M21AS00388 4-22-21.pdf

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M21AS00388

05/24/2021

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Anticipated Dates

B4. Period of Performance

B5. Numbers of Awards

B6. Type of Award

B7. Other Federal Information

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

D8. Application Checklist

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR - Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G2. Administrative/Budget Questions Program Office Contact

G3. Grants Staff Contact

G4. Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority Under the Use of Cooperative Agreements authority (43 U.S.C. §1457b), to enter into cooperative agreements with a state or political subdivision (including any agency thereof), or any not-for-profit organization if: (1) the agreement will serve a mutual interest of the parties to the agreement in carrying out the programs administered by BOEM; and (2) all parties will contribute resources to the accomplishment of these objectives.

Section 1346 of the OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development.OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, and formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is offering a cooperative agreement to complete studies on the movements of low trophic level feeding elasmobranchs, such as Rhincodon typus and Cetorhinus maximum, and the relationship with entanglement in Geophysical survey equipment and vessel strikes associated with the energy industry.

The purpose of this study is to understand how ecological and behavioral drivers impact risk of mortality to whale and basking sharks; an ongoing and active issue in the offshore energy industry. Specifically, this study aims to quantify the amount of time these large-bodied, low trophic elasmobranchs spend within core BOEM activity areas. To meet this objective, this study will collect new, and synthesize existing data on the spatial and behavioral ecology of these species in the vicinity of both renewable and non-renewable energy operations to determine risk in relation to habitat use.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode43/usc_sec_43_00001345----000-.html

Similar to marine mammals, lower-trophic-level-feeding, large-bodied sharks spend a significant amount of time at, or just below, the ocean’s surface. This behavior could lead to a higher risk of mortality due to spatial and temporal overlap with energy industry and mineral extraction operations (i.e., geophysical surveys), increased vessel traffic, and/or increased noise exposure levels. The risk of ship strikes or entanglement in geophysical gear may be considerable in waters where the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) permitted activities to occur. Unlike large whales, which float post-mortem, large sharks such as whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) are negatively buoyant and sink;

this likely leads to under-reporting of mortalities from vessel interactions. Information from this study focused on whale and basking sharks will better quantify the risk of entanglement and ship strikes associated with energy and mineral development. Further, results from this study could be applied to other lower-trophic-level-feeding, large-bodied fishes and be used in the preparation of BOEM environmental impact analyses.

Task 1: Development of a Project Management Plan:

A draft and final project management plan will be authored in collaboration with the BOEM principal investigator. A complete project management plan will include project title, award number date, revision history, project purpose, project scope, roles and responsibilities of the project team, deliverables list, team communication and status report process. This project management plan should include a draft communications plan to be coordinated with BOEM staff and available in a concise format.

Task 2: White Paper/Literature Review: Impacts to large-bodied low trophic feeding species as a result of activities associated with energy development.

This task should consist of a comprehensive literature review which includes summary information on species, geographic distribution, and other relevant information in which large-bodied, low trophic feeding megavertebrates have been impacted by activities that also may occur as a result of energy development activities. This may include issues such as entanglement in equipment that shares occurrences with these taxa, spatial and behavioral traits that may overlap with energy development activities, and any other aspect of energy development, production, and demolition phases that may interact with these species. The Recipient shall conduct a careful literature compilation of all relevant information on a subject area. The Recipient shall also provide an annotated bibliography detailing results from the literature search in an electronic format. Incorporated information shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Reference Type, Author(s), Primary Title, Journal Name, Cover Date, Publisher, International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), Subject, Start Page, End Page, Volume, Issue, Uniform Resource Locator (URL), Digital Object Identifier, Abstract, and Keywords.

Task 3: Describe Behavioral Ecology

Describe the behavioral/movement ecology of target species and their relationship with biological, chemical or physical oceanographic conditions in the vicinity of energy development activities, both renewable and nonrenewable energy. This should include description and visualization of fine-scale habitat use and behavior of this species as it relates to risk of interaction with energy program activities, such as service vessel routes. This should include conducting an analysis of vessel strike or entanglement risk for vessels associated with renewable and non-renewable energy development as well as any other potential issues associated with energy development. This should include a comprehensive analysis of existing whale and basking shark information. Data may be gathered from existing satellite tracks of focal species, opportunistic sightings, protected species observer data, and historical standardized surveys as well as other sources of information deemed appropriate from comparable regions.

Use available vessel data from automatic identification systems (AIS), publicly available databases, and/or extrapolations from vessel traffic patterns in non-mature energy regions to better understand how patterns change between phases of energy field exploration, construction, production, and demolition. Assess spatial and temporal overlap with shark aggregation areas.

Synthesize the above data to produce a matrix of risk to estimate the number, if any, of collisions and entanglements associated with energy which can be extrapolated to other lower-trophic-level-feeding large-bodied sharks which exhibit similar behavior.

Task 4: In partnership with BOEM, co-author a research paper that summarizes the state of information known for large-bodied low trophic feeding elasmobranchs as well as identifying opportunities, costs, and feasibility associated with mitigation opportunities to reduce the risk of spatial overlap with these large sharks.

Requirement for a Project Manager:

This study requires a project manager be tasked with ensuring the organizational and communications needs are met by an individual with specialized management expertise. The final staffing of this position must be approved by BOEM post-award.

Study Area: Implementation of this study may occur wherever these species and energy development, production, occurs or is planned to occur. This should be applicable but can happen anywhere in the range of these species.

Applicants are encouraged to develop innovative methods for addressing multiple priorities across BOEM programs.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.423 Authorization Legislation Cooperative Agreements authority (43 U.S.C. §1457b)

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 400,000 This Program Announcement describes the specific project that may be awarded to the Georgia Aquarium. This is not an open solicitation for proposals. The award is premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal.

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $ 400,000 Minimum Award Amount $ 290,000

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date July 01, 2021

B4. Period of Performance Length of Project Periods 24-month project period with two 12-month budget periods

Length of Project Period Explanation of Other Project Period l Expectation Duration in Months Because more than one year is required to complete this research project, a multi-year proposal is appropriate, and the applicant shall write the proposal accordingly. Proposals shall clearly define the work to be completed in each year, and the evaluation panel reserves the option to fund only the first year of a multi-year proposal. Funding for subsequent years of a multi-year cooperative agreement is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory progress demonstrated by the Awardee. Progress will be determined through technical review of quarterly progress reports and other work identified by the BOEM Project Officer. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall include a 15% retainage of the project’s total anticipated budget request. The BOEM Project Officer shall provide continuation notices at least 60 days prior to the end of each funding period.

B5. Numbers of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B6. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement The award will be a cooperative agreement. This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct.

B7. Other Federal Information Type of Competition Open to All Eligible Applicants

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility This project is intended to be a single source Cooperative Agreement with the Georgia Aquarium, a member of the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecological Study Unit (https://www.cesu.psu.edu). However, cooperative research (establishment of teams) is encouraged. The applicant may include subcontracts to non-profit organizations, private institutions of higher education, private companies or public and state controlled institutions of higher education within their proposal.

Contributions of matching funds towards these efforts, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, etc., or a combination of both) is strongly encouraged. Match cannot include value associated with collection costs for data/samples previously collected. Match value for instrumentation and other equipment should be adjusted to the period of use within the project relative to the full life cycle for the item. Further information can be located at 2 CFR

200.306. Federal entities as partners are allowed, however the tasks performed by the Federal partner and the associated budget must be presented separately by the Federal partner. Other non-federal organizations may be partners and their tasks and budgets should be included in the non-profit’s proposal.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing/Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

C3. Other Excluded Parties:

BOEM 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

D1. Address to Request Application Package The application must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal.

The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.423 or Announcement M21AS00388 in the Grants.gov search engine. See sections D3 and D7 for more information on the application process.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance The electronic submission System requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual proposal can be submitted. Go to grants.gov and click on "Applicants" for instructions.

Also please see Sections D3 and D7 below.

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance In addition to the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, applicants must submit the following:

SF-424a Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs SF-424b Assurances - Non-Construction Programs Project Narrative Budget Narrative with Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement Budget Worksheet Grants.gov Lobbying Form Complete SF-LLL only if lobbying has occurred.

These forms will be included in the Grants.gov announcement package.

Project Summary Mortality Risk to Whale and Basking Sharks from Energy Operations

Project Narrative The Project Narrative should include the Proposal Cover Sheet and Proposal Text

1. Proposal Cover Sheet

The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

a. Project Title:

b. PI(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

v. Email:

c. Name /Department of Organization:

d. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

e. Project Status: New/Continuation

f. Project Duration: (years or months)

g. Proposed Start Date:

h. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

i. Proposed Completion Date:

j. Amount Requested From BOEM:

k. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

l. Total Project Cost:

m. Signature, Name, and Contact Information of PI and Co-Investigator:

n. Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name, Contact Information of Sponsoring University Department Dean or Institute Director:

o. Signature, Name and Contact Information, Office of Sponsored Programs, Appropriate Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, etc.

2. Proposal Text:

The proposal must be in 12 point Times New Roman, Georgia, or similar font with 1” page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. The text should be no longer than 25 pages. Please include the following in the Proposal:

a. Abstract

● Video Abstract: A video abstract as an introduction to your proposal should be submitted as part of a complete application package. The video abstract is intended to introduce the technical program evaluation committee to your proposal in your own words, explaining, to a non-technical audience, how this proposal accomplishes BOEM's objectives. A video abstract is a chance to creatively convey how your team plans to tackle this problem. Please include a link to your video abstract in your abstract.

Video abstracts should:

● Format: .mov, .mpg, or .mp4

● Maximum file size: 200 MB

● Aspect ratio: 16:9, square pixels, deinterlaced (landscape format is best)

● Frame rate: 24, 25 or 30 or higher fps

● Frame type: 1080p (min)

1. 240 characters non-technical proposal summary

2. A graphical abstract: A single, pictorial/visual summary of the proposals main objectives/methods. This should capture the concept of the cooperative proposal in a single glance.

b. Background/Relevance to BOEM Issues, Information Needs, and Research Topics: Give a brief introduction to the research problem. State how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Explain why the work is important. Specify the contribution to science related to renewable energy issues, oil and gas development, or marine minerals production and the benefits that society will receive from the study. Proposals should describe why the research is important to offshore energy development issues. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

c. Objectives/Hypotheses: Clearly define the goals of the project.

d. Methods/Analyses: Provide a clear description of planned methodologies and analyses that will be undertaken.

e. Data Management, Data Security and Data Archiving Plan: Provide copies of data files with metadata to BOEM in a format that meets Federal data standards (e.g., current Federal Geographic Data Committee standards). Copies shall also be archived with the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), or other appropriate Federal Data Repository.

f. For studies involving field work, or as otherwise appropriate, applicants shall provide plans for Logistics, Safety Management, and necessary Permits/Interagency coordination/Local Coordination.

g. Project Management/Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including student workers) shall be identified by name where possible. List the non-profit’s Principal Investigator first, followed by the names of other individuals. A point of contact as a Project Manager must be included. Indicate the role (oceanographer, anthropologist, geochemist, field assistant, etc.) and anticipated level of effort for each participant in the project. If names of some participants are unknown at the time the proposal is first submitted, a proposal addendum with the names and vitae must be submitted prior to award. Project must have expertise in highest quality live animal capture and veterinary consultation.

h. Performance Measures: Applicants shall suggest specific measures that can be used to monitor project progress, including that of sub-awardees e.g., quality and timely deliverables, timely completion of fieldwork or other project components, draft peer-reviewed articles. These performance measures will be incorporated into the cooperative agreement award and reviewed as part of any continuation request.

i. Timeline (including deliverables): Provide for submission of the draft final report six months before project end date to ensure adequate time for review, revision, and publication.

j. Critical starting dates (e.g., for season-limited fieldwork): Identify any critical starting dates and the reason why project success is dependent upon that start date.

k. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: List product(s) (reports, analyses, maps, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered during the performance period. Quarterly, draft and final annual reports, and draft and final technical summaries are required. Images and data are also standard deliverables.

l. Publication and Presentation: BOEM strongly encourages the Recipients to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals, and present results to the scientific community, appropriate professional organizations, and local, State, and Federal agencies. In conjunction with the BOEM co-principal investigator as part of the project. These publications and meetings should be included in the proposal and budget. All publications should be evergreen open-source in perpetuity.

m. Bibliography: List all references cited in the text, as well as references that are relevant to the current proposal from your past work in the field.

n. Curricula Vitae (maximum 2 pages) for each identified participant. Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the proposal addresses.

o. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching funds grantors, contractors, and sub-grantees.

SF 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) 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.

Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the “DOI Standard Award Terms and Conditions”. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

Budget Narrative/Detailed Spreadsheet 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.

1. Budget Spreadsheet: Include information in a format that provides personnel, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, and indirect costs on an annual basis for both the requested BOEM funds and for the anticipated match funds. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined.

2. Budget Narrative: This information will provide more details than the SF-424a form and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Please include the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation, and estimates of time spent on the project for employees.

b. Fringe Benefits/Labor Overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement, if available.

c. Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

d. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317 (State Governments) or 2 CFR 200.318-327.

https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions

e. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. “Special-purpose equipment” means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317 (State Governments) or 2 CFR 200.318-327 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313. General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant’s operating funds.

f. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

g. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip.

Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

h. Publication Costs. Indicate an estimate of labor and other unique costs associated with preparation of the draft final report. If publication of results of the research in the peer-reviewed literature (identify likely publications) is anticipated, include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

i. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

j. Total Direct Charges. Sum of above items.

k. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant’s organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the applicant’s federal cognizant audit agency.

l. Amount Proposed. Sum of Total Direct Charges and Indirect Charges (Overhead).

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial 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. Please reference the Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act for additional details.

(a) Applicability.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1112&rgn=div8 https://www.doi.gov/pam/programs/acquisition/fair-activities-inventory-reform-act

(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.

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 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 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 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 on the “Packages” tab of 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 between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”.

If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application.

Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov.

There are third- party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com

Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Register on the SAM.gov website. “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM page also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Application Due Date 05/24/2021 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Not applicable.

Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC. If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs: Individuals Indirect Costs: Organizations Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted with Application All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Attached is a copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification.

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We have prepared and will retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation.

A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. 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.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

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]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date.

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we 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 [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in §2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we 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 de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [“Program Title”], which has a Department of the Interior-approve indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR) 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from [insert Bureau Here] to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that [Insert Bureau Here] approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we understand that the indirect costs are not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

Prohibited Uses of Awards Funds Reimbursement of Pre-Award Costs

D7. Other Submission Requirements Please be aware that the electronic submission process requires first time users to register using an e- Authentication process. This registration process can be somewhat complex and can take up to 3 weeks to complete. Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if you start just a few days before the due date. If you are from a university, contact your Office of Sponsored Programs. They may already have completed the registration process and should work with you to submit the application.

If you have any questions or problems with the registration process, or the completion of the application package, please contact the grants.gov help desk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

Briefly, when you submit a grant application package to Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation screen as well as three additional emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status: 1. Confirmation screen

2. Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link) 3. Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors) 4. Agency Retrieval

CONFIRMATION: Submission Confirmation Screen.

After you submit your grant application package, a confirmation screen will appear on your computer screen. This screen confirms that you have submitted an application to Grants.gov.

NOTIFICATION 1: Submission Receipt Email Within two business days after your application package has been received by the Grants.gov system, you will receive a submission receipt email which indicates that your submission has entered the Grants.gov system and is ready for validation. This email also contains a tracking number for use while tracking the status of the submission as well as a “Track My Application” link, to use to see the progress of your submission.

mailto:support@grants.gov

NOTIFICATION 2: Submission Validation Receipt Email – This is the important one!

After you receive the submission receipt email, the next email you will receive will be a message validating or rejecting your submitted application package with errors. The Grants.gov system is designed to check for technical errors within the submitted application package. Grants.gov does not review application content for award determination. Grants.gov will not post the application if there are errors. Failure to correct errors and submit by the date and time for closing may not be a reason for accepting a late application.

NOTIFICATION 3: Grantor Agency Retrieval Email Once your application package has passed validation it is delivered to the grantor for award determination and further approval. After the grantor has confirmed receipt of your application, you will be sent a third and final email from Grants.gov. The grantor may also assign your application package an agency specific tracking number for use within their internal system. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS E- MAIL

WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE

CONTRACTING OFFICER.

If you need help entering your proposal, you can reach the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1- 800- 518- 4726. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and they are closed on Federal Holidays.

During the application period an applicant may submit a revised or corrected proposal through grants.gov. Include a cover letter as the first page of the proposal stating that the proposal is revised and indicating that the previous submittal is to be withdrawn from consideration. See Section 11, Application Preparation Instructions, which describes requirements for the proposal and other application components.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and allow time for possible computer delays. Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission. A proposal received after the closing date and time will NOT be considered for award. If the BOEM determines that a proposal will not be considered for award due to lateness, the applicant will be notified immediately.

D8. Application Checklist SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance or Application for Federal Assistance-Individual

SF-424B or D, Assurances

Project Narrative

SF-424A or C, Budget Information

Budget Narrative

Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation (when applicable)

Conflict of Internet Disclose (when applicable)

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activites (when applicable)

Grants.gov Lobbying Form: Certification Regarding Lobbying Complete the optional SF-LLL Lobbying Form only if lobbying has occurred.

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process Proposals will be reviewed by BOEM scientists, program managers and may also include external peer review. Reviewers have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline of the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

Scientific Quality and Impact (25%) Are all elements – the tasks – outlined within the scope of work effectively understood and a description provided of how each element will be addressed? This includes tag attachment to large bodied, low trophic feeding elasmobranchs as well as access to veterinary expertise, specifically, in the safe handling for live capture and assessment of large elasmobranchs.

Is there a complete and precise, technically and scientifically sufficient description of the design and methodology for the required services?

Is there a clear statement of how each project deliverable will be accomplished, including major tasks that will lead to achieving the goal, the strategies to be employed, required staffing, and other required resources, tools or techniques?

If applicable, are logistics, safety, and permits/interagency coordination adequately addressed?

Organizational and Research Personnel Competency (30%) Does the proposed project staff possess the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to complete the tasks, including all of the elements listed within the project scope of work?

Does the applicant agency or institution have the organizational capacity to complete all deliverables?

Does the project team consist of experts in marine spatial planning and movement ecology?

Does the project team offer opportunities for underrepresented groups or partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities?

Does the project manager have the necessary expertise and experience to effectively manage the project?

Does the applicant offer professional development opportunities for adult learners?

Does the applicant have veterinary staff specialized in the treatment of large, low trophic feeding elasmobranchs?

Does the applicant have existing programs which involve partnerships with minority-serving institutions or increase the representation of underserved communities in science?

Does the partner specifically address climate change in the proposal?

Does the partner organization provide matching funds?

If consultants and/or partnerships are proposed, is there a reasonable justification for their inclusion in the project and a clear structure to ensure effective coordination?

Does the partner organization contribute a diverse array of international partners that leverage expertise from the energy industry in other regions outside the US?

Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to produce the results offered and according to the timeline proposed? Are the proposed project management and staffing plans realistic and sufficient to complete the project within the award period?

Budget Justification and Clarity (20%) Is staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals? Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses appropriate? Are expenses adequately itemized? Is the proposed budget realistic, does it provide sufficient cost detail/narrative, and does it represent good value relative to the anticipated results?