M22AS00289 Full announcement.docx

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M22AS00289

Contents

A. Program Description

A1. Authority

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) at 43 USC 1346 mandates the conduct of environmental studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the marine environment which may be affected by existing and future offshore energy development. 43 USC § 1345 authorizes BOEM to enter into cooperative agreements with States affected by energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf for purposed including the joint utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint planning and review, and the formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf operations.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

1. PURPOSE

The passage of the 2005 Energy Policy Act has increased interest in renewable energy development on the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and BOEM has already received five unsolicited applications to install floating wind turbines: two offshore Washington, one offshore Oregon, and one each offshore northern and central California. The overarching challenge with the development of new industries or technologies is trying to anticipate their effects on the environment. The purpose of this study is to collate and analyze existing telemetry data gathered from protected cetacean species along the U.S. West Coast and Hawai’i to better understand how these species use their ocean habitat. This type of analysis is crucial in supporting more accurate assessment of potential impacts of oil and gas decommissioning activities and offshore wind energy development, as well as providing insight into potential mitigative strategies.

2. BACKGROUND

BOEM has funded, and is currently funding, efforts to collect seasonal data on the occurrence and distribution of cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) species (BOEM 2021a; 2021b; 2020a; 2020b; 2017; 2014a; 2014b; 1999; 1983), as well as ambient soundscape data (BOEM 2021a), within the California Current Ecosystem. These efforts provide an important baseline and large-scale context for BOEM’s assessment of potential impacts to marine protected species. However, to make this information even more valuable, it is critically important to gain finer-scale, high-quality information at sufficient spatial resolution (nominal grids of 10-25 km depending on application) on whale movements, home ranges, residency times, seasonal shifts, hot spots of aggregation, and dive behaviors and relate these metrics to environmental variables such as sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentrations, and seafloor depth and slope (ideally over multiple concurrent years). These data would provide a 3-D look into how cetacean species use their habitat. The importance of these data, presented as spatially and temporally explicit layers, cannot be overstated when considering offshore floating wind energy development and the identification of potential mitigative strategies to minimize any potential impacts to these species as a result of these activities, as well as the timing of future conventional energy decommissioning activities, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

This information will feed directly into BOEM’s environmental assessments and decision documents and will help BOEM identify species of concern, as well as topics for future studies related to potential offshore floating wind energy impacts on marine mammal species along the U.S. West Coast and Hawai’i.

Oregon State University (OSU), the proposed Recipient of this cooperative agreement, has been collecting telemetry data for four species of baleen whales along the U.S. West Coast and Hawai’i for the past 30 years. Additionally, in the last 3-4 years, advanced satellite tags have enabled the collection of dive behavior data. Cascadia Research Collective (CRC), Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research (MarEcoTel), and the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific also have telemetry data in these areas. These data need to be collated, integrated, analyzed, and interpreted to be available to inform management decisions.

3. STUDY OBJECTIVES

The overall goal of this cooperative agreement is to integrate and interpret existing cetacean telemetry data to:

1. inform BOEM decisions related to the potential impacts to cetacean species in the Pacific from decommissioning and offshore renewable energy development activities;

2. identify opportunities for future research and inform future predictive modeling efforts;

3. provide scientific and stakeholder communities access to integrated data products.

4. STATEMENT OF WORK

The various streams of cetacean telemetry data held by OSU, CRC, MarEcoTel, and NIWC will be assessed for their quality and potential to improve our understanding of how these species use their ocean habitat. Prioritized subsets of these data will be collated, integrated, and analyzed to generate derived data products that will inform BOEM decisions regarding impacts to marine mammal species as a result of BOEM-permitted conventional energy decommissioning and offshore wind energy development activities in waters inshore and offshore California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawai’i. An 18-month project timeframe, commencing on the date of award, is anticipated to cost $300,000 to accomplish the objectives listed above and the tasks described below. This amount includes preparing a research design, logistics, communications, administration, project management, data collation, integration, and analysis, as well as report writing and the submission of one or more peer-reviewed journal articles, all of which are the responsibility of the Recipient.

5. TASKS

Task 1: Inventory of existing telemetry data on a regional scale The Recipient will collate existing pertinent information to summarize tag deployments by species and location, including tag types, programming duty cycles and sampling resolutions, sensors, seasonality and/or time periods, and other pertinent information from data contributors who have data from cetacean species that occur in the waters offshore California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawai’i. These summaries will be organized in an accessible Excel format and will provide the basis for an objective characterization and assessment of the quality and potential of the data to contribute to the generation of integrated data products, as well as to identify potential data gaps/research needs that could be addressed in future efforts.

Task 2: Data integration and product development The Recipient will integrate and analyze prioritized subsets of the collated data using state-of-the-art analytical methods to derive metrics such as residence time, home range, seasonal shifts, and aggregations. Using scientific computing and visualization packages such as R, Python, and GIS, these metrics will be related to environmental variables (e.g., sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentrations, and seafloor depth and slope) to produce temporally and spatially explicit raster and feature class layers (shapefiles) in a GIS-compatible format. Data integrity validation will be undertaken using accepted QA/QC protocols.

Task 3: Develop a summary The Recipient will develop a table and accompanying text to describe the biases and limitations of available data, and will develop recommendations about next steps, including future monitoring and mitigation actions. Future phases of the project could iteratively revisit this table as more data become available.

Task 4: Prepare a draft and final report The Recipient will prepare a final report that describes how the analysis was undertaken and summarizes the findings. The final report will include a description of the biases and limitations of available data and recommendations in terms of next steps, including future monitoring and mitigation actions.

Task 5: Prepare a peer-reviewed journal article In collaboration with the BOEM Project Officer (PO) and ESP Representative (ESPR), the Recipient will co-author a research paper which summarizes the study findings and recommendations. The paper shall be submitted to a journal which delivers content that is open access in perpetuity.

See attached mini Statement of Work for deliverables schedule, additional requirements, and details.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.423

Authorization Legislation Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act at 43 USC § 1345(e)

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act at 43 USC § 1345(e) authorizes BOEM to enter into cooperative agreements with States affected by energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf for purposed including the joint utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permitting procedures, joint planning and review, and the formation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to Outer Continental Shelf operations.

A3. Technical Assistance and Information for Prospective Applicants N/A

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $300,000 The total amount of federal funds available is anticipated to be $300,000.

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $300,000 Minimum Award Amount $200,000

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date August 31, 2022

B4. Period of Performance Length of Project Periods 18-month project period and budget period

Project Period Expected Duration in Months

If the proposed work is such that more than one year is required to complete the research, then 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 and publication.

BOEM will perform the following:

1. Work closely with the Recipient, to provide oversight of the project.

2. Coordinate with Recipient and key personnel to identify appropriate datasets for this work.

3. Provide real time direction or re-direction on data analysis, early results, and technical difficulties.

4. Provide feedback on data synthesis approach and prepared manuscripts.

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

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility This Program Announcement describes the specific projects that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals. This project is intended to be a single source Cooperative Agreement with Oregon State University. This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the project “PC-22-04 Tag You’re It! Habitat Use of Whales of the U.S. West Coast and Hawai‘i”.

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 from the institution must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal at “Apply for Grants.” The applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.423 or Announcement M22AS00289 in the Grants.gov search engine.

The electronic submission system requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual proposal can be submitted (go to www.grants.gov and click on “Applicants” on top menu bar, go to “Apply for Grants”, Register as an Organization or Register as an individual). See Sections D3 and D7 below.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance In addition to the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance applicants must submit the following. These forms will be with the Grants.gov announcement package.

1. SF-424a Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

2. SF-424b Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

3. Project Narrative

4. Budget Narrative with Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

5. Budget Worksheet

6. Grants.gov Lobbying Form

7. Complete SF-LLL only if lobbying has occurred.

Project Summary Tag You’re It! Habitat Use of Whales of the U.S. West Coast and Hawai’i (National Studies List (NSL) # PC-22-04)

Scientific Integrity Scientific integrity is vital to DOI activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI’s reputation and ability to uphold the public’s trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted to http://www.doi.gov/ScientificIntegrity, or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law.

Project Narrative Proposal Cover sheet: The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

1. Project Title:

2. PI(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

iv. Fax:

v. E-mail:

3. Name of University/Department:

4. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

5. Project Status: New/Continuation

6. Project Duration: (years or months)

7. Proposed Start Date:

8. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

9. Proposed Completion Date:

10. Amount Requested From BOEM:

11. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

12. Total Project Cost:

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

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

15. Signature, Name and Contact Information of Sponsoring University’s Office of Sponsored Programs

Proposal Text: The proposal must be in 11–12 point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1"-page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Text, figures, etc. in support of items 1-10 below should be no longer than 15 pages.

Please include the following in the Proposal:

1. Abstract

2. 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 understanding habitat use of whales offshore the U.S. West Coast and Hawai'i and the benefits that society will receive from the study.

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

4. Methods/Analyses: Provide a clear description of planned research methodologies and analyses.

5. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: Applicants shall provide plans for executing the project tasks listed in Section A and the attached mini-Statement of Work (mini SOW), including a rough timeline for these deliverables (see Deliverables Table in the mini SOW).

6. Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers) shall be identified by name. List the University PI first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role and anticipated level of effort for each key participant offering unique or specific contributions to the project (oceanographer, geochemist, field assistant, etc.). If names of any key participants are unknown, a proposal addendum with the names and curricula vitae must be submitted prior to award.

7. Performance Measures: Applicants shall suggest specific measures that will be used to monitor project progress, including progress 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 in the cooperative agreement award and reviewed as part of any continuation request.

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

9. Publication and Presentation: BOEM strongly encourages the Awardees to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals, and present results to the scientific community, appropriate professional organizations, and local, State, and/or Federal agencies as part of the project. These publications and meetings should be included in the proposal and budget.

10. 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.

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

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

13. University Budget Spreadsheet: In addition to SF-424a Budget Information form below, include information in a format which 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.

14. Budget Justification Narrative: See below.

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.

The link for the DOI Standard Terms and Conditions is www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions.

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.

Budget Justification 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:

1. Salaries and Wages. List positions, rate of compensation and estimated number of hours. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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. General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant’s operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Awardee. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier Awardee. 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.

6. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-Awardees 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.

7. 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. Applicants are encouraged to include in the proposal a plan to present findings at one to two major meetings (see above Proposal Text item 9).

8. 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.

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

10. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items 1–9.

11. 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.

12. Amount Proposed. Total items 10 and 11.

13. Multi-year Projects. The Applicant shall provide summary information as well as a detailed budget for each year. Funds requested for the final year of performance shall comprise a minimum of 15% of the project’s total anticipated budget. [If applicable.]

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.

(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 200.339, 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.

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 regard 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 regard 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 regard 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. Applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaces the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made 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 the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s).

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “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. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 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 made to the entity’s IRS information. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Application Due Date 08/09/2022 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 2:00 PM Pacific Time (5:00 p.m., Eastern Time ), on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review 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: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award.

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 200.1]. We understand that we must notify BOEM 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 §200.1. We understand that we must notify BOEM 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 BOEM.

· 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 §200.1 “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.

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.

You will also receive three emails over two business days from Grants.gov informing you of your application processing status: (1) Submission Receipt (with “Track My Application” link) (2) Submission Validation (or Rejection with Errors) and (3) Agency Retrieval.

Email 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.

Email 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.

Email 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

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 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 Interest Disclose (when applicable) SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (when applicable) Grants.gov Lobbying Form

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria. (Maximum Points 100.)

a. Scientific Quality and Impact (30%): Quality and clarity of hypotheses and relevance to BOEM mission.

b. Work Plan/Methodology (30%): Is the strategy clear? Are the scientific objectives appropriate for proposed time frame? Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate? Are the methods and instruments selected for research appropriate? Does the proposal address contingency plans for missed field work, equipment failure, and other problems?

c. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results (10%): Are the products clearly defined? Will they be useful for understanding the impacts of offshore wind planning and development in the Pacific and Hawai'i? Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form?

d. Budget Justification and Clarity (10%): Are the requested staff and resources sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals? Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses appropriate? Are expenses adequately itemized?

e. Experience/Competence of Research Personnel (20%): Have the applicants demonstrated (through bibliographic references, relevant education, experience, awards, etc.) that they are capable of doing the proposed research? Have the applicants demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the scientific problem? Have products been on schedule and within budget?

E2. Review and Selection Process The proposal will be reviewed by BOEM scientists and program managers, and possibly external peer reviewers. Reviewers have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline to review the proposal.

E3. CFR - Regulatory Information BOEM will review and consider applications for funding in accordance with the following policy documents:

· President’s September 2, 2020, memorandum entitled Memorandum on Reviewing Funding to State and Local Government Recipients of Federal Funds that Are Permitting Anarchy, Violence, and Destruction in American Cities.

· Executive Order on Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence (E.O. 13933); and

· Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200), as updated in the Federal Register’s 85 FR 49506 on August 13, 2020, particularly on:

· Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.205),

· Prohibiting the purchase of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment in alignment with section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Pub. L. No. 115—232) (2 CFR part 200.216),

· Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty (E.O. 13798) and Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities (E.O. 13864) (parts 200.300, 200.303, 200.339, and 200.341),

· Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322), and

· Terminating agreements in whole or in part to the greatest extent authorized by law if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200.340).

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates Applications are due by 2:00 PM Pacific Time (5:00 PM Eastern Time) on 08/09/2022. Award is anticipated by September 17, 2022.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by BOEM are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the Notice of Award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. Recipient acceptance of a Federal award from BOEM carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with all terms and conditions applicable to the award. Recipients indicate their acceptance of the Federal award by starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

The BOEM uses the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) cooperative agreement payment system, managed by the United States Department of the Treasury, to provide electronic invoicing and payment for funds under this award. With the award of each cooperative agreement, an account will be set up from which the Recipient can draw down funds. Recipients must be enrolled in ASAP and their ASAP account linked to BOEM before an award can be issued.

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards. The “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” can be found at https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance.

Award Administration Information: The Awardee is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the cooperative agreements and sub-awards to ensure compliance with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and policies. The Awardee is also responsible for meeting the performance goals identified in the Proposal Text.

Data Availability Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315: (a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.