NPS_NOFO_OMBreview_911Memorial_P25AS00350.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

P25AS00350

Contents

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF424, SF424A, SF424B

BASIC INFORMATION

1. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), Office of Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Announcement Type: Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Opportunity Number: P25AS00350 Legislative Authority: 9/11 Memorial Act (H.R.6287 / Public Law 115-413, 132 STAT. 5427- 29): To provide competitive grants for the operation, security, and maintenance of certain memorials to victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Assistance Listing Number: 15.964 9/11 Memorial Grant Act Program Total Anticipated Funding to Award: Minimum $100,000 – Maximum $4,000,000 Anticipated Number of Awards: 1-3 Each activity or project under anticipated agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through award negotiations, including project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

Anticipated Amount Per Award: An estimated range of $100,000 to $4,000,000 of funding is anticipated for each award. The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

Cost Sharing Required? Yes Submission Dates and Times: Issue Date – August 29, 2025, Application Due Date – September 3, 2025, Noon Mountain Time Estimated Processing Time: 1 Week Anticipated Award Date: September 9, 2025

☐ U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, OMB Control Number:

Have Questions? Contact Ian Armstrong FA_EastCCO@nps.gov, Karissa DeCarlo Karissa_DeCarlo@nps.gov

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List

Executive Summary The 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Program provides competitive grants for the continued operation, security, and maintenance of the on-site memorials of the events and victims of the September 11, 2001. For the purposes of this grant, these on-site memorials are referred to as “covered memorials”. A “covered memorial” is defined as a memorial located in the United States established to commemorate the events of, and honor the victims of, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, at the sites of the attacks. In addition, covered memorials must offer free admission to active and retired members of the military, registered first responders to the 9/11 attacks, and family members of victims of the attacks as well as offer free admission hours to the general public at least once per week.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants ☐ State governments ☐ County governments ☐ City or township governments ☐ Special district governments ☐ Independent school districts ☐ Public and State controlled institutions of higher education ☐ Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) ☐ Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities ☐ Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) ☐ Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education ☐ Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education ☐ Private institutions of higher education ☐ Individuals ☐ For profit organization other than small businesses ☐ Small businesses ☒ Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) ☐ Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

Additional Information on Eligibility In accordance with the 9/11 Memorial Act (H.R.6287 / Public Law 115-413, 132 STAT. 5427- 29), this funding opportunity is limited to a memorial located in the United States established to commemorate the events of, and honor the victims of, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, at the sites of the attacks (covered memorial). Eligible entities are limited to organizations described in section 501 (c) (3) of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 501(a) of that Code, as in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the focus of which is the operations and preservation of a covered memorial. described in the previous sentence.

Eligible entities must own and/or operate a covered memorial, as defined above.

Cost Sharing Requirement In accordance with the 9/11 Memorial Act (H.R.6287 / Public Law 115-413, 132 STAT. 5427- 29), the eligible entity must match the amount of the grant, on at least a 1-to-1 basis, with nonFederal assets from non-Federal sources, including cash or durable goods and materials fairly valued, as determined by the Secretary.

The non-Federal entity must be willing to contribute at least a 1-to-1 match of the total project cost from non-Federal sources evidenced in the application documentation from the applicant.

Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, in-kind contributions, and/or volunteer services.

Non-Federal entity cost share or cost match contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A or C and Detailed Budget submitted by the applicant.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

· Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

· Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

· Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

☒ GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow for 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals To provide competitive grants for the operation, security, and maintenance of certain memorials to victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Program Description In accordance with the 9/11 Memorial Act (H.R.6287 / Public Law 115-413, 132 STAT. 5427- 29), this funding opportunity is limited to a memorial located in the United States established to commemorate the events of, and honor the victims of, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 at the sites of the attacks (covered memorial). Eligible entities are limited to organizations described in section 501 (c) (3) of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 501(a) of that Code, as in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the focus of which is the operations and preservation of a covered memorial described in the previous sentence. Eligible entities must own and/or operate a covered memorial, as defined above.

☐ Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects This program has Federal funding for infrastructure projects. Buy America preferences apply to Federal awards for infrastructure projects in the United States. Reference 2 CFR Part 184 - Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Project for further guidance.

Legislative Authority 9/11 Memorial Act (H.R.6287 / Public Law 115-413, 132 STAT. 5427- 29): To provide competitive grants for the operation, security, and maintenance of certain memorials to victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Type of Award Grant Agreement - A legal instrument of financial assistance between The National Park Service and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6302, 6304:

(1) Is used to enter a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from the Federal awarding agency to the non-Federal entity to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. § 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal awarding agency’s direct benefit or use.

(2) Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement between the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and the non-Federal entity in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award.

Other Information: Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Contents and Format Pre-Application Requirements Prior to submitting an application, applicants should review presidential actions found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI secretary’s Orders found at:

https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders. Furthermore, applicants acknowledge that funding will be restricted for projects that do not align with Administration priorities or do not comport with Administration directives, including the President’s Executive Order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.

Application Documents Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying.

Required from all applicants

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Required for nonconstruction projects

Detailed Budget

Note: A sample template is provided in Appendix A but use of this template is not required.

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative The proposal is a narrative description that should specifically address each of the review criteria (see Merit Review Criteria) The proposal text must be no longer than 20 pages, no smaller than font size 11, and have 1-inch margins. The 20-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and resumes (Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-LLL, and the statement of indirect charges are not counted as part of the page limit). Additionally, only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

Budget Narrative Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

· Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

· Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

· De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

· Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Other Required Information Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures: If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement: Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

· Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

· Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

· Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

· A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

· Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement: U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $1,000,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service. Applications must be received by Thursday, September 4, 2025, Noon Mountain Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline. Note: Per 2 CFR 1402.204 (f) Bureaus and offices must consider the timeliness of the application submission. Applications that are submitted beyond the announced deadline date must be removed from the review process. Application preparation time may take several weeks, so please start the application process as soon as possible. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

Submission Instructions Applications must be submitted by Grants.gov to the National Park Service by the deadline.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact: Ian Armstrong, FA_EastCCO@nps.gov

Apply Through Grants.gov To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

· Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

· Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

· Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab

· Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact:

Grants.gov Customer Support 1-800-518-4726 Support@grants.gov

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR 25.205 for more information.

If selected for award, NPS reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability (c) Evaluation of risk

(d) Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 43 C.F.R. § 17)

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review Criteria NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria in the Project Narrative application requirement. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed project narrative of the following criteria elements. It is highly recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled by criterion.

Criterion 1

Project Need

Weight 20%

This criterion will assess the degree to which the applicant adequately demonstrates ability and commitment to use grant funds to ensure the security and safety of visitors to the covered memorial.

Criterion 2

Project Budge t

Weight 20%

This criterion will assess the reasonableness of the costs included in the project’s budget, whether the budget seems realistic for the scope of work, and the availability of or firmness of commitments for the full amount of funds needed to complete the project, including any match commitment(s) that minimally meet the 1:1 requirement.

Criterion 3

Project Impact – Operation, Security, & Maintenance

Weight 20%

This criterion will assess the degree to which the applicant adequately demonstrates value and commitment to provide for the operation, security, and maintenance of certain memorials to victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001

Criterion 4

Project Impact – Preservation & Education

Weight 20%

This criterion will assess the degree to which the applicant adequately demonstrates ability and commitment to reach the greatest number of visitors that would benefit. Use grant funds for the following:

· to preserve the grounds at the covered memorial; and

· to educate future generations.

Criterion 5

Project Impact –Visitation

Weight 20%

This criterion will address the degree to which the applicant adequately demonstrates the ability and commitment to use grant funds to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged visitors to the covered memorial.

Review and Selection Process NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

a. Initial Review Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; and (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination). If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered nonresponsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will be eligible for the Comprehensive Merit Review. Each criteria element will be scored on a 0-10 point scale:

The following numerical rating values may be assigned: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0. The scoring of each criterion must be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application narrative. To assist in assigning an appropriate score, the following will be used as a guideline:

c. Selection The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors (merit review criteria), and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding.

d. Discussions and Award The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is capable of complying with the requirements of the Department of Interior (DOI) Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

· figures are correct

· estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

· avoid obviously unallowable costs

· identify costs requiring prior approval

· ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

· confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose to not make an award.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR 200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges. Negative information that leads to an applicant being designated as “Medium Risk” or “High Risk” may result in specific conditions, as identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, being incorporated into the final award.

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated start date: September 9, 2025 Anticipated end date: September 30, 2026

POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI Standard Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

NPS will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

Data Availability Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315:

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

Reporting The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

· Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

· Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

· Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

· Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

· Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

· Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

· Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

· Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

· If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per 43 CFR 18.100.

· Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation through SAM.gov and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums over $30,000 to the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).

Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify NPS in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any 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. The recipient should also notify NPS in writing of any 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.

Other Information

Payments Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by NPS. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank outside the U.S. are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services (ITS) System. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer (EFT). NPS will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment, including identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment requests, as applicable, in all Notices of Award.

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF424, SF424A, SF424B, detailed budget instructions image1.jpg