M22AS00361 Full Announcement.docx

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

BOEM - Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance

M22AS00361

08/09/2022

Table of Contents

H1. Geospatial Data…………………………………………………………………………...21

A. Program Description

A1. Authority The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) 43 USC 1346 mandates that BOEM conduct 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.

Under the Use of Cooperative Agreements authority (43 U.S.C. § 1457b), BOEM is authorized 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.

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements PURPOSE: The purpose of this award is to assist Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) scientists assess the ecological condition of the seafloor near oil and gas platforms in Federal (Outer Continental Shelf or OCS) waters of the Santa Barbara Channel offshore southern California. Through this Cooperative Agreement, scientists will utilize tools developed by SCCWRP to examine the seafloor adjacent to OCS oil and gas platforms. Information collected about seafloor disturbance and conditions will inform and benefit public decisions and development of State programs and policies related to OCS platform operations and decommissioning planning.

BACKGROUND: The use of sediment quality surveys over the last 30 years at hundreds of statistically representative locations throughout the Southern California Bight has provided a regional reference condition of contaminated and non-contaminated sediments to examine impacts from onshore discharges to the ocean and discharges from offshore operations. A regional reference condition captures the full range of natural variability, enables a more robust analysis, and prevents potential false-positive findings from a single site comparison. To assess impacts from multiple sources and to improve capacity for regional assessments, SCCWRP facilitates a regional seafloor effort every five years to sample fishes, invertebrates, and sediments. Local, state, and Federal agencies partner through SCCWRP to sample over 350 locations in southern California, from estuaries to beyond the continental slope (Gillett et al. 2017). A regional reference condition termed “Benthic Response Index” is used regularly for inner- and mid-shelf impact studies out to 200 m. As a pilot effort and part of the previous monitoring effort (BIGHT’18), soft-sediment samples were taken 0.25-3 km from four platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel. The pilot design was successful and should be repeated at more platforms, with results indicating a lower toxicity response yet overall good condition relative to regional sampling (Gillett et al. 2020). This pilot also revealed there is missing and incorrect mapping of the structures and habitats surrounding some of the platforms. These errors need to be corrected at some platforms with remote sensing and video data resampled to verify the seafloor habitat near the platforms.

Prior work (Gillett et al. 2019) analyzed 20 years of samples in depths from 200 to 500 m depicting three distinct biogeographic communities in the Santa Barbara Channel that separate generally by depth. As a result, infaunal communities’ response to impacts are different depending on their depth, and existing indices are likely not applicable to depths greater than 400 m (Gillett et al. 2021). Distinct climate-related shifts to the oceanography in this region also may impact assessment approaches (Bograd et al. 2008, 2019). The methodologies for assessing bottom disturbance impacts in outer shelf (200–400 m) and upper slope (>400 m) environments need to be advanced among regional regulators and scientists to develop a common understanding and evaluate potential approaches.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The overall objective of this study is to determine the ecological condition of the seafloor near platforms in Federal (OCS) waters of the Santa Barbara Channel offshore southern California. Specific objectives include:

1. Sample the range of habitats near platforms for infaunal communities of soft sediment and bioaccumulation potential of hard-bottom habitat.

2. Determine the best way to evaluate outer shelf and upper slope impacts with an approach that is systematic and regional (200–500 m).

3. Determine the ability to incorporate older datasets into the analyses.

4. Utilize remote sensing data to determine seafloor habitats near platforms.

5. Display data products in the West Coast Ocean Data Portal.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: This study will take approximately three years to accomplish. The interdisciplinary team will be comprised of biologists, chemists, and mapping specialists, as well as additional staff to complete the fieldwork, sample processing, data entry, and vouchering. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) estimates $300,000 will be available for this project. This effort will gather and assess the feasibility of and need for incorporating and standardizing historic samples and collecting new ground truth samples to verify the accuracy of hard bottom and structures and to determine temporal trends.

KEY TASKS

Possible tasks may include, but are not limited to:

1. Taxonomic and chemical data will be collected in soft sediments by multiple state agencies in the summer of 2023. Statistical analyses will include processed data for organismal, physical, toxicology (including PAHs), and location data in the depth regions of platforms in Federal waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Analyses will utilize multivariate statistical testing and correlations among biological, physical, and chemical parameters to test for similarities and differences among infauna samples.

2. There will be a focus on GIS and visual deliverables. Public display will be created to highlight all results in coordination with the West Coast Ocean Data Portal, existing SCCWRP data-sharing efforts, and other local portal efforts.

3. Prior to the regional sampling in 2023 (Bight ‘23), effort is needed to develop an assessment approach for impacts to the outer shelf and slope depths from 200 to 1,200 m. Multiple options will be presented to regulators and scientists working in upper slope depths (~400–1,200 m) to develop a common understanding and evaluate potential approaches.

4. The study will build on previous studies’ efforts to characterize the seafloor near Federal offshore platforms (Gillet et al. 2019).

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: This project is being proposed as a Cooperative Agreement between SCCWRP and BOEM.

Performance Plan: Recipient will perform the following:

1. At a minimum, all described tasks.

2. Inform the BOEM Project Officer (PO) immediately of problems or delays as they begin to develop.

3. Ensure adequate data collection and analysis.

4. Ensure that data used are housed appropriately and available to the public.

5. Ensure Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata (https://www.fgdc.gov/resources/download-geospatial-standards), ensuring that future users will be able to understand where, when, and how the data were collected and processed.

6. Acknowledge Federal sponsorship in the draft and final reports by placing the following statement on the Disclaimer page of both reports:

“Study collaboration and funding were provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program, Washington, DC under Agreement Number XXXXX.” The agreement number will be determined and designated at time of award.

BOEM will perform the following:

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

2. Participate in fieldwork by providing critical support for safety and project oversight.

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

4. Perform some data synthesis and writing for journal publication(s) of study results.

5. Provide oversight and funding.

Performance Measures: At the end of the study, the PO will assess performance of the program by answering the following questions:

a. Did the study address the objectives as cited in the cooperative agreement?

b. Were the results obtained from the study useful to BOEM information needs?

c. Were the study results useful to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses?

d. Did the study results identify new resources or issues relevant to BOEM’s mission?

e. Were study results obtained within the time frame for intended use?

f. Did the study produce peer-reviewed products or use a scientific review board to validate study conclusions?

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

See Attached Final Mini-Statement of Work for more information.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.423 Authorization Legislation Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act at 43 USC § 1346

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

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $300,000

This Program Announcement describes the specific project that may be awarded to the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP). This is not an open solicitation for proposals. The award premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This announcement is specifically to announce the intent to undertake the following project: "Seafloor Condition OCS Monitoring: BIGHT’23." The total amount of federal funds available for this multi-year award is anticipated to be $300,000 subject to the availability of funds. BOEM anticipates making one cooperative agreement award in FY 2021 for one proposal submitted under this Program Announcement.

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award Amount $300,000 Minimum Award Amount $250,000

B3. Anticipated Dates Award Start Date August 23, 2022

B4. Period of Performance Length of Project Periods 36-month project period with three 12-month budget periods Project Period Expectation Duration in Months

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 Recipient. Progress will be determined through technical review of quarterly progress reports and other work identified by the BOEM Project Officer.

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 (see Eligibility Information below). 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 SCCWRP, to provide oversight of the project.

2. Participate in fieldwork by providing critical support for safety and project oversight.

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

4. Perform some data synthesis and writing for journal publication(s) of study results.

5. Provide oversight and funding.

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 study is a single source Cooperative Agreement between BOEM and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) under 43 USC 1346 and 43 USC 1457b. The State of California, through SCCWRP, has made significant investments to assess cumulative impacts from multiple sources and to improve capacity for regional assessments. SCCWRP is uniquely qualified to perform this research because they are the sole entity in southern California responsible for coastal water management.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing/Matching Requirement Yes Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement:

10%

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 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 M22AS00361 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 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.

· 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.

Project Summary Seafloor Condition OCS Monitoring: Bight'23 (National Studies List (NSL) # PC-22-02)

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:

iv. E-mail:

c. Name of State Agency or University/Department:

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 State or University PI and Co-Investigator:

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

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

2. 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 a-j below should be no longer than 15 pages. Please include the following in the Proposal:

a. Abstract

b. Background/Relevance to BOEM Issues, Information Needs, and Research Topics: Give a brief introduction to the research proposed. Specify the contribution to science related to the program issues and the benefits that the public will receive from the project. Explain why the work is important and how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

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

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

e. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: Applicants shall provide plans for executing the project tasks listed in the attached Statement of Work, including a rough timeline for these deliverables.

f. Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers) shall be identified by name. List the Principal Investigator 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.

g. 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.

h. 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.

i. 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.

j. 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.

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

l. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching fund 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 if applicable. 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. Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. 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.

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.

(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: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other 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. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Application Due Date 08/09/2022 Application Due Date Explanation N/A

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 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] 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 the Service.

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

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.

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)

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria 20 % weight for each criteria to add up to 100%

1. Scientific Quality and Impact:

Is the science of good quality and clear and concise? Are the hypotheses clear? Is it of relevance to the State of California and BOEM mission? Is the approach proven or will the project use a unique approach? If so, is the approach well thought out?

2. Work Plan/Methodology:

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?

3. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results:

Are the products clearly defined? Will they be useful for environmental stewardship and offshore oil and gas management activities? Will sample collections and databases be properly archived and accessible to the public? Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form?

4. Budget Justification and Clarity:

Is staff sufficient to accomplish the proposed goals? Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses appropriate? Are expenses adequately itemized?

5. Experience/Competence of Research Personnel:

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?

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 of 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 p.m. Pacific Time on 8/09/2022 (5:00 Eastern Time). BOEM anticipates that the award will be made in FY 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.

Method of Payment: The BOEM uses the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) financial assistance payment system, management 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 registered in the ASAP system and must be linked to BOEM's Agency Location Code prior to award in order to make the funds available. Once an award decision has been made, if your organization has not received a financial assistance award from BOEM in the past, the Financial Assistance/Contracting Officer will initiate the process in ASAP for your organization. The Financial Assistance/Contracting Officer will need the name of your organization's ASAP contact in order to do this and will contact you for your ASAP contact information.

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 link to the DOI Standard Terms and Conditions is https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard- terms-and-conditions. Please contact the Federal Awarding Agency Contact in Section G1 below for information on the applicability of these terms and conditions.

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. (b) The Federal Government has the right to: (1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and (2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

F3. Reporting

a. Financial Reports All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

b. Performance Reports Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final performance report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

c. Significant Development Reports Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Bureau in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify BOEM in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

d. Real Property Reports Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period. The Bureau will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, as applicable.

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