NOFO F23AS00063 With Table 1 Criteria Final 11-1-22.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Fisheries https://www.fws.gov/service/great-lakes-fish-and-wildlife-restoration-act-grant-program

Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act FY 2023 Fiscal Year: 2023

F23AS00063

Due Date for Applications: 01/05/2023

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:

Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. §941 et seq.)

Assistance Listing Number:

15.608,15.662 Background, Purpose and Program Requirements:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) requests interested entities to submit research, restoration, and Regional Project proposals for the restoration of the Great Lakes Basin fish and wildlife resources, as authorized under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 941c). The purpose of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA) is to provide assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration, research, and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes Basin. All proposals should focus on the restoration and or research of fish and/or wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin and should be consistent with the goals of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016 and the recommendations of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration’s “Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes.” When appropriate, all proposals should be consistent with:

a. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan III;

b. The goals of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement;

c. The Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act as reauthorized by the

National Invasive Species Act;

d. The fish community objectives identified by the lake committees and the Council of Lake

Committees;

e. The Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries;

f. The Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries;

g. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan;

h. Addresses research and/or monitoring priorities of the Upper Mississippi River and Great

Lakes Region Joint Venture 2007 Implementation Plan; and

i. Applicable State Wildlife Action Plans; and

x. Additional step down plans that further specify the implementation of the goals and objectives of the above plans at the state, tribal, watershed or local level.

Proposals submitted are reviewed and recommended for funding to the Service by the GLFWRA Proposal Review Committee (PRC). Since 1998, the Act has provided $35.7 million dollars in federal funding to 211 research, restoration, and Regional Project proposals. More than 135 organizations have contributed nearly $16.6 million in matching non-federal partner support.

GLFWA funding combined with required matching funds equates to $52 million worth of benefits to Great Lakes Basin fish, and wildlife resources.

https://gsgp.org/media/sz0jd3ft/glrc_strategy.pdf https://gsgp.org/media/sz0jd3ft/glrc_strategy.pdf https://glri.us/documents https://www.epa.gov/glwqa/what-glwqa https://www.fws.gov/law/nonindigenous-aquatic-nuisance-prevention-and-control-act-1990#:~:text=Collections-,Nonindigenous%20Aquatic%20Nuisance%20Prevention%20and%20Control%20Act%20of%201990,Program%2C%20and%20for%20other%20purposes.

http://www.glfc.org/search.php?sa.x=0&sa.y=0&q=fish+community+objectives&cx=003205183134142302835%3Alrscvcbrh5c&cof=FORID%3A11 http://www.glfc.org/search.php?q=Lake+committees&x=0&y=0 http://www.glfc.org/pubs/conv.htm http://www.glfc.org/fishmgmt/jsp97.htm https://www.fws.gov/partner/north-american-waterfowl-management-plan https://umgljv.org/science/ https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/ https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/ https://www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-informs/state-wildlife-action-plans

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $2,890,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $960,000 Minimum Award $2,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding $136,444 Expected Award Date September 15, 2023 Supported in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we expect approximately $2.89 million to support proposals this fiscal year. Available funding and proposal awards are subject to final Congressional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023. Up to 33 and one-third percent of the total Congressional appropriation to the GLFWRA is eligible to fund Regional Project proposals.

Expected award funding for Regional Project proposals is between $180,000 to $960,000.

Successful restoration and research proposals have ranged from $2,300 to $2,000,000 with the average proposal at $136,444. Expected award funding for restoration and research proposals is between $20,000 and $350,000.

Selected restoration and research proposals and Regional Project proposals will be awarded funding for the duration of the proposal via a grant or cooperative agreement between the recipient and the Service. Funding will be made available once the official award letter has been received and the performance period has started. Continuation of proposals funded in previous fiscal years are eligible but will be considered and reviewed as a new proposal.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards Number of grants or cooperative agreements awarded this fiscal year is expected to range between 8 and 12 awards. Proposal start dates are flexible, with suggested start dates occurring between October 1, 2023, and March 1, 2024. The length of proposal period typically ranges from 1 to 4 years. The expected award date is between mid to late August and mid-September 2023.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant CA - Cooperative Agreement Restoration and research proposals will be awarded a grant agreement and Regional Project proposals will be awarded a cooperative agreement under this announcement. For cooperative agreements, the Service anticipates to be substantially involved by performing one or more of the following activities:

Participating and working closely with the recipient in carrying out the scope of work, including training recipient personnel or detailing Federal personnel to work on the proposal effort.

Reviewing and approving one stage of work before the next stage can begin.

Prior to award, reviewing and approving proposed modifications or sub-awards.

Helping select proposal staff or trainees.

Directing or redirecting the work because of interrelationships with other proposals.

Reserving the right to immediately halt an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met.

Limiting recipient discretion with respect to scope of work, organizational structure, staffing, mode of operations and other management processes, coupled with close monitoring or operational involvement during performance under the award.

Regional Project proposals selected for funding, will be issued a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument. Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network partners that submit Regional Project proposals that qualify as CESU proposals will be subject to the CESU indirect cost rate cap.

C. Eligibility Information C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 21 – Individuals

22 – For profit organization other than small businesses 23 – Small businesses 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility The proposal activities (e.g., habitat restoration and barrier removal) must be within the Great Lakes Basin or impact a fish or wildlife species (e.g., research) present in the Great Lakes Basin to be eligible for funding.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Yes Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Restoration and Research Proposals: All proposals require a 25% non-federal match. Not less than 25% of the total cost of implementing a proposal shall be paid in cash or in-kind contributions by non-Federal sources. Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable unrecovered indirect costs as cost-share/match, however recipients may only charge to the Federal award the indirect costs calculated against the allowable direct costs charged to the Federal award. Recipients may not charge to the Federal award indirect costs calculated against:

1) any portion of the recipient’s direct costs; or 2) any portion of the direct costs charged to any other Federal or non-Federal partner.

The required match is 25% of the total proposal costs (funding request + non-federal match).

For example, if the request for federal funding is $75,000, the minimum required non-federal match is $25,000, and the total proposal costs would be $100,000.

($75,000 / 0.75 = $100,000 - $75,000.00 = $25,000).

Restoration and research pre-proposals without a 25% non-federal match will not be considered.

Non-Federal Match Changes: The 2016 Reauthorization of the GLFWRA made some significant additions to allowable non-federal match as it relates to time period, and land and conservation easements. The changes are summarized below.

Time Period for Providing Non-Federal Match: The non-federal share of the cost of implementing a proposal may be provided at any time during the 2 year period preceding January 1 of the year in which the Service receives the restoration and/or research pre-proposal or Regional Project proposal.

Sources of Non-Federal Match: To be accepted as match it must be in compliance with §200.306 Cost sharing or matching.

The appraised value of land or a conservation easement connected with the proposal.

The costs associated with securing a conservation easement; and restoration or enhancement of the conservation easement.

Appraisal of conservation easement. The value of a conservation easement may be used to meet the non-federal share of the cost of implementing a proposal, as long as it meets the following:

1. Within the 2 year time period for allowable match;

2. Is acquired before the end of the proposal grant period;

3. Is held in perpetuity for conservation purposes of Service programs, related to the Great

Lakes Basin, and a) by an accredited land trust or conservancy or a Federal, State, or tribal agency; b) is connected either physically or through a conservation planning process to the proposal; and c) the appraisal valuation date shall not be later than 1 year after the price of the conservation easement was set under a contract.

4. The appraisal shall conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and completed by a Federal or State certified appraiser.

5. All costs associated with securing a conservation easement and restoration or enhancement of that conservation easement may be used to meet the non-federal match of implementing a proposal. The costs may include cash, in-kind contributions, and indirect costs. The costs may not be associated with mitigation or litigation (other than costs associated with the Natural Resource Damage Assessment program).

Regional Projects: Regional Project proposals selected for funding shall be exempt from cost sharing or partner match if the Service’s Midwest Region Director determines the authorization for the proposal does not require a non-federal cost-share.

C3. Other Sponsorship: During the development of the restoration or research pre-proposal make sure you discuss your proposal with the natural resource agency (e.g., local staff) in the Great Lakes Basin that has management authority (State and/or Tribal natural resource agencies) where your proposal will take place on the ground or will potentially benefit. This is the first step in obtaining sponsorship for your proposal. Proof of sponsorship is not required at the pre-proposal stage. If you get invited to submit a restoration and research full proposal, the GLFWRA Coordinator will provide you with contact information for a PRC member so you can discuss your proposal, and obtain required sponsorship to be eligible to receive funding.

Regional Projects: Regional Project proposals must be submitted by a State Director and/or Tribal Chair (or a joint submission from the supervisors of the agency’s fish and wildlife programs on behalf of the Director or Tribal Chair). Regional Project proposals should impact multiple Great Lakes, States and/or Tribes and consequently must include the signature or other written documentation of all State Directors and Tribal Chairs who support the proposal (or joint signatures or letter of support from the supervisors of the agency’s fish and wildlife programs on behalf of the State Director or Tribal Chair).

U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organizations must provide a copy of their Section 501(c)(3) or (4) status determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service.

There is no limit on the number of restoration or research pre-proposals or Regional Project proposals an applicant may submit.

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 D1. Address to Request Application Package The request for restoration and research pre-proposal, and Regional Project proposal application templates can be downloaded at GrantSolutions or from Grants.gov under this opportunity. If you require assistance obtaining the application templates and other documents contact Rick Westerhof at 231-282-2736 or rick_westerhof@fws.gov.

Restoration and Research Pre-proposals: Restoration and research pre-proposals are limited to two pages and must include the following information: management implication or application, proposal title; proposal applicant(s); GPS coordinates, costs; proposal dates; rationale; relevancy, objectives; methods; deliverables/products and a one page only curriculum vitae or resume for each person involved in the proposal.

Restoration and Research Full Proposals: Those applicants invited to submit full proposals (notified in February 2023) will be required to submit the same information as included in the pre-proposals, but with more detail that may include providing a response to comments/suggestions from the PRC that will be sent via email. The following information must be included in detail: proposal title; proposal applicants; management implication or application, rationale; GPS coordinates; objectives; methods; deliverables; schedule for completion; past and current funding support; references; information on how each of the nine review criteria are addressed; one page resume or curriculum vitae for each person involved in the proposal; source of the non-federal match and budget sheet(s); and funding requested budget sheet(s) including 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 https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:westerhof@fws.gov direct and indirect costs. Letters of support are encouraged.

If your restoration and research pre-proposal is selected for full proposal submission, your full proposal must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Thursday, March 23, 2023 before 5:00 PM EST.

For restoration and research and Regional Project proposals approved for funding, applicants will be required to provide further information as required by the Service to achieve compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544), or other requirements as referenced in sections below.

Regional Projects: Final Service work plans for Regional Project proposals recommended for funding by the PRC will be developed among the applicants submitting the proposal and the identified Service project manager.

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 individuals and commercial entities, 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.

If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature on or submission of the SF-424 form in GrantSolutions also represents their certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

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 https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ 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

8b. Employee/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN) the substitute number “444-44- 4444.” Individuals may register in SAM.gov but are not required to have a SAM.gov registration. For individuals without a SAM.gov registration enter in Box 8c. the substitute Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) “KA5HQCLKUVW1".

NOTE: The following information starting with the SF424 Application for Federal Assistance Form” through “Application Checklist” is required if you are submitting a Regional Project proposal. If you are submitting a restoration or research Pre-Proposal this information is not required at this time but will be required if you get invited in February 2023 to submit a full proposal.

Note: All documents not filled out online in GrantSolutions that require a signature must be hand signed, digitally, or electronically signed. Typing your name in is not acceptable.

Regional Project Proposal Application In Word or pdf format submit the Regional Project proposal. Submit budget sheetshttps://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/separately in Excel or pdf format.

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 Proposal Narrative for Restoration and Research Pre-Proposal and Full Proposal Application

Title;

Proposal Applicant(s);

https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/

Brief Proposal Description;

Management Implication or Application;

Total Proposal Cost;

GLFWRA Funds Requested;

Non-Federal Partner Match;

Proposal Dates;

GPS Coordinates;

Rationale and Objectives;

Methods;

Deliverables/Products;

Relevance;

Resume/Curriculum Vitae;

Funding Requested Budget Sheet for Full Proposal only;

Non-Federal Match Budget Sheet for Full Proposal only; and See application template for more details and instructions.

Proposal Narrative for Regional Project Proposal Application

Title;

Proposal Applicant(s) and USFWS Project Manager(s);

GLFWRA Funds Requested;

Non-Federal Partner Match;

Total Proposal Cost;

Proposal Dates;

Management Implication or Application;

GPS Coordinates;

Rationale and Objectives;

Methods;

Deliverables/Products;

Relevance;

Schedule for Completion;

Budget Justification;

Optional Non-Federal Match;

Past GLFWRA Funded Proposals;

Identify Other Funding Sources;

References;

Proposal Dates;

Resume/Curriculum Vitae;

Funding Requested Budget Sheet;

Non-Federal Match Budget Sheet; and See application template for more details and instructions

SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs Applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A Budget Information form for Non- Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov or in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In “Section A – Budget Summary” on the SF-424A form enter the funding requested from this Federal program in the first row. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below). In the SF-424A “Contractual” category total, do not combine estimated subawards and contractual costs. Use the “Contractual” category to reflect estimated contractual costs only. Enter estimated subaward costs in the SF-424A “Other” category. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Program Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424C Budget Information form for Construction Programs or Projects. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov and in GrantSolutions. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. Identify any other Federal funding sources and amounts in the required Budget Narrative (see below).

SF-429 Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property Applicants seeking approval to acquire real property under an award must complete and submit the SF-429, “Real Property Status Report (Cover Page)” and the SF-429-B, “Real Property Status Report Attachment B (Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish)”. These forms are required if the real property is acquired with Federal funds, with recipient cost share or matching funds, or as an in-kind contribution under the award. The SF-429 forms are not available with this announcement on Grants.gov; they are available on the Grants.gov Post-Award Reporting Forms page. Please submit these completed forms as attachments to your application.

Budget Narrative Applicants must include a budget narrative that describes and justifies requested budget items and costs. In your budget narrative, describe how the SF-424 Budget Information, “Object Class Category” totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, generally describe how estimates were determined by identifying what type of staff will support the project and how much time they will contribute to the project (in hours or workdays). Describe any proposed items of cost that require prior approval under the Federal award cost principles, including any anticipated subawarding, transferring, or contracting out of any work under the award. Provide a separate description and total estimated costs for both contractual and subaward costs. If equipment previously purchased with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any third-party 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. Please note the prohibitions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment in 2 CFR 200.216. The https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.407 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.306 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C/section-200.216

Department of the Interior’s Unmanned Aircraft web page provides a list of approved unmanned aircraft and related equipment and software.

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.

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 https://www.doi.gov/aviation/uas/fleet 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-B/section-200.112 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 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 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 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 or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register as a financial assistance recipient in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 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. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). Entities already registered in SAM.gov should review their registration to confirm that they are registered as a financial assistance recipient, which requires completion of the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations”. See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration.

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 01/05/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Restoration and research pre-proposals and Regional Project proposals in Word or pdf format must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Thursday, January 5, 2023 before 5:00 PM EST. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

If your restoration and research pre-proposal is selected for full proposal submission, your full proposal must be submitted in GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/) by Thursday, March 23, 2023 before 5:00 PM EST. Full proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.

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.

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://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ 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 https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/contact-us https://ibc.doi.gov/ICS/icrna increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

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) indirect cost rate agreement we must charge the capped indirect cost rate to the same base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand we must request prior approval from the awarding program to use the 2 CFR 200.1 Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) base instead of our approved base and that we must submit such requests with our application, including a calculation showing how use of the MTDC base results in an overall reduction in the total indirect costs recovered. 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. If we have never negotiated a rate, we understand we must use the de minimis rate of 10% of MTDC.

We are an organization that will charge all costs directly.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC))

The Proposal Review Committee has established the following guidelines and restrictions for funding provided through the Act.

Not less than 25% of the total cost of implementing a proposal shall be paid in cash or in-kind contributions by non-Federal sources.

Construction and engineering costs are allowed for restoration proposals that directly benefit fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin.

Equipment purchases are allowable for those items necessary to meet the stated proposal objectives and shall follow the requirements within 2 CFR 200, including but not limited to 2 CFR 200.12, 2 CFR 200.313, and 200.407.

Indirect Cost – You will need to do the one of the following related to indirect costs.

Either Provide: 1). A copy of your current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), and 2). A written statement signed by the official having the authority to negotiate indirect cost rates for the recipient organization notifying us that they will assess a reduced indirect cost rate. This statement must also specify to which proposal(s) the reduced rate will apply, or 3). A statement in the Budget Narrative indicating recipient organization does not have a NICRA.

Regional Project proposals selected…