NCWCG Program FY 18 NOFO and Application Instructions - Revised 3-25-17.pdf

OMB Control No. 1018-0109

Exp.: 11/30/2018

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) and

The National Wildlife Refuge System, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation

Federal Agency Name:

Department of the Interior

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)

Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) and

The National Wildlife Refuge System, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation

Funding Opportunity Title:

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.614

Announcement Type:

Revised Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. Highlighted sections updated March 24, 2017.

Funding Opportunity Number: F17AS00108

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement. We are collecting this information in accordance with the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act), 64 Stat. 430 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 777-777m. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to evaluate your application for potential award of Federal funding through this program and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. We estimate that it will take you about 37 hours to complete an initial application, 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and 8 hours to prepare and submit performance reports, including time to maintain records, and gather information. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

Dates: State applicants must submit applications through www.grants.gov (Grants.gov) by the deadline. The deadline for receipt is Friday, June 30, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The Service recommends that you submit your application early enough to address any unforeseen technical complications and verify that all documents have been received by your Regional WSFR Office before the deadline. The Service will not consider applications received after the deadline.

We expect to announce the selected projects by January 2018.

I. Description of Funding Opportunity The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (Section 305, Title III, Public Law 101-646, 16 U.S.C. 3954) (Act) established the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCG Program) to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal States through competitive matching grants to State agencies. The program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, and a portion of gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines. Revenues are deposited into and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The primary goal of the NCWCG Program is the long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (P.L. 114-94), which authorized funding for the NCWCG Program, was passed in 2015 and expires in Fiscal Year 2021.

The Final Rule establishing the requirements for participation in the NCWCG Program was published in the Federal Register July 30, 2002 (67 FR 49264). The program regulations are in 50 CFR 84. See Attachment A (P. 28 of this NOFO) for clarifications to section 50 CFR 84.32 (a)(11) (Criterion 11) of this regulation that will be used in scoring FY 2018 applications to the NCWCG Program. Additional information about the NCWCG Program is available online at http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants.

Coastal wetlands are valued, in part, because they protect against flooding, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. Coastal environments are also important economically, generating billions of dollars annually through industries such as commercial fishing and tourism.

II. Award Information The NCWCG Program provides States with financial assistance to protect and restore these valuable resources. Projects can include:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title50-vol9/xml/CFR-2012-title50-vol9-part84.xml http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants

1. Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long-term conservation;

2. Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems; or

3. A combination of acquisition, restoration, and management.

All projects must ensure long-term (at least 20 years) conservation of coastal resources.

Applications are scored and then ranked based on criteria published in 50 CFR 84.32. See Attachment A (P. 28 of this NOFO) for clarifications to section 50 CFR 84.32 (a)(11) (Criterion

11) of this regulation that will be used in scoring FY 2018 applications to the NCWCG Program.

A. Award Amount The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) expects that approximately $17 million will be available for grants through the NCWCG Program in FY 2018. Awards typically range from $125,000 (there is no specific minimum) to a maximum of $1,000,000.

B. Funding Restrictions Eligible Activities:

1. Acquisition of a real property interest in coastal lands or waters from willing sellers or partners (coastal wetlands ecosystems), providing that the terms and conditions will ensure the real property will be administered for long-term conservation; and

2. The restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems, providing restoration, enhancement, or management will be administered for long-term conservation.

Ineligible Activities:

Ineligible activities include but are not limited to:

1. Projects that primarily benefit navigation, irrigation, flood control, or mariculture;

2. Acquisition, restoration, enhancement or management of lands to mitigate habitat losses;

3. Creation of wetlands where wetlands did not previously exist;

4. Enforcement of fish and wildlife laws and regulations, except when necessary for the accomplishment of approved project purposes;

5. Research;

6. Planning as a primary project focus;

7. Operations and maintenance, including long-term invasive species management;

8. Acquisition and/or restoration of upper portions of watersheds where benefits to the coastal wetlands ecosystem are not significant and direct; and

9. Projects providing less than 20 years of conservation benefits.

Additional Eligibility Information:

1. Any proposed walkways, viewing platforms, or other recreation-related project components must contribute to the project objectives and the long-term conservation of the coastal wetlands ecosystems;

2. Costs unrelated to protection and restoration of the site must be limited to 10 percent of the total project costs including NCWCG Program Federal share and the required match;

3. Planning, design, and monitoring costs are not included in the 10 percent limit if directly related to site protection or restoration but they must be reasonable and necessary for completing the project objectives.

Review 50 CFR 84.20 for more information.

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants:

Eligible applicants are any State agency or entity designated as eligible by the Governor of a coastal State. It is usually a State natural resource or fish and wildlife agency. If your agency is uncertain of its eligibility, please contact your Regional WSFR Office (see section VIII, Agency Contacts). The Regional WSFR Offices maintain the list of certified eligible agencies in each coastal State in the Region.

Eligible coastal States are States bordering the Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin); States bordering the Atlantic, Gulf (except Louisiana), and Pacific coasts (Alabama, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington); and American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Louisiana is not an eligible coastal State for this program as provided in the Act (16 U.S.C 3955 (b)(1)).

Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). See Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 25 for more information.

A. DUNS Registration Request a DUNS number online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. U.S.-based entities may also request a DUNS number by telephone by calling the Dun & Bradstreet Government Customer Response Center, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 8 PM CST at the following numbers:

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

U.S. and U.S Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711

Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1)

For Hearing Impaired Customers Only call: 1-877-807-1679 (TTY Line)

Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet.

B. Entity Registration in SAM Register in SAM online at http://www.sam.gov/. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have been made to DUNS and IRS information. Foreign entities who wish to be paid directly to a United States bank account must enter and maintain valid and current banking information in SAM.

C. Excluded Entities Applicant entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

D. Cost Sharing or Matching The maximum Federal cost share for the NCWCG Program is 75 percent of total project costs in States that have a fund established and used for acquiring coastal wetlands, other natural areas, or open spaces. Projects in states that do not have such a fund are limited to a maximum 50 percent Federal cost share. American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are not required to cost share, and the Federal government may provide 100 percent of the project costs. Puerto Rico is not exempt from the cost share requirements of this Program.

The maximum Federal cost share of 75 percent is based on project costs, i.e., the amount requested from the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program plus the amount of non-Federal cost share. Other funds that are related to the project or are part of a larger project but are not Federal or designated as cost share will not count towards project costs when calculating the maximum Federal cost share.

The cost share requirements are detailed in 50 CFR 84.46. The requirements allow for in-kind contributions for all, or part of, the required non-Federal match.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

To receive points under ranking criterion 11 (50 CFR 84.32 (a)(11)), however, non-Federal match must be cash. Direct costs identified in the SF-424 are not considered to meet the definition of cash match unless they are provided in the form of U.S. currency. See Attachment A. Clarification of Select Ranking Criteria in 50 CFR 84.32 and General Program Questions for more information.

Highlighted sections updated March 24, 2017:

The Service intends to update ranking criterion 11 (50 CFR 84.32(a)(11)) in regulation. A proposed rule will be published that reflects the changes to criterion 11 that we give in this NOFO. Proposals submitted to WSFR for the FY 2018 NCWCG Program competition will be scored using the updated criterion 11 in the proposed rule. See Attachment A. Clarification of Select Ranking Criteria in 50 CFR 84.32 and General Program Questions (P. 28) for more information.

To apply for a 75 percent Federal cost share, the applicant must provide either a description of the State trust fund that supports a request for a 75 percent Federal share (in sufficient detail for the Service to make an eligibility determination), or a statement that eligibility has been previously approved and there has been no change in the fund.

If you propose to use the value of donated land as all or a portion of the non‐Federal share, you should explain in the project statement how the land is necessary to accomplish the project objectives. Applicants should include information on both (a) parcels proposed for acquisition/restoration with NCWCG Program funds, and (b) match parcels in adequate detail for each ranking criterion so reviewers can make informed scoring decisions.

You must document in the application all third-party matching funds, or those supplied by organizations or individuals other than the State applicant, with a signed letter of financial commitment from an authorized representative of the match provider. The letter of financial commitment must detail the amount of matching funds or value of donated land and/or services. The State is responsible for ensuring the full amount of the non-Federal match as given on the SF-424C.

Please note that if a third party provides match, and the letter of financial commitment is missing or late, the application will be ineligible.

E. Other Although only approved State agencies can apply for and receive grants from this Program, we encourage partnering with Tribes, Federal agencies, other State agencies, non-governmental organizations, local governments and others. Please note that any contributions from Federal sources cannot be used or counted as non-Federal match unless authorized by Federal statute (such as Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI) funds).

IV. Application Requirements You can download the application package for the NCWCG Program on Grants.gov here: https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms_apps_idx.html, searching by CFDA 15.614. You can also download application forms through the WSFR toolkit under “Forms”: http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Forms. If you have trouble accessing the online forms, you can contact one of the Service WSFR Offices (see Agency Contacts).

To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an application must contain:

A. Standard Form SF‐424. A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance form Standard Form SF-424. Do not include other Federal sources of funding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the “Federal” funding box on the Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the “Federal” funding box. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the “Other” box.

B. Project Statement (7 Page Limit) Applicants applying for awards under a project-by-project basis are required to provide a project statement containing the elements required by 50 CFR 80.82 and listed below.

Identify and describe:

1. The need for the proposed project(s) within the purpose of the Program.

2. Discrete, quantifiable, and verifiable objectives to be accomplished during a specific time period. Objectives reference specific outcomes to be accomplished in order to reach the stated goal(s). The project objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable within the period of performance, realistic, and time-bound. Note: if your objectives include management of lands for recreational as well as conservation purposes, you must demonstrate that any anticipated recreational activities will not degrade habitat values of targeted lands;

3. Expected results or benefits from accomplishing the objectives;

4. The approach or activities to be used in meeting the objectives, including specific procedures, methods, schedules, key personnel, and cooperators. Please include (if applicable):

a. The organizations that will act as a subrecipient and their role(s) in meeting the project objectives;

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms_apps_idx.html https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms_apps_idx.html http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Forms http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Forms

b. What organization will hold title to the real property being acquired or restored;

c. How will long-term management (20 years or longer) of acquired or restored lands be accomplished, e.g., through long-term support provided by an endowment;

d. What type of ownership interest is involved, e.g., fee-simple, easement, combination, etc., and the related acres;

e. What organization (or individual) will manage the real property interest;

f. What will be involved in the restoration? Why did you choose that approach? How likely is the proposed restoration technique to succeed? How much maintenance is involved, who will conduct it, and who will support it? Please provide successful examples of this restoration approach in similar nearby ecosystems, if available;

g. Is the project ready to implement? For example, in the case of acquisitions, have the landowners supplied willing seller letters to attach to the proposal? For restorations, are the landowners willing to allow and maintain the proposed restoration, and have required permits been obtained or initiated? Are restoration designs completed or underway and can they be attached to the proposal?

5. Project location – Maps or other geographic aids may be attached. Please include GPS Coordinates in degrees, minutes, and seconds, if available;

6. Useful life - Propose a useful life for each capital improvement identified in this application and reference the method used to determine the useful life of a capital improvement with a value greater than $100,000 (for more information, see 522 FW 18);

7. Program Income that the project is likely to generate, if any. Indicate the method of applying and disposing of the program income;

8. Budget and planned expenditures for the project - See Sections C and D for directions relating to the required format of the budget and the information needed in the budget justification;

9. The method used for allocating costs in multipurpose projects and facilities;

10. Any relationship between this project and other work funded by Federal grants that is planned, anticipated, or underway;

11. Timeline. Describe significant milestones in completing the project and any accomplishments to date;

12. For projects conducted in the United States, a description of the activity in sufficient detail so WSFR staff are able to evaluate compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA);

https://www.fws.gov/policy/522fw18.html https://www.fws.gov/policy/522fw18.html

13. Provide information in the project statement that shows that the proposed activities are eligible for funding and substantial in character and design;

14. State Trust Fund - Either a description of the State trust fund that supports or justifies your request for a 75 percent Federal share in sufficient detail for the Service to make an eligibility determination, or a statement that eligibility has been previously approved by the Service and no change has occurred in the fund;

15. Relationship to Other Projects - List of other current, interrelated coastal acquisition, restoration, enhancement and management actions; the agencies involved; the relationship to the proposed grant; and how the application fits into comprehensive natural resource plans for the area; and

16. Public Involvement and Interagency Coordination - A description of public involvement or interagency coordination on coastal wetlands conservation projects that has occurred or is planned that relates to the application (specify the organization or agencies involved and dates of involvement).

C. Budget Information Complete the Budget Information for Construction Programs (SF-424C) form or submit the equivalent or greater level of information in another format. The budget forms are available on the Internet at https://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Forms. When developing your budget, keep in mind that financial assistance awards and subawards are subject to the Federal cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, as applicable to the recipient organization type. Links to the full text of the Federal cost principles are available on the Internet at 2 CFR 200.47.

Multiple Federal Funding Sources: If the project budget includes multiple Federal funding sources, you must show the funds being requested from this Federal program separately from any other requested/secured Federal sources of funding on the budget form. For example, enter the funds being requested from this Federal program in the first row of the Budget Summary section of the form and then enter funding related to other Federal programs in the subsequent row(s). Be sure to enter each Federal program’s CFDA number in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number for this Federal program appears on the first page of this funding opportunity.

D. Budget Justification In the budget justification section of the project statement, explain and justify requested budget items/costs proposed in the submitted budget and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. The justification for each budget category should be a brief general description of the costs that make up that category, yet provide https://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Forms enough detail to demonstrate that the applicant has a financial plan for implementation of the proposed objectives. For example, under personnel costs include the total number of staff and the various job titles (classifications) anticipated to be charging to the project and the activities they will be performing. Describe any item under the applicable Federal cost principles in 2 CFR

200.407 that requires the Service’s approval and estimate its cost (e.g., equipment and other capital expenditures, pre-award costs, etc.) Also include:

a. In-Kind Match – Include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to arrive at the total; and

b. Program Income, if any – Include the source, amount, and the requested method of crediting the program income (i.e. deductive or additive);

c. When applicable, for any organization charging indirectly, a copy of a current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement. State fish and wildlife agencies may submit a copy of their NICRA annually to their Regional WSFR Office, rather than include it with this application.

Required Indirect Cost Statement: All applicants must include in the budget justification narrative one of the following statements and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:

“We are:

1. A U.S. state 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 government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. In addition to the first sentence, please also provide one of the following statements, as applicable: ‘We are required to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation to support those costs.’ or ‘We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification is attached.’

3. A U.S. state government entity 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.

4. A U.S. state government entity that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. 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 Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, section 200.68. We understand that the 10% de minimis rate will apply for the life of the award, including any future extensions for time, and that the rate cannot be changed even if we do establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

5. A U.S. state government entity that will charge all costs directly.”

All applicants are hereby notified of the following:

● Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. Accepting the 10% de minimis rate as a condition of award is an approved rate.

● Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award.

● Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted for direct costs or to satisfy cost-sharing or matching requirements under the award.

● Recipients are prohibited from shifting unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

For more information on indirect cost rates, see the Service’s Indirect Costs and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements guidance document on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/grants/.

Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior: The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your cognizant agency, your indirect cost rate will be negotiated by the Interior Business Center (IBC). For more information, contact the IBC at:

Indirect Cost Services Acquisition Services Directorate, Interior Business Center U.S. Department of the Interior 2180 Harvard Street, Sui`te 430 Sacramento, CA 95815 Phone: 916-566-7111 http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.ecfr.gov/ http://www.fws.gov/grants/ http://www.fws.gov/grants/

Email: ics@nbc.gov Internet address: https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services

E. Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in 2 CFR 200, Subpart F, 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 a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. All U.S. states must provide a statement regarding if your organization was/was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the organization’s most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, state if that report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (http://harvester.census.gov/sac/) and provide the EIN under which that report was submitted. Include these statements at the end of the Project Narrative in a section titled “Single Audit Reporting Statements.”

F. Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available online at https://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Forms. Use the Assurances for Construction Programs (SF‐424D) for construction and land acquisition projects. Signing this form does not mean that all items on the form are applicable. The form contains language that states that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. State fish and wildlife agencies may submit a copy of assurances annually to their Regional WSFR Office.

G. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award.

Lobbying is defined as 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 connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $100,000, complete and submit the SF‐LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

H. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Applicants must notify the Service in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that are known at the time of application or that may arise during the life of this award, in the event an award is made. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their mailto:ics@nbc.gov https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=79c08964cb7d085db2981d7e7b306fff&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=79c08964cb7d085db2981d7e7b306fff&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 http://harvester.census.gov/sac/ responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, the applicant’s employees, or the applicant’s future subrecipients in the matter.

Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the applicant to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner satisfactory to the Service may result in the project not being selected for funding.

I. Ranking Criteria (20 Page Limit) Provide a description, with appropriate documentation, of how the proposed project addresses each of the 13 numeric ranking criteria in 50 CFR 84.32 (see VI. Application Review for ranking criteria; see also our current approach for criterion 11 at 50 CFR 84.32(11), P. 28). We recommend that you address each ranking criterion individually with a brief statement or table.

If land is proposed as match, applicants should include information on both the parcels proposed for acquisition/restoration with NCWCG Program funds and the match parcels in adequate detail for each ranking criterion so reviewers can make informed scoring decisions.

Activities provided as cost share, including land acquisition, are part of the project and must be eligible activities.

J. Drawings/Maps/Photographs (No Page Limit)

1. We recommend that you include the following clearly marked drawings or photographs of the overall proposed project that include:

a. Existing state of the project area;

b. Proposed project area (in one or more maps, photographs, or images);

i. Detail which areas will be part of the grant funded activities, delineating the project boundaries;

ii. Detail which areas are part of the cost share, if applicable;

iii. Detail what restoration activities will take place and where, if applicable;

iv. Detail which areas, if any, are part of a larger effort that will be funded outside of this grant and cost share application;

v. Detail wetland types (please include National Wetlands Inventory, State Wetlands

Map, or other wetland delineation, if available); and

vi. Any other information that will assist reviewers to identify project components or factors involved with ranking.

2. Two maps of the project location: a map of the State showing the general location of the application and a map of the project site.

K. Letters of Commitment (No Page Limit) All letters of financial commitment are due with the application by the Friday, June 30, 2017 deadline. We will not consider letters received after the deadline. Letters should include:

1. Signed letter(s) of financial commitment from an authorized representative of all third-party match provider(s). The letter(s) of financial commitment must detail the amount of matching funds or value of donated land and/or services.

2. In projects with land acquisition, we encourage you to include a letter or statement that certifies that the landowner has been contacted, that negotiations are underway, or the current level of interaction regarding the possible sale of the property to help reviewers determine the feasibility of the proposed project compared with other projects.

Items to Include in Grant Application

● SF‐424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF-424.

● Project Statement (7 Page Limit)

● Budget Information or SF‐424 budget form: A complete SF 424-C or equivalent budget information.

● Budget justification

● NICRA: When applicable, a copy of the organization’s current Negotiated Indirect Cost

Rate Agreement.

● Indirect Cost Statement

● Single Audit Reporting statement: If a U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal government, or non-profit organization, statements regarding applicability of and compliance with Single Audit reporting requirements (2CFR 200.501).

● SF‐424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF 424-D Assurances form (if a current version is not on file with the Regional WSFR Office).

● SF‐LLL form: If applicable, completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form.

● Conflict of Interest statement, when applicable.

● Response to ranking criteria (20 Page Limit)

● Drawings/Maps/Photographs

● Letters of commitment

Applications should be formatted to print on 8.5” X 11” paper, with 1” margins at the top, bottom, and both sides, and page numbers at the bottom of the page. Fonts should be legible, i.e., preferably 12 point Arial, Times New Roman, or other commonly used font. Please number your pages starting with the Project Statement.

Failure to provide complete information may cause delays in approval, or rejection of the application.

V. Submission Instructions SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Grant application packages are due to your Regional WSFR Office (see Section VII, Agency Contacts) on or before Friday, June 30, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The Service recommends that you submit early enough to address any unforeseen technical complications.

All letters of financial commitment are due with the application by the deadline. The Service will not consider applications or letters received after the deadline.

Intergovernmental Review: Before submitting an application, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the following website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/) to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental review of Federal Programs.” E.O.

12372 was issued to foster the intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The E.O. allows each state to designate an entity to perform this function. The official list of designated entities is posted on the website.

Contact your state’s designated entity for more information on the process the state requires to be followed when applying for assistance. States that do not have a designated entity listed on the website have chosen not to participate in the review process.

Electronic Submission Instructions: Go to www.grants.gov

1. Click the “Apply for Grants” tab and read the instructions provided by Grants.gov.

2. The following are items that need to be done before a grant application package can be submitted electronically through Grants.gov:

- Applicants must register as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and have a user id and password. The applicant can register on the web at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html;

- Applicants must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view files on the web. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/ http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/

3. Standard forms such as SF-424, SF-424 C, and SF-424D are fillable forms on Grants.gov.

The project narrative and budget narrative must be attachments in the following formats: MS Word, Adobe PDF, or MS Excel.

4. All forms and attachments mentioned above must be submitted with the grant application package.

5. Important note on Grants.gov application attachment file names: Please do not assign application attachments file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. Assigning file names longer than 20 characters will create issues in the automatic interface between Grants.gov and the Service’s financial assistance management system.

Mail or Email Submission Instructions:

1. Applicants can obtain forms, in PDF fillable/printable formats, from the WSFR Toolkit at http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Toolkit+Homepage.

2. The required SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization’s authorized official. The Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text “Completed by Grants.gov upon submission” or “Completed on submission to Grants.gov.”

Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

3. The completed grant application package must be mailed or emailed to the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office.

Applicants are also encouraged to send a single .pdf file comprising their entire application package, including all standard forms (SF‐424, SF‐424C, SF‐424D), project statement, response to ranking criteria information, maps and photos, and letters of financial commitment to their Regional WSFR contact (see contact information in section VII., Agency Contacts) by the deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with their Regional WSFR contact and State Coastal Wetlands Program staff prior to submission to ensure applications are eligible and complete.

For further information or questions on electronic submission, contact your Regional WSFR Office.

http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Toolkit+Homepage http://fawiki.fws.gov/display/WTK/Toolkit+Homepage

VI. Application Review A. Ranking Criteria Criteria for reviewing and ranking projects were established in the final rule for administering the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (67 FR 48264; 50 CFR 84).

Attachment A clarifies select ranking criteria in 50 CFR 84.32 and answers general program questions, including changes we make to clarify criterion 11 (P. 28). A brief summary of each ranking criterion is given below. The questions that follow each criterion are intended to prompt applicants to explain and provide supporting information explaining how the proposed project addresses each criterion.

1. Wetlands conservation. How will the project reverse coastal wetland loss or habitat degradation in decreasing or stable coastal wetland types?

2. Maritime forests on coastal barriers. How will the application significantly benefit maritime forests on coastal barriers?

3. Long‐term conservation. How will the project ensure long-term conservation of coastal wetland functions? The project must provide at least 20 years of conservation benefits to be eligible.

4. Coastal watershed management. How will the completed project help accomplish the natural resource goals and objectives of one or more formal, ongoing coastal watershed management plan or effort?

5. Conservation of threatened and endangered species. How will the project benefit any Federally listed endangered or threatened species, species proposed for Federal listing, recently delisted species or designated or proposed critical habitat in coastal wetlands?

Describe any expected benefits to State-listed species.

6. Benefits to fish. How will the project provide, restore or enhance important fisheries habitat?

7. Benefits to coastal‐dependent or migratory birds. How will the project provide, restore, or enhance important habitat for coastal-dependent or migratory birds?

8. Prevent or reduce contamination. How will the project prevent or reduce input of contaminants, or remove existing contaminants from the coastal wetlands and associated coastal waters?

9. Catalyst for future conservation. How will the project leverage other ongoing coastal wetlands conservation efforts in an area or provide additional impetus for conservation?

10. Partners in conservation. Will the project receive financial support from partners, including in-kind match, from private, local or other Federal interests?

11. Federal share reduced. Does the application add to the non-Federal share of the project by contributing additional cash? (see Attachment A, P. 28). (Includes only cash above the minimum required match and REPI funds contributed as cash.)

12. Education/outreach program or wildlife‐oriented recreation. How is the proposed project expected to increase environmental awareness and develop support for coastal wetlands conservation? Does it provide recreational opportunities that are consistent with the conservation goals of the site?

13. Other factors. Please summarize how any other factors not covered in the previous criteria make this proposed project or site particularly unique and valuable.

● Describe how the proposed project addresses climate change concerns, how it will be affected by climate change impacts, and include references to any relevant plans and models.

● Provide any information regarding how the proposed project supports the Department of the Interior’s America's Great Outdoors Initiative and/or the River Initiative.

B. Review and Selection Process Project selection is a three-step process: application acceptance, application ranking, and application selection.

1. Application Acceptance Your Regional WSFR Office determines the State agency applicant’s eligibility and whether applications are complete, substantial, and contain only activities that are eligible. Ineligible applications are returned to the State agency. Revision and resubmission of returned applications is allowable up until the Grants.gov deadline for application submittals.

2. Application Ranking Once an application is accepted by your Regional WSFR Office, they forward the application to the National Wildlife Refuge System, Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, which coordinates an internal, cross-programmatic review of all accepted applications by a National Review Panel. Only complete applications will be scored and ranked.

3. Application Selection The National Review Panel scores and ranks all accepted applications and provides the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service with a list of recommended projects for funding.

The Panel is composed of experts from all Service Regions except for Region 6. Panelists must complete a “Department of the Interior Conflict of Interest Certification” form prior to participating in the scoring process. The final list of projects selected for award is determined by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The projects selected for award are expected to be announced by approximately January 2018. Successful applicants will receive a letter informing them that their application was selected for funding and the amount of the award.

As required by 2 CFR 200.205, the Service conducts annual risk assessment of all applicants prior to receiving awards. The result of this risk assessment is used to establish a monitoring plan for each award in that fiscal year (see 2 CFR 200.207). The Service’s risk assessment form is available at http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-2462.pdf.

VII. Award Administration Award Notice Successful applicants will receive a letter informing them that their application was selected for funding, the amount of the award, and the remaining process needed to complete the grant award. The Service will also publish on its website a national press release announcing the projects selected for awards.

Domestic Recipient Payments Prior to award, the Service program office will contact you/your organization to enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system.

Transmittal of Sensitive Data Recipients are responsible for ensuring any sensitive data being sent to the Service is protected during its transmission/delivery. The Service strongly recommends that recipients use the most secure transmission/delivery method available. The Service recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing; encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email followed by the password in a second email;

or emailing a zipped/compressed file attachment. The Service strongly encourages recipients sending sensitive data in paper copy to use a courier mail service. Recipients may also contact their Service Project Officer and provide any sensitive data over the telephone.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements Applicable executive orders must be satisfied before the Service can approve an award and make funding available. In accepting Federal funds, applicants must comply with all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and policies. Evidence of compliance with the NEPA, NHPA, ESA, CWA, and other Federal laws must be provided if selected for award.

All financial assistance awards are subject to Federal financial administration requirements.

The Regional WSFR Offices will work with applicants to ensure that all financial arrangements comply with these requirements.

http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-2462.pdf

To find out more about these rules, including administrative requirements and cost principles, please review 2 CFR 200 and 50 CFR 84. These regulations apply to all recipients.

Reporting Reporting requirements include record retention and access requirements that are specified in 2 CFR 200.333-337. Additional details regarding requirements, guidance, consequences, etc.

are available in 516 FW 1 and 516 FW 2.

Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates that have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Service in writing as soon as the following types of conditions become known:

• 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.

• 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.

The Service will specify in the notice of award document the reporting and reporting frequency applicable to the award.

Financial and performance reporting requirements and retention and access requirements are specified in 2 CFR Part 200 (Subpart D) and in the Service Manual Chapters on Financial and Performance Reporting Guidance, 516 FW 1 and 516 FW 2. Electronic submission of performance information using the Wildlife TRACS system may be required, as detailed in the terms and conditions of this award.

Other Mandatory Disclosures: Recipients and their subrecipients must disclose, in a timely manner and in writing, to the Service or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting this award. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR 200.113, 2 CFR Part 180, and 31 U.S.C. 3321).

VIII. Agency Contacts The NCWCG Program is administered…