notice of funding opportunity.docx

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office Ecological Services Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.650

Notice of Funding Opportunity F15AS00388

I. Description of Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is initiating actions for Eriodictyon altissimum (Indian Knob mountain balm) to further its recovery in accordance with goals contained in the species recovery plan (1998). This project will examine the population genetics of Eriodictyon altissimum using ‘next generation sequencing’ (NGS). Rapid advances in this new technology are reducing the cost of sequencing and, thus, making it affordable to individual investigators. We propose to use the NGS technique known as ‘restriction site associated DNA sequencing’ (RADseq) to generate an extensive dataset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate several critical questions pertaining to E. altissimum. First, we will use the SNP dataset to examine the genetic diversity within and between occurrences of E. altissimum using traditional population genetics metrics. This analysis will provide a crucial management tool, potentially identifying occurrences with high and low genetic diversity, as well as occurrences with unique genetic diversity. Second, we will use the SNP dataset to develop a preliminary hypothesis regarding the number of individuals (genets) in each occurrence. This will permit us to evaluate within each occurrence: 1) clonality, the signature of which would be spatially clustered, genetically identical samples and 2) approximate number of individuals (genets).

II. Award Information

Estimated funding for this project is $33,260. The project requires no matching funds. Funding would cover the following:

a) Genomic DNA Isolation of DNA from the silica-dried plant samples (up to 200 samples) collected in the spring of 2016.

b) An assessment of the quality and quantity of the isolated genomic DNA and for preparing equimolar samples for NGS library preparation.

c) Preparing and sequencing libraries from the isolated, equimolar genomic DNA samples on the Illumina sequencing platform.

d) Read Processing and Data Analysis

e) Preparation of a report that explains the results of the population genetic study to the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office and a draft manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

The Service will be involved in the project under this funding opportunity. In particular, we will provide those samples to be analyzed; be in regular communication with the contractor, coordinate any conference calls, meeting, and/or discussions; and provide review and feedback on the report and draft manuscript. It is anticipated that this project will commence in the fall of 2016 and be completed by the end of fiscal year 2017.

III. Basic Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants:

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

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.

1. DUNS Registration Request a DUNS number online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. U.S.-based entities may also request a DUNS number by telephone by calling the Dun & Bradstreet Government Customer Response Center, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 8 PM CST at the following numbers:

U.S. and U.S Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711 Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 (Select Option 2, then Option 1) For Hearing Impaired Customers Only call: 1-877-807-1679 (TTY Line) Once assigned a DUNS number, entities are responsible for maintaining up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet.

1. Entity Registration in SAM Register in SAM online at http://www.sam.gov/. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly urged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure that their information is up to date and in synch with changes that may have been made to DUNS and IRS information. Foreign entities who wish to be paid directly to a United States bank account must enter and maintain valid and current banking information in SAM.

1. Excluded Entities Applicant entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

IV. Application Requirements

To be considered for funding under this funding opportunity, an application must contain:

1. A completed, signed and dated Application for Federal Assistance form SF 424, which is available online at: http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15. Do not include other Federal sources of funding, requested or approved, in the total entered in the “Federal” funding box on the Application for Federal Assistance form. Enter only the amount being requested under this program in the “Federal” funding box. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the total funding entered in the “Other” box.

B Project Narrative

1. Project Goals and Objectives: Using the silica-dried plant samples collected and preserved as part of the a VFWO recovery action team grant, we propose to examine the population genetics of Eriodictyon altissimum using ‘next generation sequencing’ (NGS). Rapid advances in this new technology are reducing the cost of sequencing and, thus, making it affordable to individual investigators. We propose to use the NGS technique known as ‘restriction site associated DNA sequencing’ (RADseq) to generate an extensive dataset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate several critical questions pertaining to E. altissimum. First, we will use the SNP dataset to examine the genetic diversity within and between occurrences of E. altissimum using traditional population genetics metrics. This analysis will provide a crucial management tool, potentially identifying occurrences with high and low genetic diversity, as well as occurrences with unique genetic diversity. Second, we will use the SNP dataset to develop a preliminary hypothesis regarding the number of individuals (genets) in each occurrence. Although the effort associated with the FY15 RAT grant will not sample every above-ground stem (potential ramet) of E. altissimum, sampling locations were systematically determined and are at a density such that genetic diversity can be assessed across the landscape within each occurrence. This will permit us to evaluate within each occurrence: 1) clonality, the signature of which would be spatially clustered, genetically identical samples and 2) approximate number of individuals (genets).

2. Project Activities, Methods and Timetable: The steps involved, responsible party, and associated costs are provided below:

a) Genomic DNA Isolation: Dr. Matt Guilliams (Santa Barbara Botanic Garden) would be responsible for the isolation of DNA from the silica-dried plant samples (up to 200 samples) collected in the spring of 2016. Estimated cost = $3,500

b) Genomic DNA Assessment and Sample Preparation: Dr. Guilliams would be responsible for working at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden to assess the quality and quantity of the isolated genomic DNA and for preparing equimolar samples for NGS library preparation. Estimated cost = $1,560

c) NGS Library Preparation and Sequencing: Dr. Guilliams would be responsible for contracting with Floragenex (http://www.floragenex.com/) to prepare and sequence libraries from the isolated, equimolar genomic DNA samples on the Illumina sequencing platform. Estimated cost = $17,000

d) Read Processing and Data Analysis: Raw sequencing reads provided by Floragenex would be processed and analyzed by Dr. Guilliams. Estimated cost = $3,200

e) Report Preparation: Dr. Guilliams would prepare a report that provides and explains the results of the population genetic study to the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. A draft manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal will also be prepared. Estimated cost for both tasks = $8,000

3. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: The work would be conducted under contract to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (SBBG). One of the missions of the SBBG is to further of research and conservation of native California plant taxa to assist in a collective effort to understand and conserve plant diversity. In that endeavor, Garden staff conducts original, science-based research, which addresses specific issues related to understanding the extent and importance of plant diversity, and works to conserve such diversity for future generations. The principal investigator would be Dr. Matt Guilliams (see attached curriculum vitae). Subcontractors would include staff from the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (whose mission is in line with that of the SBBG) and Floragenex, a leader in genomics and next-generation DNA sequencing.

4. Literature Cited

Howard, Janet L. 1992. Eriodictyon californicum. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [2012, July 19]

Moldenke, A, R. 1976. California pollination ecology and vegetation types. Phytologia 34:305-361.

NatureServe. 2002. Element occurrence data standard. February 6, 201 pp.

[Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Recovery plan for the Morro shoulderband snail and four plants from western San Luis Obispo County, California. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, Oregon.

Wells, P.V. 1962. A subarborescent new Eriodictyon (Hydrophyllaceae) from San Luis Obispo County, California. Madroño 16:184-186.

Required Indirect Cost Statement: The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will charge all costs directly.

All applicants are hereby notified of the following:

· Recipients without an approved indirect cost rate are prohibited from charging indirect costs to a Federal award. Accepting the 10% de minimus rate as a condition of award is an approved rate.

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

· Only the indirect costs calculated against the Federal portion of the total direct costs may be charged to the Federal award. Recipients may not charge to their Service award any indirect costs calculated against the portion of total direct costs charged to themselves or charged to any other project partner, Federal and non-Federal alike.

· Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to transfer unallowable indirect costs to amounts budgeted for direct costs or to satisfy cost-sharing or matching requirements under the award.

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

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

For more information on indirect cost rates, see the Service’s Indirect Costs and Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreements guidance at: http://www.fws.gov/grants

Email: ics@nbc.gov http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/Services/ICS.aspx

C. Assurances: Include the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form available at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/FormLinks?family=15. Use the “Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B).” Signing this form does not mean that all items on the form are applicable. The form contains language that states that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program.

D. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this project AND the project budget exceeds $100,000, complete and submit the “SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

E. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Applicants must notify the Service in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that are known at the time of application or that may arise during the life of this award, in the event an award is made. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, the applicant’s employees, or the applicant’s future subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the applicant to reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the project not being select for funding.

Application Checklist

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

· SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance: A complete, signed and dated SF 424, SF 424-Mandatory, or SF 424-Individual form.

· Project narrative

· Timetable

· Single Audit Reporting statement: If a U.S. state, local government, federally-recognized Indian tribal government, or non-profit organization, statements regarding applicability of and compliance with Single Audit reporting requirements.

· SF 424 budget form: A complete SF 424A or SF 424C Budget Information form.

· Budget justification

· NICRA: When applicable, a copy of the organization’s current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.

· SF 424 Assurances form: Signed and dated SF 424B or SF 424D Assurances form.

· SF LLL form: If applicable, completed SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form.

· Conflict of Interest statement, when applicable.

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

V. Submission Instructions

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 27, 2015.

Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity at Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Completed applications may be submitted by mail, email, or electronically through Grants.gov. Please select one of the following options:

· To submit an application by e-mail: Format all of your documents to print on Letter size (8 ½” x 11”) paper. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. Scanned documents should be scanned in Letter format, as black and white images only. Where possible, save scanned documents in .pdf format. E-mail your application to the Service program point of contact identified in the Grants.gov funding opportunity.

The required SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance and Assurances forms and any other required standard forms MUST be signed by your organization’s authorized official. The Signature and Date fields on the standard forms downloaded from Grants.gov are pre-populated with the text “Completed by Grants.gov upon submission” or “Completed on submission to Grants.gov”. Remove this text (manually or digitally) before signing the forms.

VI. Application Review Criteria: When funds are available, we will evaluate proposals based upon which can best meet our project needs—monitoring of Ne for the Santa Barbara County distinct population segment of the California tiger salamander per the species recovery plan. Service staff will notify applicants of review results by either issuing a fully executed Award electronically or through the mail, or by sending written notification to the applicant that the application will not be funded.

Review and Selection Process:

Prior to participating in any review or evaluation process, all staff and peer reviewers, evaluators, panel members, and advisors must sign and return to the program office 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.

Each fiscal year, for every entity receiving one or more awards in that fiscal year, the Service conducts a risk assessment based on eight risk categories. The result of this risk assessment is used to establish a monitoring plan for all awards to the entity in that fiscal year. The Service’s risk assessment form is available on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-2462.pdf.

VII. Award Administration

Award Notices: Following review, applicants may be requested to revise the project scope and/or budget before an award is made. Successful applicants will receive written notice in the form of a notice of award document. Notices of award are typically sent to recipients by e-mail. If e-mail notification is unsuccessful, the documents will be sent by courier mail (e.g., FedEx, DHL or UPS). Award recipients are not required to sign/return the Notice of Award document. Acceptance of an award is defined as starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by, the Service. The notice of award document will include instructions specific to each recipient on how to request payment. If applicable, the instructions will detail any additional information/forms required and where to submit payment requests.

Domestic Recipient Payments: Prior to award, the Service program office will contact you/your organization to either enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system or, if eligible, obtain approval from the Department of the Interior to be waived from using ASAP.

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 method available. The Service recommends the following digital transmission methods: secure digital faxing; encrypted emails; emailing a password protected zipped/compressed file attachment in one email followed by the password in a second email; or emailing a zipped/compressed 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 Project Officer and provide any sensitive data over the telephone.

Award Terms and Conditions: Acceptance of a financial assistance award (i.e., grant or cooperative agreement) from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions applicable to the award. Acceptance is defined 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 reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. The Federal regulations applicable to Service awards are available on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/grants/. If you do not have access to the Internet and require a full text copy of the award terms and conditions, contact the Service point of contact identified in the Agency Contacts section below.

Recipient Reporting Requirements:

Financial and Performance Reports: Interim financial reports and performance reports may be required. Interim reports will be required no more frequently than quarterly, and no less frequently than annually. A final financial report and a final performance report will be required and are due within 90 calendar days of the end date of the award. Performance reports must contain: 1) a comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives of the award as detailed in the approved scope of work; 2) a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and 3) any other pertinent information relevant to the project results.

Significant Developments Reports: Events may occur between the scheduled performance 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 following types of conditions become known:

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

· Favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

The Service will specify in the notice of award document the reporting and reporting frequency applicable to the award.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Recipients are responsible for notifying the Service Project Officer in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of this award. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter which might place the recipient, the recipient’s employees, or the recipient’s subrecipients in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under this award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest may also include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect financial interests, close personal relationships, positions of trust in outside organizations, consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization, or decision-making affecting the award that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the Recipient, the Recipient’s employees, or the Recipient’s subrecipients in the matter. Upon receipt of such a notice, the Service Project Officer in consultation with their Ethics Counselor will determine if a conflict of interest exists and, if so, if there are any possible actions to be taken by the Recipient, the Recipient’s employee(s), or the Recipient’s Subrecipient(s) that could reduce or resolve the conflict. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of this award.

Other Mandatory Disclosures: Recipients and their subrecipients must disclose, in a timely manner and in writing, to the Service or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting this award. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (See 2 CFR 200.113, 2 CFR Part 180, and 31 U.S.C. 3321).

VIII. Agency Contacts

The Ventura Fish and Wildlife point of contact for this project is Julie M. Vanderwier, Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist. Phone: 805-644-1766 x222