NOFO F22AS00182 _final.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Fisheries

Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes - Fiscal Year 2022 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Fiscal Year: 2022

F22AS00182

Due Date for Applications: 12/31/2022

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100, Expiration Date: 7/31/2021

We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program-specific requirements. 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.

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description Authority:

Federal Water Pollution Control Act—Great Lakes (33 U.S.C. §1268)

Assistance Listing Number:

15.662 Background, Purpose and Program Requirements:

Using appropriations to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) anticipates providing grants to support development and/or implementation of Great Lakes Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans (Tribal AIS Plans). Therefore, a Tribal AIS Plan must be in place that supports the proposed work, or development of such a plan must be a part of the proposed work. All tribal grants will be awarded based on a competitive process for which only Great Lakes tribes or their designee are eligible.

Proposed work must either be within the Great Lakes Basin or near enough to the basin that it contributes substantially to the prevention and/or control of AIS in the Great Lakes basin.

Activities such as outreach, boat ramp inspections, and/or law enforcement are often done outside the basin but make substantial contributions when work is done in areas where people are likely to transit (and thereby potentially transfer AIS) into the Great Lakes basin. Early detection, rapid response, and/or control efforts outside the basin must address:

• Species with a substantial potential for interbasin transfer (e.g., hydrilla in a waterbody near the Great Lakes basin that receives heavy boat use).

• Species of significant concern to the Great Lakes community within a Great Lakes state.

• Activities where the primary motivation is to prevent transfer of AIS into the Great Lakes basin.

In the end, we are pursuing and funding whatever actions have the greatest benefit to the Great Lakes Basin.

INVASIVE CARP WORK IS ONLY ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IF IT HAS BEEN

INITIALLY SUBMITTED AND VETTED THROUGH THE ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT

AND APPROVAL PROCESS FOR THE INVASIVE CARP REGIONAL COORDINATING

COMMITTEE'S (ICRCC) INVASIVE CARP ACTION PLAN. Invasive carp work funded and implemented through the Action Plan is coordinated through the ICRCC. The ICRCC develops an annual work plan that is largely supported through a separate source of GLRI funding and which undergoes a separate review process that includes Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review and approval.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $300,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $100,000 Minimum Award $20,000 Proposals should not exceed the estimated award ceiling. Proposals for larger amounts are difficult to review/rank alongside those within the award ceiling.

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding Expected Award Date December 31, 2022 Allocation of funding will require, within 1 year of the grant agreement becoming fully executed, completion of either one rapid response action or one rapid response training session.

Grant awards of 1-2 years (up to 4 years with strong justification) will be used by tribes for activities in their Tribal AIS Plans that contribute to the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and Great Lakes Basin. These awards are being made to provide “support for new work and for enhancements which do not replace existing Great Lakes base activities” (i.e., funds “supplement rather than supplant” existing tribal agency AIS programs/activities in the Great Lakes basin). We anticipate making most awards by September 30th of this year and expect project activities to begin within 60 days of making the award.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant CA - Cooperative Agreement For cooperative agreements, the substantial involvement by the Service will be unique to the project proposed, given the potential breadth of possible AIS projects that could be proposed.

Anyone applying for a cooperative agreement must have worked directly with the Service office/entity that will be cooperating on the project to ensure substantial involvement by the Service has been clearly identified and is acceptable to the providing office/entity.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 99 – Unrestricted (i.e. open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility We are seeking applications from tribal natural resource agencies/organizations in the Great Lakes Basin. However, a tribal agency may designate an entity (of any type) to apply for the award on their behalf.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Cost sharing or matching funds are not required to be eligible for this grant opportunity.

However, cost sharing is considered in one of the grant review criteria listed under the Application Review Information section later in this document. With respect to that criterion, all non-federal types of cost share are eligible (e.g., in-kind contributions).

C3. Other Foreign Entities or Projects:

State Sponsors of Terrorism: This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions: This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.

In-Country Licenses, Permits, or Approvals: Entities conducting activities outside the U.S.

are responsible for coordinating with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities as necessary to obtain all required licenses, permits, or approvals before undertaking project activities. The Service does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws, regulations, policies, or procedures of the foreign country in which they are conducting work.

Excluded Parties:

The DOI conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The DOI cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

D. Application and Submission Information https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx

D1. Address to Request Application Package All required application materials are contained within this funding opportunity. Supplemental application materials that may be helpful in completing environmental compliance can be requested from the point of contact listed at the end of this notice of funding opportunity.

Program Website Link

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

All applicants must submit the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. This form is available with the announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. The form must be complete and signed by an Authorized Representative. For all applicants except private citizens, the Authorized Representative’s signature on a standard application form submitted to the Service represents their certification that the entity’s financial management system meets 2 CFR §200.302 financial management requirements. The non-Federal entity’s financial management system must be sufficient to:

1. Permit the preparation of required reports;

2. Trace funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the entity has used such funds per Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award;

3. Provide for the requirements in 2 CFR §200.302(b); and

4. Comply with §200.334 Retention requirements for records, §200.335 Requests for transfer of records, §200.336 Methods for collection, transmission, and storage of information, and §200.337 Access to records.

When completing the SF-424 Application form, enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in Box 18a, Estimated Federal Funding. Include any other Federal sources of funding in Box 18e. Estimated Other Funding and identify any such sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). For individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), do NOT include your Social Security Number on this or any other document to be submitted with your application! When completing the SF-424 Application form, individuals must enter in Box 8b. Employee/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) the substitute number “444-44- 4444” and in Box8c. For organizational DUNS substitute number “123456789”. For UEI substitute the number "000123456789".

Pre-proposal: Pre-proposals are acceptable application submissions for the project ranking phase and must contain the information described in the Project Narrative and Budget Narrative below. Pre-proposals will be ranked to determine funding levels for each at which time applicants will be contacted via GrantSolutions and required to submit full proposals described below. SEE SECTION D4 FOR PRE-PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS.

Full Proposals: Once funding levels are established, applicants must submit each of the application materials listed below. This full proposal may also include an individual agency’s tasks from any Interjurisdictional AIS Projects they are involved in (Interjurisdictional AIS Projects are requested under a separate NOFO). Any interjurisdictional tasks that are added https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.302 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.334 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.335 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.336 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR4acc10e7e3b676f/section-200.337 must be clearly and distinctly separate from tasks under the individual tribal proposal so the task and cost can be easily tracked back to the interjurisdictional NOFO for accountability purposes and to help address any appearance of overlap/duplication.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB Number 4040-0019) Applicants must complete and submit the Project Abstract Summary form. The Project Abstract Summary form must provide a brief award description. The description must be in plain language that the public can understand without viewing the full application proposal. It should include a brief, simple description of the project purpose, activities to be performed, deliverables and expected outcomes, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipient activities, if known at the time of submission.

Do not include personally identifiable, sensitive, or proprietary information in the award description as this is available to the public. Use only English characters, numbers, punctuation, and standard symbols. Use of non-English, non-standard characters (also referred to as special or extended ASCII characters) will result in the award description failing to be reported correctly to USASpending.gov. Award descriptions are limited to 4,000 characters or less. Applicants should check the length of the award description and proofread for proper grammar and spelling.

For applicants applying through Grants.gov: Applicants must download and complete the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form from the full text announcement. To submit the Grants.gov “Project Abstract Summary” form with the application, applicants must add the form as an attachment to the Grants.gov “Attachments” form that is included in the application package.

For applicants applying through GrantSolutions-Grants Management Module (GS- GMM): Applicants must enter the information in the Project Abstract Summary screen. Do not upload a document in place of entering the information directly into GS-GMM Project Abstract Screen.

Project Narrative Applications are rated using the criteria in the Application Review Information section later in this document. Be sure Project Narrative or other application materials include information that allows for an accurate assessment using those criteria (you may include a self-rating as part of Project Narrative). Project Narratives may be NO MORE THAN 25 pages and based on past submissions are often far less. They include:

• Project title;

• Project justification;

• Goals and objectives;

• Activities, including estimated cost for each major project activity;

• Methods;

• Timetable that breaks out each work activity on a quarterly (or monthly) basis so that it is clear when activities/sub-activities will be completed throughout the life of the grant. This timetable breakdown will also aid in identifying any potential overlap with existing grants of a similar nature;.

• Information to support environmental compliance review requirements. This includes sufficient project detail to assess potential effects on species listed under the Endangered

Species Act, potential environmental effects under NEPA, and to determine project compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Additional documentation to complete these requirements is very helpful and varies some across USFWS regions, so reach out to the grant contact who will receive your final application package to determine the most useful documentation to provide [these additional documents do not count toward the 25 page limit for Project Narrative].

• Required project monitoring and evaluation plan, or other means to assess project success;

• Qualifications of key agencies and/or project personnel; and

• Details on the project location.

Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any proposed item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring or contracting out of any work under the award. See 2 CFR §200.407 for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, identify the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR §200.306 for more information.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

a. Applicability.

1. This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

2. In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR§200.318 apply.

b. Notification.

1. Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass- through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

2. Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRea20080eff2ea53/section-200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d/section-200.318 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112

c. Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31

USC §1352.

d. Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regard to activities, costs, or https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2019-title31/pdf/USCODE-2019-title31-subtitleII-chap13-subchapIII-sec1352.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR86b76dde0e1e9dc/section-200.339 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regard to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regard to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration:

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which will replace Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Applicants registering in SAM.gov prior to April 2022 may still be required to obtain a DUNS number prior to completing the registration process within SAM.gov. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number In April 2022, the Federal Government will stop requiring DUNS numbers. At that point, entities doing business with the government will use the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) created in SAM.gov in place of a DUNS number. A UEI will be assigned to entities upon registering with

SAM.

If an entity is applying for federal financial assistance prior to April 2022, a DUNS number may still be required as part of the SAM registration process. A DUNS Number can be requested through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, go to www.dnb.com/govtduns. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform http://www.dnb.com/govtduns mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com

DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form (version 3).

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 12/31/2022 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

Application Due Date Explanation

• All pre-proposals (including Project Narrative, Budget Narrative) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Central Standard Time 60 days after this NOFO is posted to grants.gov.

• All pre-proposals will be submitted via email to: fws3_fisheries_grants@fws.gov.

• Pre-proposals will be ranked to determine funding levels for each at which time applicants will be notified via email.

• Full proposals are due within 60 days of email notification of funding level (by 11:59 pm

Central Standard Time). If grant request will be combined with Interjurisdictional AIS Grant (solicited under separate NOFO), then full proposal will be due 60 days after notice of both Interjurisdictional AIS Grant opportunity funding level and this NOFO funding level.

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. The State Single Point of Contact list is available on the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website.

http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization they may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, you must not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior (DOI) is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center (IBC) will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the IBC by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients may not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted by Organization:

U.S. state or local government entities receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding must include the following statement in their application and attach a copy of their most recently negotiated rate agreement:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. Attached is a copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement/certification.

U.S. state or local government entities receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding must include the applicable statement from this list:

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR 200, Appendix VII. Our current indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award].

• We are a U.S. state or local government entity receiving $35 million or less in direct Federal funding. We have not prepared an indirect cost rate proposal and documentation per 2 CFR §200, Appendix VII and elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until we choose to establish a rate per 2 CFR §200. We understand we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs 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 that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna

All other organizations must include the applicable statement from this list and any related documentation in their application. Please note, an organization with a current negotiated (including provisional) rate may not elect to charge the 10% de minimis rate of Modified Total Direct Costs during the period covered by their current negotiated rate.

• We are an organization with a current negotiated indirect cost rate. In the event we receive an award, we will charge indirect costs per our current negotiated rate agreement.

Attached is a copy of our current rate agreement.

• We are an organization with a negotiated indirect cost rate that has expired. Attached is copy of our most recently negotiated rate agreement. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that has never negotiated an indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate], which is charged against [insert a complete description of the direct cost base used to distribute indirect costs to the award]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date. We understand we must provide the Service a copy of our approved rate agreement before charging indirect costs to the Federal award.

• We are an organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate. In the event an award is made, we elect to charge the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.1. We understand we must use this methodology consistently for all Federal awards until such time as we negotiate a different rate with our cognizant agency. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if during the award period we establish a rate that changes the methodology used to charge indirect costs to the award. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

• We are an organization submitting a [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”] project proposal, which has an indirect cost rate cap of [insert rate; CRU is currently 15%; CESU is currently 17.5%]. In the event we receive an award, we understand that if we have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate we must charge the program’s capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement, per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have current negotiated (including provisional) rate, we understand we must charge the capped indirect cost rate against Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR §200.1.

• We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements The Service requests applicants to apply electronically using GrantSolutions. To apply electronically the Applicant Organization and Organization Officials must be established in GrantSolutions. If your Organization and/or Organization Officials do not currently exist in GrantSolutions follow the instructions below.

New Organization Request

Send an email requesting a new organization to be with the following information to help@grantsolutions.gov:

• Organization/Individual Name

• POC first and last name

• POC email

• POC phone number

• Organization Type

• DUNS # (unless exempt)

• EIN (Applicants that are INDIVIDUALS SHOULD NOT include their social security number)

• Address

If your Organization is new or you do not have the appropriate officials in GrantSolutions you must also establish an individual account for each of the Organization Officials and assign the appropriate role. At a minimum the Authorizing Official and Principal Investigator/Program Director roles must be assigned. Individual Organization Official accounts may be requested by completing the Recipient User Account Request Form and emailing the completed form to at help@grantsolutions.gov.

If your organization already exists in GrantSolutions please verify that the correct Organization Officials have an individual GrantSolutions account.

If your Organization and Organization Officials already exists in GrantSolutions, please login using your existing username and password. If you do not remember your account information, please contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk at (866) 577-0771 or by email at help@grantsolutions.gov

For more information on how to apply please see GrantSolutions Help for instructions and videos.

Please contact GrantSolutions Help Desk if you have any questions regarding your account or GrantSolution issues at (866) 577-0771 or by email at help@grantsolutions.gov

E. Application Review Information E1. Criteria

a. To what degree does the project demonstrate interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration?

i. Low: project identifies little if any interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient.

ii. Medium: project demonstrates meaningful interagency/inter-organizational coordination and collaboration with multiple small or moderate size entities/organizations, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient.

mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov https://www.grantsolutions.gov/home/getting-started-request-a-user-account/ mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov https://www.grantsolutions.gov/support/fedUsers.html mailto:help@grantsolutions.gov

iii. High: project has major component(s) that substantially involve other state(s) or large entities/organizations, beyond transferring funds to a sub-recipient.

b. Applicant has developed a Tribal AIS Management Plan or will develop one as part of this proposal. [Review Team Lead will provide plan information to all reviewers.]

i. Pass: Applicant provides evidence of an existing AIS plan (or one is known by USFWS to exist), describes development of an AIS plan that is currently substantially underway, or includes development of an AIS plan as part of the proposal.

ii. Fail: Applicant does not meet “pass” option for criterion.

c. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) address vectors for AIS infiltration (i.e., prevention) into the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress or vector of minor importance.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a vector of moderate importance.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a vector of major importance.

d. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve early detection efforts in key areas in the Great Lakes (key areas in Great Lakes proper in Appendix A; key areas in Great Lakes watershed based on a scientifically defensible state/tribal prioritization scheme as described in your proposal)?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium-sized scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

e. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve rapid response efforts (i.e., in the water actions to eliminate an AIS that IS NOT widely established in the Great Lakes, from a new location) in the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

f. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) implement/improve containment efforts (e.g., blocking movement with barrier or commercial harvest; DOES NOT INCLUDE other activities that are more appropriately captured under prevention, rapid response, or control criteria) in the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium-sized scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

g. What is the potential for the proposed activity to substantially (in scope or scale) reduce the abundance of established AIS (i.e., in the water actions to eliminate an AIS that IS widely established in the Great Lakes, from a new location) in the Great Lakes?

i. NA

ii. Low: small level of progress.

iii. Medium: moderate-high level of progress on a small to medium-sized scope or scale.

iv. High: moderate-high level of progress on a large scope or scale.

h. To what degree does the proposal promote long-term societal, economic, and environmental sustainability goals?

i. Low: project benefits are likely to be short lived and are not necessary steps that will lead to long-term implementation of the project outside of GLRI funding.

ii. Medium: project benefits are likely to last for 5-10 years or may lead to long-term implementation of the project outside of GLRI funding.

iii. High: project benefits are likely to persist for decades or are necessary steps that will lead to long-term implementation of the project outside of GLRI funding.

i. To what degree is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, based on a sound rationale, and based on sound science?

i. Low: steps in the proposed activities are disjointed or don’t appear entirely likely to achieve the desired results.

ii. Medium: generally sound approach but with some reservation.

iii. High: steps in the proposed activities are very well reasoned, sequenced well, and are based on solid principles of science.

j. To what degree does the project incorporate a mechanism to assess success?

i. Low: none identified other than possibly quantifying numbers of actions completed.

ii. Medium: moderate level of assessment with perhaps some elements done reasonably well and others with low level of assessment.

iii. High: thorough, well-designed assessment procedures identified that measure the beneficial “outcome” of the activities and not just reporting the “output” of the activities.

k. How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities?

i. Low: difficult to ascertain or little indication of relevant qualifications.

ii. Medium: generally appears to have basic qualifications (e.g., work to be completed by state/tribal natural resource agency), but no specific qualifications provided.

iii. High: qualifications of key staff included in proposal and generally indicates skilled individuals with substantial relevant expertise either thru education, experience, or both.

l. How much “new” non-federal support (funding or in-kind) will be committed to the project? “New” non-federal support excludes existing watercraft inspections, existing early detection and rapid response, or other activities that are already routinely completed.

i. Low: <5% of total project cost.

ii. Medium: 6-20% of total project cost.

iii. High: >20% of total project cost.

m. What is the applicant’s rate of expenditure for similar FY 2020 grant awards?

[Review Team Lead will provide expenditure rate and rating based on FBMS review around time when NOFO is posted.]

i. NA

ii. Low: <30%.

iii. Medium: 30-50%.

iv. High: >50%.

n. How quickly will major elements of the project be substantially underway (does not include hiring staff, purchasing equipment, writing contracts/agreements)?

i. Low: after next fiscal year.

ii. Medium: within second half of next fiscal year.

iii. High: in first half of next fiscal year.

Appendix A

State Location Fish Plant Invert

IL Chicago/Chicago River Mouth 1 1 4

IL Chicago-Calumet Port 9

IL Evanston/North Shore Channel Mouth 11 15 23

IN Buffington and Indiana Harbor Ports 24

IN Calumet River Mouth/Lake Michigan 8 11 16

IN East Chicago/Indiana Harbor Canal 10 14 22

IN Portage/Portage-Burns Waterway 4 6 7

MI Alpena/Thunder Bay River Mouth 13

MI Benton Harbor/St. Joseph River Mouth 9 9

MI Detroit River/Rouge River Mouth 18

MI Detroit/Detroit River 6

MI Detroit/Detroit River 20

MI Grand Haven/Grand River Mouth 14 19

MI Grosse Pointe Shores/Lake St.

Claire 21 10 20

MI Lake St. Clair/Clinton River Mouth 23 12

MI Lakeside/Lake St. Clair 18 16

MI Marquette/Dead River Mouth 25 5

MI Rogers City/Calcite 17

MI Saginaw Bay/Saginaw River Mouth 6 5 14

MN Duluth/St. Louis River Mouth 15 1

MN Two Harbors 18

NY Buffalo/Niagara River 5 8 11

NY Oswego/Oswego River Mouth 3 4 10

NY Rochester/Genesee River Mouth 12 17 25

OH Ashtabula/Ashtabula River Mouth 19

OH Cleveland/Cuyahoga River Mouth 7 13 3

OH Fairport Harbor/Grand River Mouth 22 21

OH Lorain/Black River Mouth 24 25

OH Sandusky/Sandusky Bay 17 7 8

OH Toledo/Maumee River Mouth 2 2 2

OH Toussaint River Mouth 24

OH West Harbor/Marblehead/Lake Erie 16 3 15

PA Erie/Presque Isle Bay 23

WI Green Bay/Fox River Mouth 13 20 21

WI Milwaukee/Kinnickinnic River Mouth 9 22 12

E2. Review and Selection Process Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the FWS may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Bureau is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR §200.206. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR §200.208 should be applied to the award.

Given projects have the potential to be inter-related, we will look at the entire body of projects after the merit review to determine if there is substantial duplication/overlap that could be avoided or possible synergy among projects to be gained that would cause us to modify…