P24AS00251-Route 66 NOFO_FY2024.docx

Current as of November 30, 2022

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

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.

Table of Contents

Section A: Program Description

Legislative Authority: Route 66 Corridor Preservation Act of 1999 (Public Laws 106-45; 111-11, Section 7304)

Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) Number: 15.958

Federal Regulations: 2 C.F.R. § 200, 2 C.F.R. § 1402

Program Background, Objectives and Goals:

In recognition of the significance of Route 66 to America’s heritage, Congress passed an act in 1999 to create the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Administered by the National Park Service, the program is dedicated to preserving the special places and stories of the historic highway.

First funded in 2001, the program collaborates with private, nonprofit, and government partners to identify, prioritize, and address priority preservation needs of Route 66. The program provides cost-share grants for the preservation of the most significant and representative building, structures, road segments, and cultural landscapes along the length of the Route 66 corridor, covering Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Cost-share grants are also available for planning, research and educational initiatives related to the preservation of Route 66. The funding and technical assistance provided by the program empowers and leverages the public to preserve and commemorate the special places and stories of this important era of American history.

The cost-share grant program is established for Fiscal Year 2024 only and is subject to revision or cancellation based on annual congressional or programmatic appropriations and priorities.

The projects and activities will be individually authorized by separate awards, with each project or activity having a separate work plan and budget developed cooperatively between the NPS and the grantee.

Section B: Federal Award Information

Estimated Total Funding: (minimum $80,000 - maximum $120,000) The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined once final fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations have been made. This NOFO will be cancelled if FY 2024 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Expected Award Amount:

An estimated range of $5,000 To $30,000 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.

Anticipated Award Date:

Projects receiving funding through this NOFO will start once funding has been secured and grant agreements are in place.

Anticipated Term of the Agreement: September 15, 2024 – December 31, 2025 Agreement terms for funded projects can range between one and five years, depending on the negotiated project statement of work. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded: 10 Each activity or project under this agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

Funding Instrument Type:

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 into 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.

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Grants.gov Checkbox Selections:

00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments 04 – Special district governments 05 – Independent school districts 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 07 – Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 08 – Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities 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 that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 20 – Private institutions of higher education 21 – Individuals 22 – For profit organization other than small businesses 23 – Small businesses 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) 99 – Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above)

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

In accordance with Public Law 106-45 non-Federal cost share or cost match in the amount of 50% or 1:1 ratio is required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. The non-Federal entity must be willing to contribute at least 50% or 1:1 of the total project cost from non-Federal sources as 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 (reference section D, Application and Submission Information) and Detailed Budget submitted by the applicant.

Criteria for considering voluntary committed cost share and cost match contributions above the minimum amount required, will be considered in the evaluation of applications in accordance with Section E. Application Review Information.

3. Other Other applicant eligibility criteria include the following. If you have questions about project eligibility, contact the program officer at kaisa_barthuli@nps.gov.

1) Construction Projects - Preservation, Restoration, and Rehabilitation

The preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of transportation-related historic properties on Route 66 are eligible project activities. Properties must have been in service and have had a clear and direct association with Route 66 during its 1926-1985 period of national significance; be on, or within view of a Route 66 road alignment; be in their original location; and retain historical and architectural integrity. Properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state register, or that have been determined eligible for a register by your State Historic Preservation Office, will receive priority consideration.

Examples of eligible transportation-related property types include:

· Gas stations, automotive repair shops, and other automobile-related businesses

· Restaurants and cafes

· Motels, hotels, and campgrounds

· Curio shops, tourist trading posts, tourism-related attractions

· Original road pavement and associated road features (e.g., bridges, culverts)

Other potentially eligible property types, though of lesser priority are:

· Transportation-related properties that date to the 1926-1985 period of significance but are not listed on or determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

· Properties that did not directly serve the traveler but were used by travelers or impacted the traveling experience such as theaters, public buildings, and landscape features. These properties must date to the 1926-1985 period of significance and have a well- documented, clear, significant and direct association with Route 66.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to repair, rehabilitation, or restoration of:

· Doors and windows

· Light fixtures

· Historic neon, signs (in historic location)

· Bridges

· Historic roadbed

· Roofs

· Floors

· Foundations

· Structural elements

· Plumbing, electrical, HVAC

Important: Project plans and drawings prepared by a registered historical architect or other qualified professional must be included in all substantial preservation, rehabilitation and restoration projects, or, the development of such plans must be part of the project proposal. All work must conform to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties; requirements for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act review; Occupational Health and Safety Administration Standards; and all applicable local/state building codes.

Property owners must commit to providing care and protection for the properties to the best of their ability for no less than 10 years after the project is completed (see Property Maintenance and Protection Agreement for more information.)

Ineligible activities include but are not limited to:

· Acquisition of property or museum objects

· New construction (e.g., building additions, entrance gates)

· Reconstruction of non-extant buildings, structures, or significant features

· Demolition of historic buildings or historically significant building additions

· Standard maintenance of roadbed or parking lots, including new asphalt overlays, or widening (exception: historic concrete pavement repair/restoration)

· Fabrication/installation of new signs or murals

· Replica gas pumps

· Furnishings (carpet, beds, chairs, desks, museum display cases/fixtures, etc.)

· Landscaping

· General property maintenance (e.g., painting, mowing, site cleanup)

· Operating costs (e.g., insurance, utility bills)

· Restoration of rolling stock (trains, semi-trucks, other vehicles)

· Production of tourism brochures and/or materials

· Events, festivals

· Projects or project phases that have already been completed

· Fundraising

Non-Construction Projects – Planning, Research, Interpretive, or Educational

Planning, research, interpretive or educational outreach projects are eligible project activities. Examples of eligible activities include:

· Project Planning and Architectural Drawings for preservation, rehabilitation or restoration of eligible historic properties. Plans and drawings must be prepared by a registered historical architect or related professional and comply with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

· Preparation of National Register Nominations prepare by qualified person.

· Historic Structures Reports prepared by a historical architect or related professional and which follow guidelines established in Preservation Brief 43, Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports: www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/43-historic-structure-reports.htm.

· Building, Road and/or Archeological Surveys by local, state, and tribal governments that identify and describe historic properties within an area or region along Route 66, and assess the significance, cultural value, condition and/or threats to the properties.

· Road Alignment or Pavement Preservation Plans prepared by local, state, and tribal governments.

· Local Corridor Preservation Management Plans prepared by local, state, and tribal governments

· Planning and Development of Research, Oral Histories, Interpretive or Educational Activities that directly advance the understanding and preservation of Route 66, are broadly accessible, appeal to a broad cross-section of the general public, and will have a demonstrable long-term impact

Other Information:

Applicants selected to receive grants will be required to (unless exempt under 2 CFR §25.110):

(a) Provide a valid unique entity identifier (a UEI number);

(b) Be registered in SAM;

(c) Be registered in ASAP;

(d) Be registered in GrantSolutions;

(d) Continue to maintain active SAM and ASAP registrations 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.

Registration processes for UEI and SAM can be found at https://www.sam.gov Registration processes for ASAP can be found at https://www.asap.gov Registration processes for GrantSolutions can be found at https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/

Additional guidance will be provided upon award.

A financial assistance agreement will not be made with a grantee until the grantee has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier, SAM and ASAP requirements. If a grantee has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that an agreement is ready for award, a determination may be made that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award. That determination may be used as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Excluded Parties:

NPS conducts 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.”

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package A complete application package is described in this Section and has been included within this NOFO for your convenience, in Appendix A. The application package contains both mandatory standard forms (SF) and various optional templates that may be used to satisfy other stated application requirements. The application package can also be accessed and downloaded from the Related Documents tab on the Synopsis page of this announcement in Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this NOFO.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH GRANTS.GOV. SUBMISSION INFORMATION IS POSTED IN SECTION 7 (OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS), BELOW.

· Application Package must also include:

· Application Cover Sheet

· Signed SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (required)

· Completed SF-424A or SF-424C – Budget Information (Non Construction or Construction Programs) (required)

· Budget Justification to Support the SF-424A or SF-424C (required)

· Signed SF-424B (Non-Construction Programs) or SF-424D (Construction Programs) – Assurances (required)

· Project Proposal, see Section D.2, Section E and Appendix A Cost Share Grant Guidelines and Application. (required)

· Attachments (required):

· Letters of Recommendation

· Project Graphics and Maps (if applicable)

· State/National Register of Historic Places Nomination Forms (if applicable)

· Signed Property Maintenance and Protection Agreement, see Appendix A Cost Share Grant Guidelines and Application (if applicable – for construction preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation] projects only)

· Signed Laws and Standards Agreement, see Appendix A Cost Share Grant Guidelines and Application (if applicable – for construction [preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation] projects only)

2. Contents and Form of Application Submission You must complete the mandatory standard forms and any applicable optional forms, in accordance with the instructions below, as required by this NOFO. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. A complete application should include:

Mandatory Requirements:

· Standard Form 424 (SF 424) - Application for Federal Assistance. Complete this form as much as possible with all applicable information.

· Standard Form 424A or C (SF 424A/C) - Budget Information. Applicants must provide an estimated cumulative budget for the total project in the proposal. The estimated budget must align with the projected scope of work presented in the application.

· Standard Form 424B or D (SF 424B/D) – Assurances This form must be signed and submitted with your application.

· Statement of Project Need, Purpose, Goals, and Potential Public Benefit - Proposal Submission Format State the demonstrated need and purpose of the proposed project; the benefit or contribution the project will make to the overall goal of preserving or commemorating the history of Route 66; and how the project will achieve this. What is the intended use of the property or project results? Will the completed project be accessible long-term to the public? Will it benefit the local economy? If so, state how. Include business plans, if applicable. Response not to exceed 1,200 words

· History and Description of Historic Property (If applicable) - Proposal Submission Format

Describe the property’s history including construction, ownership, and use, providing dates whenever possible. Describe how the property’s original historic appearance has changed over time over time (additions, alterations, etc.) Provide description of current ownership, use, and condition of property. Response not to exceed 1,200 words.

· Significance of Historic Property (If applicable) - Proposal Submission Format

Is the property listed on a state historic register, the National Register of Historic Places, or determined eligible for listing on a historic register by a State Historic Preservation Office? If so, please provide a copy of the register nomination form, or a written determination of eligibility from the State Historic Preservation Office. If not, please describe the length of association and significance of the property to the historic period of Route 66 (1926-1985). Response not to exceed 600 words.

· Project Description and Budget - Proposal Submission Format

The proposal description should specifically address each of the review criteria (see Section E). The project description is comprised of two parts, see below. Only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

· Part One: Provide a clear, concise description of the specific work to be accomplished, including design and/or construction documents. If specific plans have not been developed, explain your plan for having them developed. Page allotment for response will depend on the scope and complexity of the project. Written response should not exceed 7,000 words total. Font size no smaller than size 11 with 1-inch margins. Drawings and other materials may be attached.

· Part Two: Develop a Task Timeline and Budget table, using the headings below. List and describe each individual task to be performed including the timeframe for implementation, cost, and funding source for each task. The task descriptions should be sufficiently detailed to give a clear understanding of the general flow of work necessary to complete the project. At the end of the table, tally total NPS, cash, and in-kind contributions, as well as total project cost.

Note: Timeline should include 45 days for Section 106 review for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation projects.

Please use the following headings for developing the table (additional headings may be included as needed):

Task Description Task Timeline

Task Budget

NPS

Contribution ($ amount) Applicant Cash Contribution ($ amount) Applicant In-Kind Contribution (Service/Item Description) Source of Cash or In-Kind Contribution

· Indirect Costs - If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs may have those costs disallowed.

· Project Completion and Ongoing Project Maintenance - Proposal Submission Format

What financial and other plans exist for the maintenance and continued support of the project results? If the proposed project is part of a multi-phase or long-term project, explain how and when the additional phases will be financed and completed. Response not to exceed 600 words.

· Project Team - Proposal Submission Format

Please provide information on each member of the Project Team, including contractors and subcontractors. Describe the role and qualifications of each member, including a brief profile, or attach resumes if applicable. Response not to exceed 1,200 words, plus resume attachments.

· Funding Considerations Attachments - Proposal Submission Format

Applicants must demonstrate how the required minimum 1:1 match will be provided. Non-federal funds and/or in-kind contributions (e.g., donated services, materials, and equipment) may be used to meet this requirement. Please list all sponsors, donors, etc., here and/or in Section #4, Task Budget. Response not to exceed 600 words.

· Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation (for example, community members/leaders; Chambers of Commerce; Scenic Byway programs; Route 66 associations; historical societies; nonprofit organizations; State Historic Preservation Office; and/or state/federal legislators) that show substantial federal, state, regional, and/or community support and endorsement of the project.

· Project Graphics (if applicable):

Labeled photographs (digital printouts and/or color photocopies):

- historic images of property, if available

- current images of property

- current images of property showing details of existing conditions

· Map showing property location and physical address.

· Drawings of existing conditions and work proposed, prepared by a registered historical architect or other related professional. If drawings have not yet been created, their production may be included as part of the project proposal.

· State or National Register of Historic Places nomination forms, or statement of eligibility from State Historic Preservation Office (if applicable).

· Property Protection and Maintenance Agreement – see Appendix A Cost Share Grant Guidelines and Application (if applicable)

· Laws and Standards Agreement – see Appendix A Cost Share Grant Guidelines and Application (if applicable).

· Application Cover Sheet – see Appendix A Cost Share Grant Guidelines and Application

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)

Optional Requirements:

· 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.

Applicability.

· 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.

· 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.

Notification.

· 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.

· 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.

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 31 USC §1352.

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.

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 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 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 regard 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”.

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)

3. 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 replaces 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).

· 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. 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. 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.

4. Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service. Applications must be received by April 19, 2024, 5:00 PM MST. 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.

5. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order (EO) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Applicants subject to EO 12372 must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State’s process. The names and addresses of the SPOC’s are listed in the OMB’s home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/

6. Funding Restrictions Costs incurred by the applicant prior to the start date of the period of performance of a signed Federal award are only allowable with written approval by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

7. Other Submission Requirements Applications must be sent electronically to: nofo-imr@nps.gov. Submissions outside of this email address will not be accepted. While multiple files may be submitted, individual files that exceed 25 megabytes of data will not be accepted through the email submission inbox.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact: Kaisa Barthuli at 505-988-6701 or Kaisa_barthuli@nps.gov

START THIS PROCESS EARLY DON’T DELAY!

Section E: Application Review Information

1. 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, in accordance with section D.2., of the following criteria elements. It is HIGHLY recommended that the project narrative has sections labeled by criterion.

FOR PRESERVATION, REHABILITATION, OR RESTORATION PROJECTS ONLY (CONSTRUCTION):

Criterion 1

Statement of Project Need, Purpose, Goals, and Potential Public Benefit

Were the need, purpose, and goals of the proposed project clearly stated and well-justified? Will the project results substantially benefit the preservation, understanding, and/or enjoyment of Route 66? Will the completed project be accessible to the public? Will the project results benefit the local economy?

Criterion 2

History and Description of Historic Property

Are the construction history, historic/present use, and ownership of the property adequately described? Does the property retain substantial historic integrity, including appearance, design, and materials?

Criterion 3

Significance of Historic Property

Is the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NR), determined eligible for listing on the NR by a State Historic Preservation Office, or listed on a state historic register? Did the property directly serve a transportation or traveler-related function during the historic period (1926-1985)?

Criterion 4

Project Description

Does the project meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties? Is the overall project a good model of preservation? Is there a demonstrated degree of physical damage or deterioration of the property, and demonstrable threats to its stability, integrity, or existence? Is the overall strategy, methodology, and approach well-reasoned and appropriate, and meet grant eligibility requirements? Are the members of the Project Team, including contractors and subcontractors, qualified for their project positions?

Criterion 5

Project Completion and Ongoing Maintenance (Risk Evaluation)

Does the proposal instill a high level of confidence that the project will be completed as proposed in a timely, professional manner? Is there strong support/capacity to sustain the project results into the future? If the proposal is for one phase of a multi-phased project, is there a solid, long-term plan to complete additional phases once the current phase is completed? Assess low, medium, high risk according to responses.

Criterion 6

Criterion 7

FOR PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS ONLY:

Criterion 1

Statement of Project Need, Purpose, Goals, and Potential Public Benefit

Were the purpose and goals of the proposed project clearly stated and well-justified? Is the proposed project a high priority for Route 66? Does the project address an important gap of information, or critical need on Route 66? Will the project results be accessible to the public, and/or have long-term impact? Will the project results benefit a wide cross-section of the public?

Criterion 2

Project Description

Is the overall strategy, methodology, and approach well-reasoned and appropriate? Are the members of the Project Team, including contractors and subcontractors, qualified for their project positions?

Criterion 3

Project Completion and Ongoing Maintenance (Risk Evaluation)

Does the proposal instill a high level of confidence that the project will be completed as proposed in a timely, professional manner? Is there strong support/capacity to sustain the project results into the future? If the proposal is for one phase of a multi-phased project, is there a solid, long-term plan to complete additional phases once the current phase is completed? Assess low, medium, high risk according to responses.

Criterion 4

Criterion 5

2. 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 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 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 recommendations, geographic distribution of proposed projects, leveraging of Federal funding, project addresses a critical resource or need, diversity of project partners, leveraging of programmatic resources, etc.), 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 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.

3. CFR – Regulatory Information See the National Park Service’s Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards. The Service will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

Evaluation of Applicant Risk In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.205, applications selected for funding will be subject to a pre-award risk assessment which may include a review of information contained within the applicant’s proposal, past audits, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and/or past performance on previous Federal financial assistance awards. 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. § 200.207, being incorporated into the final award.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Estimated date of Federal Award: September 15, 2024 or sooner.

Estimated date notifying successful and unsuccessful applicants: May 30, 2024.

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive a notification of the selection of their application for funding. NPS estimates it will notify the applicant selected for award by May 30, 2024. A notice of selection is not an authorization to begin performance on an agreement. This notice will detail the next steps in the awarding process. Once all clearances and reviews have been conducted, a grant agreement will be sent for signature.

Work cannot begin before the non-Federal entity receives a fully executed copy of the grant agreement which contains the signature of the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. Any pre-award costs incurred prior to the receipt of a signed agreement or written notice signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer authorizing pre-award costs, is at the applicant’s own risk. A signed grant agreement signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer is the only authorizing document to begin performance.

Organizations whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards.

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.

3. Reporting

a. Financial Reports: All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than 120 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. The only exception to the interim financial reporting requirement is if the recipient is required to use the SF 270/271 to request payment and requests payment at least once annually through the entire award period of performance. We will describe all financial reporting requirements in the Notice of Award.

b. Performance Reports: Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. Final reports are due no later than 120 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

c. Real Property Reports: Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period. The Bureau will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, in the Notice of Award when applicable.

d. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Recipients must notify the program immediately in writing of any conflict of interest that arise during the life of their Federal award, including those reported to them by any subrecipient under the award. Recipients must notify the program in writing if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may have been involved in the review and selection of the award. The term employee means any individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award. Recipients may not have a former Federal employee as a key project official, or in any other substantial role related to their award, whose participation put them out of compliance with the legal authorities addressing post-Government employment restrictions. See the U.S. Office of Government Ethics website for more information on these restrictions. The Service will examine each conflict-of-interest disclosure based on its particular facts and the nature of the project and will determine if a significant potential conflict exists. If it does, the Service will work with the recipient to determine an appropriate resolution. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.339 Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of the award.

e. Other Mandatory Disclosures: The Non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal…