NOFO_F18AS00052.pdf
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- EVOS/GLT Habitat Protection Project
- Opportunity number
- F18AS00052
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Paperwork Reduction Act Statement. We are collecting this information in accordance Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C 742a-742j and CDFA 15.658 Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration and Implementation. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to execute a single source award to the Great Land Trust pursuant to Exxon Valdez Trustee Council Resolution 17-03, November 14, 2017. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. We estimate that it will take applicants under this program about 1 hour to complete an application. We estimate it will take recipients under this program about 1 hour to complete required reporting and 2 hour for required recordkeeping. All burden estimates include the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather data needed and complete and review the submission. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fisheries and Ecological Service Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Restoration and Implementation
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.658
Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: F18AS00052
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 29, 2017 4:00PM AST
Notice of Funding Opportunity The US Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7 intends to award a single source financial assistance agreement as authorized by 505 DM 2.14 (B) to Great Land Trust. This notice is not a request for proposals and the Government does not intend to accept proposals.
I. Description of Funding Opportunity Implementation of the Great Land Trust EVOS project work plan proposal (AKA EVOS/GLT Habitat Protection (Conservation) Project, submitted to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council") dated August 25, 2017. The GLT work plan and project was unanimously approved by the Council on November 14, 2017 – Council Resolution 17-03. This non-competitive award authorized under 505 DM 2.14 and is permitted under an exemption to the Grants.gov FIND DOI policy allowing the direction of Federal financial assistance to a single identifiable recipient (see:http://www.doi.gov/pam/GrantsFINDpolicy102703.doc item 8.a.3). This notice is not a request for proposals and the Government does not intend to accept proposals. Award for the project will be made within 15 days after this notice.
FWS #F18AS00052
http:Grants.gov
PURPOSE
The cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter referred to as the "Service") and the Great Land Trust (hereinafter referred to as the "GLT") is entered into under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C 742a-742j and CDFA 15.658 Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration and Implementation. The funds are to be used by GLT, as described in its statement of work/proposal approved by the Council on November 14, 2017 (Resolution 17-03) to facilitate the conservation of habitats important to the restoration and protection of marine and coastal resources, ecosystems, and habitats in order to aid in the overall recovery of, and to enhance the long-term health and viability of, those resources injured by the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the spill-area ecosystems. In approving Resolution17-03, members of the Council certify that, in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement and Consent Decree entered as settlement of United States of America v. State of Alaska No. A91- 081 Civil, U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, and after public meetings, unanimous agreement has been reached by the Council to expend funds received in settlement of State of Alaska v. Exxon Corporation, et al., No. A91-083 CIV, and United States of America v. Exxon Corporation, et al., No. A91-082 CIV, U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, for necessary natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities in the amount of $408,760 to fund the subject Great Land Trust EVOS project work plan proposal.
OBJECTIVES
The funds are to be used by GLT to conduct landowner outreach, habitat assessments and other due diligence in order to facilitate interest in and support for habitat conservation projects within the designated spill area. Projects targeted are those important to the conservation of marine and coastal resources, ecosystems, and habitats in order to aid in the overall recovery of, and to enhance the long-term health and viability of, those resources injured by the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the spill-area ecosystems. Any actual conservation of habitat and interests in habitat (e.g., fee title, conservation easements, mineral rights, timber rights) resulting from GLT’s work is subject separate approval and funding from the Trustee Council. Federal interest in fish and wildlife habitats within the spill area dates back to President Teddy Roosevelt. In particular, forest lands surrounding Prince William Sound and fish and wildlife and their habitats on and surrounding the Kodiak/Afognak Archipelago. These areas include habitat supporting tremendous fish and wildlife resources and federal interest in and stewardship of these resources was identified under the Roosevelt Administration. There is considerable interest on the part of federal, state and local government and communities in sustaining Roosevelt’s stewardship legacy (a Department of Interior priority) through conserving and restoring habitat supporting these resources due to their cultural, hunting and fishing and economic values.
BACKGROUND
The Trustee Council was formed to oversee restoration of the injured ecosystems through the use of civil settlement funds associated with the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The Council consists of three state (State departments of Fish and Game, Natural Resources and Law) and three federal trustees (Department of the Interior, US Forest Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or their designees). The Council is advised by members of the Council’s Public Advisory Committee (PAC), by members of the scientific community. The members of the PAC advise the Trustee Council on decisions relating to allocation of funds and conduct of restoration and monitoring activities related to the oil spill. The makeup of the PAC is intended to reflect http://www.evostc.state.ak.us/people/SP.cfm balanced representation from the public at large as well as members from selected principal interests.
Council Habitat Protection Focus Area: The long-term conservation of threatened habitat is considered essential for the well-being of species injured by the Exxon Valdez oil spill and is one of the core goals of the Trustee Council. Restoration efforts in the Pacific Northwest underscore that healthy habitat is essential to the viability of fish and wildlife species. The Council and its science staff concluded that depleted salmon and other fish populations cannot rebuild if habitat that is critical during any of their life stages is seriously compromised. This lesson extends as well to birds, and mammals that nest, feed, molt, winter, and seek shelter in the spill area. The Council’s habitat protection focus area also supports the restoration of commercial fishing, subsistence, hunting and fishing and other recreation, and tourism, all of which are dependent upon healthy productive ecosystems.
The Trustee Council has dedicated a portion of available settlement funds for habitat conservation in the spill region. The habitat conservation program is split into two programs (i.e.
Large Parcel and Small Parcel programs) based on the sizes of the habitat purchases. The goal of the Large Parcel Program (generally parcels over 1,000 acres) is to protect key habitats for injured species throughout the spill region. The Small Parcel Program (generally parcels of 1,000 acres or less) targets strategically located habitats, usually located on coves, along important stretches of river, or adjacent to valuable tidelands. They are often close to spill area communities. These lands are protected for their habitat qualities as well as their importance for subsistence hunting and fishing and recreational use.
GLT has developed, and the Trustee Council has endorsed, a habitat conservation decision-support tool for the entire spill region to identify habitat with the highest conservation value.
GLT has initiated and continues to conduct landowner outreach to determine landowner interest in voluntarily conserving important habitat for fish and wildlife. This decision support tool incorporates the latest information on land ownership, including all projects previously completed with EVOS funding. The prioritization includes current bird and other wildlife distribution data for all special status species as well as sub-watershed rankings for anadromous fish diversity throughout the spill area.
REASON FOR SINGLE SOURCE
The proposed award is deemed advantageous to the habitat program objectives of the EVOS Trustee Council and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As directed by Council approval of Resolution 17-03, the USWFS intends to award a single source Cooperative Agreement as authorized by 505 DM 2.14 (B) to The Great Land Trust (GLT) for implementation of the EVOS/GLT Habitat Conservation Project work plan proposal dated August 25, 2017. The funds will be used by GLT to conduct landowner outreach, habitat assessments and other due diligence in order to facilitate voluntary interest in and support for habitat conservation projects important to the restoration of marine and coastal resources, ecosystems, and habitats in order to aid in the overall recovery of, and to enhance the long-term health and viability of, those resources injured by the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the spill-area ecosystems.
The GLT work plan and project was unanimously approved by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council on November 14, 2017 – Council Resolution 17-03. Trustee Council members include state and federal officials, including the US Department of the Interior Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Alaska Affairs. This project was also vetted and supported by a Public Advisory Group established by the Trustee Council to provide public input on proposed projects prior to Council taking action on resolutions authorizing allocation of settlement funds. In accordance with Service policy 516 FW 6, Issuing Discretionary Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards without Competition specific, criteria that apply to this justification pursuant to 505 DM 2 include:
1. Continuation: This project is a continuation of previous EVOS Trustee Council investment in Great Land Trust to assist the Council in meeting the objectives of the 1990 Restoration Plan and Habitat Program. Several projects are underway from a previous award to GLT which would be adversely impacted and likely not completed or substantially delayed if this award were not executed to enable GLT to continue its work.
The proposed award identified herein provides vital continuity to the aforementioned habitat program work and will help to ensure timely development and submittal of habitat conservation projects for Council consideration. Failure to fund this proposed activity now or submit this request to additional competition would adversely affect current deliberations between landowners, Council staff and GLT to conserve priority habitats.
The Council generally meets only twice per year and therefore any reconsideration of this request would delay the project by several months to over a year, resulting in both administrative and budget inefficiencies and negatively impact actions to bring promising projects to fruition in accordance with the interests of the Council and local communities.
2. Unique Qualifications: Great Land Trust is Southcentral Alaska’s regional land trust.
GLT has substantial and unique Alaska experience in negotiating habitat conservation projects with multiple state, local, individual and Alaska Native landowners. It is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1995. Its service area ranges from the Alaska Range in the North to Prince William Sound and Kodiak/Aleutian Islands to the south. GLT’s service area includes the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill area. GLT is uniquely qualified to complete the project proposed herein. It has developed a habitat protection decision-support tool supported by the Council and the Service. Its current landowner outreach has resulted in expressions of interest by landowners to actively explore habitat conservation actions in the near term. GLT’s technical staff expertise and Board of Directors (with substantial legal and administrative experience in habitat conservation in Alaska) have considerable capacity to bring administrative efficiencies, additional funding and technical knowledge to habitat conservation actions supported by the Council and the Fish and Wildlife Service. GLT is in the position to respond more quickly than government to opportunities for conservation of priority habitats and also leverage low-cost and voluntary support to achieve conservation results and facilitate cost-sharing for conservation projects by leveraging matching funds it has direct access to or received through competitive habitat protection funding opportunities. The Great Land Trust has an excellent reputation and has managed similar habitat conservation programs for government agencies and the Trustee Council. For example, GLT operates a federally approved In Lieu Fee Instrument under an agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District. GLT has professional staff skilled in carrying out complex conservation projects. GLT has been nationally recognized for its work including, LTA Living Lands Publication, Coastal America 2007 and 2012 Partnership Award, US DOI Cooperative Conservation Award 2008, and Outstanding Partner Award by the Region 7 Director of USFWS for 2011. In addition, GLT was the first land trust in Alaska and one of very few land trusts nationwide to achieve accreditation (2012) from the Land Trust
Alliance National Accreditation Commission. As part of the Accreditation process Great Land Trust has annual third party audits. GLT’s annual financial audit and IRS form 990 are available for viewing on the GLT website: http://greatlandtrust.org/who-we-are/financials.
II. Federal Award Information
Opportunity Category Discretionary Agreement Type Cooperative Agreement Estimated Total Program Funding $408,760 for Year One. (Depending on available funding and approval by the Council this award could be extended for subsequent years, but no more than 5 years total, consistent with the original proposal).
Award Ceiling $408,760 (annual) Award Floor $408,760 (annual)
CFDA # 15.658
Cost Sharing or Matching Not required Point of Contact Information Michael Daigneault
Habitat Restoration and Conservation Partnerships - Fisheries and Ecological Services US Fish and Wildlife Service 1011 East Tudor Road Anchorage, AK 99503-6199
(907) 786-3523 email: Michael_Daigneault@fws.gov
Alternate:
David Wigglesworth Deputy ARD/Fish & Aquatic Conservation US FWS Region 7 1011 East Tudor Rd Anchorage, AK 99503 direct: 907-786-3925 email: david_wigglesworth@fws.gov
Anticipated Number of Federal Awards 1 Anticipated Start Date and Project Period February 1, 2018 – January 31, 2019
The USFWS is required to be substantially involved in projects under this funding opportunity for successful completion of the activities to be funded. In particular, the Service will be responsible for following activities:
• Provide technical support to GLT and Trustee Council staff in its analysis of habitats for their fish, wildlife and ecological values;
• As needed, work with GLT to conduct on-site assessments verifying the ecological and public use/access value of habitats to be considered for conservation;
FWS #F18AS00052
mailto:Michael_Daigneault@fws.gov mailto:david_wigglesworth@fws.gov http://greatlandtrust.org/who-we
• Participate with other state and federal technical staff in working with GLT and the Trustee Council staff to evaluate potential conservation projects for future consideration by the Trustee Council.
• Provide technical assistance to GLT and Trustee Council staff to support successful implementation of this project.
III. Eligibility Information
Eligible Applicants: This is a single source cooperative and the only eligible applicant is the Great Land Trust.
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 at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, contact Dun & Bradstreet by email at: govt@dnb.com, or by calling the Government Customer Resource Center at voice phone: 866-705-5711 or TTY line: 877-807-1679 (hearing impaired customers only). 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 at 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.
Note: The official U.S. government website address for SAM is www.sam.gov. There is NO COST to register in or access SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who charge a fee in exchange for registering entities in SAM; please be aware that you can register to do business with the U.S. government FOR FREE directly in SAM at www.sam.gov.
C. Excluded Entities Applicant entities 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. The Service conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award.
FWS #F18AS00052
http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform mailto:govt@dnb.com http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http:www.sam.gov
D. Cost Sharing or Matching: Not applicable
IV. Application Requirements To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain:
A. Application for Federal Assistance form A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance – 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.
2. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) of the program/project. 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). 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.
4. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: As applicable, describe how you/your organization has coordinated with and involved other relevant organizations or individuals in the planning and implementation of the project.
5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan for the project.
6. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and qualifications. Provide complete contact information for the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis.
7. 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.
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://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1. 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/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl
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 Budget Object Class Category totals on the SF-424A 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 for 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.
FWS #F18AS00052
http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl
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]. [Insert either: “A copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement is attached. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “A copy of our current, approved rate agreement(s) is attached.”]
4. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.
5. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, in the event an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] of [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 220.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing immediately if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.
6. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, in the event an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award.
We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing immediately if we do establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.
7. A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that the basis for direct costs will be the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR 200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, and that Service approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.
8. A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.
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 flat 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 https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html under the “Resources” tab.
Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior:
Entities that do not have a NICRA, must 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 - Fax: 916-566-7110 Email: Through https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/ibcfeedback web form
FWS #F18AS00052
https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/ibcfeedback
Internet address: https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services
F. Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements, 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 or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the organization’s most recently closed fiscal year. If required, state that the report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/) and provide the EIN under which that report was submitted.
See the following statements and include the applicable statement at the end of the Project Narrative titled: Statement(s) Regarding Single Audit Reporting or provide a separate document with the appropriate statement.
Single Audit Report was required:
My organization was required to submit a Single Audit report last year. The reporting period covered was from (insert date) to (insert date). This report, filed under EIN #(insert EIN), is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/) or will be by (insert date).
OR
Single Audit Report was not required:
My organization was not required to submit a Single Audit report last year.
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 Construction Programs (SF 424D) for construction and land acquisition projects. Use the Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B) 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
FWS #F18AS00052
https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/ https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/ http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $100,000, complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.
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 (All applicants expect Federal Entities)
□ 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
□ SF 424 Budget form: A complete SF 424A or SF 424C Budget Information form
□ SF 424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF 424B or SF 424D Assurances form
□ Project Summary
□ Project Narrative
□ Timetable
□ Description of key personnel qualifications, if applicable
□ 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 2 CFR 200, Subpart F, Audit Requirement.
□ 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
□ Conflict of Interest Disclosures: When applicable, written notification of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of this award.
□ SF LLL form: If applicable, completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwidsOONg8rSAhVK4SYKHcfCDz8QFgghMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fapply07.grants.gov%2Fapply%2Fforms%2Fsample%2FSFLLL-V1.1.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFNKoVhfSxzK5sMSGV8E6db6ggcMg
Failure to provide complete information may cause delays, postponement, or rejection of the application.
V. Submission Instructions SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 29, 2017 4:00PM AST
Intergovernmental Review: Before submitting an application, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the following website (https://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 email or electronically through Grants.gov, or as otherwise described in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.
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://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html) 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
FWS #F18AS00052
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/grants_spoc http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov http:Grants.gov 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: To be considered for funding. Not applicable to this single source award.
Review and Selection Process: The GLT work plan and project was unanimously approved by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council on November 14, 2017 – Council Resolution 17-03.
Trustee Council members include state and federal officials including the US Department of the Interior Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Alaska Affairs. This project was also vetted and supported by a Public Advisory Group established by the Trustee Council to provide public input on proposed projects prior to Council taking action on resolutions authorizing allocation of settlement funds. In accordance with Service policy 516 FW 6, Issuing Discretionary Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards without Competition specific, criteria that apply to this justification pursuant to 505 DM 2 include:
Continuation: This project is a continuation of previous EVOS Trustee Council investment in Great Land Trust to assist the Council in meeting the objectives of the 1990 Restoration Plan and Habitat Program. Several projects are underway from a previous award to GLT which would be adversely impacted and likely not completed if this award were not executed to enable GLT to continue its work. The proposed award identified herein provides vital continuity to the aforementioned habitat program work and will help to ensure timely development and submittal of habitat conservation projects for Council consideration. Failure to fund this proposed activity now or submit this request to additional competition would adversely affect current deliberations between landowners, Council staff and GLT to conserve priority habitats. The Council generally meets only twice per year and therefore any reconsideration of this request would delay the project by several months to over a year, resulting in both administrative and budget inefficiencies and negatively impact negotiations with landowners to bring promising projects to fruition in accordance with the interests of the Council and local communities.
Unique Qualifications: Great Land Trust is Southcentral Alaska’s regional land trust. GLT has substantial and unique Alaska experience in negotiating habitat conservation projects with multiple state, local, individual and Alaska Native landowners. It is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1995. Its service area ranges from the Alaska Range in the North to Prince William Sound and Kodiak/Aleutian Islands to the south. GLT’s service area includes the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill area. GLT is uniquely qualified to complete the project proposed herein.
It has developed a habitat protection decision-support tool supported by the Council and the Service. Its current landowner outreach has resulted in expressions of interest by landowners to actively explore habitat conservation actions in the near term. GLT’s technical staff expertise and Board of Directors (with substantial legal and administrative experience in habitat conservation in Alaska) have considerable capacity to bring administrative efficiencies, additional funding and technical knowledge to habitat conservation actions supported by the Council and the Fish and Wildlife Service. GLT is in the position to respond more quickly than government to opportunities for conservation of priority habitats and also leverage low-cost and voluntary support to achieve conservation results and facilitate cost-sharing for conservation projects by leveraging matching funds it has direct access to or received through competitive habitat protection funding opportunities. The Great Land Trust has an excellent reputation and has managed similar habitat conservation programs for government agencies and the Trustee Council. For example, GLT operates a federally approved In Lieu Fee Instrument under an agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers – Alaska District. GLT has professional staff skilled in carrying out complex conservation projects. GLT has been nationally recognized for its work including, LTA Living Lands Publication, Coastal America 2007 and 2012 Partnership Award, US DOI Cooperative Conservation Award 2008, and Outstanding Partner Award by the Region 7 Director of USFWS for 2011. In addition, GLT was the first land trust in Alaska and one of very few land trusts nationwide to achieve accreditation (2012) from the Land Trust Alliance National Accreditation Commission. As part of the Accreditation process Great Land Trust has annual third party audits. GLT’s annual financial audit and IRS form 990 are available for viewing on the GLT website: http://greatlandtrust.org/who-we-are/financials.
Prior to participating in any review or evaluation process, all staff and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must complete the applicable Conflict of Interest form; Conflict of Interest FWS FA Source Selection form or Conflict of Interest Form Other than FWS FA Source Selection.
Prior to award, the Service reviews the selected applicant’s statement regarding potential overlap or duplication in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel and makes a determination regarding Service funding. Depending on the circumstances, modification of the application, other pending applications, or an active award may be necessary, or the Service might choose to not fund the proposed project.
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. For a copy of the Service’s risk assessment form, go to https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html.
Prior to approving an award with a Federal funding amount that exceeds or is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, as adjusted (see 2 CFR 200.88), the Service must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS; https://www.fapiis.gov/fapiis/index.action) to determine if, at a minimum, the information found in the system for the applicant demonstrates a satisfactory record of Federal award performance and integrity and business ethics (see 2 CFR 200.205(a)(2)). The Service must also report to FAPIIS if an applicant subject to this review is found not qualified for a particular award due to its prior record of integrity or performance under Federal awards (see 2 CFR 200.212).
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.
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