nofo.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Colorado Field Office

Research Grants (Generic)

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.650

Notice of Funding Opportunity

I. Description of Funding Opportunity

To adequately manage, monitor and protect threatened and endangered species a complete and up-to-date data set is needed that includes information on species location, population size, habitat, and threats. Location-specific data are extremely valuable for assessing range and abundance, and for identifying areas of critical habitat as defined by the Endangered Species Act.

This complete data set is also needed to guide energy development away from sensitive areas, to assess species vulnerability to climate change, to monitor population trends, and to document the effectiveness of recovery actions. In order to maintain an up-to-date dataset, three main activities need to occur: field surveys, population monitoring, and data development.

Field Surveys

In light of rapid development and energy exploration, Colorado's federally listed plant species (Threatened (T), Endangered (E), Candidate (C)), proposed, and the petitioned plant species are in need of continual assessments that identify current threats, population condition, and numbers of individuals at known occurrences. Recent field surveys in suitable habitat, which support recovery plans, continue to yield new locations of T&E species. For example, 2014 funded field surveys by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) resulted in the discovery of new occurrences of two listed species, Sclerocactus glaucus and Phacelia submutica, and one candidate species Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis. In 2013 eight historical occurrences of Sclerocactus glaucus (T) were revisited, and in most instances the populations had declined at the sites or were no longer present. This highlights the need for continued surveys to ascertain the current range and abundance of the federally listed plant species. Field work conducted by CNHP with S6 funding, from April to September 2014, yielded 44 new mapped areas for the targeted federally listed plant species, representing 10 Element Occurrence Records (EORs), three of which were new. However, despite the continued population assessments and survey efforts in recent years, there remain many known occurrences of T, E, C, proposed, and petitioned plant species that have not been revisited by botanists in over twenty years, and much suitable habitat that remains unsurveyed. Acquiring new information on these sites is important, since impacts from energy resource development, residential development, and other threats are continually increasing in the areas where many of these species occur.

Monitoring

In adherence with Recovery Plan Actions to adequately conserve all T & E plant species in light of rapidly changing land use patterns and climate trends, there is also a need to monitor existing populations of T & E plant species to document population trends. Through this proposal we plan to expand monitoring efforts to private lands and to assist Federal and State agencies with their monitoring efforts. For example, the alpine species Eutrema penlandii is likely threatened by climate change. Monitoring is needed to evaluate the baseline condition of the populations and the potential effects of climate change on this species. In 2012, the Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) partnered with the Service, BLM, and CNHP to implement population monitoring for Eutrema penlandii, in accordance with the anticipated recovery actions described in the 1993 Recovery Outline (item 4 - monitor naturally occurring populations). In 2013 and 2014, the monitoring plots were revisited by the Service, CNHP, BLM, USFS and Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative staff. This collaborative effort was supported, in part with S6 funding.

Demographic monitoring plots have also been established by the BLM and CNAP to monitor population trends of Eriogonum pelinophilum in grazed and ungrazed areas within a Designated Natural Area. To be effective in measuring population trends, and provide meaningful data, monitoring plots should be read on a consistent schedule. For that reason, the established Eutrema penlandii and Eriogonum pelinophilum plots need to be revisited. With additional funding these data can continue to be gathered on a regular basis. Monitoring plots for other species, such as Phacelia submutica are also needed to document population trends in areas of intensive energy development. Furthermore, to provide utility to land managers, monitoring data need to be reviewed and summarized in the CNHP BIOTICS database to provide a comprehensive management tool for Service biologists working with Colorado's T and E plant species.

Data Development

Since 2003, element occurrence (EO) data for T, E, C and petitioned plant species have been updated using funding provided by the Service through Section 6. Ongoing inventory and survey efforts by CNHP, state, federal and local entities continue to result in new data each year that needs to be incorporated into the CNHP Biotics database. (Biotics is NatureServe's biodiversity data management software, and serves as the central repository for biodiversity information in the state, and supports basic digital mapping and spatial analyses.) For example, in 2014, CNHP received data from the BLM, and various consultants for three of the sixteen listed plant species in Colorado. These data were incorporated into in the CNHP BIOTICS database with S6 funding, and provided nearly 150 new mapped locations for the T&E species.

Sclerocactus glaucus). Incorporation of new data into the Biotics database is essential to help the Service make informed and accurate decisions about species status, listing or down-listing, and needed recovery actions.

Plant species that are currently listed, candidates for listing, proposed for listing, or petitioned for listing in Colorado are listed in Table 1. Species removed from consideration for listing will not be assessed with Section 6 funding. However, they are still considered “species of concern” by the Service in Colorado, and data will be provided to the Service for these species (Appendix I).

OBJECTIVES

• Conduct field surveys of suitable habitat, and revisit historical occurrences of selected T, E and C plant species (Table 1) in accordance with Recovery Plan actions, as noted in

Table 2. Despite recent survey efforts funded by the Service, there remain many occurrences in need of resurvey.

• Collect and summarize information on existing and potential threats to all T, E and C plant species in Colorado and monitor population trends for a subset of the T, E and C plants in accordance with Recovery Plan actions, as noted in Table 2. Rapid changes are occurring in T, E and C plant species habitat due to climate change, energy, residential and commercial development, and increased recreational uses. Monitoring the effects of climate change, development and recreation on T, E and C plant species will provide the Service the information needed to assess the impact of these activities on species population stability.

Provide up-to-date GIS maps and spatial data for locations of all T, E and C plant species in Colorado. New locational data are reported each year for many of the T, E and C species by other botanists in Colorado. When incorporated with other data in BIOTICS, this spatial data set can guide species management and aid in the designation of critical habitat and assessment of vulnerability to climate change.

• Maintain and update population information for all T, E and C plant species in Colorado.

New data regarding the approximate population size, area, and density are reported each year for many of the species listed in Table 1. When summarized, they provide new insights into abundance, population trends, threats, and management.

• Provide the Service a comprehensive data set of all T, E and C plant species in Colorado.

• A comprehensive data set, incorporating information on location, threats, and population status, as identified in the above objectives, for all the T, E and C, and petitioned plant species is an invaluable tool which can inform listing, petition findings and species recovery planning and implementation.

Table 1. Colorado plant species which are currently listed or petitioned for listing by the Service. Species indicated are targeted for monitoring, database development and/or field survey with these funds. Data will be provided for all species, as indicated in the Data Delivery column.

Scientific Name Common Name

Method

Database Development

Field Survey or Monitoring

Data Delivery

Federally Listed Plant Species Threatened or Endangered Astragalus humillimus E

Mancos Milkvetch X X

Astragalus osterhoutii E

Osterhout Milkvetch X survey X

Eriogonum pelinophilum E

Clay-loving Wild- Buckwheat

X survey and monitoring

X

Eutrema penlandii T Mosquito Range Mustard

X survey and climate change monitoring

X

Ipomopsis polyantha E

Pagosa Skyrocket X survey X

Oenothera coloradoensis spp.

coloradensis T

Colorado Butterfly Plant

X X

Pediocactus knowltonii E

Knowlton's Cactus X

Penstemon debilis T Parachute Beardtongue X survey X Penstemon penlandii E

Penland Beardtongue X survey X

Phacelia formosula E North Park Phacelia X survey X

Phacelia submutica T DeBeque Phacelia X survey, if a good year, and develop monitoring

X

Physaria congesta T Dudley Bluffs Bladderpod

X X

Physaria obcordata T Dudley Bluffs Twinpod

X X

Sclerocactus glaucus T

Colorado Hookless Cactus

X survey X

Sclerocactus mesae-verdae T

Mesa Verde Cactus X

Spiranthes diluvialis T

Ute Ladies'-Tresses Orchid

X survey X

Candidate Plant Species

Scientific Name Common Name

Method

Database Development

Field Survey or Monitoring

Data Delivery

Astragalus microcymbus

Skiff Milkvetch X survey X

Astragalus schmolliae Schmoll's Milkvetch X

Astragalus tortipes Sleeping Ute Milkvetch

X

Petitioned &12 Month Finding Plant Species for which substantial information was presented Corispermum navicula

Boat-shaped Bugseed X

Draba weberi* Weber's Whitlow-grass X survey X Eriogonum brandegeei*

Brandegee's Wild Buckwheat

X X

Mimulus gemmiparus**

Rocky Mountain Monkey-flower

X survey X

* Federal Register/Vol. 74, No. 158/Tuesday, August 18, 2009/Proposed Rules.

** Petitioned 2011.

Table 2. Colorado Federally Listed plant species for which a Recovery Plan is in place, Species Priority Recovery Number is listed when available. Recovery Plan actions addressed under this scope of work are indicated in the right hand column.

Scientific Name Common

Name Recovery

Plan

Recovery Priority Number

Recovery Plan Actions addressed

Astragalus humillimus E Mancos Milkvetch

1989 5C na

Astragalus osterhoutii E Osterhout Milkvetch

1992 8C 1–inventory potential habitat;

2.1 rank habitat

Eriogonum pelinophilum E Clay-loving Wild- Buckwheat

1998 8C

1.11-inventory all potential habitat;1.12-monitor populations & habitat

Eutrema penlandii T Penland Alpine Fen Mustard

Outline

11C 4-monitoring

Ipomopsis polyantha E Pagosa Skyrocket

Outline

8C III. C. surveys and monitoring

Oenothera coloradoensis spp. coloradensis T

Colorado Butterfly Plant

Outline

9C na

Pediocactus knowltonii E Knowlton's Cactus

1985 2 2.22-search for new populations

Penstemon debilis T Parachute Beardtongue

Outline

8C III. C. 1-surveys to locate additional populations

Penstemon penlandii E Penland Beardtongue

1992 14 1–inventory potential habitat;

2.1 rank habitat

Phacelia formosula E North Park Phacelia

1986 8

1.1-inform Federal agencies of precise locations;1/3-inform State agencies of known occurrences; 4.1 conduct field surveys

Phacelia submutica T DeBeque Phacelia

Outline

14C III. C.-surveys and monitoring

Physaria congesta T Dudley Bluffs Bladderpod

1992 8C

1–inventory potential habitat;

2.3-protect habitat on CDOW land

Physaria obcordata T Dudley Bluffs Twinpod

1992 8C

1–inventory potential habitat;

2.3-protect habitat on CDOW land

Sclerocactus glaucus T Colorado Hookless Cactus

Outline

8C C-survey potential habitat

Sclerocactus mesae-verdae T Mesa Verde Cactus

1984 11C 12.121-survey potential habitat

Spiranthes diluvialis T Ute Ladies'- Tresses Orchid

Draft 1995 14C II. C.5-inventory remaining potential habitat

EXPECTED RESULTS OR BENEFITS

Completing these objectives will provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a current and comprehensive data set of detailed location, population, habitat, and management information for T, E and C plant species. It will also provide information on petitioned and other plant species of concern in Colorado. The up-to-date data set will enable the Service to manage existing and potential threats to T and E species, and to monitor population fluctuations. It will make available the data needed by USFWS to facilitate Section 7 consultations, make informed listing decisions, designate appropriate critical habitat, , and to complete recovery actions. Additionally, the comprehensive data generated under this scope of work will be available from CNHP, upon request, to other State and Federal agencies, as well as energy industry representatives and private consultants. The data may also attract other researchers who could provide additional information and assistance in the listing and recovery process.

APPROACH

Methods

Field Surveys and Monitoring for Targeted T, E and C Plant Species

For the plant species marked in Table 1, field surveys are needed to better document their current range, abundance, habitat, and threats, as indicated in Recovery Plans (Table 2). Additional suitable habitat is thought to occur for several of these species, and further survey work may reveal new occurrences. Many of the occurrences for these species are now historical (not visited in 20 or more years) and/or on private land. The species selected for field surveys have been identified, via personal communication with Service biologists, as priority species for field inventory work in 2016. Other listed species may be considered for field survey efforts, depending on the needs of the Service in Colorado, as communicated to CNHP in the spring of 2016. Field surveys will be conducted at the appropriate flowering times for each species in the spring and summer of 2016. Revisits to the sites of historical occurrences will be attempted using existing locational data available in the CNHP database. Additional suitable habitat for on-the-ground surveys will be identified by using maps, aerial photographs, soil surveys, geological maps, habitat models, and satellite imagery (as available). Areas targeted for intensive survey efforts will be prioritized based on their likelihood of supporting occurrences of the target species, with an emphasis on revisiting historical occurrences or suitable habitat not previously visited. Global Positioning System (GPS) units will be used to track the routes traveled, and to record the locations of the target species when found. The protocol developed by NatureServe for the Natural Heritage Programs will be followed to develop new or update existing element occurrence records for inclusion in the CNHP database.

To document progress toward recovery, monitoring plots have been or will be established for several of the species in Table 1. As time and funding allow, established monitoring plots for Eriogonum pelinophilum and Eutrema penlandii will be revisited. New monitoring plots will be established for Phacelia submutica in collaboration with BLM or Utah State University biologists who are actively studying this species. Monitoring protocols which are repeatable and statistically defensible will be followed at all existing monitoring plots, and any new plots that are created.

T, E and C Plant Species Database Development

New data from the above field surveys will be incorporated into the CNHP Biotics database following methodology developed by NatureServe which spatially defines an element occurrence. These data will be entered as either new or updates to existing element occurrences.

Additionally, other data will be sought from Agency personnel, other experts, herbaria, and published and gray literature for all of the species listed in Table 1. If found they will also be incorporated into the CNHP database to ensure that the most complete dataset possible is provided. The related Element Global Ranking Reports (EGRs) and Element State Ranking Reports (ESRs) will be updated as needed to reflect current information These EGRs and ESRs will enhance decision-making and management efforts for the Service by providing a concise overview of the species’ information in the database. A summary report for these species will be developed, and updated files will be delivered to the Service electronically as specified by the Service.

T, E, and C Plant Species Data Delivery

As outlined in the deliverable section, spatial and tabular data for the species listed in Table 1 and Appendix I will be delivered to the Service at the completion of this project.

Schedule

Field surveys and monitoring will be conducted by CNHP botanists at the appropriate flowering times during the spring and summer of 2016. The Botany Information Manager will deliver the updated files along with the final deliverables to the Service on or before February 28, 2017. The CNHP Chief Scientist will provide continual assistance and oversight during this process.

2015 funds: Conduct field surveys and/or monitoring for selected T, E and C plant species to search for new occurrences, revisit historical occurrences, document population size and populations trends within monitoring plots, and assess human and natural threats. Process any new data for T, E and C plant species listed in Table 1, by incorporating the acquired information into the CNHP Biotics database, updating element occurrence records, and associated Element Global Ranking Reports and Element State Ranking Reports as funding allows.

Deliverables for these funds

Element Occurrence Data: CNHP will provide the following Data to the Service for all the species listed in Table 1 and Appendix I:

Level 1 Data consisting of attributed ArcGIS shapefiles and associated transcription reports for element occurrences which intersect public and state lands in Colorado.

Level 2 Data consisting of ArcGIS shapefiles and associated transcription reports for element occurrences which occur on private lands in Colorado.

Level 3 Data for all element occurrences (ArcGIS shapefiles only) for public display. Upon receipt of a signed data use agreement, these Data will be provided as a pre-packaged ArcMap Hyperlink Project (ArcGIS .mxd) which links a GIS shapefile to its associated .pdf file containing tabular data for that particular element occurrence. Release of Level 1 Data for state lands is contingent upon receipt of written permission from each relevant agency. Public, state and private lands are characterized as follows:

Public Lands - Lands managed by U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (State Parks and State Wildlife Areas), Colorado State Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuges).

State Lands - Lands registered or designated as a State Natural Area by the Colorado Natural Areas Program or owned by Colorado State Land Board.

Private Lands - All lands other than those designated as public or state lands.

Field Survey Results: The results of field survey work will be included in the final report, which will be provided as a hardcopy and electronically, in conjunction with the database development products.

Final Report: A brief synopsis of the work completed under this project will be furnished to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

II. Award Information

This is a notice of intent to award a Cooperative Agreement to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. The nature of this project is such that the Contractor and USFWS Ecological Services Field Office shall work together on the tasks outlined on the project work plan.

This Single Source Award is being awarded in accordance with the Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2.14 B, 2) Continuation and 4) Unique Qualifications which both allow for award without competition to an applicant

This award is for $20,000. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) employees will cooperate by participating in survey (searching for rare plants) and monitoring efforts (counting plants in a repeatable, measurable plot) for at least 8 days a year from April 1 to September 30 for a wide array of sensitive, candidate, threatened, and endangered species.

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants:

This Single Source Award is being awarded in accordance with the Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2 B, 2) Continuation and 4) Unique Qualifications.

Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). See Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 25 for more information. Exemptions: The SAM registration requirement does not apply to individuals submitting an application on their own behalf and not on behalf of a company or other for-profit entity, state, local or Tribal government, academia or other type of organization.

A. DUNS Registration

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

U.S. and U.S Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711 Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1) For Hearing Impaired Customers Only call: 1-877-807-1679 (TTY Line)

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

B. Entity Registration in SAM

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

SAM.

C. Excluded Entities

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

D. Cost Sharing or Matching:

Not required.

IV. Application Requirements To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an application must contain:

A. A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance form, Standard Form (SF)

424 Do not include other Federal sources of funding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the “Federal” funding box on the Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the “Federal” funding box. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the “Other” box.

B. Project Summary Briefly summarize the project, in one page or less. Include the title of the project, geographic location, and a brief overview of the need for the project. Goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, anticipated outputs and outcomes can also be included in this section.

C. Project Narrative

1. Statement of Need: Describe why this project is necessary (significance/value) and include supporting information. Summarize previous or on-going efforts (of you/your organization, and other organizations or individuals) that are relevant to the proposed work. Explain the successes or failures of past efforts and how your proposed project builds on them. If you have received funding previously (from the Service or any other donor) for this specific project work or site, provide a summary of the funding, associated activities and products/outcomes.

2. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the program/project. State the objectives of the project. Objectives are the specific outcomes to be accomplished in order to reach the stated goal(s). The project objectives must be specific, measurable, and realistic (attainable within the project’s proposed project period).

3. Project Activities, Methods and Timetable: List the proposed project activities and describe how they relate to the stated objectives. Activities are the specific actions to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). The proposed project activities narrative must be detailed enough for reviewers to make a clear connection between the activities and the proposed project costs. For projects being conducted within the United States, the narrative must provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. For projects being conducted on the high seas, the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of Endangered Species Act. Provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity. Provide a timetable indicating roughly when activities or project milestones are to be accomplished. Include any resulting tables, spreadsheets or flow charts within the body of the project narrative (do not include as separate attachments). The timetable should not propose specific dates but instead group activities by month for each month over the entire proposed project period.

4. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: As applicable, describe how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or individuals in planning the project, and detail if/how they will be involved in conducting project activities, disseminating project results and/or incorporating your results/products into their activities.

5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project. Building on the stated project objectives, which must be specific and measurable, identify what you will measure (i.e., quantitative/quantifiable indicators) and how you will measure (i.e., methods, sample size, survey tools). Reference the stated project timetable (i.e., process indicators) and budget information (i.e., input indicators).

Identify the products/services to be delivered and how/to whom they will be delivered (i.e., output indicators). Detail the expected direct effect(s) of the project on beneficiaries (i.e., outcome indicators). Include any available questionnaires, surveys, curricula, exams/tests or other assessment tools to be used for project evaluation. Describe the resources and organizational structure available for gathering, analyzing and reporting monitoring and evaluation data. If applicable, describe how project participants and beneficiaries will participate in monitoring and evaluation activities. Describe how findings will be fed back into decision making and project activities throughout the project period.

6. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis. If eligibility for funding is based in whole or in part on the qualifications of key personnel, provide for each key person a brief (1-2 pages) but descriptive overview of their education, experience and other skills that make them qualified to carry out the proposed project. To prevent unnecessary transmission of Personally Identifiable Information, do not include Social Security numbers, the names of family members, or any other personal or sensitive information including marital status, religion or physical characteristics on the description of key personnel qualifications.

7. Sustainability: As applicable, describe which project activities will continue beyond the proposed project period, who will continue the work or act on the results achieved, and how and at what level you expect these future activities will be funded.

8. Literature Cited

9. Map of Project Area: Map should clearly delineate the project area and be large enough to be legible. Label any sites referenced in the project narrative.

D. Budget Form

Complete the Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A) or Budget Information for Construction Programs (SF 424C) form. Use the SF 424A if your project does not include construction and the SF 424C if the project includes construction or land acquisition. The budget forms are available on the Internet at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15. When developing your budget, keep in mind that financial assistance awards and subawards are subject to the Federal cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, as applicable to the recipient organization type. Links to the full text of the Federal cost principles are available on the Internet at http://www.ecfr.gov/.

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

E. Budget Justification In a separate narrative titled “Budget Justification”, explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the SF 424 Budget Object Class Category totals were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the Service’s approval and estimate its cost.

If Federally-funded equipment will be used for the project, provide a list of that equipment, including the Federal funding source

Required Indirect Cost Statement: All applicants except individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate must include in the budget justification narrative one of the following statements and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:

“We are:

1. A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification is attached.

2. A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We are required to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation to support those costs.

3. A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, please use one of the statements above or below] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. A copy of our most recently approved rate agreement is attached.

4. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.

5. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. However, in the event an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimus indirect cost rate of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, section 200.68. We understand that the 10% de minimus rate will apply for the life of the award, including any future extensions for time, and that the rate cannot be changed even if we do establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period

6. A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that the basis for direct costs will be the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR 200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”.

We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, and that Service approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award.

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

All applicants are hereby notified of the following:

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

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

Only the indirect costs calculated against the Federal portion of the total direct costs may be charged to the Federal award. Recipients may not charge to their Service award any indirect costs calculated against the portion of total direct costs charged to themselves or charged to any other project partner, Federal and non-Federal alike.

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

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

Applicants who are individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

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

Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior: Entities that do not have a NICRA must first have an open, active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your cognizant agency, your indirect cost rate will be negotiated by the Interior Business Center (IBC). For more information, contact the IBC at:

Indirect Cost Services Acquisition Services Directorate, Interior Business Center U.S. Department of the Interior 2180 Harvard Street, Suite 430 Sacramento, CA 95815 Phone: 916-566-7111 Email: ics@nbc.gov Internet address: http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/Services/ICS.aspx

F. Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal

Regulations Part 200, Subpart F, all U.S. states, local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. All U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal government and non-profit applicants must provide a statement regarding if your organization was/was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the organization’s most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, state if that report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (http://harvester.census.gov/sac/) and provide the EIN under which that report was submitted.

Include these statements at the end of the Project Narrative in a section titled “Single Audit Reporting Statements”.

G. Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available online at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15. Use the Assurances for Non- Construction Programs (SF 424B) for construction and land acquisition projects. Use the Assurances for Construction Programs (SF 424D) for all other types of projects. Signing this form does not mean that all items on the form are applicable. The form contains language that states that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program.

H. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A- Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this project AND the project budget exceeds $100,000, complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

I. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Applicants must notify the Service in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that are known at the time of application or that may arise during the life of this award, in the event an award is made. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, the applicant’s employees, or the applicant’s future subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the applicant to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the project not being select for funding.

Application Checklist

□ Evidence of non-profit status: If a non-profit organization, a copy of their Section 501(c)(3) or (4) status determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service.

□ SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF 424, SF 424-Mandatory, or SF 424-Individual form.

□ Project summary

□ Project narrative

□ Timetable

□ Description of key personnel qualifications

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

□ SF 424 budget form: A complete SF 424A or SF 424C Budget Information form.

□ Budget justification

□ Federally-funded equipment list: If Federally-funded equipment will be used for the project, a list of that equipment.

□ NICRA: When applicable, a copy of the organization’s current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

□ SF 424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF 424B or SF 424D Assurances form.

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

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

V. Submission Instructions SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 31, 2015

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

12372 was issued to foster the intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. The E.O. allows each state to designate an entity to perform this function. The official list of designated entities is posted on the website. Contact your state’s designated entity for more information on the process the state requires to be followed when applying for assistance. States that do not have a designated entity listed on the website have chosen not to participate in the review process.

Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Completed applications may be submitted by mail, by email, electronically through Grants.gov, or as otherwise described in the Grants.gov funding opportunity. Please select ONE of the submission options:

To submit an application by mail:

Number all pages of your printed application. Mail one, single-sided, unbound copy (do not staple or otherwise permanently bind pages) of your complete application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

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

To submit an application by e-mail:

Format all of your documents to print on Letter size (8 ½” x 11”) paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Scanned documents should be scanned in Letter format, as black and white images only. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format. E-mail your application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

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

To submit an application through Grants.gov:

Go to the Grants.gov Apply for Grants page (http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp) for an overview of the process to apply through Grants.gov. You/your organization must complete the Grants.gov registration process before submitting an application through Grants.gov. Registration can take between three to five business days, or as long as two weeks if all steps are not completed in a timely manner.

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

VI. Application Review Criteria: This application is sole source. To be considered for funding, the applicant must be the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.

Prior to participating in any review or evaluation process, all staff and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must sign and return to the program office point of contact the “Department of the Interior Conflict of Interest Certification” form. For a copy of this form, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

Each fiscal year, for every entity receiving one or more awards in that fiscal year, the Service conducts a risk assessment based on eight risk categories. The result of this risk assessment is used to establish a monitoring plan for all awards to the entity in that fiscal year. The Service’s risk assessment form is available on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-2462.pdf.

VII. Award Administration Award Notices: Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the form of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail.

If e-mail notification is unsuccessful, the documents will be sent by courier mail (e.g., FedEx, DHL or UPS). Award recipients are not required to sign/return the Notice of Award document.

Acceptance of an award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Service. The notice of award document will include instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit payment requests.

Domestic Recipient Payments: Prior to award, the Service program office will contact you/your organization to either enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system or, if eligible, obtain approval from the Department of the Interior to be waived from using ASAP.

The Notice of Award document from the Service will include instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit payment requests.

Transmittal of Sensitive Data: Recipients are responsible for ensuring any sensitive data being sent to the Service is protected during its transmission/delivery. The Service strongly recommends that recipients use the most secure transmission/delivery method available. The Service recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing; encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email followed by the password in a second email; or emailing a zipped/compressed file attachment. The Service strongly encourages recipients sending sensitive data in paper copy to use a courier mail service. Recipients may also contact their Service Project Officer and provide any sensitive data over the telephone.

Award Terms and Conditions: Acceptance of a financial assistance award (i.e., grant or cooperative agreement) from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions applicable to the award.