NOFO Old Dominion Marsh Habitat Aug 2017.pdf

OMB Control Number: Iinsert number] Expiration Date: [insert date]

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region

Division of Migratory Birds Migratory Bird Monitoring, Assessmcnt and Conservation

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 1 5.655

Notice of Funding Opportunity

I. Description of Funding Opportunity This is an announcement fbr issuing a single source flnancial assistance award to Old Dominion University Research Foundation. This announccmcnt is lbr notilication purposcs only.

'l 'hc intent of this award is to support photogrammetric and GIS activities in sr-rpport of coastal marsh conservation. ln particular, this award is issucd to providc linancial assistance to 1) map high and low marshcs with high mult ispectral imagcry, dcl imit ing salt marsh ecotoncs, synthcsizing available field and remotely sensed refbrence data; 2) conduct a rigorous accuracy assessrnent and quality assurance protocol to ensure the validity and best I-easible Llser accuracy ol-salt marsh maps; and 3) provide additional digital maps and documentation to include seamlcss coverage of marsh habitats betwecn the SALCC and Florida Peninsular LCC lbr thcir planning atlases and Science Base repository. Salt marshes are critical habitats for the conservation of fauna and ecological functioning ol-the coast. Inventorying and nrapping marsh dynanrics have emerged as high priori t ies fbr asscssing regional vulncrabil i ty to sea-levcl r ise, reclr"r ir ing synthesis of existing marsh habitat maps, improved methodology lbr continual monitoring, and assessment of their vulnerabil i ty with modeling and analysis.

'l'he U.S. Fish and Wildlil-e Service, Northeast Region, intends to make a sole source award ol'a grant agreement to Old Dominion lJniversity Research Foundation (ODU). FLrnding fbr this project is provided under the Fish and Wildl i f-e Act o1'1956, as amended. l6 Lj.S.C.742a-754, and the Fish and Wildl i l-e Conservation Act. l6 U.S.C. 2901-2911.

ODU was selected to receive this award based on a combination of thc fbllowing criteria: l) ODU has been previously funded to map high and low marshes for the Conservation Planning Atlas of the South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (SALCC). I'his requcst fbr assistance fbcuses on expanding the spatial extent o1' marsh habitat mapping by completing habitat classillcation fbr the southern coastal Georgia region and northern F-lorida; 2) ODU has extensive experience in applying photogrammetric techniques to saltmarsh systems in the

Southeastern United States's; and 3) their extensive network of partners that can provide them unique training sets fbr accuracy assessment II. Award Information The U.S. Fish and Wildlil-e Service, Northeast Regiort, intends to make a sole source award of a cooperative agreement to Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODU) in the amount of $38,000 in FY 2017 . ODU is an institution of higher learning that has been funded to conduct photogrammetric and GIS analyses of saltmarsh habitats and has unique experience in developing novel approaches that increase the accuracy ofthe final classification.

Specific tasks to be completed include:

OMB Control Nurnber: Iinsert number] Expiration Date: I insert date.l

1. Mapping Marsh Distributions - Salt marsh boundaries have been mapped using a wide variety of remote sensing techniques. Based upon vegetation zonation, aerial pliotography or satellite imagery may be used to define boundaries in zonated systems. However, in some areas these pattems may be altered due to historical fircs, storm wrack deposition, or development.

Inundation dynamics (using hydrography and digital elevation data) may also provide a means for evaluating theoretical high and low marsh distribution. The first phase of this pro.ject will accomplish mapping using remote sensing satellite imagery combining fine-resolution regional Landsat 8 OLI with ultra-fine scale aerial and LiDAR analysis in Intensive Study Areas and field mapping. Following a published SALCC marsh classif ication (2017), this pro.ject wil l continue a focus on multispectral Landsat 8 OLI data and the application of Object-Oriented Image Analysis (OBIA) for image classification.

2. Assimilating Existing Field and Ancillary Marsh Infbrmation - Systematically measure and plot the major marsh vegetation types (e.g., .luncus roemerianus and Spartina altemiflora and others) as the normalized, modal elevation of its intertidal area. Resources to be incorporated include NOAA C-CAP and USGS regional inventorics to assist dcl imit ing the r-rpland boundaries, Florida GIS orthoimagery and LiDAR DEMs, and a variety of ecological sources to ensure thematic classillcation coherence work on habitat charactcrization fbr restoration. thc FNAI Guide to thc Natural Communities of Florida (2010), and local maps ancl rel'crcnce documents (e.g., FWS wildlif-c retuges and the Guana'l'olomato National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR.))

The U.S. Fish and Wildl i f 'e Service (USFWS) wil l be substantial ly involved in projccts under this funding opportunity. In part icular, the USFWS wil l be rcsponsiblc fbr the fol lowing:

The Service (Dr. Tirn Jones and Mr. Craig Watson) will work with Dr. Allen to provide validation data sets and coordinate partner participation in this pro.iect. Mr. Craig Watson will provide in thc ficld assessmcnts of the accuracy of preliminary classilications. Dr. .lones, working with the ACJVs Spatial Analyst, will actively be involved in reviewing preliminary products fbr errors and suggcsting ways to 1ix thcn-r ancl obtain any data that is ll'ee to the U.S.

Govcrnment but othcrwise would incur a cost to the pro.iect. Dr. .lones will coorclinate the classilication of saltmarsh and tidal wetland habitats to rr-ratch habitat modeling nceds.

This project advances conservation mapping effbrts for saltmarsh communities and will create a seamless high and low marsh layer along the Atlantic Flyway that will infbrm scveral ongoing conservation projects for priority saltmarsh birds.

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants:

[Clearly identify the types of entities that are eligible to apply. If there are no restrictions on eligibility, this section may simply indicate that all potential applicants are eligible. If there are restrictions on eligibility, be clear about the specific types of recipients that are eligible, not just the types that are ineligible. Notify applicants if they are required to submit documentation to support an eligibility requirement. Text for this section should reflect related content in the oM B controi,Xil:T"ilTf,:l1o"i:] program's CFDA profile and any authorizing legislation. Note that some entities are incorporated as non-profits but have not requested 501(c)(3) tax exemption status; programs that limit applicant eligibility to non-profits with 501(c)(3) status must make that restriction clear in this section. If the program eligibility is limited to non-profits with official 501(cX3) status only, insert the following "U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organizations with 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Status (IRS) must provide a copy of their status determination letter received from the

IRS".]

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

'l 'ribal government, academia or other type of organization.

A. DUNS Registration Request a DUNS number at http://f'edgov.dnb.con-r/rryebform. For technical dilllculties, contact Dun & Bradstreet by email at: govt@dn_b_,com, or by calling the Government Customer Resource Center at voice phone: 866-705-571 I or TTY l ine: 877-807-1679 (hearing impaired customers only). Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date infbrmation with Dr,ur & Bradstreet.

I). Entify Registration in SAM Register in SAM at www.sam.gov. Once registered in SAM, entit ies must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every l2 months liom thc date previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as oflen as nceded to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have been made to DUNS and IRS inlbrmation. Foreign entit ies who wish to be paid directly to a United States bank account must enter and maintain valid and current banking infbrmation in

SAM.

Note: The ofl-rcial U.S. government website address lbr SAM is www.szrm.gov.

'l 'liere is NO

COST to register in or access SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who charge a fcc in exchange for registering entities in SAM; please be aware that you can register to do business with the U.S. government FOR FREE directly in SAM at www.sam.gov.

C. Excluded Entities Applicant entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded fiom receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts. and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for

Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

The Service conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant cntities and their key project personnel prior to award.

A.

Expiration Date: [insert date]

D. Cost Sharing or Matching:

[State if there is required cost sharing, matching, or cost parlicipation without which an application would be ineligible. State clearly if cost sharing is not required. Include any restrictions on the types of costs (e.g., in-kind contributions) that are acceptable as cost sharing. Cost sharing as an eligibility criterion includes the requirements based in statute or regulation, as well as those imposed by administrative decision of the Service. Indicate if there are any pre-award requirements for submission of letters or other documentation to verify commitments to meet cost-sharing requirernents if an award is made].

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

A completed, signed and dated Application fbr Fecleral Assistance lbrm. [At a minimum, all NOFOs must require applicants to submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance (i.e., SF 424, SF 424-Mandatory, or SF 424-Individual) form. The only exception to the SF 424 requirement is if the program has OMB approval to use an alternative application form. Insert form instructions based on your eligible applicant base. Individuals applying on their own (unrelated to any business or non-profit organization s/he may own or operate in her/his own name) must use the SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form (http://www.srants.gov/web/grants/forrns/sf-424-individual-family.html#sortby-l). All other applicants to discretionary programs and for single source awards must use the SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance form (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby:l). Mandatory programs may require applicants to use the SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance-Mandatory form (http:i/www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-rn@r:t-b"y:L)]. Do not include other Federal sources of funding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the "Federal" funding box on the Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the "Federal" funding box. Include any other Federal sources of lundins in the total fr"rndins entcred in the "Otlter" box.

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

Project Narrative

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

B.

C.

4.

OMB Control Number: f insert numberl Expiration Date: I insert datej

Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term, overarching goal(s) o1'the program/project. State the objectives of the project. Objectives are the specific outcomes to be accomplished in order to reach the stated goal(s). The project objectives niust be specific, measurable, and realistic (attainable within the project's proposed pro.ject period).

Project Activities, Methods and Timetablc: List the proposed project activities and describe how they relate to the stated obiectivcs. Activities are the specific actions to be undertaken to fulfill the project objectives and reach the project goal(s). The proposed project activities narrative must be detailed enough lbr reviewers to make a clear connection between the activities and the proposed project costs. For projects being conducted within the United States, the narrative must provide enor"rgh detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with the National L,nvironmental Policy Act, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and Section I 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act. lror projects being conducted on thc higl-r seas. the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to deterntine pro.ject conrpliance with Section 7 of Endangered Species Act. Provide a detai led descript ion ol-the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity. Provide a timetable indicating roughly when activitics or project milestones are to be accomplished. Include any resr.rlting tables, spreadsheets or flow charts within the body of the pro.iect narrative (do not include as separate attachments). The timetable should not propose specific dates but instead group activities by month for each month ovcr the cntire proposcd pro.ject period.

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

Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Detail the monitoring and evaluation plan fbr the project. Building on thc stated projcct ob.iectives, which must bc spccific and measurable. identify what you will measure (i.e., quantitative/quantifiable indicators) and how you will measure (e.g., methods, sample size, survey tools). Rel'ercnce the stated project timetable (i.e., process indicators) and budget inlbrmation (i.e., input indicators).

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

Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: Provide a brief description of the applicant organization and all participating entities and/or individuals. Identify which of

D.

oM B control );il:T"ilTf,:lH:l the proposed activities each agency, organization, group, or individual is responsible for conducting or managing. Provide complete contact infbrmation fbr the individual within the organization that will oversee/manage the project activities on a day-to-day basis. If eligibility for funding is based in whole or in part on the qualifications of key personnel, provide for each key person a brief (1-2 naees) but descriptive overview of their education, experience and other skills that make them qualified to carry out the proposed project. To prevent unnecessary transmission of Personally Identiflable Infbrmation, da not include Sociul Security numbers, the names offamily members, or any other personal or sensitive information including msritol status, religion or pltysical characteristics on the description of key personnel qualifications.

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

8. Literature Cited

9. Map of Project Area: Map should clearly dclineate the project area and be large enough to be legible. Label any sites refbrenced in the pro.iect narrative.

Budget Form Complete the Budget Information fbr Non-Construction Programs (SIr 424A) or Btrdget Information fbr Construction Programs (SF 424C) 1bnn. Use the SF 424A if your project does not include oonstruction and the SF 424C if the project includes constructiott or land acquisition. The budget forms are available on the Internet at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/1brms/sl'-424-l'arnilv.html#sortby:1 . When dcveloping your budget, keep in mind that financial assistance awards and subawards are sLrb.iect to the Federal cost principles in Title 2 of the Code o1'Federal Regulations Part 200, as applicable to the recipient organization type. Links to the lirll text o1-the F-ederal cost principles arc available on the Intemet at http://www.ecfi.gov/.

Note on Multipte Federal Funding Sources: If the project budget includes multiple Federal funding sources, you must show the funds being rcquested from this Fedcral program on the budget Ibrm sepurutaly from any other requested/securcd Federal sourccs of firnding. Enter the funds being requested fiom this Federal program in the flrst row of the Budget Summary section of the lbrm, and then enter funding related to other Fedcral progranls in thc subsequent row(s). Be sure to enter each Federal program's CFDA number in the corresponding fields on the fbrm. The CIFDA number lbr this Federal progranl appears on the first page of this funding opportunity.

Budget Justification In a separate narrative titled "Budget Justification", explain and justily all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the SF 424 Budget Object Class Category totals rvere determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of tin-re (as

OMB Control Nuntber': Iinseft number] percentages) to be directly charged to the proiect. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the Service's approval and estimate its cost.

If Federally-funded equipment will be used fbr the project, provide a list of that equipment, including the Federal funding source. flnsert any other program-specific information for applicants to detail in their budget justificationsl.

Required Indirect Cost Statement: Recipients that do not have an approved indirect cost rate cannot charge indirect costs to their Federal award. All applicants except individuals applying for funds separate fiom a business or non-prolit organization he/she nray operate must include in the budget justification narrative one of the fbllowing statements and attach to their application any required documentation idcntilled in the applicable statement:

"We are:

l . A U.S. state or local govemment entity recciving more than $35 mil l ion in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of finsert rate]. Wc submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. A copy of our rnost recently approved rate agreement/certification is attachcd.

2. A U.S. state or local government cnti ty recciving less than S35 nri l l ion in direct F'ederal funding with an indirect cost rate o1'[insert rate]. We are rcquircd to prepare and retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documcntation to support those costs.

3. A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, please use one of the statements above or below] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. flnsert either: "A copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement is attached. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made." or"A copy of our current, approved rate agreement(s) is attached."]

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

5. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indircct cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10Yo.

Our indirect cost rate is finsert rate; must be lower than l0%]. I'lowevcr, in the evcnt an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to subrnit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days afier award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] of finsert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or rnodified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 220.681. We understand that we must notify the

OMB Control Nurrber; I insen number]

Service in writing immediately if we establish an approved rate r.r,ith our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

6. A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and lias an indirect cost rate that is 10o/o or higher.

Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization's indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, in the event an award is made, we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a oondition of award to charge a llat dc minimis indirect cost rate of l0o/o of modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR

200.68. We understand that we must notily the Service in writing immcdiately iI'we do establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point dr.rring the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

7. A [insert your organization type] that is sr-rbmitting this proposal for consicleration under the [insert either "Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program" or "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network"], which has a Department of the lnterior-approved indircct cost ratc cap of [insert program rate]. I1'wc have an approved indirect cost rate with our cogniz.ant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identillecl in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that the basis fbr direct costs will be the rnodified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR 200.68 "Modifled Total Direct Cost (MTDC)".

We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the MI'DC base instead of the base idcntillcd in our approved indircct cost ratc agreement, and that Scrvice approval of such a request will be based orr: l) a determination that our approved basc is only a subset of thc MTDC (such as salarics and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC basc will still result in a rcduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. ln accordance with 2 CFR 200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable lbr recovery via any other means.

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

All applicants are hereby notified of the following:

. Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited fiom charging indirect costs to a Federal award. Accepting a flat de minimi,s rate as a condition of award is an approved rate.

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

. Recipients may not charge to their Service award any indirect costs calcr"rlated against the portion of total direct project costs paid by any other Federal funding source or non-Federal partner.

F.

OMB Control Nuntber: Iinsert number] Expiration Date: Iinsert date] o Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted fbr direct costs or to satisfy cost-sharing or matching requirements under the awarcl.

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

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

For more information on indirect cost rates, see the Service's Indirect Costs and Negotiated Indircct Cost Rate Agrccments guidance docunrcnt on thc lnternct at https ://www. fws. gov/ grants/atc. htm L

Negotiating an Indirect Cost Rate with the Department of the Interior: Entities that do not have a NICRA must l-rrst have an open, active Federal award befbre they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency, unless otherwise assigned by the White House O1llce of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your cognizant agency. your indirect cost rate will be negotiated by the Interior Business Center (lBC). For more inlbmration, contact the IBC at:

Indirect Cost Services Acquisition Services Directorate, Interior Business Center U.S. Department of the Interior 650 Capitol Mall, suite 7-400 Sacramento. CA 95814 Phone:916-930-3803 Emai l : Through https ://www. doi. gov/i bc/co UlLActu s/i bcfbed back we b lbnrr Internet address: https://www.doi.{rov/ibc/servi_ces/finance/indirect-cost-services

Single Audit Reporting Statements: As required in Title 2 of the Codrlp-1--fp-sicial Regulations Par1200. Subpart F, all U.S. states, local governments, f'ederally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-prolit organizations expending $750,000 USD or morc in Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report fbr that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse's Internet Data Entry System. All U.S. state, local government, fcderally-recognized Indian tribal government and non-profit applicants must provide a statement regarding if your organization was/was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the organization's most recently closed fiscal year and, if so, statc if that report is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (lfltpp"l&afye$qf.c-gnrUq.gqylftgwelD and provide the EIN under which that report was submitted. Include these statements at the end of the Proiect Narrative in a section titled "Single Audit Reporting Statements".

Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances fbrm available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-faniily.html#sortby- 1 . Use thc Assurances G.

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oM B controi [1i']:T"|ITf,:]1:;J] for Construction Programs (SF 424D) for construction and land acquisition projects. Use the Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF 4248) for all other pro.iects. The form includes a statement that some of the asslrrances may nol be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. Signing this form does not ntake you or your organization subject to laws that are otherwise not applicable to you or yoLlr organization.

Changing, crossing out, or making notations on the form before signing has no impact on the applicability of law.

Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: Under Title 3l o1'the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient rnust not use any lbderally erppropriatcd firnds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person lbr lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or atternpting to inf'luence an ofllcer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an oflicer or employee of Congress, or an etnployee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant's certification of the statements in 43 CFR Parl 18. Appcndix A- Certiflcation Rcgarding Lobbying. lf you/your organization have/has madc or agrccs tcr make any payment using non-appropriated funds fbr lobbying in connection with this proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $ I 00,000, complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form available at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/fbrms/post-award-reporting-lbrms.html#sortby:1. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when addit ional submission of this form is required.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Applicants must notify the Service in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that are known at the time of application or that tttay arise du r ing the l i f eo f th i saward , i n theeven tanaward i smadc . Con f l i c t so l ' i n t c rcs t i nc ludeany relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipicnt's employees, or the recipient's subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Contlicts of interest may also include, but are not limitcd to, direct or indirect financial interesls, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a difl-erent organization, or decision-making affccting the award lhat would cause a reasonable person with knowledgc of the relevant facts to qucstion the impartiality of the applicant, the applicant's entployees, or the applicant's future subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt o1 such a notice, the Servicc Pro.icct OfIccr in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the applicant to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the project not being select fbr f'unding.

Required Overlap/Duplication Statement: Applicants must provide a statement that addresses if there is any overlap between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or tirne commitment of key pcrsonncl. If any overlap exists, applicants must provide a description of the overlap in their application.

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Applicants must also state if the proposal submitted for consideration under this program is/is not in any way duplicative of any proposal that was/will be submitted for lunding consideration to any other potential funding sollrce (Federal or non-Federal). If such a circumstance exists, applicants must detail when the other duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when funding dccisions are expected to be announced. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be duplicative of the funding requested fiom the Service, applicants must notify the Service point of contact fbr this funding opportunity immediately.

Annlication Chccklist

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

n SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF 424, SI.- 424-Mandatory, or SF 424-lndividual form.

! Project summary

! Project narrative

! Timetable n Description of key personnel qualifications

! Single Audit Reporting statement: If a U.S. state, local government, I'ederally-recognized Indian tribal government, or non-profit organization, statemcnts rcgarding applicability of and compliance with Single Audit reporting rcquircnrcnts.

n SF 424 budget form: A complete SIr 4244 or SF 424C Budget Inlbrrnation form.

n Budget justification

I Federally-funded equipment list: If Fcderally-lunded equipment will be r-rsed fbr the project, a list of that equipment.

! lndirect cost statement n NICRA: When applicable, a copy of the organization's current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

! SF 424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF' 4248 or SF 424D Assurances form.

! SF LLL form: If applicable, completed SF-LLI- Disclosure ol 'Lobbying Activit ies 1brm.

n Conflict of Interest disclosure, when applicable.

! Overlap/Duplication statement

Failure to provide complete infbrmation may callse delays, postponement. or re.lection of the application.

V. Submission lnstructions SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 17, 2017

Intergovernmental Review: Before submitting an application, U.S. statc and local government applicants should visit the following website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants-spoc/) to determine whether their application is subject to the state intcrgovernmcntal review process under Executive Order (E.O.) l23T2 "Intergovernmental review of Federal Programs." E.O.

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

Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to yolrr computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printablc. Complcted applications may be submitted by mail, by email, electronically through Grants.gov, or as otherwise described in the Grants.gov funding opportunity. Please select ONE o1'the submission options:

To submit an application by e-muil:

Format all of your documents to print on Letter size (8 /r" x 71") paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Scanned documents sliould be scanned in Letter fbrmat, as black and white images only. Where possiblc, savc scanncd documcnts in.pdl- lbrmat. E-mail your application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov Iunding opportunity.

The required SIi 424 Application fbr F'ederal Assistancc arnd Assuranccs firrms ancl any other required standard fbrms MUST be signed by your organization's authorized offlcial. The Signature and Date fields on the standard fbrms downloaded fiom Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text "Completed by Grants.gov upon submission" or "Compleled on submission to Grants.gov". Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

lmportant note on Grants.gov application attachment filc names: Please do not assign application attachments file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. Assigning file names longer than 20 characters will create issues in the automatic interf-ace betwecn Grants.gov and the Service's financial assistance management system.

VI. Application Review Information Criteria: To be considered for funding, applications must [This section MUST address the criteria your program will use to evaluate/select applications. This includes merit and other review criteria that evaluators will use to judge and select applications, including any statutory, regulatory, or other prefbrences (e.g., minority status or Native American tribal prcferences) that will be applied in the review process. These criteria are distinct fSom eligibility criteria that are addressed before an application is accepted fbr review and any program policy or othcr factors that are applied during the selection process, after the review process is completed. The intent is

OMB Control Nurnber: [insert number] Expiration Date: finsert date] to give applicants visibility into the evaluation process so that they can make informecl decisions when preparing their applications to maximize fairness of the process. The announcement must clearly describe all criteria, including any sub-criteria. If criteria vary in importance, the announcement must specify the relative percentages, weights, or other means used to distinguish among them. For statutory, regulatory, or other prefbrcnces, the announcement must provide a detailed explanation of those preferences with an explicit indication of their effect (e.g., whether they result in additional points being assigned). If an applicant's proposed cost sharing will be considered in the review process (as opposed to being an eligibility criterion) the announcentent must specifically address how it will be considered (e.g., to assign a certain number of additional points to applicants who offer cost sharing, or to break ties among applications with equivalent scores after evaluation against all other factors). If cost sharing will not be considered in the evaluation, state so here to avoid ambiguity lbr potential applicants. Vague statements that cosl sharing is encouraged, without clarification as to what that means, are unhelpful to applicants. It is also important that the announcement be clear about any restrictions on the types of costs (e.g., in-kind contributions) that are acceptable as cost sharing.]

Review and Selection Process:

IDiscretionary programs issuing single source and/or competitive awards must establish a written merit review and selection process fbllowing the requirernents in Department policy DOI- AAAP-0009, Financial Assistance Applicalion und Mcrit Review Proce,;.;. This policy and related attachment providing sample merit review criteria are available at https://sites.google.com/a/ios.doi.gov/polic),distributiodhomc-1 (note: must be logged irrto network and in Google Chrome to access) Programs MUST ensure that: I ) applications are rcviewed and cvaluatcd by qualified rcvicwcrs; 2) applications are scored and sclectcd based on announced criteria; 3) consideration is given to applicant risk and past performance; 4) competitive applications are ranked; and 5) funding detcrrninations arc madc. Programs must establish an evaluation plan comprised of five basic elements: (1) merit review fttctors and sub-lbctors; (2) araling system fbr competitive applications (e.g., adjectival, color coding, numerical, or ordinal); (3) evaluation standards or descriptions which explain the basis fbr assignment of-the various rating system grades/scores; (4) program policy factors; and (5) the basis fbr selection.

This section must list any program policy or other factors or elements, other than nrcrit criteria.

that the selecting oflicial may use in selecting applications fbr award (e.g., geographical dispersion, program balance, or diversity). The program must also include other appropriate details. For example, this section may indicate who is responsible lbr evaluation against the merit criteria (e.g., peers external to the Service or Service stafl) and/or who makes tlie llnal selections for awards. If there is a multi-phase review process (e.g., an external panel advising internal Federal awarding agency personnel who make flnal recommendations to the deciding official), the announcement must describe the phases. It also mr"rst include: the number of people on an cvaluation panel and how it operates, the way reviewers are selected, reviewer qualifications, and the way that conflicts of interest are avoided. In addition, if you permit applicants to nominate suggested reviewers for their applications, or to identify reviewers that the applicants f-eel may be inappropriate due to a potential or actual conflict of interest, detail those processes here.]

Prior to participating in any review or evaluation proce ss, all staf f and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must sign and return to the program ofI'rce point of contact the

"Department of the Interior Conflict of Interest Certification" form. For a copy of this form, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

Prior to award, the Service reviews the selected applicant's statement regarding potential overlap or duplication in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel and makes a determination regarding Service funding. Depending on the circumstances, modification of the application, other pending applications, or an active award may be necessary, or the Service might choose to not fund the proposed project.

Each fiscal year, fbr every entity receiving one or nrorc awards in that fiscal year, the Service conducts a risk assessment based on eight risk categories. The result of this risk assessment is used to establish a monitoring plan for all awards to the entity in that fiscal year. Iror a copy of the Service's risk assessment form, go to https://WwW.lryg.gqyh1q1f6/a!9.hUffl.

Prior to approving an award with a Federal funding amount that exceeds or is cxpccted to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, as adjusted (see 2 CFR 200.88), the Service nrust review and consider any information about thc applicant that is in the designated integrity ancl pcrlbrmance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS; https://www.fapiis.gov/&piisli111!enaglra!)

to determine if, at a minimum, the infbrmation lbund in the system lbr the applicant demonstrates a satisfactory record of Federal award perfbrmance and integrity and business ethics (see 2 CFR 200.205(aX2)).

'Ihe Service must also report 1o FAPIIS if arr applicant subject to this review is lound not qualified fbr a particular award due to its prior rccord o1' integrity or performance under Federal awards (see 2 CFR 200.212).

VI l. Award Administration Award Notices: Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget befbre an award is made. Successfr.rl applicants will receivc written notice in the fbrm of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail.

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

Acceptancc of an award is dcfined as starting work, drawing down Iunds, or acceptittg the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Service. The notice of award document will include instructions specilic to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit paynent requests. Applicants whose projects are not selected for funding will receive writtcn noticc. most oftcn by e-mail, within [inserl program-specific timeframe, either based on your program's written standard operating procedures or established in legislation or regulation] o1'the f-rnal review decision.

Domestic Recipient Payments: Prior to award, the Service program olIice will corltact you/your organization to eithcr enroll in the U.S. Treasr;ry's Automated Standard Application for

Payments (ASAP) system or, if eligible, obtain approval from the Department o1'the Interior to be waived from usins ASAP.

OMB Control Number: Iinserl number]

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

Award Terms and Conditions: Acceptance of a financial assistance award (i.e., grant or cooperative agreement) fiom the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware o1'and comply with the terms and conditions applicable to the award. Acceptance is dellned as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the notice of award either by direct citation or by relbrence to the Ibllowing: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. The Service's Standard Award Terms and Conditions are available on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/grants/atc.html. If you do not have access to the Internet and require a lull text copy of the award terms and conditions, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts seotion below.

[Special Award Terms and Conditions: insert any program- or project-specilic special award terms and conditions that will apply to reoipients unde r this program. Il'you need assistance completing this section, see the Service's "Sample Financial Assistance Award Special

'l 'erms and Conditions" guidance posted on the Intranet at https ://inside. fws. gov/i ndex.cfm/go/post/FASO POL-_\Lc_wArryA&1.

Recipient Reporting Requirements:

Financial and Performance Reports:

Final Reports: Reoipients are required to subrnit final llnancial and perlbrmancc reporls no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or terminatiotr date, whichever comes first. For awards lasting 12 months or less, the llnal reports will be the only financial and performancc reports required, except it-t unusual circumstances or if waived.

Interim Reports: For awards that last longer than l2 months, rccipients are requircd to submit interim financial and performance reports no less frequently than annually and no more fiequently than quarterly, except in unusual circumstances or if waived. Rcquiring a higher frequency of reporting than annual reporting will be based on the Service's assessment of higher or other unusual circumstance. Quarterly and semiannual interim reports are due within 30 calendar days of the reporting period end date. Annual intcrim reports are due within 90 calendar days of the reporting period end date.

Recipients must use the Standard Form 425,Federal Financial Report for flnancial reporting, available on the Internet at forms.html#sortby:l .

OMB Control Nurnber; I insert number] Expiration Date: I insert date]

Performance reports must contain: 1) a comparison ol actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives of the award as detailed in the approved scope of work; 2) a description o1'rcasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and 3) any other perlinent infbrrnation relevant to the project results.

Significant Developments Reports: Events may occur between the schedulcd perlbnnance reporting dates that have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Service in writing as soon as the lbllowing types of conditions become known:

o Problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet thc objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any conective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to rcsolve the situation.

o Favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or dill-erent benellcial rcsults than originally…