NOAA-NMFS-WCRO-2015-2004368 FFO.docx

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Agency Name(s): National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce Funding Opportunity Title: Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NMFS-WCRO-2015-2004368 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.438, Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery - Pacific Salmon Treaty Program Dates: Pre-applications are not mandatory, but highly encouraged. They must be received no later than February 24, 2015, if the applicant expects to receive any feedback from NMFS regarding completeness of its package and initial determination of compliance with minimum requirements. Final applications should be submitted via Grants.gov and must be received no later than 11:59pm EST on March 24, 2015. For applications submitted through Grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining timeliness. The proposal must be validated by Grants.gov in order to be considered timely. PLEASE NOTE: It may take Grants.gov up to two (2) business days to validate or reject the application. Please keep this in mind in developing your submission timeline.

For those not having access to the internet, one signed original and two hard copy applications must be postmarked or received by the established due date for the program at the following address: Stephanie Coleman, Grants Program Manager, NMFS West Coast Region, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232-1274. Use of U.S. Mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt. (Note that late-arriving hard copy proposals provided to a delivery service on or before 11:59pm EST on the closing date for applications will be accepted for review if the applicant can document that the proposal was provided to the guaranteed delivery service by the specified closing date and time and if the proposal is received by the PCSRF Program Officer no later than 5:00 pm EST, two business days following the closing date.)

No facsimile or electronic mail proposals will be accepted. The proposed start date should be no earlier than July 1, 2015 unless otherwise directed by the PCSRF Program Officer.

Funding Opportunity Description: NOAA announces the availability of Federal funding, authorized pursuant to Public Law 113-235 (Omnibus and Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015), for necessary expenses associated with the restoration of Pacific salmon populations. The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) program makes such funding available to the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Alaska, and federally recognized tribes of the Columbia River and Pacific Coast (including Alaska) for projects necessary for the conservation of salmon and steelhead populations that are listed as threatened or endangered, or identified by a State as at-risk to be so-listed, for maintaining populations necessary for exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, or for the conservation of Pacific coastal salmon and steelhead habitat. This announcement outlines the priorities and guidelines that will be used to award funding to eligible entities.

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Program Objective PCSRF was established in Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 to address a coast-wide need to restore and conserve Pacific Chinook, coho, chum, sockeye and pink salmon and steelhead, and their habitat. PCSRF supplements existing state and tribal programs to foster development of federal-state-tribal-local partnerships in salmon recovery and conservation by providing grants for restoration of anadromous salmonids to the eligible states and tribes.

Under this solicitation, NMFS seeks applications for projects from eligible States, Indian tribes, representative Tribal Commissions, and Alaska Native Tribal Consortia (Consortia) so that it can allocate the FY 2015 Federal funds for PCSRF grants based on scientific and merit principles. An applicant may only submit one application to the Federal government for PCSRF program funding. Applications from both the representative Tribal Commission or Consortium and a Tribe represented by that Commission or Consortium will not be accepted. In the event that applications are submitted by both a representative Tribal Commission or Consortium and a Tribe, NMFS will contact both parties for resolution of which entity will submit a single application on behalf of the Tribe.

B. Program Priorities The objective of the FY2015 PCSRF is to supplement State and tribal programs for salmon restoration by allocating federal funding to projects and activities that provide demonstrable and measurable benefits to Pacific anadromous salmonids (Chinook, coho, chum, sockeye, and pink salmon and steelhead) and their habitat. In accordance with the Congressional authorization, these projects and activities are those "necessary for conservation of salmon and steelhead populations that are listed as threatened or endangered, or identified by a State as at-risk to be so-listed, for maintaining populations necessary for exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, or for conservation of Pacific coastal salmon and steelhead habitat." [Public Law 113-235]

Priorities for FY 2015 PCSRF applications, in ranked order, are:

(1) Projects that address factors limiting the productivity of Pacific anadromous salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), or those populations necessary for the exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing. Projects benefiting ESA-listed populations shall address the limiting factors and priority actions specified in approved, interim, or proposed Recovery Plans. Of particular emphasis are projects that include the restoration and protection of riparian habitats in identified priority areas. Projects benefiting populations important to the exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing may include efforts to restore or maintain such populations while limiting factors are being addressed. This priority also includes the development of engineering or project designs that are a necessary precursor to on-the-ground habitat improvement projects under this priority.

(2) Effectiveness monitoring of habitat restoration actions at the watershed or larger scales for ESA-listed anadromous salmonids, status monitoring projects that directly contribute to population viability assessments for ESA-listed anadromous salmonids, or monitoring necessary for the exercise of tribal-treaty fishing rights or native-subsistence fishing on anadromous salmonids.

(3) Other projects consistent with the Congressional authorization with demonstrated need for PCSRF funding. This includes projects that are necessary precursors to implementing activities under the above priorities including outreach, planning and coordination, assessment, research, and monitoring, or other engineering and design projects.

Grant applications may be submitted for one or more of the priorities. However, a separate proposal narrative and budget must be included in the application for each priority. Grant applications will be evaluated separately for each priority. NMFS anticipates a greater proportion of the available FY 2015 PCSRF funding will be distributed to the higher-ranked priorities. States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia must have at least 10% of their application apply to monitoring.

C. Program Authority Omnibus and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235(December 16, 2014) ; 16 U.S.C. 3645(d)(2).

II. Award Information A. Funding Availability Up to $65,000,000 may be available for FY 2015 projects. Depending on the number of applications and amount of funding requested for each priority, NOAA may limit or proportion the distribution of FY 2015 PCSRF funds to each PCSRF priority. There are no restrictions on minimum funding requests, but there is a limit of $25,000,000 as the maximum amount requested by any applicant. Award periods may be extended to a maximum of five years. Start dates on proposals should be no earlier than July 1, 2015.

B. Project/Award Period The PCSRF program announcement is for programs and projects to be conducted for a 1-year or up to a 5-year period, with an anticipated start date no earlier than July 1, 2015.

C. Type of Funding Instrument The funding instrument will be a grant.

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants Eligible applicants are the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Alaska, and federally-recognized tribes of the Columbia River and Pacific Coast (including Alaska).

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement State applicants are required to match or document in-kind contributions of at least 33% of received Federal funds. Indian tribes, representative tribal commissions and consortia are exempt from any cost share requirement. Matching funds consist of PCSRF projects funded totally or partially by state appropriated funds; PCSRF projects that are funded totally or partially by sub-recipient or contractor funds; or PCSRF projects funded partially by other pre-approved sources of federal funding. In-kind contributions must be applied directly to a PCSRF project in order to be considered match. State funding for a PCSRF program administration project may be used as matching funds.

C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility

1. Eligible States must submit applications through one designated State entity identified by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NMFS. Applications from multiple State agencies within one state will not be accepted.

2. Indian Tribes must demonstrate eligibility in their application for consideration. They may act on their own behalf when applying for PCSRF funding or may allow their representative Tribal Commission or Consortium to act for them through an MOU agreement with NMFS. Applications requesting funding for a Tribe from both the representative Tribal Commission or Consortium as well as a Tribe represented by that Commission or Consortium will not be accepted. In the event that applications are submitted by both a representative Tribal Commission or Consortium and a Tribe, NMFS will contact both parties for resolution of which entity will submit a single application on behalf of the Tribe.

IV. Application and Submission Information A. Address to Request Application Package All application materials can be found at the grants.gov portal at www.grants.gov. If an applicant does not have internet access, application materials may be requested from Ms. Sheryl Robinson, PCSRF Federal Program Officer, by phone at (503) 230-5421, or by mail at NMFS, West Coast Region, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232-1274.

NMFS' Internet website at http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov contains additional information on PCSRF, under the ‘What We Do’ header. For further information on PCSRF, please contact Dr. Scott Rumsey, PCSRF Program Manager, NMFS, West Coast Region at (503) 872-2791 or scott.rumsey@noaa.gov. Questions regarding this announcement should be directed to Ms. Robinson at (503) 230-5421 or sheryl.robinson@noaa.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application

1. Application Format: All pages should be numbered, single-spaced and must be composed in at least a 12-point font with one-inch margins on 8 ½" x 11" paper.

2. Title Page(s) (3 Page Limit): Include the following:

a. Applicant name and Demonstration of Eligibility (Indian Tribes only for latter requirement)

b. Funding Opportunity Title:

c. Funding Opportunity Number:

d. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

e. Program/Project Title:

f. Program/Project Duration:

g. Program/Project Contacts:

h. Program/Project Objectives: (short paragraphs describing the planned use of funds under each priority proposed)

i. Program/Project Proposal Total Amount and Sub-Totals for each Priority: (include PCSRF funds requested and state matching funds for each Priority)

j. Program/Project Justification and Need for Funding:

k. Program/Proposed Project Outcomes: (brief description of anticipated benefits to anadromous salmonids)

3. Forms: Each application package must include:

a. Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

b. Form SF-424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

c. Form SF-424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

d. CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying

e. SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. Additionally, the CD-512 "Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying" is required to be submitted with the application package, if applicable. To do this, download the form from: http://www.cop.noaa.gov/opportunities/grants/pdf/cd512fll.pdf. Fill out, sign, scan, and attach the form to the application package.

f. A current copy of the negotiated indirect cost rate with a Federal agency (if applicable).

g. A current copy of a signed MOU with NMFS (if applicable).

4. Program or Project Narrative (30 Page Limit): Descriptive document on how the applicant intends to carry out the proposed program or project(s).

a. Program application narratives for States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia. Narratives must describe program administration, and separately describe the projected outcomes for each of the three PCSRF priorities for which PCSRF funding is proposed as follows.

1. Program Administration. The program narrative must include the following details:

A. A detailed description of the organization's administrative resources, financial stability, business management systems, and capability to comply with federal grant requirements. The narrative should include a description of past performance in the management of federal funds, and knowledge of and demonstrated performance in implementing federal cost principles compliance and sub-recipient fiscal monitoring (if applicable).

B. Description of existing anadromous salmonid restoration programs and how the proposed PCSRF funds will supplement those programs. This includes documentation that the applicant's organization has existing salmonid programs and the appropriate management authority to implement actions identified in the proposal. Include a description of previous experience implementing salmonid restoration programs. Also provide a description of the applicant’s near –term (e.g., over the next five years) salmonid restoration strategy, including reference to any guiding documents, and how the current application will contribute toward achieving that strategy.

C. A description of the anticipated benefits and outcomes of the program or project(s) for anadromous salmonids and how the applicant will administer and manage the program or project(s) to ensure that demonstrable and measurable benefits and outcomes are achieved.

D. Description of the applicant's competitive and non-competitive project solicitation processes, timelines, project selection criteria, technical reviews of proposed project merit and feasibility, funding decisions, and how these elements will be managed and administered to ensure that funds are effectively and efficiently applied to the PCSRF priorities.

E. Description of the amount of funds proposed for projects to be funded under each process (competitive versus non-competitive), a description of types of projects to be funded through each process, and, if non-competitive processes are to be used, how such a non-competitive process represents the most effective and efficient application of resources to support the PCSRF priorities. The description of non-competitive processes should also explain how the evaluation, ranking, prioritization, and selection of projects will be conducted. This should include how the processes will be used to ensure at least ten percent (10%) of the proposed funding is for monitoring.

If any portion of the project will be conducted through consultants, subcontracts and/or sub-awards, you must follow the requirements set out at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.330 through 200.332, as applicable.

F. Description of program implementation monitoring and how the applicant will ensure projects and activities deliver the measurable benefits to anadromous salmonids as proposed. This should include a description of the proposed methods for monitoring program implementation and evaluating program effectiveness.

G. Description of applicant's project tracking and reporting system and how it will be used to ensure PCSRF reporting requirements are fully met. For prior PCSRF grant recipients, this should include a description of how the applicant has adhered to PCSRF reporting requirements including timeliness, complete entry of project information into the PCSRF database, prompt resolution of database or project reporting issues (if applicable), and updates to past projects to ensure all available Phase II project data is complete.

H. Description of major accomplishments in fulfilling PCSRF authorized activities and program priorities, using past PCSRF funds (if applicable), including history of project funding, types of projects funded, and outcomes. This may include reference to reports that the applicant has completed on their past accomplishments.

2. Program Proposal by PCSRF Priority. A separate narrative and budget should be provided for each priority area that the proposed program intends to address. The applicant must describe the following under each priority:

A. Proposed amount of funding (including state matching funds) for projects to address a given priority.

B. Description of the proposed program's activities and how they address a given Priority (include the rationale and justification for how the program/projects will address the Priority).

• Priority 1 proposals should identify the specific salmonid population(s) and explain what population-specific limiting factors will be addressed and describe the anticipated outcomes. Provide the following information, as appropriate.

o For ESA-listed anadromous salmonid populations, include the name of the approved, interim, or proposed Recovery Plan(s) that identifies the factors limiting productivity.

o Describe how the proposed program will include the restoration and protection of riparian habitats in priority areas for salmonids.

o For anadromous salmonid populations needed for tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, identify the specific tribal or native subsistence fisheries and explain how the proposed program will benefit or sustain the affected populations.

o Describe how the proposed program will encourage and select large-scale strategies that maximize benefits through the implementation of coordinated projects that address multiple priority limiting factors.

o Describe how habitat restoration activities under priority 1 will be designed to achieve lasting benefits through the restoration of self-sustaining natural ecosystem functions and processes (e.g., re-establishing floodplain connection and function, restoring natural river-channel migration, re-establishing ecologically functional riparian buffers).

o Describe how program funds invested under Priority 1 will maximize benefits by leveraging additional coordinated investments from other entities and programs.

• Priority 2 proposals should specify the geographic extent of the monitoring effort and how the monitoring will contribute to: viability assessments for ESA-listed salmonids; monitoring necessary for tribal or native subsistence fishing; or analyses of the effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts.

• Priority 3 proposals should provide details on exactly how the proposed activities are consistent with the Congressional authorization and demonstrate the need for PCSRF funding. Documents that demonstrate the need for the proposed work should be cited (and provided upon request).

C. Description of the expected measurable outcomes and benefits to the anadromous salmonids for each proposed Priority. The description should be supported quantitatively when possible (e.g., number/types of limiting factors identified in recovery plan(s) being addressed, estimated miles/acres of habitat proposed for restoration, number/types of treaty/subsistence fisheries, number/names of watersheds/populations to be monitored, etc.).

D. Description of project solicitation and selection criteria and processes that will be used to ensure that projects selected for funding under the proposed program will effectively address the intended PCSRF priority.

b. Project-specific application narratives for individual tribes. Narratives must describe program administration and separately describe proposed projects under the applicable PCSRF priority.

1. Tribal Project Administration. The narrative must include the following details:

A. A detailed description of the Tribe's administrative resources, financial stability, business management systems, and capability to comply with federal grant requirements. The narrative should include a description of past performance in the management of federal funds, and demonstrated performance in implementing federal cost principles compliance and sub-recipient fiscal monitoring (if applicable).

B. Description of the Tribe's existing anadromous salmonid restoration program(s) and how the proposed PCSRF funds will supplement those programs. This includes documentation that the tribe has existing salmonid programs and the appropriate management authority to implement actions identified in the proposal. Also include a description of previous experience implementing salmonid restoration programs.

C. A description of the anticipated benefits and outcomes of the Tribe's proposed project(s) for anadromous salmonids and how the Tribe will administer and manage the project(s) to ensure that demonstrable and measurable benefits and outcomes are achieved.

D. Description of project implementation monitoring and how the Tribe will ensure projects deliver the measurable benefits to anadromous salmonids as proposed. This should include a description of the proposed methods for monitoring project implementation and evaluating project effectiveness.

E. Description of Tribe’s project tracking and reporting system and how it will be used to ensure PCSRF reporting requirements are fully met. For prior PCSRF grant recipients, this should include a description of how the applicant has adhered to PCSRF reporting requirements including timely and complete entry of project information into the PCSRF database, and how they resolved database reporting issues, inconsistencies or missing metrics (if applicable).

F. Description of major accomplishments in fulfilling PCSRF authorized activities and program priorities, using past PCSRF funds (if applicable), including a history of project funding, types of projects funded, and outcomes. This may include reference to reports that the Tribe has completed on their past accomplishments.

2. Tribal Project Proposal(s). A separate narrative for each proposed project must include the following details:

A. Project description including the (1) title of the project; (2) the proposed funding requested; (3) proposed start/end dates; (4) location; (5) the name and status of anadromous salmonids that will benefit from the project; and, (6) a description of the proposed work including objectives and approaches.

B. Description of the proposed activities and how they address a given Priority (include the rationale and justification for how the projects(s) will address the Priority).

• Priority 1 proposals should identify the specific salmonid population(s) and explain what population-specific limiting factors will be addressed. Provide the following information, as appropriate.

o For ESA-listed anadromous salmonid populations, include the name of the approved, interim, or proposed Recovery Plan that identifies the factors limiting productivity.

o Describe how the proposal will include the restoration and protection of riparian habitats in priority areas for salmonids.

o For anadromous salmonid populations needed for tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, identify the specific tribal or native subsistence fisheries and explain how the proposed program will benefit or sustain the affected populations.

o Describe how habitat restoration activities under priority 1 will be designed to achieve lasting benefits through the restoration of self-sustaining natural ecosystem functions and processes (e.g., re-establishing floodplain connection and function, restoring natural river-channel migration, re-establishing ecologically functional riparian buffers).

• Priority 2 proposals should specify the geographic extent of the monitoring effort and how the monitoring will contribute to viability assessments for ESA-listed salmonids; monitoring necessary for tribal or native subsistence fishing; or analyses of the effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts.

• Priority 3 proposals should provide details on exactly how the proposed activities are consistent with the Congressional authorization and demonstrate the need for PCSRF funding. Documents that demonstrate the need for the proposed work should be cited (and provided upon request).

C. Description of the expected measurable outcomes and benefits to the anadromous salmonids for each proposed Priority. The description should be supported quantitatively when possible (e.g., number/types of limiting factors identified in recovery plan(s) being addressed, estimated miles/acres of habitat proposed for restoration, number/types of treaty/subsistence fisheries, number/names of watersheds/populations to be monitored, etc.).

5. Budget Narrative: Proposed budget for program administration costs and budget breakdown (i.e., by the Object Class Categories in form 424A, Section B) for each priority with an accompanying explanation for the estimated costs. Include an approved current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable) and a detailed explanation of the matching share to be contributed by the applicant (States only). Each application should include a summary table that lists each of the components of the proposal and corresponding costs (include all projects/tasks under each of the three priorities), including matching costs, and demonstration (States and Tribal Commissions/Consortia) that the 10% monitoring requirement will be met.

6. Resumes/Qualifications of Key Staff: Should not exceed two (2) pages per individual, with an additional two (2) pages allowed for single summary description of all organizations or consultants named in the application.

7. References and Appendices (2 Page Limit)

C. Submission Dates and Times Pre-applications are not mandatory, but are highly encouraged. They must be received no later than February 24, 2015, if the applicant expects to receive any feedback from NMFS regarding completeness of its package and initial determination of compliance with minimum requirements. Final applications should be submitted via Grants.gov and must be received no later than 11:59pm EST on March 24, 2015. For applications submitted through Grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining timeliness. The proposal must be validated by Grants.gov in order to be considered timely. PLEASE NOTE: It may take Grants.gov up to two (2) business days to validate or reject the application. Please keep this in mind in developing your submission timeline.

For applicants that do not have access to the internet, one signed original and two hard copy applications must be postmarked or received by the established due date for the program at the following address: Stephanie Coleman, Grants Program Manager, NMFS West Coast Region 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232-1274. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt. (Note that late-arriving hard copy proposals provided to a delivery service on or before 11:59pm EST on the closing date for applications will be accepted for review if the applicant can document that the proposal was provided to the guaranteed delivery service by the specified closing date and time and if the proposal is received by the West Coast Region Grants Program Manager no later than 5:00 pm EST, two business days following the closing date.)

No facsimile or electronic mail proposals will be accepted.

D. Intergovernmental Review Applications under this program from state or local governments are subject to the provisions of Executive Order (EO) 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." Any applicant submitting an application for funding is required to complete item 16 on the SF-424 regarding clearance by the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) established as a result of EO 12372. To find out about and comply with a State's process under EO 12372, the names, addresses and phone numbers of participating SPOC's are listed in the Office Management and Budget's home page at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc.

E. Funding Restrictions As program entities, the States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia will expend not more than 3% of the direct federal funds for administrative expenses. Administrative expenses are defined as all costs, including direct and associated indirect costs, incurred by the State, Commission, or Consortium in administering the PCSRF grant and managing the distribution of the PCSRF grant funds to sub-recipients, contractors, programs, or projects that undertake PCSRF activities. Administrative expenses include activities such as sub-agreement and contracts management and monitoring, accounting, program oversight, site visits, program support and overhead costs, and competitive funding allocation processes including the processing and administrative review of project applications and proposals. Data management activities related to PCSRF reporting requirements, including the PCSRF web-based project tracking database system (found at https://www.webapps.nwfsc.noaa.gov/pcsrf), do not fall within the administrative expenses. This includes the costs for implementing new project reporting requirements under Phase II of the PCSRF database.

The 3% limitation on administrative expenses is not applicable to individual Tribes applying directly on their own behalf for projects.

F. Other Submission Requirements The full funding opportunity announcement for this program can be accessed via the Grants.gov web site at http://www.grants.gov. Applications for the PCSRF program are also available at the web site and may be electronically submitted for consideration using the following FFO number: NOAA-NMFS-WCRO-2015-2004368.

Pre-applications should be submitted electronically by e-mail to: sheryl.robinson@noaa.gov scott.rumsey@noaa.gov.

Additional information is available on the West Coast Region website at: http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov. Use the following directions to navigate to the PCSRF web page.

• Under the “Protected Species” heading select “Salmon & Steelhead”.

• Then under the “Information & Programs” heading select “Recovery Planning & Implementation”.

• “Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund” is located under the “What We Do” header.

V. Application Review Information A. Evaluation Criteria NOAA standardized the evaluation and selection process for its competitive assistance programs. All proposals submitted in response to this notice shall be evaluated and selected in accordance with the process set out below. In considering the funding allocation for projects and program applications, all proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria.

The technical evaluation totals 100 points and consists of two components:

1) A program-level evaluation that will be scored with a maximum of 40 points; and,

2) An evaluation of proposals under the three priorities with a maximum score of 60 points. The components of a proposal addressing each priority will be evaluated separately and the respective points under each priority will then be weighted based on the relative ranking of the PCSRF priorities and the distribution of the requested funds among the PCSRF priorities. NMFS anticipates a greater proportion of the available FY 2015 PCSRF funding will be distributed to higher scoring proposals addressing the higher priorities.

1. Program-level evaluation [40 Points]

a. Overall qualifications of the applicant [20 Points]: This ascertains whether the applicant possesses sufficient expertise and resources to accomplish the proposed program or projects. The organization and its management will be evaluated. The principal investigator and other personnel, including subcontractors and consultants participating in the project or program will be evaluated in terms of related experience and resources.

i. The applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, and training to implement and successfully complete the proposed program/projects.

ii. The applicant demonstrates that the necessary administrative programs, best practices, and associated resources are in place to successfully administer and manage the proposed program/projects.

iii. The applicant possesses the required facilities and infrastructure necessary to implement and successfully complete the proposed program/projects.

iv. The applicant demonstrates that the necessary methods and infrastructure are in place for successfully monitoring and reporting project results and evaluating program effectiveness.

b. Project costs [20 Points]: Applications will be evaluated on the details of their proposed budget to determine if the costs are realistic and commensurate with the program or project needs and time-frame. Successful applications will include the following:

i. A justification and rationale for the amount of funding proposed by geographical area to meet the PCSRF program priorities. The justification and need for funding should be supported by evidence and described quantitatively when possible (e.g., miles/acres of habitat needing restoration; number or extent of ESA listed Pacific salmon or Pacific salmon at risk; stocks important for tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, etc.). The description should also address the recipients other sources of funding for salmonid programs and projects.

ii. Detailed budgets by program or project(s) that itemize the proposal costs including administrative and overhead costs within prescribed limits.

iii. A description (for States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia) of their monitoring effort that will account for at least ten percent (10%) of the funding proposed.

iv. A description (for State applications) of the sources and amounts of matching funds (including details on sources and determinations on estimated value of any in-kind contributions) that will be applied to achieve the minimum matching requirements of 33% of the federal funds requested.

v. A description (for States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia) of how the proposed program will maximize benefits by leveraging additional coordinated investments from other entities and programs.

c. Outreach and education [0 Points]: Outreach and education, as defined by NOAA under the standardized evaluation and selection process, is not being evaluated under this competition. Outreach and education efforts remain valid PCSRF activities under Priority 3; however, such activities do not contribute to an applicant’s program-level evaluation score.

2. Evaluation of Proposals under each PCSRF Priority [60 points]

a. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of proposed project to the program goals [30 Points]: This ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and its relevance to the applicable PCSRF priority. Proposals will be evaluated based on how relevant and effective the proposals are in providing demonstrable and measurable benefits to the highest priority needs of anadromous salmonids in respective geographic areas. Successful applications will include the following information in their project narratives:

i. Narrative descriptions (for Priority One proposals) that clearly articulate how projects will address identified limiting factors:

• For ESA-listed anadromous salmonids, also identify how the proposal advances the recovery of ESA-listed salmonids.

• Describe how the proposed program will include the restoration and protection of riparian habitats in priority areas for salmonids.

• For anadromous salmonids necessary for the exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing, also identify the fishery(ies) with the greatest need for projects to restore or maintain the target salmonid population(s).

• Describe (for States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia) how the proposed program will encourage and select large-scale strategies that maximize benefits through the implementation of coordinated projects that address multiple priority limiting factors.

ii. Narrative descriptions (for Priority Two proposals) that clearly justify the type and location of monitoring proposals and identify how the results of proposed monitoring will inform population-level status and trends assessments and/or watershed-scale restoration effectiveness evaluations.

iii. Narrative descriptions (for Priority Three proposals) that demonstrate and justify an urgent need for funding to achieve a measurable benefit for the conservation and restoration of anadromous salmonids.

b. Technical/scientific merit [30 Points]: This assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear project goals and objectives. Proposals will be evaluated on whether there is a technically sound approach to manage and implement proposed projects; whether there is sufficient information to evaluate the project or program technically; and, if so, the strengths and/or weaknesses of the project or program approach to securing productive results. Successful applications will include the following information in their project narratives:

i. Narrative descriptions (for Priority One proposals) that clearly articulate the selection and design of viable projects that will effectively address limiting factors for ESA-listed anadromous salmonids and/or restore or maintain salmonid populations necessary for the exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing.

• Describe how habitat restoration activities under priority 1 will be designed to achieve lasting benefits through the restoration of self-sustaining natural ecosystem functions and processes (e.g., re-establishing floodplain connection and function, restoring natural river-channel migration, re-establishing ecologically functional riparian buffers).

ii. Narrative descriptions (for Priority Two proposals) that clearly articulate the proposed monitoring methodology and design for producing scientifically valid results at the watershed or population scales.

iii. Narrative descriptions (for Priority Three proposals) that clearly articulate proposed methodologies designed to achieve measurable benefits to anadromous salmonids, and substantiate the urgency and need of the proposed activities.

B. Review and Selection Process Upon receipt of an application, an initial administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness of the application. The application must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for funding.

1. Applicant is eligible to apply

2. Application received by deadline

3. Application is complete and includes all mandatory forms

4. Monitoring requirement (10%) is met (States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia)

5. Matching requirement (33%) is met (State Only)

6. Administrative programmatic costs (3%) are not exceeded (States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia only)

Technical Review: Individual evaluations comprised of at least three (3) or more private and public experts will independently evaluate the applications and score them using the evaluation criteria set forth above. No consensus advice will be given. The reviewer' ratings will be averaged to produce a rank order of the proposals. Technical reviewers will be required to certify that they do not have a conflict of interest and that they will maintain confidentiality of the applications.

Panel Review: After the projects have been evaluated and ranked, NMFS will solicit comments and input on funding recommendations from a panel of at least three (3) federal full-time employees comprised of the NMFS Alaska and West Coast regions. NMFS will provide the panelists with a summary of the technical review evaluations and the rank order of the proposals.

C. Selection Factors The Assistant Administrator for NMFS will be the Selecting Official. The Selecting Official will review the rank order, funding recommendations and comments from the Panel Review and determine the recipients to be funded and how much funding shall be awarded to each selected recipient. In making the final selections, the Selecting Official will award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one of the selection factors below.

1. Availability of funding

2. PCSRF Priority: All three priorities will be funded at some level, but more funds will be assigned to proposals in the higher priorities.

3. Balance/distribution of funds

a. Geographically

b. By type of institutions

c. By type of partners

d. By research areas

e. By project types

4. Whether this project duplicates other projects funded or considered for funding by NMFS or other federal agencies.

5. Program priorities and policy factors as set forth in the Full Funding Opportunity Sections I.A. and B.

6. Applicant’s prior award performance (Accomplishments related to PCSRF goals).

7. Partnerships and/or participation of targeted groups.

D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates Unsuccessful applicants will be notified through Grants Online. The NOAA Grants Officer will issue the grant award, Form CD-450, which is the authorizing financial assistance award document. Funding is expected to begin during July 2015 for most approved awards, subject to the availability of funds. July 1, 2015 will be used as the start date on awards, unless a later date is requested by recipient (and approved by the NOAA Grants Officer) or otherwise directed by the NOAA Grants Officer.

VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices The notice of award is signed by the NOAA Grants Officer and is sent to the appropriate business office of the recipient organization. This notification is not an authorization to begin project operations, and is not a guarantee of funding. Official notification of selection, signed by the NOAA Grants Officer, is the authorizing document that allows a project to begin. Notifications will be issued to the Authorizing Official of the project electronically.

Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets prior to final approval of an award. The exact amount of funds to be awarded, the final scope of activities, the project duration, and specific NOAA cooperative involvement with the activities of each project will be determined in pre-award negotiations among the applicant, the NOAA Grants Office, and NOAA/NMFS program staff. Projects should not be initiated in expectation of federal funding until an official notice of award document is received from the NOAA Grants Officer.

Award documents provided by the Grants Officer may contain special award conditions for activities outlined within the proposal. These special award conditions may also include other compliance requirements for the award as applicable and will be applied on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review award documents carefully before accepting a Federal award so they are fully aware of the relevant Standard Terms and Conditions as well as any Special Award Conditions that have been placed on the award.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements The recipient and any sub-recipients must, in addition to the assurances made as part of the application, comply and require each of its contractors and subcontractors employed in the completion of the project to comply with all applicable statutes, regulations, EOs OMB circulars, terms and conditions and approved applications. Please note that on December 26, 2013, OMB published final guidance entitled Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements (OMB Uniform Guidance)(https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/12/26/2013-30465/uniform-administrative-requirements-cost-principles-and-audit-requirements-for-federal-awards), which streamlined the language from eight existing OMB circulars, including Cost Principles (OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A 122) and administrative requirements (OMB Circulars A-102 and A 110), into one consolidated set of guidance applicable to federal assistance awards. The DOC adopted such Guidance on December 26, 2014, making it applicable to all new awards and to additional funding to existing awards made after December 26, 2014. The audit requirements of the Guidance also apply to audits of non-Federal entities beginning on or after December 26, 2014. It is important to note that the OMB Uniform Guidance supersedes DOC’s uniform administrative requirements set out at 15 C.F.R. parts 14 and 24. Given the foregoing, applicants should familiarize themselves with the OMB Uniform Guidance. Additional information on the substance of and transition to the OMB Uniform Guidance may be found at https://cfo.gov/cofar/. Department of Commerce (DOC) Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions and PCSRF Program Special Terms and Conditions will apply to all PCSRF award recipients (http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/grants_management/policy/documents/DOC_Standard_Terms_and_Conditions_01_10_2013.pdf). The PCSRF Program will also add special award conditions in addition to the DOC Standard Terms and Conditions.

The recipients must comply with EO 12906 regarding any and all geospatial data collected or produced under grants or cooperative agreements. This includes documenting all geospatial data in accordance with the Federal Geographic Data Committee Content Standard for digital geospatial data.

Pre-award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of December 30, 2014 (79 FR 78390) are applicable to this solicitation and may be accessed online at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-30/pdf/2014-30297.pdf .

Limitation of Liability

Funding for programs listed in this notice is limited to Fiscal Year 2015 appropriation. In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all Federal laws and agency policies, regulations and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards.

Universal Identifier

To enable the use of a universal identifier and to enhance the quality of information available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, to the extent applicable, any proposal awarded in response to this announcement will be required to use the System For Award Management (SAM; available online at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/##11) and Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System and be subject to reporting requirements, as identified in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance published at 2 CFR Parts 25 and 170 (available online at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR).

National Environmental Policy Act

NEPA and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementing regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508) require that an environmental analysis be completed for all major Federal actions significantly affecting the environment. NEPA applies to the actions of Federal agencies and may include a Federal agency's decision to fund non-Federal projects under grants and cooperative agreements. NMFS must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for each project which seeks NMFS funding. Detailed information on NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA website: www.nepa.noaa.gov, including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6.pdf, and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, available online at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR). Consequently, as part of all project application packages, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species, and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). Program applications should, to the best extent, provide what they know about their projects at the time of submitting their grant applications. In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NMFS in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NMFS determines an assessment is required.