oppUSDA-NRCS-DE-18-001-cfda10.902-cidUSDA-NRCS-DE-18-001-instructions.pdf

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)

Funding Opportunity Title: Conservation Agreements for Implementing Key Conservation Objectives in Delaware.

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-DE-18-001

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

10.902 -- Soil and Water Conservation

10.912 -- Environmental Quality Incentives Program

10.931 -- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

Funding Opportunity Announcement Summary

The NRCS - Delaware State Office, an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking support from and opportunities to partner with like-minded natural resource conservation partners. The overall intent of this announcement is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined further in this document.

Proposals will be accepted from the state of Delaware. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2018 will be approximately $500,000. Proposals are requested from eligible entities, non-profits, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and institutions of higher learning for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one and five years in duration.

This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions.

Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or non-compliant applications will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Delaware State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications. NRCS will accept applications under this notice for single or multiyear applications submitted by eligible entities.

Key Dates:

Applications must be received by NRCS by 11:00 AM EST, June 22, 2018.

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts

The funding floor for this announcement $75,000, and the funding ceiling is $500,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are:

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Public Law 110-246; Food Security Act of 1985,Title XII, Part Subtitle D, Section 1237, Public Law 99-198, 16 U.S.C 3831-3835a.

Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, Public Law 74-76, N/A Stat. N/A, 16 U.S.C 590 a-f.

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Section 2602, Public Law 110-246; Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Section 2502, Public Law 107-171; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Section 387, Public Law 104-127, 110 Stat. 888, 16 U.S.C 3836a. Subtitle I of Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended by section 2401 of the Agricultural Act of 2014.

CFDA 10.902 – Soil and Water Conservation (CTA): Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, Public Law 74-76, N/A Stat. N/A, 16 U.S.C 590 a-f.

CFDA 10.912 – Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): This program is authorized by Chapter 4 of Subtitle D of Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 USC 3839aa--3839aa-8), effective February 7, 2014., Executive Order Executive Order , Title XII, Part Subtitle D, Public Law 99- 198, 16 U.S.C 3830.

CFDA 10.913 – Food Security Act of 1985. This program was repealed by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), effective February 7, 2014. Therefore, no new enrollments are authorized for this program after that date.

CFDA 10.931 – Agriculture Conservation Easement Program – (ACEP-ALE/WRE):

Food Security Act of 1985, Title XII, Part Subtitle D, Section 1237, Public Law 99-198.

B. PURPOSE:

To leverage NRCS and partner resources to:

• Improve soil health on cropland.

• Provide technical and financial assistance to farmers/landowners in Delaware.

• Provide habitat for local wildlife species of concern as identified in the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan.

See: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/dwap/Pages/WAP-Progress.aspx http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/dwap/Pages/WAP-Progress.aspx

• Support the Delaware Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

Emphasis will be placed on projects that:

A. Target Delaware resource priorities:

1. Reduction of non-point source pollutants including nutrients, sediment, and pesticides in impaired watersheds consistent with TMDL’s as well as the reduction of groundwater contamination.

• Agricultural Waste Management Systems - Nutrients, Sediments

• Integrated Crop Management Systems - Nutrients, Sediments, Pesticides

• Planned Grazing Management Systems - Nutrients, Sediments

2. Conservation of ground and surface water resources

• Irrigation Water Management Systems - Water conservation

3. Reduction of emissions such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds that contribute to air quality impairment.

• Agricultural Waste Management Systems - Volatile organic compounds

• Poultry House Windbreak Management Systems - Particulate matter

4. Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from erodible land.

• Erosion Control Systems – Sediments

5. Promotion of at-risk species

• Habitat Restoration

B. Provide technical assistance for:

1. Easement Monitoring – On-site, Off-site, and Ownership Review easement monitoring and required documentation for existing Farm & Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program –ACEP, Agricultural Land Easements (ALE), Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) and wetland/restoration Food Security Act sites.

Proposals may include development of technology to assist the agency in completing compliance review activities. Specifically, the agency is seeking the development of technology using mobile devices such as Unmanned Aerial

Vehicles (UAV) or high-resolution aerial photography. The technology developed is required to meet quality assurance criteria agreed to in advance by NRCS.

2. Archival literature review at SHPO offices, and use ArcMap and CHRIS data base systems to document and meet NRCS requirement for 106 compliance by a certified archeologist. In addition, the archeologist will need to conduct pedestrian review of sensitive area which may or may not have known resources.

Emphasis will be placed on projects that build technical capacity of NRCS and partner field conservation employees and leverage non-Federal and non-government resources to achieve positive natural resources conservation outcomes.

C. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimated Funding

The total amount of Federal funding the agency expects to award through this announcement is $500,000.

2. Start Dates and Performance Periods Projects may be between one and three years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on a project start date of August 15, 2018.

3. Type of Federal Award The agency plans to award grants or cooperative agreements pursuant to this opportunity. With regard to cooperative agreements, the agency will be substantially involved in the work performed under the agreement and will undertake activities such as the following:

(i) Authority to suspend work if specifications or work statements are not met.

(ii) Review and approval of one stage of work before another may begin.

(iii) Review and approval of substantive provisions of proposed sub-grants or contracts beyond existing Federal policy.

(iv) NRCS and recipient collaboration or joint participation.

(v) Project monitoring to permit specified kinds of direction or redirection of the work because of interrelationships with and impacts on other projects.

(vi) Highly prescriptive NRCS requirements that limit recipient discretion.

(vii) Review and approval of key personnel.

(viii) Direct NRCS operational involvement or participation during the activity.

4. Number of Awards The agency expects to make 5 award(s).

5. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards. An application for renewal means a proposal submitted to continue an existing agreement that meets the objectives and requirements of this NFO. An application for supplementation of an existing project means a proposal to add components to an existing agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this NFO.

D. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline to be considered for award. Eligible applicant type is determined by the implementing program statute.

All NFE entities and individuals, with the exception of Federal agencies, are eligible to apply for projects carried out in Delaware. Individuals and entities may submit more than one application. Individuals and entities may receive more than one award.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity.

3. Other (if applicable) Applicant entities 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 (2 CFR 200.205(d)).

E. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

All standard forms necessary for this announcement are included in the Grants.gov application package. Applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting Eileen Campbell at 302-678-4161 or by written request mailed to Eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov or at 1221 College Park Dr. Suite 100, Dover, Delaware 19904.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain:

a. Application Form: (Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance)

Applicants must use this document as the cover sheet for each proposal. See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

b. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs. Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project. See http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:Eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov

Instructions for Completing SF 424A located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

c. Budget Narrative - In a separate narrative entitled “Budget Narrative”, explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the totals on the SF-424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project. Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the agency’s approval and estimate its cost. See Instructions for Completing Budget Narrative located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

i. As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements, 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 a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System.

Therefore, any U.S. states, local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations applying under this opportunity must include one of the following statements in its budget narrative:

“My organization was required to submit a Single Audit report last year.

The reporting period covered was from (insert date) to (insert date). This report, filed under EIN # (insert EIN), is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/) or will be by (insert date). “

OR

“My organization was not required to submit a Single Audit report last year.”

ii. Required Indirect Costs Statement - All applicants except individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate must complete and attach the Indirect Costs Statement located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

d. Standard Form (SF) 424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs.

Applicants, by signing and submitting an application, assure and certify that they are in compliance with the following Federal regulations:

- 2 CFR Part 417, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement)

- 4 CFR Part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2011-title2-vol1-part417.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2011-title2-vol1-part417.pdf http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2012-title7-vol15/CFR-2012-title7-vol15-part3018

- 2 CFR Part 421, Government wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)

e. 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 2 CFR Part 418, 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 proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $100,000, you must also complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities located at 2 CFR 418, Appendix B. See 2 CFR, Subpart

418.110 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

f. AD-3031, Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. Although the text of this document states it is applicable only to corporate entities, USDA policy requires that all entity types complete it.

g. Proposal

The proposal must include the following information:

1. Proposal background: Describe the issue or problem. Include the geographic area and those who will be affected and benefit from this project proposal.

2. Project objectives and methods: Be specific using qualitative and quantitative measures, if possible, to describe the project’s purpose and goals.

3. Project action plan and timeline: Provide a table listing project actions, timeframes, and associated milestones through project completion.

Anticipated start date after August 15, 2018 but subject change. Proposals should have flexible start dates with timelines shown relative to the execution of an agreement.

4. Project Management: Give a detailed description of how the project will be organized and managed. Include a list of key project personnel, their relevant experience, and their anticipated contributions to the project. Identify who will participate in monitoring and evaluating the project.

5. Project deliverables/products: Provide a list of specific deliverables and products that will allow NRCS to monitor progress and make payment. In addition to proposal- specific deliverables, selected applicants will be required to provide the following:

* Semi-annual or annual progress reports;

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-08/html/2011-31467.htm http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-08/html/2011-31467.htm http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-08/html/2011-31467.htm

* Supplemental narratives or brief updates that indicate progress that explain and support payment requests; and

* A final report.

h. References, bibliographies, and citations, if included, do not count towards the 12-page maximum.

Each page must be on numbered 8½” x 11” paper with one-inch margins.

The text of the proposal must be single spaced and typed in New Times Roman, no smaller than 12 point font and must not exceed 12 pages.

Proposals that fail to comply with the required content and format will not be considered for funding. Material exceeding stated page limits and/or formatting structure will not be considered. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will not be considered.

F. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number) in its application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. The agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the agency is ready to make an award, it may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Entities must obtain a DUNS and register in SAM prior to registering with Grants.gov. A description of each is below. Entities are strongly encouraged to apply early for their DUNS number and SAM registration.

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number: A Dun and Bradstreet DUNS number is a unique, nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million businesses worldwide. Applicants must obtain a DUNS number.

Information on how to obtain a DUNS number can be found at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling 1-866-705-5711.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: SAM is the official Federal system that consolidated the capabilities of Central Contractor Registry, Federal Agency Registration, Online Representations and

Certifications Application, and Excluded Parties List System. To register, go to: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM. The Federal Service Desk is available for registration assistance, and can be contacted via the Help tab at the website listed above.

G. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIME

Applicants may submit proposals via Grants.gov or via e-mail to the following address: eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov.

Proposals must be received by 11:00AM EST on June 22, 2018. Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered. The agency will rely on system generated date and time receipt documentation for submission made both via Grants.gov and e-mail to determine whether applications meet the submission deadline.

Grants.gov provides and automatic acknowledgement when applications are received. Applicants who make submission via e-mail must contact Eileen Campbell at eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov to confirm receipt.

H. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW (if applicable)

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

I. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS

Funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless otherwise permitted by law, or approved in writing by the Authorized Departmental Officer in advance of incurring such costs:

• Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project:

• Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant;

• Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and amendments thereto;

• Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to project objectives;

• Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising out of project activities;

• Consulting services performed by a Federal employee during official duty hours when such consulting services result in the payment of additional compensation to the employee; and

• Renovation or refurbishment of research or related spaces, the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces, and the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM mailto:eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov mailto:eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov

This list is not exhaustive. Questions regarding the allowances of particular items of cost should be directed to the administrative contact person listed in this announcement.

J. INDIRECT COST LIMITATIONS

1. A non-profit organization or institution of higher education awarded a cooperative agreement will be limited to a 10% indirect cost rate in accordance with the Agency’s annual appropriations act. The 10% indirect cost rate applies to both federal and non-federal funds.

2. To be eligible to recover any indirect cost under a Federal award, recipients must either 1) have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with a Federal agency that has not expired; or 2) qualify for use of the de minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f). In order to qualify for the de minimis rate, the recipient must have never had a NICRA. A State, local, or tribal governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct Federal funding is not eligible for the de minimis rate.

3. Recipients with a NICRA not subject to the 10% indirect cost rate must calculate indirect costs using the rate and base specified in their NICRA. A recipient may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency. If voluntarily reduced or waived, the recipient may choose to apply any unrecovered indirect costs as part of their cost share or match. Unrecovered indirect cost means the difference between the amount charged to the Federal award and the amount which could have been charged to the Federal award under the recipient's approved negotiated indirect cost rate (2 CFR 200.306(c)). A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must be provided with the application. Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA.

4. Entities that are eligible for the de minimis rate who already have a de minimis rate agreement must use the rate and base specified in the agreement, which is modified total direct costs (MTDC) as defined by 2 CFR 200.68. Note that MTDC excludes certain costs from the base to which the rate is applied. A copy of the applicant’s de minimis rate agreement must be provided with the application. If a recipient is eligible to use the de minimis rate, but does not have a de minimis rate agreement, use an indirect cost rate of no more than 10% of MTDC when preparing the budget. If selected for award, a de minimis rate agreement will be executed along with the award. Applicants wishing to use the de minimis rate must submit a signed statement certifying that the entity 1) has never had a NICRA previously and 2) specifically request a de minimis rate agreement.

5. Profit is not an eligible project cost. Therefore, any funds awarded to for-profit entities must be used for reimbursement of award related direct and indirect costs only.

6. 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.

K. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

• Merit/Technical Criteria

1. Purpose, Approach, and Goals (25 points)

a. The purpose of the project is clearly explained and the rationale is explicit for why the innovative approach or technology is needed.

b. The design and implementation of the project is based on sound methodology and demonstrated technology;

c. The project outcomes are stated, measurable, and likely to be achieved;

and

d. Both beneficial and adverse impacts are considered and a significant level of improvement will be achieved.

2. Innovative Technology or Approach (25 points)

a. The project is innovative (national, regionally, and/or local in nature) according to the criteria for innovation in the CIG funding announcement;

and

b. The project addresses one or more of the priority categories listed in the funding announcement.

3. Project Management (20 points)

a. Timeline and milestones are clear and reasonable;

b. Project staff has necessary technical and administrative expertise;

c. The budget is adequately explained and justified, and expenses allowable; and

d. Proposal includes robust partnership with entities that can substantially assist with delivery of project outcomes.

4. Benefits and Transferability (30 points)

a. The potential for producers and landowners to use or participate in the innovative technology(s) or approach(s);

b. The potential for NRCS to benefit from the innovative approach or methods, including (if appropriate) the development of materials such as technical standards, technical notes, handbooks, technology tools, etc.;

c. The potential to transfer the approach or technology to a broader audience or to other geographic areas or agricultural sectors; and

d. The potential for successful transfer, through planned project activities, to Historically Underserved producers and communities.

• Risk Criteria

The agency will check SAM to ensure the applicant is not suspended or debarred, which would preclude receiving an award. In addition, prior to making a Federal award with a total Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313 and 2 CFR 200.205(a)).

To further comply with the requirements at 2 CFR 200.205, the agency has established the following risk review process and related standards that an applicant must meet to be considered for award:

a. Financial Stability. The applicant certifies that it maintains adequate financial resources or cash flow to meet its financial obligations on a routine basis and successfully complete any agreement it may be awarded.

b. Quality of Management Systems and Ability to meet Management Standards prescribed in 2 CFR Part 200. The applicant certifies it has a financial management system adequate to segregate and track federal funds. It further certifies is has adequate systems in place for proper agreement administration;

compliance with the standards outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Section D for procurement, property, and records management; and required financial and performance reporting.

c. History of Performance. If the applicant has previously obtained Federal financial assistance award, it certifies that it has never failed to materially comply with the Federal award terms and conditions and further that it has never had an award terminated on that basis.

Submission of a proposal constitutes certification that an applicant meets these standards.

L. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete, noncompliant, and/or proposals not meeting the formatting criteria will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.

The agency intends to make a selection and award without conducting any discussions or allowing applicants to correct deficiencies or omissions in their applications. Consequently, they must ensure their applications are complete and accurate. However, while the agency intents to make a selection and award without discussions, it reserves the right to conduct discussions for the purpose of allowing applicants to revise their applications to correct deficiencies or omissions identified by the NRCS. If this is done, the agency will conduct discussions with all applicants and identify deficiencies and omissions and give applicants and opportunity to submit a revised application by a common cut-off date.

Merit/technical reviews will be conducted by a technical review board nominated by the approving official. Risk reviews will be conducted by the Grants and Agreements Service Branch. The approving official will make the final award decisions. The approving official for this opportunity is the Delaware State Conservationist.

M. AWARDS OVER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD (if applicable) Notice to applicants:

a. Prior to making a Federal award with a total Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313 and 2 CFR 200.205(a));

b. An applicant may review information in FAPIIS accessible through SAM and comment on any information about it that a Federal awarding agency previously entered;

c. The agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.205, Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

N. ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT AND FEDERAL AWARD DATES

The agency anticipates announcing or notifying successful and unsuccessful applicants within 30 days of deadline date. Award dates will be determined by the availability of funds and NRCS workloads.

O. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The agency will provide notice that an application has been selected before it actually makes the Federal award. As such, the selection notification is not an authorization to begin performance. Any pre-award costs incurred by the awardee will not be reimbursed. The Notice of Grant and Agreement Award (form NRCS- ADS-093) signed by the authorized agency representative is the only authorizing document, and will be provided electronically to the entity’s authorized representative for signature.

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants with be notified of the award decision via letter.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All project funds will be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NRCS’ General Terms and Conditions; a copy of the General Terms and Conditions may be obtained by contacting the Federal Awarding Agency Contacts listed in this announcement.

3. Reporting Reporting will follow NRCS’ General Terms and Conditions, but will generally include electronic submission of semiannual progress reports, quarterly financial status reports, and final reports.

If the Federal share of any agreement awarded under this opportunity notice may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, recipients must also comply with the post award reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII of 2 CFR Part 200 —Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

P. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT(S)

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact one of the following individuals:

Administrative Contact (Primary Contact) Name: Eileen Campbell ASTC- Management and Strategy

USDA-NRCS

Mailing Address: 1221 College Park Dr, Suite 100 Dover, DE 19904 Phone Number: 302-678-4161 Email: eileen.campbell@de.usda.gov

Program Contact Name: Paul Petrichenko Assistant State Conservationist for Program

USDA-NRCS

Mailing Address: 1221 College Park Dr., Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904 Phone Number: 302-678-4180 Email: paul.petrichenko@de.usda.gov

Q. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Questions regarding this announcement must be submitted to the Administrative

Contact identified above. Submission via email is preferable with the Opportunity Number in the subject line. Questions must be submitted by May 15, 2018. A questions and answers document addressing all questions will be posted to the Related Documents tab of this announcement in Grants.gov as a modification by May 15, 2018.

2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Proposals to NRCS are considered to be confidential information. Proposals are not shared with individuals or entities seeking public disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) without the consent of the applicant. More specifically, Executive Order 12600 and USDA FOIA regulation 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A requires the NRCS to provide notice to applicants that a third party has requested copies of their business information, and requires NRCS to consult with applicants regarding the releasing their records.

3. Government Obligation

The Federal Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. Only authorized federal officials can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office or write a letter https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call

(866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.