N62473-24-2-0008 NOFO 24APR24.pdf

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Funding Agency: Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW)

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

Funding Opportunity Number: N62473-24-2-0008

Assistance Listing Number: 12.300

Program Authority: 16 U.S.C. 670c-1 Sikes Act

Issue Date: 25 April 2024 Application Due Date: 28 May 2024

Contents of Full Text Announcement I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information III. Eligibility Information IV. Application and Submission Information V. Application Review Information

I. Funding Opportunity Description Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island (SCI) is designated as an Area of Special Biological Significance and under Executive Order 13158, all Areas of Special Biological Significance were deemed National Marine Protected Areas. The Marine Life Protection Act Amendments of 2004 required the effectiveness of all National Marine Protected Areas, California State Marine Protected Areas, and Areas of Special Biological Significance to be reevaluated to design new Marine Protected Areas that together function as a statewide network.

The 1999 and 2004 amendments of the Marine Life Protection Act (Chapter 10.5 of the California Fish and Game Code, §2850-2863) directed the state to reevaluate and redesign California’s system of Marine Protected Areas and requires monitoring of those Marine Protected Areas. All of the Channel Islands, including SCI, were considered for designation of Marine Protected Areas.

In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) established permanent safety zones (Federal Register Vol.

75, No. 97) off the shore of SCI in order to conduct training essential to successfully accomplishing U.S. Navy missions relating to military operations and national security. The safety zones are intended to protect the public from hazardous, live-fire, and testing operations, and to ensure operations proceed as scheduled. With the establishment of safety zones, the Navy withdrew such areas from unrestricted public use in favor of utilizing these areas for military training.

To achieve compliance with the SCI Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), Executive Order 13158, and to avoid designation of a state Marine Protected Area, the SCI INRMP boundary was extended to align with the safety zone boundaries established by USCG.

As agreed with the State and the INRMP, these safety zones act as defacto Marine Protected Areas and are monitored similarly to the South Coast Marine Protected Areas. In 2012/2013, baseline Remotely Operated Vehicle surveys and bathymetric mapping efforts were conducted at SCI to support safety zone monitoring.

The work under this proposed Cooperative Agreement will build on the baseline 2012/2013 Remotely Operated Vehicle surveys and 2019/2020 continued long-term monitoring efforts to continue to evaluate changes to fishes and invertebrates inside and outside no-take safety zones.

The objective of this project is to continue long-term monitoring of fishes and invertebrates in order to evaluate the ecological changes within the SCI safety zones with a focus on evaluating differences between the no-take safety zones and those that are open to fishing consistent with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Protected Area Monitoring Action Plan (California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Ocean Protection Council, 2018;

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Management/Monitoring/Action-Plan).

Brief Description of the Anticipated Work:

This Cooperative Agreement includes three Base Tasks. The first base task is to conduct subtidal, imagery-based habitat surveys for fishes and selected invertebrates based on species observed in 2024/2025. The second base task is to conduct spatial analyses (including, but not limited to, habitat suitability models) on the fish and invertebrate data combined with existing bathymetric maps of the seafloor. The third base task is to develop a preliminary report with a summary of the surveys. The specific requirements for each Base Task are described below.

1. Survey Subtidal Habitat for Demersal Fishes and Invertebrates:

The Recipient shall conduct imagery-based subtidal surveys for fishes and selected invertebrates with protocols approved by the Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative (CATR).

Surveys shall focus on, but are not limited to, species identified in the 2012 – 2015 and 2019/2020 Remotely Operated Vehicle surveys and to the best extent practicable sample at previously surveyed sites.

The Recipient shall be responsible for scheduling and coordinating field activities such as surveying with the CATR, and other necessary island personnel. The Recipient shall be responsible for providing information necessary to obtain security passes for all personnel and vehicles requiring access to the Navy installations at least one month prior to surveys. The Recipient shall submit the information necessary to obtain the security passes at least one month in advance of initial access. The CATR will assist in obtaining the security passes.

2. Conduct Comprehensive Spatial Analyses of Patterns in the Distribution of Demersal Fishes and Invertebrates:

The Recipient shall conduct comprehensive spatial analyses of imagery-derived data, combined with habitat classification maps of the subtidal environment. Analyses shall be conducted using the current best practices and the appropriate software for such analyses.

3. Draft and Final Technical Report:

The draft and final preliminary report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Pacific Fleet Representative and Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation; 3) Table of contents; 4) Abstract or Executive Summary; 5) Introduction; 6) Methods; 7) Results; 8) Discussion; 9) Conclusions (to include synthesis with previous work and recommendations for future study); 10) Legible copies of the field notes, data forms and other information.

Please see enclosure 1 for full scope of work and enclosure 2 for applicable terms and conditions.

Estimated Total Funding: $76,983.00 Estimated Number of Awards: (1)

Item Anticipated Funding Base Period (24 Months) $76,983.00 Total Potential Value $76,983.00

Contact Information: Questions relating to Grants.gov including the registration process and system requirements should be directed to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726. For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact Grants Officer, Kevin Magennis, kevin.e.magennis.civ@us.navy.mil.

Instructions to Applicants:

The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement shall be submitted by the application due date. Applications may be submitted electronically via email or through Grants.gov.

Applicants shall have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number, registration with the System of Award Management (SAM), and registration with Grants.gov, if submitting application through Grants.gov.

See Section IV of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

II. Award Information This Funding Opportunity Announcement is for a competed, multiyear cooperative agreement.

The period of performance is 18 months from the date of award with a base period of 18 months.

Item Period of Performance Base Period 18 months from date of award

Significant Dates and Times

Event Date Time * Full Applications Due May 28, 2024** 2:00 PM

Notification of Selection for Award June 7, 2024** 4:00 PM

Start Date of Cooperative Agreement June 8, 2024 ** 8:00 AM

**Dates subject to change

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants Any Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Californian cooperative partner who qualifies under the DoDGARS Part 34 or 2 CFR 200 is eligible to apply. Please see applicable terms and conditions, provided as a separate attachment.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing [ ] is or [ x ] is not required.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package Application packages can be obtained electronically at Grants.gov as detailed below or by contacting the individual listed in Section VII Agency Contact(s).

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select "Apply for Grants", and then select "Download Grant Application Package”. Enter the funding opportunity number (N62473-24-2-0008).

NOTE: You will not be able to download the Application Package unless you have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe Reader is available for free to download from the Download Software page http://grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission Applicants shall submit applications electronically. The applicant shall complete the mandatory and applicable forms by accessing the forms as noted in noted in IV, 1 “Address to Request Application Package”.

Content and Form of Application

FORM: SF 424 (R&R)

Completion of SF-424 Fields First. The Adobe Reader forms are designed to fill in common required fields such as the applicant name and address, UEI number, etc., on all Adobe Reader forms. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first.

Once it is completed the information will transfer to the other forms. You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms (e.g., SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) unless otherwise specified in this announcement.

FORM: RESEARCH & RELATED SENIOR/KEY PERSONNEL (EXPANDED)

Complete all the required fields in accordance with the pop-up instructions on the form.

Biographical Sketch: Attach resume(s) of key personnel. The Applicant shall provide type written resumes, not to exceed 3 pages, single spaced with 12pt font for the project manager(s) and field assistants proposed for this project. Resumes must state qualifications, experience with this type of project, professional registration and certificates. See Section V. Application Review Information for detailed information required per resume and minimum qualifications required.

FORM: RESEARCH AND RELATED BUDGET

Complete the Research and Related Budget form in accordance with the instructions on the form.

You must provide a detailed cost breakdown of all costs, by cost category, by the funding periods described below, and by task/sub-task corresponding to the task number in the proposed Statement of Objectives. Options (if applicable) must be separately priced. The form will generate a cumulative budget for the total project period. You must complete all the mandatory information on the form before the NEXT PERIOD button is activated. You may request funds http://grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp under any of the categories listed as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work and meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles. The budget should adhere to the following guidelines:

The budget should be driven by program requirements. Elements of the budget should include:

Direct Labor - Individual labor category or person, with associated labor hours and unburdened direct labor rates.

Indirect Costs - Fringe benefits, overhead, G&A, COM, etc. (must show base amount and rate).

Travel - Number of trips, destination, duration, etc., all travel must be substantiated and explained.

Subcontract/subaward - A cost proposal as detailed as the applicant's cost proposal will be required to be submitted by the subcontractor. If applicable, include in Research & Related Subaward Budget Attachment Form.

Consultant - Provide consultant agreement or other document that verifies the proposed loaded daily/hourly rate. Include a description of the nature of and the need for any consultant's participation. Strong justification must be provided, and consultants are to be used only under exceptional circumstances where no equivalent expertise can be found at a participating university. Provide budget justification.

Materials - Specifically itemized with costs or estimated costs. An explanation of any estimating factors, including their derivation and application, shall be provided. Include a brief description of the applicant's procurement method to be used (competition, engineering estimate, market survey, etc.).

Other Direct Costs - Particularly any proposed items of equipment or facilities.

Equipment and facilities generally must be furnished by the contractor/Applicant (justifications must be provided when Government funding for such items is sought).

Include a brief description of the applicant's procurement method to be used (competition, engineering estimate, market survey, etc.).

Budget Justification: Provide the required supporting information for the cost elements as shown above (see Research & Related Budget instructions) and listed as follows: indirect cost, travel, consultant, materials, and other direct costs. Provide any other information you wish to submit to justify your budget request.

FORM: SF-LLL DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

If applicable, complete SF- LLL. Applicability: If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the grant/cooperative agreement, you must complete and submit Standard Form - LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying.”

3. Submission Dates and Times

Timeline for Review:

We request that submissions be submitted by May 28, 2024 2:00 PM PDT. This opportunity will remain until an investigator team is selected. Submissions received after May 28, 2024 2:00 PM PDT will be deemed “late” and may or may not be considered. Please submit requests for information/questions no later than May 22, 2024 2:00 PM PDT.

For applications submitted through Grants.gov and handling of late applications:

After an application is submitted through Grants.gov, the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) will receive a series of three e-mails. It is extremely important that the AOR watch for and save each of the e-mails. You will know that your application has reached NAVFAC SW when the AOR receives e-mail Number 3. You will need the Submission Receipt Number (e-mail Number 1) to track a submission. The three e-mails are:

Number 1 – The applicant will receive a confirmation page upon completing the submission to Grants.gov. This confirmation page is a record of the time and date stamp for the submission.

Number 2 – The applicant will receive an e-mail indicating that the application has been validated by Grants.gov within a few hours of submission. (This means that all of the required fields have been completed.)

Number 3 – The third notice is an acknowledgment of receipt in e-mail form from the designated agency within ten days from the application due date. For applications the e-mail is sent to the authorized representative for the institution. The e-mail for applications notes that the application has been received and provides the assigned tracking number. Hard copy submissions will receive only e-mail number 3.

Late Applications may be accepted.

4. Funding Restrictions Reimbursement of pre-award cost will [ ] or will not [ x ] be allowed.

5. Other Submission Requirements Applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (see note 1 below) or direct email to: Kevin Magennis kevin.e.magennis.civ@us.navy.mil

NOTE 1 - Registration Requirements for Grants.gov: There are several one-time actions an organization must complete in order to submit an application through Grants.gov (e.g., obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number, register with the credential provider, and register with Grants.gov). See http://grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp to begin this process. Applicants, who are not registered with Grants.gov, should allow at least 21 days to complete these requirements. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible.

Customer Support: Questions relating to the registration process, system requirements, how an application form works, or the submittal process must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800-518- 4726 or support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, to address Grants.gov technology issues.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission it is best to call the customer support desk and get a case number. The case number will assist the NAVFAC SW with tracking your issue and provide background information on the issue.

VERY IMPORTANT – Download Adobe Acrobat Reader: Adobe Reader is available for free to download from the Download Software page http://grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp .

V. Application Review Information http://grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp mailto:support@grants.gov http://grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp

All requirements listed are minimum requirements. Information provided must be recent (within last seven (7) years) and relevant. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to adhere to the listed requirements, follow directions, comply with restrictions and provide quality control on their submittals. All page limits refer to 12 point font and single spaced one-sided pages.

Factor 1 - Credentials of Key Personnel

A. Principal Investigator: The Recipient shall designate one person as responsible for ensuring that provisions are in place, project and personnel supervision are provided, quality control and meeting of reporting requirements are met on a daily basis. This person shall have, at the minimum:

i. A PhD in marine science or related discipline.

ii. Experience and knowledge of subtidal continental shelf ecosystems on the U.S. west coast in relation to evaluating abundance, density and spatial patterns of demersal marine fishes and invertebrates as demonstrated by at least 10 years of previous work or research experience.

B. Research Associate: The Recipient shall designate one or more people as responsible for assisting the principal investigator. The person(s) shall have, or have immediate access to personnel that have, at the minimum:

i. A Master’s degree in marine science or related discipline.

ii. At least 5 years of experience with image-based surveys on the continental shelf of the U.S.

west coast.

C. Research Assistants: The Recipient shall designate people as participants in the field imagery collection and lab-based analyses and report preparation. The person(s) shall have, or have immediate access to personnel that have, at the minimum:

i. A Bachelor’s degree in marine science or related discipline (or be in currently enrolled in such a program).

Factor 2 – Scientific Approach

Not to exceed 3 pages, the Offeror shall develop an outline for their approach to addressing the anticipated work stated above. The Offeror shall be evaluated as to the soundness of the overall approach and use of any innovative techniques to accomplish project objectives.

Factor 3 - Reasonableness of Cost

After technical evaluation of the proposal, the offers will be analyzed for fair and reasonable pricing. The proposal will be analyzed to determine whether its pricing is materially/mathematically balanced, and is fair and reasonable. The Offeror shall use OMB Circular A-21 “Cost Principles for Institutions of Higher Education,”, 48 CFR part 31 “Contract Cost Principles and Procedures,” or 2 CFR 200 Subpart F “Audit Requirements” as applicable.

Evaluations will include an analysis to determine the Offeror’s comprehension of the requirements of the solicitation as well as to assess the validity of the Offeror’s approach. A clear cost breakdown of work elements to be accomplished detailing quantities for the various work items, unit, unit prices and extended prices will be required and will be evaluated. Evaluation will include an analysis to determine the Offeror’s comprehension of the requirements of the proposed agreement as well as to assess the validity of the Offeror’s approach. Please be sure to provide a proposal for the optional years as listed within the statement of work. Please submit proposed budget form for each of the option years on separate research and related budget forms.

Please provide your proposed budget on the provided pdf titled, “Research and Related Budget” form*(Enclosure 5).

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATION FACTORS – All factors are of equal importance.

2. Review and Selection Process Every deviation from the statement of objectives requirement must be identified. Proposer must identify the paragraph in the statement of objectives that is applicable and provide sufficient information to justify why the deviation is in the best interest of the government.

All requirements listed are minimum requirements. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to adhere to the listed requirements, completeness of responses, follow directions, comply with restrictions and provide quality control on their submittals. All page limits refer to 12 point font and single spaced one-sided pages.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices The notice of award addressed to the successful applicant and signed by the Grants Officer (or equivalent) will be forwarded via electronic transmission. Original copies of the Agreement will be enclosed for the successful applicant’s signature and return for the Grants Officer’s counter signature.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements The Terms and Conditions are posted as a separate document.

3. Reporting Reports/submittal information including frequency and means of submission are contained in the Statement of Objectives, posted as a separate document

VII. Agency Contact(s) All questions relating to this announcement shall be referred to:

Kevin Magennis, Grants Officer Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest Environmental Conservation and Compliance Acquisition 750 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92132 Email: kevin.e.magennis.civ@us.navy.mil Phone Office: 619-705-5566

VIII. Other Information mailto:kevin.e.magennis.civ@us.navy.mil

The cost of preparing applications and/or proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct charge to any award made under this funding opportunity. The Government is not obligated to make any award as a result of this announcement. Only the Grants Officer can bind the Government to the expenditure of funds.