NOAA-NMFS-WCRO-2024-2008271 NOFO Report.pdf

Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (Annual Appropriations, IIJA Funds, and IRA Funds)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description 4

A. Program Objective 4 B. Program Priorities 4 C. Program Authority 7

II. Award Information 7 A. Funding Availability 7 B. Project/Award Period 8 C. Type of Funding Instrument 8

III. Eligibility Information 8 A. Eligible Applicants 8 B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 8 C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility 9

IV. Application and Submission Information 10 A. Address to Request Application Package 10 B. Content and Form of Application 10 C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 19 D. Submission Dates and Times 19 E. Intergovernmental Review 19 F. Funding Restrictions 19 G. Other Submission Requirements 20

V. Application Review Information 21 A. Evaluation Criteria 21 B. Review and Selection Process 24 C. Selection Factors 26 D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates 27

VI. Award Administration Information 27 A. Award Notices 27 B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 29 C. Reporting 35

VII. Agency Contacts 36 VIII. Other Information 36

Notice of Federal Funding Page 1 of 37

NOTICE OF 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 (Annual Appropriations, IIJA Funds, and IRA Funds)

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NMFS-WCRO-2024-2008271

Federal Assistance Listings Number: 11.438, Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery - Pacific Salmon Treaty Program

Dates: Final applications should be submitted via Grants.gov and must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 04, 2024. 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: Kyle Bowers, Federal Program Officer, NMFS West Coast Region, 800 E. Park Blvd, Plaza IV, Suite 220, Boise, ID 83712-7768. 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 11:59 pm Eastern Time 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 Grants Program Manager no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time, 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 September 1, 2024, unless an earlier date is requested by the applicant (and approved by the NOAA Grants Officer) or otherwise directed by the NOAA Grants Officer.

Funding Opportunity Description: NOAA announces the availability of Federal funding, authorized pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58 (November 15, 2021) (hereinafter, the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” or “BIL”); Inflation Reduction Act

Notice of Federal Funding Page 2 of 37

(hereinafter, the “IRA”), Pub. L. 117-169 (August 16, 2022); Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, Pub. L. 118-15 (September 30, 2023); and the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, Pub. L. 118–15 (November 16, 2023), 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 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.

Notice of Federal Funding Page 3 of 37

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 salmon, coho salmon, chum salmon, sockeye salmon, 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 Tribal Consortia (Consortia) so that it can allocate the FY 2024 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 FY 2024 PCSRF funding 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 (i.e., Chinook salmon, coho salmon, chum salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon and steelhead) and their habitat. These projects and activities are those necessary for conservation of salmon and steelhead populations 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.

Within the objectives of the overall PCSRF grant program, annual appropriation funds may be used to fund projects under all three PCSRF priorities. BIL and IRA funds will specifically be used to provide federal financial assistance to states and tribes to support Priority One projects (see below) that protect, restore, and conserve Pacific salmon and steelhead and their habitats, using approaches that enhance ecosystem resilience to climate

Notice of Federal Funding Page 4 of 37 hazards. Priority One projects seek to promote important and lasting changes that make a difference for the recovery and conservation of Pacific salmon and steelhead. BIL and IRA funding will also be used to support tribal capacity (Priority Three) specific to tribes’ role as fishery managers and stewards of tribal trust resources for cultural, spiritual, subsistence, and recreational purposes. Activities that build tribal capacity include participating in salmon recovery and conservation planning, project development including providing Indigenous Knowledge, and managing project design, implementation, and project effectiveness monitoring. BIL and IRA funding should not be used for administrative costs associated with a pass-through recipient’s program or project(s).

Successful proposals will best address the evaluation criteria (Section V.A.), including addressing the program priorities listed below. Applicants should address the following set of program priorities:

1. Priority One

Eligible projects are those that address factors limiting the productivity of Pacific anadromous salmonid populations that are:

a) Listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and/or

b) Necessary for the exercise of tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing.

c) Additional Information:

(1) Priority One projects benefiting ESA-listed populations shall address the limiting factors and priority actions specified in NOAA approved, interim, or proposed Recovery Plans, and/or in the most recent 5-year reviews.

(2) Priority One 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 assessed. Tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing includes tribal trust fishing opportunities as outlined in Secretarial Order 3206.

(3) Priority One projects may also include the development of project-specific engineering or designs that are a necessary precursor to implementing on-the-ground habitat improvement projects (excludes development of generic designs).

(4) Planning, coordination, landowner outreach, assessment, research, and monitoring projects are not eligible under Priority One.

(5) Typically, these are habitat improvement projects. The PCSRF Program is focusing particular emphasis on habitat improvement projects that achieve lasting benefits through the restoration of self-sustaining natural ecosystem functions and processes.

d) Examples of habitat improvement projects that result in self-sustaining ecosystem

Notice of Federal Funding Page 5 of 37 functions and processes include:

(1) A levee-setback project that provides access to off-channel habitat and improves survival for overwintering juveniles,

(2) Re-establishing floodplain connection and function, restoring natural river-channel migration, and

(3) The restoration and protection of riparian habitats in identified priority areas.

2. Priority Two.

Eligible projects consist of:

a) Watershed-scale or larger effectiveness monitoring and the biological response of anadromous salmonid populations to habitat restoration actions,

b) Population-scale status and trend monitoring that directly contribute to population viability assessments for ESA-listed anadromous salmonids or populations,

c) Monitoring necessary for the exercise of tribal-treaty fishing rights or native-subsistence fishing on anadromous salmonids, or

d) Conducting watershed-scale or larger restoration planning.

e) Additional Information:

(1) Project-scale effectiveness monitoring, or status and trend monitoring at a scale less than the population are not eligible under this priority and should be categorized under Priority Three.

f) Examples of Priority Two projects include:

(1) Life Cycle and Harvest Monitoring,

(2) Stock Assessments,

(3) Strategic Action Plans, and

(4) Intensively Monitored Watershed Monitoring

3. Priority Three.

Eligible projects include all other projects consistent with the Congressional authorization with demonstrated need for PCSRF funding.

a) Additional Information:

(1) Priority Three projects build capacity by supporting the implementation of activities under Priorities One and Two.

(2) Priority Three projects benefiting ESA-listed populations shall address the limiting factors and priority actions specified in NOAA approved, interim, or proposed Recovery Plans and/or the most recent 5-year reviews.

(3) Priority Three projects benefiting populations important to the exercise of tribal

Notice of Federal Funding Page 6 of 37 treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing may include efforts to restore or maintain such populations while limiting factors are being assessed.

Tribal treaty fishing rights or native subsistence fishing includes tribal trust fishing opportunities as outlined in Secretarial Order 3206. Special emphasis will be given to activities that build tribal capacity to participate in salmon recovery, conservation planning, and project development including providing Indigenous Knowledge, and managing project design, implementation, and project effectiveness monitoring.

b) Examples of Priority Three projects include:

(1) Project planning and coordination,

(2) Landowner outreach,

(3) Underserved and historically marginalized community engagement including broadening access to information (e.g. through translation of communications and products including local traditional ecological knowledge), and

(4) Small scale assessment, research, and status/ trend monitoring (i.e., monitoring at less than watershed or population scale).

Grant applications may be submitted for one or more of the above PCSRF Program 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 2024 PCSRF funding will be distributed to the higher-ranked PCSRF Program Priorities.

States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia must have at least 10% of their applications apply to monitoring.

C. Program Authority

16 U.S.C. 3645(d)(2); Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58 (November 15, 2021); Inflation Reduction Act, Pub. L. 117-169 (August 16, 2022);

Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, Pub. L. 118-15 (September 30, 2023); and the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, Pub.

L. 118–15 (November 16, 2023).

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

NOAA Fisheries, West Coast Region anticipates that up to $106 million in funding will be available under this notice. The amount of funds available for competitive awards will depend on the final fiscal year 2024 appropriation. Depending on the number of applications

Notice of Federal Funding Page 7 of 37 and amount of funding requested for each PCSRF Program Priority, NOAA may limit or proportion the distribution of FY 2024 PCSRF funds to each PCSRF Program Priority.

There are no restrictions on minimum funding requests, but NOAA will not accept proposals with federal funding requests of more than $30,000,000 for the entire award. Funds will be administered by NOAA Fisheries, West Coast Region.

Neither NOAA nor the Department of Commerce is responsible for direct costs of application preparation. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. The number of awards to be made as a result of this solicitation will depend on the number of eligible applications received, the amount of funds requested, and the merit and ranking of the applications as described in Section V.

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 September 1, 2024.

C. Type of Funding Instrument

The funding instrument will be a grant agreement, as described in 2 CFR § 200.1, meaning that NOAA will not be substantially involved in carrying out the activity contemplated by the federal award.

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.

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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.

Applicants should refer to 2 CFR § 200.306 for cost sharing or matching policies. Refer to Section IV.F "Funding Restrictions" and Section VI.B. “Indirect Costs” for information on indirect costs. Refer to Section II.B “Project/Award Period” and Section VI.A. “Pre-Award Costs” for information on pre-award costs.

For applications including non-federal match funds within the proposed budget, the ratio of approved NOAA funds to non-federal match funds will be legally binding within the award document signed by NOAA Grants Officer if the application is selected for funding. NOAA is under no obligation to amend the match contributions once the award document is signed by the recipient, but the amount may be amended based on extenuating circumstances.

Successful applicants should be prepared to carefully document matching contributions.

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.

3. Applications submitted through Grants.gov must be submitted by the due date and time provided in Section IV.D. Late applications may not be considered for funding. Applicants should consider the possibility of unforeseen impacts that could affect internet access and use of Grants.gov on or before application due dates. Applicants should be aware that localized hazardous weather, monthly scheduled Grants.gov weekend maintenance, or other situations that impact the ability to submit application packages may not result in changes to the application deadline. Information regarding electronic submission through Grants.gov is contained in Section IV.G. All applications MUST contain ALL required forms. Failure to

Notice of Federal Funding Page 9 of 37 submit forms may result in disqualification from this competition. See Section IV.G for more details.

4. NOAA will not accept proposals with a federal funding request of more than $30 million over the entire award period.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

Complete application packages, including required federal forms and instructions, can be found on www.Grants.gov. If a prospective applicant is having difficulty downloading the application forms from www.Grants.gov, contact www.Grants.gov Customer Support at 1- 800-518-4726 or support@Grants.gov. Instructions for these forms are available at https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family. Information about the recommended format for applications is contained in Section IV.B.

For further information on PCSRF please visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/grant/pacific-coastal-salmon-recovery-fund or contact Jennie Franks, PCSRF Program Coordinator, NMFS, West Coast Region at (503) 231-2344 or jennie.franks@noaa.gov. Questions regarding this announcement should be directed to Kyle Bowers at (208) 495-5898 or kyle.bowers@noaa.gov.

B. Content and Form of Application

A complete, standard NOAA financial assistance application package should be submitted, as described below. Each proposal must include the following Federal application forms. The Standard Forms (SF)-424 may be downloaded from https://www.grants.gov/forms.

a) SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance

b) SF-424A: Budget Information for Non-construction Programs

c) SF-424B: Assurances for Non-construction Programs

d) CD-511: Certification Regarding Lobbying

e) CD-512 (if applicable): Certification Regarding Lobbying Lower Tier Covered Transactions

f) SF-LLL (if applicable): Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

In addition to the Federal application forms, NOAA recommends the following components

Notice of Federal Funding Page 10 of 37 as part of a complete application package. Pages must be composed in at least 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Components should be organized into a maximum of five (5) PDF files outlined below:

PDF 1. Title Page, Project/Program Summary (3-page limit) PDF 2. Project/Program Narrative (30-page limit) PDF 3. Budget Narrative (no page limit) PDF 4. Project Designs (no page limit) PDF 5. Supplemental Materials (25-page limit)

The application should follow the organization of the evaluation criteria (see Section V.A) to receive a consistent review against competing applications. The information provided below may help you address the evaluation criteria.

Consideration will only be given to material that is physically included in an application.

Information provided via an internet link will not be considered nor will it influence the application evaluation. Letters of support will not be considered under this competition.

PDF 1. Title Page and Program/Project Summary (3-page limit)

1. 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)

PDF 2. Program or Project Narrative (30-page limit)

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Program or Project Narrative (30 Page Limit): Descriptive document on how the applicant intends to carry out the proposed program or project(s). Pages exceeding the 30-page limit will not be taken into consideration when reviewing the application proposal. Proposals are evaluated based on the criteria described in Section V.A. Please review the evaluation criteria for a full description of topics to include in the program or project narrative. If proposing more than one project within the application, project narratives must describe the anticipated outcomes for each project under each of the three PCSRF program priorities for which PCSRF funding is proposed for importance/relevance and applicability of the proposal to the program goals and the technical and scientific merit of each proposed priority.

States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia:

1. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant

a) Pacific Salmon Recovery and Conservation Qualifications. Within the project narrative, applicants should describe the Pacific salmon recovery and conservation qualifications of the project team (staff and/or partners), including experience with program administration, description of existing anadromous salmonid programs and how the proposed PCSRF funds will supplement those programs, description of the applicant’s competitive and non-competitive project solicitation process, 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 this funding opportunity. For state and tribal commission or consortia applicants, this should include how the processes will be used to ensure at least ten percent (10%) of the proposed funding is for monitoring. Resumes or curriculum vitae (CVs) for up to five (5) key personnel should be included within PDF 5. Supplemental Materials, and the documents should highlight relevant education, experiences, and training.

b) Management Capacity. Within the program narrative, applicants should describe the program team’s ability to successfully manage a federal award. Applicants should demonstrate a strong capacity to maintain financial and administrative records and fulfill reporting requirements. This may include reference to reports that the applicant has completed on their past accomplishments, including how the projects implemented with PCSRF funds adhered to the allocation of funds by PCSRF Program Priority proposed in prior PCSRF awards. Within the attached resumes or CVs, applicants should highlight relevant experience with management of federal funds or other significant grant awards.

Applicants should address whether the program team has the capacity to complete the proposed work on time, even in the face of adverse conditions.

2. Project Costs.

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Applicants should follow the guidance provided under PDF 3. Budget Narrative.

3. Importance/Relevance and Applicability of Proposal to the Program Goals. Project narratives must describe the anticipated outcomes for each proposed project and specify anticipated outcomes for projects.

Program Proposal by PCSRF Program Priority. A separate narrative and budget should be provided for each PCSRF Program Priority identified in Section I.B (PCSRF Program Priorities) 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, including the rationale and justification for how the program/projects will address the priority (i.e., clarify why the activities are appropriate for the given priority).

c) Priority One 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.

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

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

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

(5) Describe how habitat restoration activities under Priority One 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).

(6) Describe how program funds invested under Priority One will maximize benefits by leveraging additional coordinated investments from other entities and programs.

(7) Priority One projects may also include the development of project-specific engineering or designs that are a necessary precursor to implementing on-the-ground habitat improvement projects (excludes development of generic designs).

d) Priority Two proposals should:

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(1) For eligible monitoring projects, specify the geographic extent (watershed/population scale or larger) 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.

(2) For eligible restoration planning projects, specify the geographic extent (watershed scale or larger) of the planning effort and how the planning will contribute to addressing the limiting factors for the species in that geography.

e) Priority Three proposals should:

(1) provide details on exactly how the proposed activities are consistent with the Congressional authorization and demonstrate the need for PCSRF funding.

(2) Documents that demonstrate the need for the proposed work should be cited (and provided upon request).

f) Proposals that include non-competitive projects or program components should describe why a non-competitive process is appropriate and how the non-competitive projects are associated with species recovery priorities identified in NMFS recovery plans.

g) 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.).

h) 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.

4. Technical/Scientific Merit. Program narratives must describe the anticipated outcomes for each proposed program and specify anticipated outcomes for projects under the appropriate PCSRF priority.

a) Program(s) Methodology. Applicants should provide evidence to support the feasibility of the proposed program(s), and address whether the program(s) are technically sound and safe for the public.

b) Proposals should describe how the proposed program will encourage and select large-scale strategies to maximize benefits through the implementation of coordinated projects to achieve lasting benefits beyond the award period. Applicants should clearly identify the different project phase(s) (e.g., feasibility study, engineering and design, on-the-ground implementation) to be funded through the proposed program(s).

c) Program Detail. The program narrative should include a timeline with key milestones and deliverables identified and detail how the actions will be completed within the specified time period. The proposed actions should be fully described for each proposed program. This includes identifying all consultation and permitting requirements in the program’s process

Notice of Federal Funding Page 14 of 37 and sub-award requirements.

d) Sustainability. The narrative should describe future management, beyond the award period, including mechanisms to protect, maintain, or sustain the proposed project(s) to be funded under the program so the effects of the funded proposal can benefit the target species and their habitat into the future. Applicants should also describe how the proposed program(s) provide for ecosystem resilience to extreme weather events or adaptation to potential climate change impacts.

Individual Tribes:

1. Overall Qualifications of the Applicant

a) Pacific Salmon Recovery and Conservation Qualifications. Within the project narrative, applicants should describe the Pacific salmon recovery and conservation qualifications of the project team (staff and/or partners), including experience with planning, design, engineering, implementation, and/or monitoring for Pacific salmon projects.

Resumes or curriculum vitae (CVs) for up to five (5) key personnel should be included within PDF 5. Supplemental Materials, and the documents should highlight relevant education, experiences, and training.

b) Management Capacity. Within the project narrative, applicants should describe the project team’s ability to successfully manage a federal award. Applicants should demonstrate a strong capacity to maintain financial and administrative records and fulfill reporting requirements. This may include reference to reports that the applicant has completed on their past accomplishments, including how the projects implemented with PCSRF funds adhered to the allocation of funds by PCSRF Program Priority proposed in prior PCSRF awards.

Within the attached resumes or CVs, applicants should highlight relevant experience with management of federal funds or other significant grant awards. Applicants should address whether the project team has the capacity to complete the proposed work on time, even in the face of adverse conditions.

2. Project Costs.

Applicants should follow the guidance provided under PDF 3. Budget Narrative.

3. Importance/Relevance and Applicability of Proposal to the Program Goals. Project narratives must describe the anticipated outcomes for each proposed project and specify anticipated outcomes for projects.

Program Proposal by PCSRF Program Priority. A separate narrative and budget should be provided for each PCSRF Program Priority identified in Section I.B (PCSRF Program

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Priorities) that the proposed program intends to address. The applicant must describe the following under each priority:

a) Proposed amount of funding for projects to address a given priority.

(1) Description of the proposed project(s) activities and how they address a given priority, including the rationale and justification for how the program/projects will address the priority (i.e., clarify why the activities are appropriate for the given priority).

(2) Priority One 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.

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

ii. 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 project(s) will benefit or sustain the affected populations.

iii. Describe how the project(s) will encourage and select large-scale strategies that maximize benefits through the implementation of coordinated projects that address multiple priority limiting factors.

iv. Describe how the project(s) will include the restoration and protection of riparian habitats in priority areas for salmonids.

v. Describe how habitat restoration activities under Priority One 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).

vi. Describe how project(s) funds invested under Priority One will maximize benefits by leveraging additional coordinated investments from other entities and programs.

vii. Priority One project(s) may also include the development of project-specific engineering or designs that are a necessary precursor to implementing on-the-ground habitat improvement projects (excludes development of generic designs).

4. Technical/Scientific Merit. Project narratives must describe the anticipated outcomes for each proposed project and specify anticipated outcomes for projects under the appropriate PCSRF priority.

a) Project Methodology. Applicants should provide evidence to support the feasibility of the proposed techniques, and address whether the methods are technically sound and/or innovative, and safe for the public. The narrative should also describe clear project goals and objectives, the sustainability of the proposed methods, and descriptions should address the susceptibility of the project(s) to effects of climate change.

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b) Proposals should describe how the proposed project(s) will achieve measurable benefits to anadromous salmonids beyond the award period. Applicants should clearly identify the different project phase(s) (e.g., feasibility study, engineering and design, on-the-ground implementation) to be funded through the proposed project (s). For projects including or solely focused on tribal organizational capacity building, the proposal should describe a measurable approach to increased tribal participation and how it will lead to measurable benefits to anadromous salmonids.

c) Project Detail. The project narrative should include a timeline with key milestones and deliverables identified and detail how the actions will be completed within the specified time period. If multiple projects are included within one proposal, the proposed actions should be fully described for each project.

d) Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation. Applicants should describe the performance metrics that will be used to evaluate the success of the proposed project based on the PCSRF project database metrics. Proposals requesting funding for on-the-ground implementation activities should include a Monitoring Plan (2-page limit) as part of the Supplemental Materials.

e) Sustainability. The narrative should describe future management, beyond the award period, including mechanisms to protect, maintain, or sustain the proposed project(s) so the effects of the funded proposal can benefit the targeted anadromous salmonids and their habitats into the future. Applicants should also describe how the proposed design, methodology, and techniques provide for ecosystem resilience to extreme weather events or adaptation to potential climate change impacts at the project site. An operations and maintenance plan should be considered when applicants are proposing to install structures that require ongoing operation and maintenance.

PDF 3. Budget Narrative (no page limit) Reviewers will evaluate project costs by reviewing the budget narrative. Project costs must be separated by each year of the project period and divided into the following categories, also referred to as SF-424A Object Classes: Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual, and Other. The sum of funds requested under these Object Classes should be recorded as Total Direct Costs. The costs required for organizational operation that cannot be easily associated with an individual project or program should be recorded as Indirect Costs. Organizations with a federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) are required to include a copy of the approved NICRA or provide documentation on a new proposed rate agreement before indirect costs can be accrued in PDF 5.

Supplemental Materials. Organizations without a NICRA may claim the 10% de minimis rate for calculating indirect charges on the Modified Total Direct Costs or may negotiate a rate, as outlined below (see 2 CFR § 200.1 for definitions). Refer to Sections IV.F. and VI.B.

of this announcement for more information about indirect costs. These totals should also be

Notice of Federal Funding Page 17 of 37 recorded on the SF-424A. NOAA staff will review budget information in recommended applications to determine if costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and realistic.

Please refer to the budget narrative guidance for developing a proper budget justification, which is located at https://coast.noaa.gov/data/coasthome/funding/_pdf/forms/budget-narrative-guidance-for-NOAA-grants.pdf.

Recipients are encouraged to attend the biennial in-person PCSRF grantee meeting, and should outline travel-related expenses in their application as appropriate. States and Tribal Commissions/Consortia: Travel expenses related to attendance of the biennial in-person PCSRF grantee meeting do not fall within the 3% limitation on administrative expenses.

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. § 200.331 through 200.332, as applicable.

PDF 4. Project Designs (no page limit)

If available or applicable, project designs should be included in the application in order for reviewers to comprehensively assess the technical merit of the proposed restoration actions.

Construction specifications, scopes of work for services, and cost estimates may also be provided. Please do not attach feasibility studies or watershed plans; the critical components of those documents should be summarized in the project narrative.

PDF 5. Supplemental Materials (25-page limit)

All supplemental materials should be combined into a single PDF, including a cover page that lists all of the documents and associated page numbers. The cover page does not count toward the 25-page limit. The compiled PDF should be uploaded under the “Other Attachments Form” in Grants.gov.

Include resumes or CVs for up to five (5) key personnel (maximum of 1 page per person), as described in the guidance (Section IV.B.3) under Overall Qualification of Applicant.

Include a Data Management Plan (2-page limit). See Section VI.B.5 of this announcement for a complete description of NOAA’s Data and Publication Sharing Directive for NOAA Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts.

If applicable, include a Monitoring Plan (2-page limit) for proposals that involve on-the-ground implementation, as described in the guidance (Section IV.B.2) for the

Notice of Federal Funding Page 18 of 37

“Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation” sub-criterion under Technical/Scientific Merit.

Include any other relevant supporting materials, such as: a federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement; documentation of confirmed sources of formal, non-federal matching contributions or informal leveraged funds; additional site photos; etc.

States and Tribal Commissions or Consortia Only: A current copy of a signed MOU with NMFS (if applicable).

C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Applicants should: (1) be registered in the federal System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting an application; (2) provide a valid unique entity identifier on an application; and (3) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. NOAA may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time NOAA is ready to make a federal award, NOAA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant. Applicants should allow a minimum of two weeks to complete the SAM registration; registration is required only once but must be periodically renewed.

D. Submission Dates and Times

The application deadline is March 04, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern time. See Section III.C for more information.

E. Intergovernmental Review

Applications submitted by state and local governments are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." Any applicant submitting an application for funding is required to complete item 19 on 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, contact the official listed in Section VII of this announcement for referral information.

F. Funding Restrictions

As program entities, the states and Tribal Commissions or Consortia will limit administrative expenses to no more than three percent (3%) of the federal funds received.

Notice of Federal Funding Page 19 of 37

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

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 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.

Cultural Resource compliance support related to NMFS’ undertaking of issuing federal funds does not fall within the administrative expenses. This includes the costs for developing and implementing a programmatic agreement with NMFS under the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106.

G. Other Submission Requirements

Applicants should submit applications electronically through www.Grants.gov. Users of Grants.gov will be able to create an online application workspace to submit the application.

If an applicant has problems accessing the online workspace at Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted by the due date and time provided in Section IV.D. Late applications may not be considered for funding. We highly recommend that applicants do not wait until the application deadline to begin the application process through Grants.gov, as registration with SAM is required (Section IV.C).

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: Kyle Bowers, Federal Program Officer, NMFS West Coast Region, Notice of Federal Funding Page 20 of 37

800 E. Park Blvd, Plaza IV, Suite 220, Boise ID 83712-7768. 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 11:59 pm Eastern Time 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 Eastern Time, two business days following the closing date.) No facsimile or electronic mail proposals will be accepted.

After electronic submission of the application, applicants will receive an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be accompanied by THREE automated responses (the first confirms receipt; the second validates that the submission is acceptable and timely; and the third confirms that the application has been forwarded to NOAA for further processing).

If all notifications are not received, applicants should contact the Grants.gov help desk to confirm the application was successfully submitted. After submitting the application package, applicants should download a copy of the submitted application for offline record keeping and to verify the contents of the submission zip file. Grants.gov recommends downloading the submitted application via the Details tab of the workspace and verifying the contents of each file in the zip.

Submission time will be documented by electronic submission to Grants.gov. All applications MUST contain ALL required forms. Failure to submit forms may result in disqualification from this competition. Applicants are responsible for tracking their own applications. Please notify the contact official in Section VII of this announcement by email if you are experiencing difficulties with Grants.gov or your organization is not able to use this system.

V. Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers will assign scores to applications ranging from 0-100 points based on the following evaluation criteria. The maximum score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses. Each criterion also includes the factors the reviewers will consider to determine how well an application meets the criterion. The components of a proposal addressing each priority will be evaluated separately and the respective points under each priority for Importance/Relevance and Technical Merit evaluation criteria will be averaged to produce one total overall score for Importance/Relevance and Technical Merit evaluation criteria.

Notice of Federal Funding…