NAWCA Mexico 2025 Instructions February 2024.pdf

MB-FWS-Migratory Birds NAWCA 2025 Mexico Grants

Announcement Title: F25AS00006 – NAWCA 2025 Mexico Grants

Submission Deadline: May 16, 2024 (due at 11:59 PM, U.S. Eastern Time)

Program Authorizing Legislation: North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 USC Ch.

64)

SOLICITATIONS: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program does not use social media or contact individuals by phone to solicit, review, or make awards. Government staff will NOT call or message you requesting money in order to be eligible for an award. Please report any information and documentation that you have related to such incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov) and your local law enforcement authorities.

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Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AND AWARD INFORMATION

I. APPLYING FOR A NAWCA MEXICO GRANT

II. STANDARD FORM 424 INSTRUCTIONS

III. STEPS TO APPLY FOR A GRANT OPPORTUNITY IN GRANTSOLUTIONS

IV. STEPS TO REGISTER IN SAM.GOV

V. BILINGUAL GLOSSARY FOR NAWCA MEXICO

VI. SCORING CRITERIA

A. Resource Description (30 points) B. Project Location (25 points) C. Project Description (30 points) D. Partnerships (15 points)

PROPOSAL FORMAT GUIDELINES

I. COVER PAGE

II. PROJECT SUMMARY

A. Summary of Objectives B. Table of Components C. Wetland Values (briefly describe) D. Does This Proposal Relate to Any Previous NAWCA/NMBCA Projects In the Area?

III. THE PROPOSAL

A. Description of Migratory Bird Resources and Other Wildlife B. Project Location C. Project Description D. Partnerships E. Climate Change F. Threats G. Special Considerations

IV. BUDGET

A. Budget Table and Budget Justification Instructions B. Matching Funds

V. TYPES OF PROJECTS

A. Land Protection Projects B. Restoration or Enhancement C. Management of Protected or Restored/Enhanced Properties D. Development of Infrastructure E. Training and Environmental Education F. Sustainable Use

VI. PROPOSAL ANNEXES

Annex A.1: Impact on Cultural and Historic Sites Annex A.2: Evaluation and Monitoring Annex B.1: Maps Annex B.2: Spatial Data/GIS Shapefiles Annex C: Photographs Annex D: Phase Reports Annex E: Match Letters Annex F: Letters of Cooperation and Support Annex G: Tract Tables Annex H: SF424 Forms and Attachments (SF424 A or C) Annex I: Organizational Capacity

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Annex J: Overlap/Duplication Statement

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

I. KEYS TO DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL

II. IMPORTANT CHANGES FROM THE PRIOR CYCLE

III. OTHER INFORMATION

IV. SUGGESTED FORMATS

V. REFERENCE MATERIAL FOR PROPOSAL WRITERS

NAWCA Mexico Application Checklist NAWCA Purpose List of Priority Waterfowl (Anatids) List of Priority Migrant, Wetland-Associated Shorebirds, Waterbirds, and Landbirds Key Wetlands: Map of Ramsar Sites Key Wetlands for Waterfowl (Anatids) Map Key Wetlands for Shorebirds Map Key Wetlands for Waterbirds Map and List

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DESCRIPTION OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY AND AWARD

INFORMATION

The NAWCA Mexico program promotes partnerships between public agencies and groups interested in: a) protecting, improving, restoring, and managing an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for wetlands-associated migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America; b) maintaining and improving the current distributions of wetlands- associated migratory bird populations; and c) maintaining an abundance of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and other populations of wetlands-associated migratory birds consistent with the objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Americas, Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan, and other international obligations contained in the treaties and migratory bird conventions and other agreements with Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

Proposals to the NAWCA Mexico program should demonstrate how the activities of partners would encourage sustainable and effective programs for the long-term conservation of wetlands-associated migratory birds. NAWCA funds wetlands conservation projects that include one or more of these: a) the acquisition of property containing wetlands ecosystems and associated habitats, including water rights, where the acquired land will be administered for its long-term conservation and for the benefit of migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife that depend on it; b) restoration, enhancement, or management of wetlands ecosystems and associated habitats, where these activities will be conducted on lands and waters that will be administered for their long-term conservation and for the benefit of migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife that depend on them; or c) in Mexico only, activities that involve technical training, education, sustainable-use studies, or organizational infrastructure- building needed to develop or strengthen wetlands conservation and management capabilities.

A proposal may request up to $1,000,000 in grant funds.

I. Applying for a NAWCA Mexico Grant

This funding opportunity is advertised on grants.gov. However, you must apply directly within GrantSolutions, https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/; do not apply through Grants.gov. To apply, you must first set up a GrantSolutions account, including obtaining the correct user roles within the system. At a minimum, you will need to assign the following two roles within GrantSolutions: “Grantee Principal Investigator” (PI/PD, the project officer or lead) and “Grantee Administrative Officer” (ADO). You must include a project summary in GrantSolutions. This summary should include the total number of acres affected, project location (i.e., Mexican states in which activities take place), benefits to birds, and main activities. You may copy the proposal summary from the first page or your proposal narrative but note that there is a 4,000-character limit. You must also fill out the Standard form (SF)- 424 forms in GrantSolutions. Below are instructions on completing SF-424 forms. The narrative portion (your proposal) and supporting https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/

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II. Standard Form 424 Instructions All applicants must submit a completed Application for Federal Assistance SF-424 form with their proposal application. The address on the SF-424 (#8d) must match the address associated with the Unique Entity ID number (#8c) in SAM.gov! See also the special NAWCA instructions at the end of this paragraph.

In addition to the basic SF-424, applicants need to fill out one of the accessory forms. If the project includes construction activities among other activities, SF-424 C is mandatory. If the project does not include construction activities, then SF-424 A is mandatory. If your project consists of a mix of construction and non-construction activities, then complete SF-424 C. Fill out the SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form only if you have lobbying activities to disclose. If you are not a U.S. Federal applicant, fill out the SF-424 forms in GrantSolutions. If you are a U.S. Federal applicant, download the SF-424 forms here: https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-individual-family

The following instructions for completing the SF-424 for a NAWCA application supersede those on the back of the SF-424!

CELL NUMBER and TITLE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Type of Submission Check “Application”

2. Type of Application Check “New”

3. Date Received Enter date completing SF-424

4. Applicant Identifier Leave blank

5. a. Employer Identification Leave blank

5. b. Federal Award Identifier Leave blank

6. Date Received by State Leave blank

7. State Application Identifier Leave blank

8. Applicant Information (a-f) Complete all required information in sections a-f

9. Type of Applicant Complete for your organization

10. Name of Federal Agency Enter “DOI-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service”

11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Title

Enter “15.623” and “North American Wetlands Conservation Fund”

12. Funding Opportunity Number/Title: Enter “F25AS00006” and “NAWCA 2025 Mexico Grant”

13. Competition Identification Number/Title: Will automatically fill in from #12

14. Areas Affected by Project Enter only information for "Counties and States" that the tract(s) are included in; if tract(s) are unknown, then list all counties within the project area or indicate ‘statewide’ if applicable

15. Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project Enter title of proposal

16. Congressional Districts of Applicant/Project Enter information for a and b.

17. Proposed Project Start and End Dates Enter proposed project start and end dates.

18. Estimated Funding Do not include non-match $. In “a”, include only

NAWCA grant $. In “b-e”, include only matching partner $. For “e-Other”, include private organizations, etc. Leave “f-Program Income” blank

19. Is Application Subject to Review by State EO 12372 Process?

Required to answer but only applicable to states

20. Is Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt? Required to answer https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-individual-family https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-individual-family

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21. Authorized Representative SIGNATURE AND DATE REQUIRED by the authorized representative of the applicant organization.

We will not accept a typed signature.

After you complete your application in GrantSolutions, email the application confirmation number, your proposal, and all supporting documents to both U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (FWS/DBHC) at dbhc@fws.gov and to SEMARNAT/DGVS at lurbano@semarnat.gob.mx and miguel.flores@semarnat.gob.mx. If you send us a proposal by email but do not submit your application through GrantSolutions, your proposal will not be eligible.

Grantsolutions.gov, Grants.gov, and SAM.gov are free websites. Do not pay for your registration and do not provide any information to any scammers who may contact you.

Your project must comply with the NAWCA Mexico Grant Administration Standards:

https://www.fws.gov/media/mexico-nawca-grant-administration-standards-north-american-wetlands-conservation-act

An unofficial, courtesy translation, “Lineamientos para la Administración de Subsidios” is available at https://www.fws.gov/media/normas-para-la-administracion-de-subvenciones-nawca-mexico

To review NAWCA Mexico Eligibility Criteria and for frequently asked questions, visit:

https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-mexico

III. Steps to apply for a grant opportunity in GrantSolutions

Getting Started: All applicants/grantees must be registered in GrantSolutions:

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/. Visit the GrantSolutions Frequently Asked Questions page. Applicants must first request (Getting Started – Request A User Account) and properly set up their GrantSolutions account, including obtaining the correct user roles within the system. Please watch the applicant and Grant Recipient training videos: https://stig-home.grantsolutions.gov/home/grantsolutions-self-registration/.

New Applicant Requests in GrantSolutions: New users apply here:

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Grant-Recipient-User- Account-Request-Form-2021-1.pdf or here:

https://www.grantsolutions.gov/gsrstatic/registration/initiate-request. Submit the form without filling in the requested “grant number”.

Help desk: Please send all GrantSolutions related help desk questions/issues to help@grantsolutions.gov. If you do not receive a response or if the response did not resolve the issue, please ask that the ticket be “escalated to Tier 2 or 3”.

mailto:dbhc@fws.gov mailto:lurbano@semarnat.gob.mx mailto:miguel.flores@semarnat.gob.mx https://www.fws.gov/media/mexico-nawca-grant-administration-standards-north-american-wetlands-conservation-act https://www.fws.gov/media/mexico-nawca-grant-administration-standards-north-american-wetlands-conservation-act https://www.fws.gov/media/normas-para-la-administracion-de-subvenciones-nawca-mexico https://www.fws.gov/media/normas-para-la-administracion-de-subvenciones-nawca-mexico https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-mexico https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-grants-mexico https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/frequently-asked-questions/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/frequently-asked-questions/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ https://stig-home.grantsolutions.gov/home/grantsolutions-self-registration/ https://stig-home.grantsolutions.gov/home/grantsolutions-self-registration/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Grant-Recipient-User-Account-Request-Form-2021-1.pdf https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Grant-Recipient-User-Account-Request-Form-2021-1.pdf https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Grant-Recipient-User-Account-Request-Form-2021-1.pdf https://www.grantsolutions.gov/gsrstatic/registration/initiate-request mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov

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Very important: enter all requested information under GRANTEE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI/PD) and the GRANTEES ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (ADO). Do not forget the username and the correctly spelled email address.

Applying for this grant announcement, after your organization’s account is set up: Your application will consist of a Proposal Narrative, Project Summary, Partner Contribution Statements, a SF-424 (“Application for Federal Assistance”), SF-424 A or C, an Excel spreadsheet of your proposal narrative budget, and a project shapefile or .kmz file. Your shapefile cannot be uploaded to GrantSolutions and must be sent to the FWS email address; the subject line should be your project title and the GrantSolutions’ application number. The GrantSolutions’ application number will start with FWS-MB202XXXXXXX.

The NAWCA Mexico grant program’s formal name and announcement number are found on the first page of these instructions.

IV. Steps to register in SAM.gov

Registering in GrantSolutions requires an active SAM.gov registration.

1. You must have an active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration to apply through GrantSolutions.gov, to receive an award, and to be able to receive funds. We strongly encourage applicants to initiate this process at least 6 weeks before our deadline, because it can be a complex process. If your organization is registered with SAM.gov but your status is not listed as “active”, you must update your registration prior to submitting an application. You must renew and revalidate the SAM registration at least every 12 months and ensure that all information is up to date.

2. If you encounter problems with SAM or GrantSolutions, contact the GrantSolutions or SAM help desks directly:

• GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 1-866-577-0771 or 202-401-5282 Email:

help@grantsolutions.gov

• Sam.gov Federal Service Help Information: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp or

U.S. calls: 866-606-8220 International calls: +1 334-206-7828

V. Bilingual glossary for NAWCA Mexico

English Spanish Notes Landbirds Aves terrestres These are mostly passerines.

mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

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Waterbirds Aves acuáticas que no son ni anátidos ni playeros

There is no single word that translates “waterbirds” into Spanish. The term “aves acuáticas”, as used by most professionals in Latin America, is not synonymous with “waterbirds” as used in the USA (where it includes rails, marsh birds, wading birds, and marine birds, but excludes waterfowl and shorebirds). Rather, that Spanish term includes all birds dependent on wetlands or marine habitats, i.e., it does not exclude waterfowl or shorebirds.

According to the 2012 “Desarrollo de la Base Metodológica para el Inventario Nacional de Humedales de México (citing CONANP), an “ave acuática” is any bird that depends ecologically on a wetland area.

Colonial waterbirds

Aves coloniales que migran desde los EE.UU.

These include, for example, egrets and herons. Note that the species normally described by this term in the USA are not identical to the species described by this term in Mexico. This is because “colonial” refers to breeding colonies. Neotropical migrants that nest colonially in the USA do not congregate during their non-reproductive season, i.e., during their stay in Mexico (and therefore are not called “colonial” by Mexican professionals). Conversely, resident species that do congregate and breed in Mexico (and therefore are called “colonial” by Mexican professionals) are generally not neotropical migrants.

Waterfowl Anátidos (patos, cisnes, gansos)

Unlike in the USA, “anátidos” is a subset of “aves acuáticas”.

Some Mexican publications use the term “aves acuáticas” to indicate “waterfowl”, but this is not common practice in Latin America.

Wading birds Aves vadeadoras

Shorebirds Aves Playeras Unlike in the USA, “aves playeras”, in Latin America, is considered to be a subset of “aves acuáticas”.

Marine birds Aves marinas

Wetlands Humedales

Uplands Tierras altas adyacentes a los humedales

VI. Scoring Criteria

The following four categories are used to assess the proposal’s activities, objectives and goals in relation to the North American Wetland Conservation Act (the Act) and its application in Mexico:

A. Resource Description (30 points)

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One of the purposes of the Act is to maintain current or improved distributions of wetland associated migratory bird populations. This category looks at the bird populations affected to determine to what degree and magnitude the activities of the proposal affect this purpose.

Priority Migratory Waterfowl (see list here) 10 points Priority Migratory Shorebirds (see list here) 5 points Priority Migratory Waterbirds (see list here) 5 points Priority Migratory Landbirds (see list here) 5 points Other Birds/Wildlife (including MX endemic and listed species) 5 points

B. Project Location (25 points) Another stated purpose in the Act is to protect, enhance, restore, and manage an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems and habitats. This category evaluates the context of how the proposal fits into the landscape efforts, and if work being completed is appropriate and effective for the proposed sites, as well as whether or not the work contributes to meet migratory bird biological needs and contributes to the greater benefit of ecosystem importance.

Geographic Location (landscape context) 5 points Value of Wetlands (Ramsar Map) 5 points Mexico Regional/Local Impact 3 points Key Wetlands for Waterfowl (see map here) 3 points Key Wetlands for Shorebirds (see map here) 3 points Key Wetlands for Waterbirds (see map here) 3 points Key Wetlands for Landbirds (We have not included a map, but you may include one in your proposal, e.g., WHSRN (https://whsrn.org/whsrn-sites/map-of-sites/), CONABIO (http://avesmx.conabio.gob.mx/Mapa.html) or BirdLife (BirdLife Data Zone). You may also describe abundance, occurrence, seasonality, percent of total population of species, and relative importance of site in the region or country.)

3 points

C. Project Description (30 points) This category evaluates the types, benefits, longevity and goals of the proposed activities to illustrate comprehensive and complete implementation. It also considers how the activities address the current and potential future conditions for habitat and migratory birds.

https://whsrn.org/whsrn-sites/map-of-sites/ https://whsrn.org/whsrn-sites/map-of-sites/ http://avesmx.conabio.gob.mx/Mapa.html https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/mapsearch

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Goals/Tracts Work Plan -project explanation and benefits -quantification of deliverables (e.g., number of acres) -longevity/duration of work/benefits (e.g., years that project is anticipated to function effectively) -goals for each component of the proposal (e.g., enhance habitat for species X, or promote working lands and grazing to prevent habitat loss, etc.)

-budget/tract (i.e., what is the cost for each project as described)

20 points

Threats (i.e., reasons that the project is needed) 5 points Climate Change 3 points Special Considerations (e.g., unique aspects of the project) 2 points

D. Partnerships (15 points) The Act encourages partnerships in delivering conservation, recognizing the importance of leveraging funds and gaining broad acceptance and participation in conservation efforts.

Community Participation 3 points Number and Degree of Participation of Partners 5 points Match Ratio 3 points Unique Social Aspects of the Project 4 points

PROPOSAL FORMAT GUIDELINES

Alert for returning applicants: We have made significant changes in 2024 guidelines; please read the following and the Important Changes sections carefully.

Format requirements

1. All elements of the proposal, except shapefiles, should be combined into one, single

PDF file. Do not protect it with a password. The filename should be unique and include the acronym of the applicant organization.

2. Set the paper size to 8.5×11 inches. Single space and left-justify the text. Do not use headers, footers, or borders. The font should be no smaller than 11 points and in “Arial” (not “Arial narrow”). Page margins should be 1 inch (side, top and bottom).

3. Each page of the proposal must be numbered consecutively, locating the number on the bottom right.

4. All proposal sections must be numbered and organized according to the numbering and organization indicated in the instructions.

5. Do not include text from the instructions, other than the title of sections.

6. The cover page should not be in tabular format; do not include any type of borders or

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7. The location information on the cover page under 7.A. must be given as latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees). These coordinates must be precise (at a minimum, provide a central point).

8. The cover page must include two tables: 7.B. Priority location and 10. Table of Resources. Do not add other priority lists in table 7.B.

9. All measurements should be in metric units and their equivalents in the United States (hectares/acres, kilometers/miles, meters/feet, etc.). Please use this conversion factor: 1 hectare = 2.47 (U.S.) acres.

10. Budget tables must show only U.S. dollars and indicate the rate of exchange at the time the proposal was developed.

11. The text in the maps, especially in the legend, should be in English wherever possible.

I. Cover Page

(See suggested Cover Page format.)

II. Project Summary

The proposal summary is the principal part on which points are given to each proposal.

The summary should give the information necessary for evaluation by the reviewer who needs to understand the purpose of the proposal and the most important details. The rest of the proposal should contain more in-depth information to provide answers to whatever questions remain after review of the summary. It is suggested that the summary be developed after the rest of the proposal has been written so that the author can reflect on all details before writing the summary.

The Project Summary should begin on the second page after the Cover Page and should not exceed a maximum of two pages. If you exceed this page limit, the text will be deleted. This summary should describe how you would conduct the activities of the proposal and the explanation for how they would be implemented. See the suggested summary format below. Provide in-depth information in Section III. Proposal, the last five pages of the proposal.

Throughout the proposal, hectares/acres that are affected by more than one objective must be presented in parentheses to avoid double counting. For example, if a project will protect 800 hectares/1,976 acres through an easement and, among these same acres, restore (400) hectares/ (988) acres, presentation of the hectares/acres to be restored using parentheses will indicate that these hectares/acres are already included in the number of hectares/acres that will be protected. If other hectares/acres will be restored or enhanced that are not included in the hectares/acres already indicated for protection, then those are additional hectares/acres and should not be in parentheses. Please use this conversion factor: 1 hectare = 2.47 (U.S.) acres.

A. Summary of Objectives

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List the objectives. In-depth descriptions of each objective and activity are provided in the work plan within section III.

B. Table of Components This table should present details of the cost of each component with NAWCA funds (in U.S. dollars) and partners/match (in U.S. dollars) as well as the pertinent hectares/acres and responsible party. Please use this conversion factor: 1 hectare = 2.47 (U.S.) acres.

COMPONENT/ACTIVITY NAWCA Match Has./Acres 1 ha = 2.47 acres

Responsible Partner

Protection Ranch 1 (conservation agreement in this phase)

$... $... 200/494 Grantee

Protection Ranch 2 (easement in this phase)

$... $... 800/1,976 Partner 1

Enhancement Ranch 1 $... $... (200)/(494) Grantee Management Ranch 2 $... $... (800)/(1,976) Partner 1 Restoration Ranch 2 $... $... (400)/(988) Partner 2

TOTALS $... $... xxx

C. Wetland Values (briefly describe)

1. What is the importance of the wetland and the project area for migratory birds?

2. What are the expected benefits for priority migratory birds?

3. What are the biological and socioeconomic values of the wetland? For example, you could refer to publications by RAMSAR, such as the one found at:

https://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/rpb_values_of_wetlan ds_e.pdf

D. Does This Proposal Relate to Any Previous NAWCA/NMBCA Projects In the

Area?

If yes, in two sentences or less, describe how this phase will build on previous NAWCA or NMBCA-funded projects in the area. Do not list all the titles of previous projects.

III. The Proposal

This section should begin on the fifth page and should not exceed five pages (pages 5- 9). If this number is exceeded, it will be reduced. Attachments are considered additional pages, not counting toward the total page number.

A. Description of Migratory Bird Resources and Other Wildlife

a. Migratory Birds: Indicate up to 10 priority species each of waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds, and landbirds (maximum of 40 species). Include scientific name and English common name. For each species, highlight the cross-border migration where it occurs, the anticipated numbers of the species in the project area, the location within the project area that the species occurs, the period of their life cycle of use, and the benefits the species will receive from completing the https://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/rpb_values_of_wetlands_e.pdf https://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/rpb_values_of_wetlands_e.pdf

13 | P a g e proposed project. See attached priority species lists for waterfowl (anatids), shorebirds, waterbirds, and landbirds.

Priority Species Numbers/

Breeder, Migrant Benefits of project for priority species Geographic extent/impact Migratory Waterfowl (anatids) [Insert species list]

Migratory Shorebirds

Migratory Waterbirds (not including anatids or shorebirds)

Migratory Landbirds

b. Other wetland dependent species: Indicate up to 5 priority species that live in the project area, including resident birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and plants. Include scientific name and English common name. For each species, highlight the anticipated numbers of the species that will benefit, the location within the project area in which the species occurs, and the benefit the species will receive from completing the proposed project. If you are citing an endangered or priority species, specify where it is listed as endangered or as priority by citing the publication; for example, the Mexican endangered species list:

• https://dof.gob.mx/nota_to_imagen_fs.php?codnota=5173091&fecha=30/12/201

0&cod_diario=234368

• https://www.fws.gov/program/endangered-species

• https://partnersinflight.org/species/

Other Species Numbers/ Breeder, Migrant

Benefits of project for Mexico & Endangered species

Geographic extent/impact;

where listed?

Mexico Priority Species:

Endangered Species:

B. Project Location Briefly describe the importance of the wetland and upland habitat for migratory bird conservation. List the priority wetlands and associated uplands for waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, and landbirds (e.g., palustrine emergent, estuarine intertidal, riverine, cropland, grassland, forest). If any international, regional or local conservation plans have ranked the location as a high priority, please explain. You may refer to additional maps, such as those from WHSRN (https://whsrn.org/whsrn-sites/map-of-sites/), CONABIO (http://avesmx.conabio.gob.mx/Mapa.html) and BirdLife (BirdLife https://dof.gob.mx/nota_to_imagen_fs.php?codnota=5173091&fecha=30/12/2010&cod_diario=234368 https://dof.gob.mx/nota_to_imagen_fs.php?codnota=5173091&fecha=30/12/2010&cod_diario=234368 https://www.fws.gov/program/endangered-species https://partnersinflight.org/species/ https://whsrn.org/whsrn-sites/map-of-sites/ https://whsrn.org/whsrn-sites/map-of-sites/ http://avesmx.conabio.gob.mx/Mapa.html

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Data Zone) or any others that are relevant to your project. You may describe the value of the wetlands to local communities, such as benefits related to clean water, agriculture, fishing, recreation, eco- tourism, or any other benefits, beyond those already described for priority species.

C. Project Description

a. The goals, objectives, activities, and products should be identified and explained in terms of foreseen benefits.

b. Goals, objectives, activities, products and work plan should be presented in the “Work Plan Format”.

c. Describe the activities that will be completed within a two-year timeframe with the funds provided (both match and grant funds) and in accordance with the budget tables.

d. Indicate the activities that will be conducted and relate them to the planned goals and objectives (e.g., negotiate easements, conduct biological inventories, monitoring activities, environmental education, develop environmental education materials, management activities, protection and restoration activities).

e. Present the activities that you will develop and the approximate timing and when they will be concluded. The accomplishments will be based on the date of the start date of the project (date of FWS award + 90 days, etc.). It is unnecessary to reference specific dates since the start date cannot be determined prior to an award. Circumstances do exist, however, when the start date may be prior to the beginning of the grant agreement. See the section on Pre- agreement Costs.

f. Provide a detailed description of the activities, including which partner is responsible for each activity as well as requirements that must be completed by personnel and equipment, products that will be generated, etc., indicating the methods and procedures that will be utilized to each end.

g. The objectives should correspond to the cost categories indicated in the budget tables.

h. If you are acquiring land (i.e., buying a tract or obtaining an easement with match or grant funds), protecting land through another legal mechanism, or restoring, enhancing or managing habitat (including fencing and controlling invasives), you must include a tract table in your proposal. All rows of the tract table must be completed, and you should include separate columns for each activity in each tract (enhancement, restoration, fencing, invasives control, etc.). The tract table must include the duration of the activity (the longevity of the work), in years. For example, you might state, “fences will last 20 years” or “the treatment for invasive plant control will be effective for 5 years” or “the easement is valid for 99 years”.

If applicable (e.g., for invasive plant control), also include (in the “duration” row) how many retreatments are planned during and after the project period. See Annex G and the “Suggested Tract Table Format”.

i. Describe what type of activities were carried out on each tract before this project with NAWCA or NMBCA funds or match; if a tract was never affected by NAWCA or NMBCA (under grants to any organization), at any time, specify this. We suggest that you include a map of previous NAWCA and NMBCA project areas and tracts.

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j. Long-term protection: NAWCA supports land protection for the long-term, with a minimum period of 10 years for the legal mechanism that offers the protection, where the 10 years of protection start after the initiation of the grant project.

Funds may not be utilized for restoration or enhancement if there is no underlying, long-term, legal mechanism to protect the tracts (properties) involved. For example, restoration/enhancement is eligible on tracts protected by 10-year conservation agreements. Therefore, restoration/enhancement on tracts that are protected solely by 5-year Payment for Ecosystem Services agreements (PES, or PSA in Spanish) is not eligible, even if the PES agreements have an option for renewal. Short- term agreements may be eligible as management funded by match, but not as the qualification for the underlying legal mechanism.

k. Describe the long-term goal, beyond the period of implementation of this project.

You should describe how the project will be continued (sustainable) after the NAWCA project ends. If additional support will be needed in the future, include that information in this section of the proposal. If the present proposal is one of several phases, explain the role of the NAWCA support.

D. Partnerships

• Describe any community participation or lack thereof.

• Briefly state any particularly significant or unique benefits provided by the proposal partnerships.

• Highlight the number and degree of participation of the partners. If any partner is not providing match, describe how they are partnering with you.

• Is there a partner who is providing a large or unusual match amount?

• What are some unique social aspects of the project (e.g., recreational access to the area, open to schools, socioeconomic benefits)?

E. Climate Change

• Explain how threats from climate change in the project area were taken into consideration as you developed this proposal.

• Describe the resilience of the project habitat that you intend to protect, restore or enhance, in terms of climate change.

• Describe the environmental elements or aspects of the habitat at the project site that will persevere for the long term in spite of climate change.

F. Threats Describe the threats to the project area and explain how the project will address these threats. Describe the urgency of the project. This section should also describe the importance of the project in terms of migratory bird habitat conservation for the long-term in the context of climate change by providing responses to the following items.

• Classify the vulnerability of the project site proposed in this proposal as High, Medium or Low.

• Explain and provide citations for the basis of the information presented in the previous four responses (academic references, reports or other documentation).

G. Special Considerations

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Document any special circumstances that distinguish this project from others. The space should be left empty if there are no special considerations. Do not repeat text that previously presented in other sections of the proposal. The information provided should concentrate on the necessity and immediacy of conducting the project. For example, the information could:

• describe those special circumstances, such as the importance and opportunity to conduct a project (threatened habitat, critical condition, pressure on a particular species in a category of risk, etc.); or,

• describe the existing and proposed levels of protection (without protection, Federal lands, protection category of the area, etc.); or,

• describe other actors working in the area and linkages of the project with these actors.

IV. Budget

This section should include a global budget and a budget justification. (See the Suggested Format).

The rules for the management and use of NAWCA funds are equally applicable to the matching contributions. See also the Mexico NAWCA Grant Administration Standards at Mexico NAWCA Grant Administration Standards North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the eligibility criteria at https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-mexico-grant-proposal-eligibility-criteria-processes.

A. Budget Table and Budget Justification Instructions

1. Please number each line item to correspond with the items in the Work Plan.

2. The budget table should include the name of the project; the year for which funding is requested; the date of submission (which will be changed with each new version submitted).

3. Express all costs in U.S. dollars.

4. The budget table must be organized by objective and activities. All costs should be linked clearly to an activity under one of the objectives of the project. Provide a detailed description of the costs of major activities for each project objective indicated in the work plan indicating what source of funds will pay for each aspect (NAWCA and each partner).

5. The cost estimates should be reasonable and necessary for the adequate and effective accomplishment of the project objectives. Efficient use of funds is advantageous.

6. Indicate the type of funds to be used by each one of the partners for each line item – in cash and in-kind.

7. When a project is part of a larger project or program or a phase of multiple phases, indicate it in the cover letter/email submitted with the proposal. The costs indicated within the proposal should reflect only the cost of this project’s activities (i.e., not combining other phases).

https://fws.gov/media/mexico-nawca-grant-administration-standards-north-american-wetlands-conservation-act https://fws.gov/media/mexico-nawca-grant-administration-standards-north-american-wetlands-conservation-act https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-mexico-grant-proposal-eligibility-criteria-processes https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-mexico-grant-proposal-eligibility-criteria-processes

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8. Use the best estimates possible for each cost, such as per diem, monthly or annual salaries, etc. The formulas used to make these cost estimates should be included in the budget justification.

9. Proposals that request substantial funds for payment of salaries, more than 30% of the budget, will not be considered favorably.

10. Do not include cents. You should round up the number to whole dollars. For large numbers (over one thousand) do not use the format “10.000.” Please use the format “10,000” (i.e., use a comma instead of a period).

11. Ineligible match and grant costs: Law enforcement is not eligible (see Management of Protected or Restored/Enhanced Properties). Miscellaneous and contingency (unforeseen) costs are not allowed. Food costs are not allowed, except the cost of:

1) meals and refreshments when paid by the host of a conference or similar event where the primary purpose is the dissemination of technical information, and 2) per diem, or actual cost of meals, during travel directly related to specific project objectives. Maintenance of a physical structure that was a funded with grant or match in a prior NAWCA or NMBCA project is ineligible. Duplicative work is ineligible.

12. Other ineligible costs are listed in the “2 CFR 200” (‘Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards’), found at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200.pdf, particularly under “Subpart E—Cost Principles”.

13. The budget table should include grid lines and should not include any highlights or colored text.

14. Include subtotals by objective.

15. Avoid empty columns or columns that only show zero dollars.

16. Do not include links in the table.

17. To limit the number of columns, match from partners that provide less than 15% individually can be grouped into a single column. Show partners providing more than 15% in separate columns. When partners have been grouped together, they should be identified in another table that lists just partners and their total contributions.

18. Partners may include nongovernmental organizations, municipal organizations, private and local entities, universities and research centers and similar international organizations. Mexican State and Federal entities may apply for funding only if they have mechanisms specifically designed to receive funding from the U.S.

government. All grant and match funds must be spent in Mexico (including administrative or indirect costs).

19. The costs for preparing or translating the proposal and project reports may be included as part of the administration costs.

20. Verify that all sums in the budget table are correct. If the amounts in the tables are not correct or do not correspond to the amounts in other tables of the proposal (cover page, components table), the proposal may be rejected.

21. Vehicles and other equipment: Requests for equipment that will outlive the project period, such as new vehicles, are discouraged and may lower the competitiveness of your proposal. Used, or leased, vehicles, for example, may be more appropriate.

Vehicle purchases must be well justified. When determining the value of a used vehicle you must apply its value during its use on project-related activities. (If the http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title2-vol1-part200.pdf

18 | P a g e vehicle is not used 100% of the time on the project, you cannot use 100% of its current value.) The vehicle must be used only for the project as long as it is needed, whether or not the project continues to be supported with US Federal funding in the future. Any vehicle purchased with grant funding is subject to our regulations for the purchase of equipment; for example, equipment with a unit cost above USD5,000 is subject to additional requirements.

• Please review the guidance in the “Eligibility Criteria and Processes”:

https://www.fws.gov/media/north- american-wetlands-conservation-act-mexico-grant-proposal-eligibility-criteria-processes

• Please review additional guidance in the 2 CFR 200,Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

22. Budget Justification table: In a separate table, describe the budget line items and equipment costs that are $5,000 or higher, labeled as in the budget table. This table should describe both NAWCA and match costs. Show how you arrived at the cost estimate, such as formulas used to calculate costs, hourly rates, monthly or annual salaries, quotes for contracts, etc. Also include the “Required Indirect Cost Statement” in this table (see item 23. Required Indirect Cost Statement, below). See the Budget Justification Format.

23. Administrative and Indirect cost rates: Indirect costs are allowed only if you have an official “Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate” (NICRA) exists with an agency of the U.S.

Government (your “cognizant” agency). You may also use part of your indirect costs as in-kind matching contributions. You should provide a copy of your approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with your proposal. Exception: You may claim 10% or less in indirect costs without setting up a NICRA (use statement 6 below). If the above does not apply, you may use “direct” costs; these must be directly attributable to the project (use statement 8 below).

Required Indirect Cost Statement: Recipients that do not have an approved indirect cost rate cannot charge indirect costs to their Federal award. All applicants (except individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate) must copy into the budget justification narrative one of the following statements (1 – 8), and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:

“We are:

1. 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. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification is attached.

2. 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 are required to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation to support those costs.

3. A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, please use https://www.fws.gov/media/north-https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-mexico-grant-proposal-eligibility-criteria-processes https://www.fws.gov/media/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-mexico-grant-proposal-eligibility-criteria-processes https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

19 | P a g e one of the statements above or below] 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: “A copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement is attached. 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 “A copy of our current, approved rate agreement(s) is attached.”]

4. 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]. 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.

5. 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, in the event an award is made, 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%] of [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 220.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing immediately if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

6. 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, in the event an award is made, 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% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing immediately if we do establish an approved 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 such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

7. A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved 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

20 | P a g e our approved indirect cost rate agreement. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that the basis for direct costs will be the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR 200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, and that Service 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 indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

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

24. Program Income: If your project will generate program income (e.g., fees for services, rental of property, sale of fabricated items, royalties for copyrights): (1) describe how the income will be generated, (2) estimate the amount of income during the project period, (3) describe how the funds will be used, (4) create a column to list program income and the budget…