NOFO_Shoreline Protection_Aransas_Oct 30 2018_Revised template.docx

Shoreline Protection and Water Management Facilities Restoration on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: F19AS00034

Federal Program: U.S. Department of the Interior (Department), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), Region 2, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.654

Authorizing Legislation: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. §§2901-2911; Fish and Wildlife Act, 16 U.S.C. 742 et seq.; National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq.; Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. §2901 et seq.; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§661-666; and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. §703 et seq.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program-specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

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

I. Program Description Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast on August 25, 2017, impacting the shoreline on the Blackjack Unit and infrastructure on the Matagorda Island Unit of the Aransas NWR. The Service in partnership with Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP) plans to protect the Aransas NWR shoreline and reconstruct water management infrastructure to be hardened for withstanding future storms. Funding is available to support this partnership with CBBEP and this specific project has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) under the Service’s Recovery Plan. The Service will work with CBBEP to acquire a feasibility study, alternatives analysis and budget estimation followed by engineering, permitting and construction of the preferred alternative.

This overall project on the Blackjack Peninsula and Matagorda Island advances the missions of both the Service and NWRS through the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plants on NWRS lands impacted by Hurricane Harvey for the continued benefit of the American people. The project is also supportive of DOI Secretarial orders 3347 and 3356 by advancing conservation stewardship and by improving the management of game species and their habitats on storm impacted NWRS lands.

This project supports the DOI Secretarial priority of “Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt” by providing public access to NWRS lands. The Aransas NWR attracts over 75,000 visitors from all over the world and is a critical economic driver for local communities. Saltwater anglers and kayakers will also benefit from improved access to prime fishing along shoreline. In 2016, readers voted the Aransas NWR as the #1 birding spots in the Nation in USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards. Texas Monthly (2013) listed Dagger Point on the Aransas NWR as one of the Top 15 spots on the Texas Coast for outdoor recreational experience. The Dagger Point location of the Aransas NWR lost almost 40 feet of shoreline when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast. Protecting this shoreline will protect one of the most important recreational sites in Texas. According to the Economic Development Council, Aransas County (2016), Rockport and Fulton’s primary industry is tourism. Spending by tourist totaled more than $100,000,000 annually. According to Aransas County Judge C.H. “Burt” Mills, Junior, “Many visitors to Aransas County come primarily to visit the Aransas NWR. Many come by boat to see Whooping Cranes on the Aransas NWR.” The Aransas NWR does not include these visitors in our visitor estimates. The Rockport Chamber of Commerce in Texas estimates that whooping crane related activities result in annual gross economic benefits of $ 6,000,000 to the local economy. Hardened shoreline infrastructure and repairs to interlocking cement matting will also protect coastal marshes that provide high quality feeding and nursery areas for coastal fisheries (Fish, Crabs and Shrimp). These marshes and their functions are vital to the overall local commercial and recreational fishery as well as angler experience. The shoreline protection also protects live oak and prairie habitat that supports the Aransas NWR white-tailed deer hunts that provides 300 archery and 300 rifles hunt permits annually. The Aransas NWR is home to some of the best public hunting and fishing in the State of Texas. The Aransas NWR provides hunters access to public lands in a state where these opportunities are limited.

In addition this project also supports DOI Secretarial priority of “Modernizing our infrastructure” by constructing hardened infrastructure designed to protect Aransas NWR assets including public use facilities. A significant portion of the Aransas NWR visitor infrastructure (e.g., auto tour route, parking areas, trails, signs, picnic area and boardwalks) that support visitor uses related to fishing, wildlife observation and related recreational opportunities will be protected as a result of this project. The Aransas NWR attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and is a critical economic driver for local communities. Hardening protection of the Aransas NWR's primary entrance and other key visitor facilities will ensure local economies continue to benefit from millions of dollars in revenues generated by tourism. This project also contributes to one of former Principal Deputy Director Sheehan’s nine core Service priorities, namely, “Restoring the Refuges” by addressing maintenance and infrastructure needs.

II. Federal Award Information This is a sole-source cooperative agreement. Funds, appropriated by congress, are available for Hurricane Harvey Recovery (PL 115-123) and utilized towards this agreement to support CBBEP with the project to protect Aransas NWR shoreline and reconstruct water management infrastructure. The Service will use these funds towards this agreement to help CBBEP acquire a feasibility study, alternatives analysis, budget estimation, engineering, permitting, and construction of the preferred alternative. Additional funds may be included through a modification to the agreement. The period of performance of this opportunity is 3 years from the original date this award.

The Service will be substantially involved in projects under the funding opportunity. In particular, the Service will be responsible for the following: 1) providing funding to assist CBBEP with shoreline protection and the restoration and enhancement of levees and water control structures that benefit federal trust resources, primarily migratory birds along the Texas coast as described herein; 2) the Service will provide oversight, access, facilitate workgroup meetings and project assessments; 3) provide technical assistance, which may include but is not limited to: a) site assessments and logistic support; b) develop management recommendations and implementation strategies; c) evaluate and monitor management strategy effectiveness; d) conduct survey/assessments as needed; and e) other assistance as necessary to facilitate successful implementation of the project as proposed; 4) assist CBBEP with development of conceptual designs for the project; 5) assist CBBEP with compiling alternatives and determining the preferred alternative; 6) assist CBBEP staff with selecting a qualified engineering firm; 7) assist CBBEP staff and engineering firm to develop criteria for designing erosion protection plans for Aransas NWR shoreline and repair/replacement of levees and water management facilities on the Matagorda Island Unit; 8) assist CBBEP with development of conceptual designs for the project; 9) assist CBBEP with selection of qualified contractor for the construction phase of the project; and 10) provide an employee/inspector to aid in the daily processes of conducting and completing work on the Aransas NWR to ensure compliance with all provisions and protection of wildlife and archaeological resources.

III. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants This is a Notice of Intent to Award Single Source to CBBEP. CBBEP is a 501(c)(3) organization based out of Corpus Christi, Texas that began about 20 years ago and is dedicated to researching, restoring and protecting the bays and estuaries of the Texas Coastal Bend. Their mission is to “protect and restore the health and productivity of the bays and estuaries while supporting continued economic growth and public use of the bays”. CBBEP’s conservation work extends from the Laguna Madre to the Aransas NWR. CBBEP is uniquely qualified to provide this level of oversight and has extensive experience implementing well-designed, successful habitat restoration projects along the Coastal Bend of Texas. They will be responsible for managing all aspects of this agreement along with the Service’s oversight. CBBEP will be responsible for scheduling and overseeing the work described in this agreement and will provide construction oversight for the project. CBBEP has worked with the Service previously on identifying shoreline protection projects and recently assisted with water management facilities on Matagorda Island. This project would be a continuation of an on-going partnership.

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

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

Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required in the agreement.

Other Eligibility Criteria

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 that have 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.

Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name) or any entity with an exception approved by the Service under 2 CFR 25.110(d). All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. The Service may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Service is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prohibition on Issuing Awards to Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements: Domestic (U.S.) non-Federal entities requiring their employees or contractors to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements that prohibit, or otherwise restrict, such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information are not eligible to compete for or receive a Federal award. See Pub. L. 113-235, Title VII, Division E, Section 743 for more information.

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

IV. Application Requirements

1. Requesting Paper Application Package

See FWS FA Systems User Guide “How to Create and Post a Funding Opportunity and Synopsis” online. Applicants may contact the CO for any other questions.

Application Form and Content Requirements A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance form. A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance form Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance (i.e., SF 424) form, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-424C, and SF-424D. Application for Federal Assistance form (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html#sortby=1). Do not include other Federal sources of funding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the “Federal” funding box on the Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the “Federal” funding box. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the “Other” box. Application Form and Content Requirements At a minimum, all Service programs must require submission of the Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance, the appropriate SF-424 Assurances form and the appropriate SF-424 Budget form. Programs must include all of the SF-424 forms needed for your applicant types in the Grants.gov “Application Package” attached to the Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov and/or included in this Notice of Funding Opportunity, which means the program may need to add more than one “Application Package” to the Funding Opportunity to provide all the forms needed for every eligible applicant type and project type. All attached application packages will appear on the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity posting under the “Packages” tab. Applicants must submit the following:

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box, and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

SF 424, Assurances Applicants must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. Complete either the SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424D, Assurances for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424 Assurances forms include a statement that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. Signing the required SF-424 Assurances form does not make you or your organization subject to laws that are otherwise not applicable to you or your organization. Changing, crossing out, or making notations on the form before signing has no impact on the applicability of law.

Project Narrative The shoreline protection and water management facilities restoration on the Aransas NWR, in partnership with CBBEP, will address erosion that occurred during Hurricane Harvey on the Blackjack and Matagorda Island Units of the Aransas NWR, Aransas and Calhoun Counties, Texas. Impacted areas included a portion of the shoreline that consists of a remnant sandy beachfront ridge that forms a bluff, an area along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway that consists of tidal flat/pool community, and levees/water management facilities on Matagorda Island. The sandy bluff currently supports a coastal woodland plant community that is important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The project on the Blackjack Unit would involve the design and construction of a hardscape structure to protect the Aransas NWR shoreline by reducing wave energy from storm surge, tides, wind-driven fetch, and large boats. The placement of a structure would most likely be offshore, where they will not impede navigation and typically in state waters. Aquatic plants colonize the area between the barriers and the shoreline, further diminishing wave energy and shoreline erosion. The Service has worked with State and other regulatory agencies to construct hundreds of miles of hardened infrastructure. They do not typically require maintenance and several older placements have survived multiple hurricane events. This project is scalable in feet of shoreline protected. Ideally, we will construct at least 3.5 miles of hardscape structure along the shoreline to protect the most vulnerable sections of the Aransas NWR, which includes most of the visitor infrastructure and most of the oil field.

On Matagorda Island, we intend to repair and replace the highest priority of 15 miles of levees and 26 water control structures to facilitate water management on approximately 6,000 acres of the West Marsh. The repaired levees and water control structures will be hardened with bulkheads, riprap and other hardened infrastructure to prevent damage from future storms. Levees will be sloped, armored and protected to reduce impacts from storm surge and flooding. All water control structures will include significant bulkheads to protect them from future storms. There are no suitable alternate locations for this project. Restoring levees and water control structures with the West Marsh will help restore and enhance a resilient marsh system on Matagorda Island that supports significant numbers of wintering waterfowl, whooping cranes, and shorebirds. Working on Matagorda Island is very challenging due to the remote location, requiring the use of a barge to move materials and equipment to and from the site.

CBBEP is well qualified to provide this level of oversight and has extensive experience implementing well-designed, successful habitat restoration projects along the Coastal Bend of Texas. They will be responsible for managing all aspects of this agreement along with the Service. CBBEP will be responsible for scheduling and overseeing the work described in this agreement and will provide construction oversight for the project.

Statement of Need: Erosion from future storms will likely cause the loss of many of these important public use facilities and affect the ability of visitors to access these popular facilities. Stopping erosion along the Aransas NWR shoreline will protect all of the refuges administrative buildings and most of the public use facilities, including roads, boat ramps, fishing piers, overlooks, trails, camping areas and restrooms.

Protection from erosion caused by large storm events like Hurricane Harvey is critical to protecting energy production facilities on the Aransas NWR. A few inches of the Aransas NWR shoreline might erode annually, however, Hurricane Harvey caused the shoreline to erode anywhere from 10-40 feet. This type of erosion threatens all infrastructure on the Aransas NWR. Hill Corp Inc. holds the primary mineral-rights lease on the Aransas NWR and has pipelines, well pads, electrical lines, storage tanks, separating facilities, and compressor facilities on the Aransas NWR in support of their production activities. They also utilize Aransas NWR roads to access their facilities. Oil and Gas revenues for Aransas County totaled approximately $43.5 million dollars for 16 active gas wells and one oil well in 2016. Currently, 10 gas wells and now 2 oil wells occur on the Aransas NWR. Stopping shoreline erosion will protect this field and secure energy production in perpetuity.

The Aransas NWR attracts over 75,000 visitors from all over the world and is a critical economic driver for local communities. Saltwater anglers and kayakers will also benefit from improved access to prime fishing areas along the shoreline. In 2016, readers voted the Aransas NWR as the #1 birding spot in the Nation in USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards. Texas Monthly listed Dagger Point on the Aransas NWR as one of the Top 15 spots on the Texas Coast for outdoor recreational experience in 2013. The Dagger Point location of the Aransas NWR lost almost 40 feet of shoreline when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast. Protecting this shoreline will protect one of the most important recreational sites in Texas.

According to the Economic Development Council, Aransas County (2016), Rockport and Fulton’s primary industry is tourism. Spending by tourist totaled more than $100,000,000 annually. According to Aransas County Judge C.H. “Burt” Mills, Junior, “Many visitors to Aransas County come primarily to visit the Refuge. Many come by boat to see Whooping Cranes on the Refuge”. The Aransas NWR does not include these visitors in our visitor estimates. The Rockport Chamber of Commerce in Texas estimates that whooping crane related activities result in an annual gross economic benefit of $6,000,000 to the local economy. Hardened shoreline infrastructure and repairs to interlocking cement matting will also protect coastal marshes that provide high quality feeding and nursery areas for coastal fisheries (e.g. fish, crabs and shrimp). The Aransas NWR marshes serve as a nursery that is vital to supporting the overall local commercial and recreational fisheries. The total economic impacts of recreational fishing in the San Antonio Bay System which includes the Aransas NWR is estimated at 206 jobs, $7.6 million in labor income, $11.6 million in value added (contribution to Texas GDP), and $20.7 million in output (sales value of goods and services). The total annual economic impacts of recreational fishing in the Aransas Bay System which the Aransas NWR is also a significant portion of is estimated at 638 jobs, $23.2 million in labor income, $35.7 million in value added (contribution to Texas GDP), and $63.3 million in output (sales value of goods and services). Commercial catch for the Rockport area (all species) averaged 3.8 million pounds valued at $9.5 million and catch for Port Lavaca/Port O’Connor area (all species) averaged 4 million pounds valued at $6.0 million. The most recent economic data for Aransas NWR dates to 2004 (State of Texas Tourism Tip Sheet, March 2004) estimated that the refuge provided an estimated $5M impact to the Rockport-Fulton area, primarily from tourism expenditures.

Shoreline protection would also protect live oak savanna and coastal prairie habitats, which are where white-tailed deer hunts are hosted. These hunts support 300 archery and 300 rifle hunt permits annually to the public. The Aransas NWR is home to some of the best public hunting and fishing in the State of Texas. The Aransas NWR provides hunters access to public lands in a state where these opportunities are limited.

This project also modernizes infrastructure and furthers our conservation stewardship legacy. It supports local communities as many of the bird species that utilize these marshes attract numerous visitors to the Aransas NWR. Further, this restoration project enhances Aransas NWR efforts in the recovery of endangered whooping cranes, the top biological priority for the Aransas NWR.

Restoring the levees and water control structures on Matagorda Island will provide an additional opportunity for visitors and serve as a primitive trail to observe wildlife and migratory birds utilizing the quality. Because of the limited access of visitors to Matagorda Island, increased visitation and enhancement of other recreational opportunities are dependent on other storm recovery projects. In addition to the primary biological priority of the Aransas NWR, (i.e. to support Whooping Cranes recovery), ancillary benefits for the public would include increased habitat for wildlife observation and potentially increased visitation providing economic benefits for local communities.

This overall project on the Blackjack Peninsula and Matagorda Island advances the missions of both the Service and the NWRS through the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plants on NWRS lands impacted by Hurricane Harvey for the continued benefit of the American people. The project is also supportive of DOI Secretarial orders 3347 and 3356 by advancing conservation stewardship and by improving the management of game species and their habitats on storm impacted NWRS lands. Because this project will protect property and assets that are used for recreational use and access, it supports the DOI Secretarial priority of “Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt” by providing public access to NWRS lands. In addition this project also supports DOI Secretarial priority of “Modernizing our infrastructure” by constructing hardened infrastructure designed to protect Aransas NWR assets including public use facilities. Finally, the project contributes to one of Principal Deputy Director Sheehan’s nine core Service priorities, namely, “Restoring the Refuges” by addressing maintenance and infrastructure needs.

Project Goals and Objectives: The Service is interested in the protection of shoreline and repair/replacement of levees and water management on the Aransas NWR. This project will occur in phases and will require coordination with other partners and agencies that have interests in the Aransas NWR and adjacent land and waters. Phases include the development of feasibility study, alternatives analysis, engineering, and budget estimation followed by permitting and construction of structures to protect the Aransas NWR shoreline.

Project Activities, Methods and Timetable: The funds available for this project will allow the completion of a feasibility study, alternatives analysis, engineering, and budget estimation for the eventual permitting, which may take 6 months to a year to complete. Construction of structures to protect the Aransas NWR shoreline may take about two years to complete. These activities will require Section 7 Endangered Species Act compliance or Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act compliance. Permit applications to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and lease application to Texas General Land Office (GLO) are also required. Through this process, the above compliance requirements will be satisfied. Any addition of construction funds to this agreement will include documentation of the project’s permit status at that time. The period of performance for this agreement is 3 years from the date of the award.

Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: This project will occur in two phases. First, CBBEP will coordinate with Aransas NWR staff for the development of a feasibility study, alternatives analysis, engineering, budget estimation, and permitting that will be necessary for construction of structures to protect the Aransas NWR shoreline. Second, the same series of steps for phase one will be completed for the restoration of levees and water control structures at the West Marsh area of Matagorda Island. Coordination efforts may include but are not limited to: selecting a qualified engineering firm, working with the firm to develop criteria for designing erosion protection plans for the Aransas NWR shoreline, repair/replacement of levees and water management facilities on Matagorda Island, coordinating on the selection of a qualified construction contractor, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with all provisions and protection of wildlife resources.

Coordination will also be required with the Service’s Coastal Program, GLO, and COE during this project. Participation from the group will include project planning, field trips, and discussion to assist with developing of designs for this protection of shoreline and infrastructure on the Aransas NWR. Shoreline protection discussions about potential design and permitting have already occurred between CBBEP, COE, GLO, Coastal Program, and the Aransas NWR.

The next step in this project is to begin the development of a scope of work to help begin the selection process for an engineering firm. CBBEP with assistance from the Service will provide oversight to consider firms that they have worked with along the coastal bend of Texas on various restoration efforts for this project. We may modify the agreement to add more funds to complete the project.

Project Monitoring and Evaluation: At this time, the identified funds for the needed shoreline protection and levee/water management facilities repair are available. CBBEP will provide oversight with assistance from Aransas NWR, the Service’s Coastal Program, and Region 2 Engineering staff. Oversight will occur throughout the life of the project, which is 3 years from the date of the agreement. A monitoring and evaluation plan will be included at the time that funds are available and added by modification to this agreement. CBBEP and Service staff will monitor this project at least once a week and as often as needed. The assigned project officer will use the standard forms for reporting.

SF-424, Budget Information Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form. Complete either the SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles as detailed in the Service’s “Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions”. Please note: Show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this Federal program appears on the first page of this Funding Opportunity.

Budget Narrative The cooperator will not receive funds in advance. Under an approved agreement, the government will require the cooperator to produce a project schedule identifying critical path elements, which may include but not limited to: surveying, design, permitting, engineering, and construction, that will allow the government to monitor and ensure reasonable and appropriate progress toward completion. Under this method, the government will also require that the cooperator submit a drawdown application for review and approval by the government prior to the drawdown of funds by the cooperator. The drawdown of funds would occur over the life of the project, which will be approximately 36 months from award.

Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget and skip the next section.

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 is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center 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 must have prior written approval from the Service to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application to the Service, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

· A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, please use one of the statements above or below] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. 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 “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. 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.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

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

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter that might place the recipient, including their employees and subrecipients, in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest include direct or indirect financial interests; close personal relationships; positions of trust in outside organizations; consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization; and decision-making authority related to the proposed project. Conflicts of interest are those circumstances real or perceived that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, or the applicant’s employees or subrecipients, in matters pertaining to the proposed project. Applicants must notify the Service in writing in their application if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal program receiving this application or who otherwise may be involved in the review and selection of their proposal. The term employee means any individual to be engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award application. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the rejection or disqualification of the application.

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

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR 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 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 on the “Packages” tab of 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 regards 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 regards 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 regards 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.”

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

· SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance or Application for Federal Assistance-Individual

· SF-424B and D, Assurances

· Project Narrative

· SF-424A and C, Budget Information

· Budget Narrative

· Timetable

· Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation (when applicable)

· Conflict of Interest Disclosure (when applicable)

· Single Audit Reporting Statement (when applicable)

· SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (when applicable)

· Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

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

V. Submission Requirements

1. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration These requirements do not apply to any individual applying for funds as a private citizen or any entity with an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d). All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and provide that number in the application; complete SAM.gov registration before submitting an application; and continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times when the entity has an active Federal award or application under consideration. There is NO COST to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

1. Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

Register with SAM Register on the SAM.gov website. The official website address is http://www.sam.gov. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM” webpage also provides detailed instructions. You can also 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 to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information. Foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

Submission Dates and Times: Deadline to submit your application is Friday, November 30, 2018, by 4 p.m. MST

Funding Restrictions: Construction is an allowable activity. There will be no reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs.

Submission Instructions This program encourages or requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Follow these steps to apply through Grants.gov.

1. Register with Grants.gov Applicants must first register an account with Grants.gov and complete all steps of the registration process before they can apply through Grants.gov. Grants.gov registration requires the entity to create an account, create an account profile, and establish authorized profile roles, including the applicant’s authorized representative. Registration can take three to five business days or longer, if you do not complete the required steps in a timely manner.

Grants.gov Workspace Application Grants.gov applicants apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement, you can create individual instances of a workspace. To apply, the applicant will create, complete, and submit a Workspace application package for this Funding Opportunity directly on Grants.gov. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to allow time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission. When attaching files to the Grants.gov application, please do not assign file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. File names longer than 20 characters will prevent your application received by Grants.gov from automatically downloading into the Service’s financial assistance management system. Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that the transmission of the application to Grants.gov takes time. Grants.gov sends either an error message or a “successfully received” message by email to the applicant’s authorized representative once the transmission is complete. Please do not end the transmission process before receiving that message.

Proof of Timely Submission Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as your proof of timely submission.

VI. Application Review Information

1. Criteria This Single Source Award is being awarded in accordance with DOI Policy 505 DM 2.14 B(2) and B(4). See Additional Information of Eligibility Section. CBBEP has been identified for this cooperative agreement. CBBEP is well qualified to provide this level of oversight and has extensive experience implementing well-designed, successful habitat restoration projects along the Coastal Bend of Texas. CBBEP has worked on NWRS property on past projects. They have had great success restoring, enhancing, and establishing wetlands along the Texas Gulf Coast.