P23AS00487_FY23 BIG NOFO 23-0509.pdf

Signature Date

National Park Service

CRFA-PGC - Cultural Resources Financial Assistance

P23AS00487

5/9/2023

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration Contact

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

Authority:

54 U.S.C. § 308104

Assistance Listing:

15.926 Program Background, Objectives, and Goals:

Battlefields and sites of armed conflict are powerful reminders of the shared heritage of all Americans. To learn and heal from the past, the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) promotes the preservation and interpretation of these important places (54 U.S.C. § 308101). NPS ABPP supports community-driven stewardship of historic resources through four grant opportunities: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, Battlefield Interpretation, and Battlefield Land Acquisition.

NPS ABPP administers Battlefield Interpretation Grants to provide assistance for projects that deploy technology to modernize and enhance battlefield interpretation and education at Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield sites eligible for assistance under the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program established under 54 U.S.C. §308103(b). These grants require a non-Federal cost share of at least 50% of the total project costs, or a ratio of 1:1 with the total Federal funds. State, local, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Applicants should emphasize partnerships and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in all phases of their project, including but not limited to the active participation of landowners, descendant communities, Indian Tribes, state and tribal historic preservation offices, and non-profit organizations.

Proposed projects should:

Include expertise in content, interpretive and educational methods, and integration of technology at all stages of the project;

Convene a project team with a diversity of perspectives and sources of knowledge (disciplinary, cultural, experiential, etc.). To better understand and interpret the past, projects should not rely on a single subject matter expert;

Undergo clear, collaborative, and comprehensive scoping with both subject matter specialists and technical specialists prior to technical production;

Use technology in ways that foster effective communication with the intended audience(s). Projects may combine multiple forms of technology or traditional interpretive media, and grants may fund stakeholder consultation and audience research to ensure that appropriate platforms and technologies are selected;

Define appropriate metrics and strategies for evaluating the project’s effectiveness during and after implementation; and

Plan for technological and institutional sustainability.

Two categories of grants are available for battlefield interpretation projects in different stages:

Scoping Grants: These are available to fund the early stages of project development, such as research and content creation, consultation with stakeholders, exploration of available technologies, audience research, and development of technical proposals. The federal share for these grants should range from $20,000-$50,000 and have a period of performance of 1-2 years.

Implementation Grants: These are available to applicants who have completed interdisciplinary scoping prior to the application and can provide draft content and design plans. The federal share for these grants should range from $50,000-$200,000 and have a period of performance of 2-3 years.

It is not necessary for an applicant to receive or complete a Scoping Grant prior to applying for an Implementation Grant, but their Implementation Grant application must show that the prerequisite steps of project development have been completed to be viable. On a case-by-case basis, the length of a project period of performance may differ from the above recommendations.

The objectives of NPS ABPP Battlefield Interpretation Grants support the agency's priorities to advance equitable and inclusive access through support to our preservation partners at battlefield sites. Our goals are to enhance visitor experiences at America’s battlefields and engage a diverse community of preservation partners.

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NPS ABPP encourages projects that promote and expand preservation as well as enhance our understanding of the origins of the United States. Special thematic priority will be given to applications that preserve and interpret historic sites associated with the American Revolutionary War as a living part of community life and development.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $1,000,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $200,000 Minimum Award $20,000 Applicant proposals must identify whether they are seeking a Scoping Grant, with a funding level of $20,000-50,000 in Federal share, or an Implementation Grant, with a funding level of $50,000-200,000 in Federal share. See Section A for a description of the distinction between Scoping Grants and Implementation Grants.

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates

Anticipated Award Date October 19, 2023 Projects receiving funding through this Notice of Funding Opportunity will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made. Agreements are not effective until fully executed through Grant Solutions by the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer (FAAO). Issuing the grant agreement may take 30 to 120 days after the announcement of awards. Do not anticipate a project start date sooner than 3 months following the announcement date. Activities with the potential to affect historic properties will not commence until the NPS has completed applicable statutory and regulatory review requirements.

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards The actual number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds.

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 11 – Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education Additional Information on Eligibility

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Yes In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308104(c), non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50% of the total project costs, or a ratio of 1:1 with the Federally awarded funds, is required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. The non-Federal entity must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost, meaning one dollar for every Federal dollar requested, from non-Federal sources as evidenced by a letter of commitment, addressed to the applicant, from the funding source(s) or awarding entity. Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be allowable under 2 C.F.R.

§ 200.306 and may include: cash, loans, and/or in-kind contributions. Non-Federal entity cost share contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A (reference Section D, Application and Submission Information) and Budget Narrative submitted by the applicant.

C3. Other

Distinct Project Threshold

Proposals must describe projects that are clearly separate from the regular activities carried out by applicant organizations, excluding those covered by indirect costs and qualified under 2 CFR §

200.414. Proposals that contain general operational costs not covered under an indirect cost rate, or for work that has been substantially completed prior to the submission of an application will be determined ineligible.

Eligible Sites and Activities

Eligible activities must enhance interpretation and education at eligible battlefields and associated sites using technology. Proposals should clearly explain the role of technology in the context of the specific project, which may include a mix of traditional and innovative media and methods. Activities may include content development, consultation with stakeholders and subject matter experts, audience research and evaluation, technical scoping and development, prototyping, fabrication and installation, production and implementation, and costs associated with Section 106 identification and evaluation requirements for eligible project activities.

Eligible activities must involve education about or interpretation of Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields and associated sites eligible for assistance under the battlefield acquisition grant program established under 54 U.S.C. §308103(b). These sites are listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields and the Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States, available online at: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/resources.htm.

NPS ABPP encourages partnerships between private organizations and all levels of government, including Federal, state and local entities. Grants may not be used for the acquisition of property or services of direct benefit to the Federal government, including support of the day-to-day operations of a Federal agency. This does not preclude applicants from using funds from, or sites https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/resources.htm and materials controlled by, Federal entities in their projects. Applicants developing partnerships with Federal entities should work with Federal points of contact to ensure that proposed projects meet the public purpose criteria for financial assistance and may contact NPS ABPP to discuss project-specific eligibility questions.

Excluded Parties:

NPSconducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The NPS cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

Foreign Entities or Projects This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

An application package is included on Grants.gov. The Application Package contains mandatory forms that must be submitted with your proposal: SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information), SF-424B (Assurances), Project Narrative Attachment, Budget Narrative Attachment, and Project Abstract. The Attachments Form must be used to attach additional supporting documents as applicable. The Application Package can be accessed and downloaded from the “Package” tab of this announcement on Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting NPS ABPP using the information provided in Section G of this NOFO.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Project Narrative The components of a complete application consist of the required documents listed below in addition to Section D7. Other Submission Requirements. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information.

A complete application includes:

Project Narrative Letter of commitment from the non-Federal awarding entity for cost matching Project Team CVs, resumes, or selection criteria

Detailed design document, draft content, and/or prototype (required for Implementation Grants only)

Supporting Documents (as applicable to the specific project)

Applicants must provide a Project Narrative that describes the proposed project according to the merit review criteria identified in Section E of this NOFO. A Merit Review Panel of Federal subject matter experts will use the merit review criteria in Section E to score the applications.

The Project Narrative must identify the category for consideration as either a Scoping Grant or an Implementation Grant, as each grant award will fund only one type. The work proposed in the project narrative should be supported by costs identified in the budget justification worksheet.

The Project Narrative is limited to 5 pages. Applicants should be concise, and may use bullet points, subheadings, and other formatting techniques to organize their information. All pages should maintain at least one-inch margins on all sides and be a minimum eleven-point font. Any text beyond 5 pages will not be used to score an application. Where appropriate, supporting information such as statistical figures, works cited, resumes, and product examples may be referenced in the narrative and provided as an “attachment” via the Attachment Form to help economize space.

The Merit Review Panel may only consider information included with the application package at the time of its submission. Documents or websites referenced in the project narrative, but not included with the application package, will not be used to score an application.

Information referenced in the Project Narrative and provided as an attachment should be concise, with the attachment typically ranging in size from 1 to 3 pages. Where appropriate, lengthier, relevant excerpts from a technical report (example: a work cited page or a list of previous projects) may be included as an attachment if the documentation is responsive to merit review criteria.

Using the provided section headings, applicants should write a project narrative that addresses the prompts listed below (items A-G):

A. Project Summary: Summarize the intended preservation outcome project for an eligible battlefield or associated site listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields, or the Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States, and identify all applicable survey codes (e.g., VA042) for the site. Note whether the application is for a Scoping Grant or Implementation Grant and explain how the project proposes to enhance and modernize battlefield interpretation using technology.

B. Innovation in Content Development: Explain how and why the project seeks to innovate and enhance the content and medium of battlefield interpretation. Discuss how the project’s approach to content development reflects current scholarship or incorporates new sources or perspectives to understand battlefield history and resources. Identify the team of subject matter experts and/or stakeholders who have or will develop the content. Discuss how the team’s different disciplinary, cultural, and/or experiential knowledge and perspectives will shape the quality and relevancy of the resulting content. For Scoping Grants when a team has yet to be assembled, lay out a plan for locating and consulting subject matter experts and/or stakeholders which includes selection criteria. Attach and clearly label all relevant supporting documentation via the Attachments Form.

C. Interpretive and Technical Approach: Describe the project’s proposed interpretive approach and outcomes. Discuss how these will engage audiences with the battlefield’s history and resources in ways that advance best practices in public history and interpretive design. Identify the activities and work tasks needed to accomplish the project’s objectives. Identify all resulting interim and final products of the project. Justify why the proposed formats, media, platforms, or technologies will further the project’s goals. Discuss how the project will ensure effective communication for people with disabilities (e.g., through captioning, audio description, use of accessible video players, physical design of exhibitions or signage, or choice of approach.).

Reference and compare any existing tools or projects that serve as models for this project proposal.

D. Administration and Implementation: Explain how the project objectives and activities identified above will be achieved in the allotted time frame by providing a tentative project schedule which includes a description of the sequencing and duration of project activities.

Identify project personnel and their expertise in content, interpretive methods, project management or administration, and technical design. Describe how their experience and qualifications are appropriate for their project roles and responsibilities. Identify if new staff or contractors will be required, and provide brief position descriptions, or describe the criteria that will be used to select these individuals or procure these services. Identify any property owner permissions and Federal, State, local, or tribal permits that will be required and describe plans for obtaining them. If applicable, describe how the project will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and avoid adverse effects on historic properties. Attach and clearly label all relevant supporting documentation (such as CVs and resumes) via the Attachments Form.

E. Stakeholder and Audience Engagement: Describe how the project team will include, consult, or collaborate with stakeholders of historic and contemporary interests in the site and story, including those who may not be involved in current preservation advocacy or management.

These may include local residents, tribes with ancestral connections to the area, descendant communities, and nonprofit organizations such as community museums, faith-based organizations, and educational groups. Discuss how this collaborative diversity of perspectives will influence the outcomes of the project and foster sensitive and accurate interpretation.

Identify the project’s specific intended audience(s) and discuss how the chosen methods and use of technology are appropriate for engagement with that audience. Explain the project’s goals for increasing audience engagement with the site and its history, whether through the design process, or participatory interpretive techniques, and how these will be evaluated during and after project development.

F. Current or Recent Grant Performance: As applicable, list any previously awarded NPS ABPP grants from the last five years. Include grant numbers and project titles, as well as a 2-3 sentence summary of the project’s goals and current status.

See Section D7 for additional information on application documents.

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.

For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200.

Detailed Budget Narrative The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A or SF424C.

Using the section headings provided below (items A – L), write a Budget Narrative that addresses and justifies both grant funds requested in addition to any cost share provided by other sources. Provide unit costs for all budget items including any contracts or sub-awards. For each line item, explain how you arrived at the costs and why the items are necessary to accomplish the project objectives. There is no page limit or required format for the Budget Narrative. Round all numbers to the nearest dollar amount, even if exact costs are known. If any cost categories are not applicable to your project, write $0.00 or N/A. Ensure that the categories and costs listed in the Budget Narrative are aligned with the Budget Categories in Section B of the SF-424A.

Inconsistencies will result in processing delays of the application. Submit the Budget Narrative via the Mandatory Budget Narrative Attachment Form.

A. Personnel: Provide the title, unit of time, quantity of time, cost per unit of time and resultant dollar amount for each of the personnel included in the total line item dollar amount. Example: J.

Smith, Curator, 40 hours/week for 50 weeks at $20.00/hr = $40,000. Note that personnel are part of your organization, consultants and independent contractors should be listed under Category F.

Contractual.

B. Fringe Benefits: For each position description included above, provide the fringe benefits rate and dollar amount.

C. Travel: Provide the unit of measure, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each of the following travel details: airfare, lodging, per diem, ground transportation, housing stipend and/or transportation stipend. Also provide a statement that the proposed travel and per diem costs do not exceed current maximum Federal rates (found at:

https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates), or that the proposed travel and per diem costs are in line with the applicant’s written travel policy.

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1. Under GSA requirements, the first and last travel days of any trip must be calculated at 75% of the full per diem rate (Example: For a 3 day trip to a location with a GSA per diem rate of $100.00, the total allowable per diem is $75 (Day 1) + $100 (Day 2) + $75 (Day 3) = $250).

2. The Federal allowable mileage rate of 58 cents per mile should be applied to any personally owned vehicle use.

All travel costs must adhere to applicable regulations and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200.474.

D. Equipment: Equipment is defined in 2 CFR Part 200.33 as “tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds $5,000.” List any equipment being purchased with Federal funds, provide quotes or estimates obtained to support the cost amount, and include a written justification as to why this equipment is necessary for the proposed project. Applicants must demonstrate how purchasing permanent equipment is less expensive than renting.

Recipients are required to maintain records demonstrating that a competitive bidding process was used to purchase such services or equipment. Recipients who purchase equipment must adhere to applicable regulations and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200.313 and 2 CFR Part 200.439.

E. Supplies: Provide a description, quantity, cost per unit, and resultant dollar amount for any consumable supplies, raw materials, and expendable equipment (items costing less than $5,000 and/or having an estimated useful life of less than 1 year). “General office supplies” or “miscellaneous supplies” are not acceptable line items.

F. Contractual: Describe market research undertaken to determine an accurate budgetary estimate. Provide the contract/sub-award description, unit of time, quantity, cost per unit of time and resultant dollar amount for each contract/sub-award. Describe how contract services will be obtained. Award recipients will be required to submit documentation showing that a competitive selection process or other appropriate method of procurement allowable under 2 CFR 200.320 was used for contracts over $10,000, as well as any sub-awards.

G. Construction: Construction costs are unallowable under this NOFO. Do not include any costs under this category and instead write $0.00 or N/A.

H. Other Costs: Provide the description, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each item that does not fit within one of the other budget categories. “Miscellaneous,” “overhead,” and “contingency” are not acceptable line items.

I. Total Direct Charges: List the subtotal of Budget Categories A – H.

J. Indirect Costs: Provide the indirect cost rate percentage, type (negotiated or 10% de minimis), associated base (modified total direct costs), and resultant indirect amount. If indirect costs are included, applicants must include a copy of the current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, or elect the 10% de minimis rate, and apply the approved rate accordingly. Provide an explanation if the associated base differs from budget category I (Total Direct Charges). Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs may have those costs disallowed.

K. Total Federal Funding Request: List the total amount of Federal funds being requested. Check that this amount matches those listed on the SF-424 and SF-424A before submitting the application. Inconsistencies will result in delays in processing the application.

L. Non-Federal Share of Budget: Provide the details of the non-Federal share of the budget, including description, source, quantity, cost per unit, and resultant dollar amount for each item.

Recipients will be required to fulfill any matching commitments they agree to and inability to do so may result in a reduction of the Federal award.

If selected for award, NPS ABPP 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 CFR § 17)

Project Abstract Summary Please complete and submit with your application package the Project Abstract Summary form with the following information:

Funding Opportunity Number;

Goals and Objectives of your proposed project;

Summary of Project Activities;

Performance Goals including milestones and expected outcomes;

Who will benefit from your project.

This information will be transmitted to USASpending.gov and be viewable by the public.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

(a) Applicability.

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR §200.318 apply.

(b) Notification.

(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

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(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and prelim@title31/subtitle2/chapter13&edition=prelim">31 USC §1352.

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, 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.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 and 31 USC 1352 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/<a href= https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6#se2.1.200_1339 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr180_main_02.tpl https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html

If the project proposed in this application is funded through another Federal financial assistance award, in part or in whole, the applicant must provide a statement detailing the potential funding overlap in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted or copy of Federal financial assistance award covering activities covered under this proposal. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects”

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration:

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaced the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov;

please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM):

Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm

Due Date for Applications 08/09/2023 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline. Application preparation time may take several weeks, so applicants should start the application process as soon as possible. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified during the selection process.

D5. Intergovernmental Review

An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

In addition to the requirements outlined in Section D2., complete applications should include the below additional documents. Submit all documents via the Attachments Form.

1. Letter of Commitment for Cost Match: Provide a letter from the non-Federal entity, addressed to the applicant, which acknowledges their commitment to supply the non-Federal share of at least 50% of the total project cost, as described in the Budget Narrative. Multiple letters may be submitted if there are multiple non-Federal funding sources.

2. Project team CVs/Resumes or Selection Criteria: Include CVs or resumes of key project personnel. These may include position descriptions, selection criteria, cost estimates, or statements of work for staff, consultants, or contractors to be hired as part of the project. These attachments should support the descriptions of the project team in the “Innovation in Content Development” and “Administration and Implementation” sections of the Project Narrative.

3. Detailed Design Documents: Required for Implementation Grants only, this includes a detailed design document, and/or prototypes, as well as any draft content for the project (e.g., text, outline, bibliography, etc.). Ensure that these documents display that the project has completed the necessary planning to produce a high-quality finished product per the proposed schedule.

4. Other Supporting Documents: If applicable, provide any materials necessary to support https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html) effective review of your proposal. These may include letters of commitment or support from project partners and stakeholders, bibliographies, existing models or examples for the project, additional plans and designs related to project work, and/or audience surveys. Supporting documents should be clearly labeled and should relate to specifics of the Project Narrative.

Optional submission(s) for Public Relations and social media: Applicants may voluntarily include1 to 3 additional images that are related to their project proposal by attaching them to the Optional Image Worksheet and submitting the worksheet via the Attachments Form. These images will not be considered part of the application package and will not be considered in the merit review and selection process outlined in Section E of this NOFO. If the application package is selected for award, NPS ABPP may use the submitted images for web-based announcements and social media. The images may be photographs, paintings, sketches, or another artwork relating to the project site, and should be a media quality JPEG, PNG, or TIF and include a caption for each image that describes what it depicts. Additionally, please include a credit for each image that identifies the origin/owner of the image and any applicable permissions for its use.

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

Criterion 1: Innovation in Content Development Maximum Points: 25 Description Innovation in Content Development

How innovative is the proposed approach to understanding the battlefield’s history and resources through interpretive and/or educational content?

How extensively will the project incorporate current or new scholarship, sources, and/or perspectives not previously consulted?

To what extent does the content development team include subject matter experts and/or stakeholders with varied areas of experience and expertise? For Scoping Grants without a final team, does the proposal describe how the applicant will form an interdisciplinary team and the criteria they will use?

How effectively will the proposed approach to content development produce work that is up to date, well researched, inclusive of multiple perspectives, sustainable, and relevant to the intended audience(s)? For Implementation

Grants, how well does the draft content exemplify these qualities?

Criterion 2: Interpretive and Technical Approach Maximum Points: 25 Description

Interpretive and Technical Approach

Are the project’s interpretive objectives, activities, and products described in detail?

How well do the interpretive or educational methods advance best practices in public history and interpretive design?

How suitable are the proposed activities and products for meeting the project objectives? How effective, appropriate, and realistic are the uses of technology?

How comprehensively does the proposed project incorporate inclusive and accessible design for people with disabilities?

For Implementation Grants, how effective, thorough, and well-researched effective are the detailed design plans, prototypes, and/or draft content?

Criterion 3: Administration and Implementation Maximum Points: 20 Description Administration and Implementation

Are budget items described in detail, reasonable, and necessary?

How realistic are the proposed budget, task schedule, and goals for the project period?

How clearly are the roles and responsibilities of all project personnel (staff and contractors) defined, and how qualified are key personnel? Does the project team have relevant experience with subject matter, interpretive/educational methods, project management, and technical design? Or are there methods and criteria for identifying any new staff or contractors?

Does the applicant have necessary permissions and permits, or a clear plan to obtain them within the project time frame?

If applicable, will the project meet any relevant Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, and avoid adverse effects on historic properties?

How well does the applicant demonstrate, through this application and/or their past performance record, the ability to meet administrative and technical grant requirements?

Criterion 4: Stakeholder and Audience Engagement Maximum Points: 20

Stakeholder and Audience Engagement

How effectively has the applicant involved appropriate partners, stakeholders, and/or communities in project planning to include a diversity of perspectives and foster sensitive and accurate interpretation?

How viable is the strategy for engagement with relevant stakeholders, audiences, and/or communities throughout the project? Will the project include outreach to groups who are not already invested in current preservation goals or site management?

How appropriate are the chosen methods and use of technology for the intended audience(s)?

How effectively will plans for project evaluation measure and improve the project’s effectiveness in meeting its interpretive or educational objectives?

Criterion 5: Thematic Priority - American Revolutionary War Maximum Points: 10

Thematic Priority - American Revolutionary War

How successfully will this project enhance engagement with and understanding of historic sites associated with the American Revolution as living part of community life and development?

E2. Review and Selection Process

Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Bureau is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial

Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

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 non-responsive 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 criterion will be scored based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application narrative against the specific questions listed under each criterion in Paragraph 1 of this section. Criteria 1 and 2 are scored out of 25 points, 3 and 4 are scored out of 20 points, and Criteria 5 is scored out of 10 points. Numerical ratings may fall into the following numerical rating categories:

25/20/10 Superior (100 % of weighted average) 20/16/8 Good (80 % of weighted average) 15/12/6 Satisfactory (60 % of weighted average) 10/8/4 Marginal (40 % of weighted average) 5/4/2 Poor (20 % of weighted average) 0 Not Acceptable (No score)

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:

Rating Descriptive Statement 25/20/10 Superior: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates that it will meet the Government's performance requirements, and demonstrates no weaknesses.

20/16/8 Good: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates a likelihood of meeting the Government's requirements, and demonstrates only a few minor weaknesses.

15/12/6 Satisfactory: Applicant addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the…