiving the expected experience.

· Manage and carry out all administrative functions associated with projects funded under this program, including maintaining all administrative records required for operation and management of the youth program participants.

· Certify that standard background screenings and eligibility reviews are conducted on all participants.

· Obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian for all individuals under 18 years of age before they begin an assignment.

· Provide workers compensation coverage for all participants, including staff crew and team leads.

· Maintain general liability insurance for all participants, staff and program activities of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage, subject to the usual and customary policy conditions, including standard exclusion on vehicles licensed for highway use and on property in the care, custody and control of the policyholder. In the event one or more awards are made, provide the BLM a Certificate of such Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, with BLM named as an additional insured party, as evidence of this required insurance coverage. The certificate shall identify the name and address of the BLM, as well as the insured, the policy number, and a brief description of services to be performed. Should any of the policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice will be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions.

Ineligible Activities and Program Restrictions

· Please note that none of these projects or participants will qualify under Section 1725 Resource Assistant (a) Direct Hire Authority.

· Individual participants may not be assigned to a project more than a two year period maximum for part-time and no more than a year full time.

· Participants are not allowed to sign a BLM volunteer services agreement form.

· BLM rules regarding physical security and personnel security apply to all participants while on BLM property and/or while conducting work on behalf of the BLM.

· Participants and partner organization staff shall only operate mechanized equipment when provided all necessary safety training and only with on-site oversight by the BLM.

· Participants under the age of 18 shall not be allowed to operate any motorized vehicle. Participants and partner organization staff over the age of 18 may be allowed to drive a vehicle owned, rented, leased or loaned by the BLM only when:

1. The vehicle is used with written permission from the BLM’s field manager and only for official agency use;

2. The driver is properly licensed and qualified to operate the vehicle, and all such vehicle use, maintenance, training and operation is in compliance with H-1112-1 Chapter 15, Safety and Health Management Handbook, Motor Vehicle Safety; H-1112-2 Chapter 14, Safety and Health for Field Operations, Motor Vehicle and Equipment Safety and all other applicable policies for usage of BLM motor vehicles;

3. The driver has completed a defensive driving course within the last three years;

4. Before fieldwork requiring the use of a motorized vehicle begins, the BLM site coordinator provides written documentation that all of the above criteria have been met to the partner organization contact. Such documentation may be provided electronically; and

5. Both the driver and the vehicle will be covered by insurance policy maintained by the partner organization covering the use of such vehicle.

Excluded Parties: BLM conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Bureau cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

D. Application and Submission Information This section informs potential applicants how to get application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply. Enter program specific text in the sub-headers of this section.

D1. Address to Request Application Package In the following text field, specify if applicants must go elsewhere to complete all documentation requirements, such as an Internet address where additional materials are available. Applicants should also be able to request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this announcement.

Example language: “This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting (insert GMO contact information)”.

This NOFO includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting Leona B. Parker, lparker@blm.gov

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

DO NOT MERGE INDIVIDUAL DOCUMENTS INTO A SINGLE PDF FILE

1. Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box, and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

2. SF-424(A or C), Budget Information Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form. Complete either the SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. BLM does not normally fund construction projects, so contact the BLM program expert prior to submitting your project. All required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. Please note: Show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this Federal program appears on the first page of this Funding Opportunity.

3. SF 424(B & D), Assurances NOTE: In accordance with Office of Management and Budget Memo, M-18-24, dated September 5, 2018, these forms are optional through January 1, 2020. At this time, your assurances statements will be maintained in your SAM registrations.

4. Project Proposal (Suggested format, Attachment A Project Proposal template may be used when submitting your proposal.) The project proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a typeface 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).

Application narrative requirements may include:

· Project title

· Statement of need

· Goals and objectives

· Public and program interest of the BLM

· Activities

· Methods

· Timetable or milestones

· Information to support environmental compliance review requirements. (NOTE: Projects under wildlife management, the native plant program, threatened and endangered species habitat conservation - the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973)

· Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement

· Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, including how you will measure project performance and assessment tools to be used

· Information on key project personnel

· Anticipated future funding needs

· Details and supporting documentation on the project location

· Other program or project-specific narrative requirements All proposals are confidential.

5. Budget Detail and Narrative (Attachment B- Suggested Format) Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see BLM’s 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.

Budget items must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the supported activity. Refer to 2 CFR §200, for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles.

If your proposal period of performance is for multi-year or multiple year funding, you must provide a budget and budget justification for the full amount of the project. Show each year in a separate column on the SF-424A and use a separate column for listing any matching funds. Applicants must 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.

NOTE: Budget Detail and Narrative form (Attachment B) is a suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs, by category, needed to accomplish project activities. If you elect to use a different format, all information requested on Attachment B must be included. Estimated costs must be documented in sufficient detail to determine reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed. Additionally, for multi-year budgets, please describe in your budget detail justification any items to be purchased or expended that may be specific to a particular year of the proposed project.

Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detailed breakdown of how the cost were determined. Profit or fees are not allowable.

Authors may need to provide additional applicant instructions if multiple SF 424 forms are included in the application kit for different applicant types. Instructions should be entered in the program specific language in this section to require the appropriate SF 424 type required to be submitted by applicant type.

*A separate application must be submitted for each project listed in this NOFO your organization is interested in applying for.

NOTE: Prior to submitting an application, please contact the program expert at the BLM office in the district or field office where the work will take place to discuss your proposal (s) to ensure you understand the project, how many crews or interns are needed, so you can develop an adequate budget.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per theFinancial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

(a) Applicability.

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

(b) Notification.

(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients.

(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR part 180).

Single Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities”form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non- appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap…