P25AS00476_ABPP PPG NOFO revised_25-0324.pdf

Signature Date

National Park Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY2025 ABPP - Preservation Planning Grants

Funding Opportunity Number

P25AS00476

3/24/2025

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Applications Content and Format

Application Documents

All application information is available on Grants.Gov

A full application consists of:

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Criterion 1 - Preservation Goals and Anticipated Outcomes (Maximum Points: 20)

Criterion 2 - FY2025 Programmatic Focus Areas (Maximum Points: 20)

Criterion 3 - Objectives and Activities (Maximum Points: 20)

Criterion 4 - Administration and Implementation (Maximum Points: 20)

Criterion 5 - Partnerships and Engagement (Maximum Points: 20)

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: P25AS00476

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.926

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,198,000

Expected Number of Awards: 15

Award Ceiling: $200,000

Award Floor: $20,000

The amount of funding available per award for this Nofice of Funding Opportunity will be determined as part of the application review process and the amount of funding made available through appropriations by Congress.

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, EDT, 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.

Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, EDT, 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.

U.S. states and local governments may be required under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs to submit their application to their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for review. For more information, see the Intergovernmental Review SPOC List.

OMB Control Number:

Have Questions?

For all questions, please email ABPP_PPG@NPS.Gov https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/office-federal-financial-management/

Executive Summary Administered by the National Park Service through the American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP), Preservation Planning Grants support a variety of projects that contribute to the preservation and interpretation of historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict on American soil by providing financial assistance to eligible applicants based on the outcome of a competitive merit review process. These grants are funded by direct appropriation from the U.S.

Congress and are authorized under 54 U.S.C. § 308102.

Due to the large number of activities that the Preservation Planning Grants may fund, applicants are encouraged to reach out to NPS ABPP directly with any questions about potential project eligibility at abpp_ppg@nps.gov.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Private institutions of higher education

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility

1) Alaska Native corporations

2) Native American tribal-controlled colleges and universities

3) Native Hawaiian Community institutions and Native Hawaiian organizations

Eligible Sites

Eligible project proposals must contribute to the preservation of one or more historic places associated with an armed conflict on American soil. NPS ABPP defines “American soil” as authorized under 54 U.S.C. § 300317, as the 50 States, District of Columbia, U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands), and Freely Associated States (Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau), and “armed conflicts” as periods of collective violence that are characterized by specific events and bounded in time (example: the Battle of Harlem Heights or the Sand Creek massacre), rather than broad cross-cutting themes throughout American history. Historic places associated with armed conflicts may include battlefields or associated sites that fall under one of the following themes:

• Military - sites directly associated with military forces on land or sea.

• Government, Law, Politics, and Diplomacy - sites associated with decision-making, policy creation, political process, and diplomatic relations during periods of armed conflict.

• Intellectual History - sites associated with the publication or propagation of ideas and values that influenced the social, political, economic, and military actions and policies during periods of armed conflict

• Economics of War - sites associated with economic activities that contributed to battle, fighting, or war efforts

• Society - sites associated with home front, civilian conduct during periods of armed conflict

• Transportation - Sites associated with moving people, goods, and information during periods of armed conflict

Eligible Activities

Preservation Planning Grants may not be used for the acquisition of property or services to the direct benefit of the Federal government but may under some circumstances include sites controlled by the Federal government in research and other non-mission oriented (legislated) projects. Applicants working in partnership with units of the Federal government, or including sites under the control of the Federal government in their project proposals, are strongly encouraged to discuss their project's potential eligibility with NPS ABPP's technical point of contact prior to submission (see the Have Questions? section). In some cases, consent of the authorized representative for a Federal unit (example: Park Superintendent), may be required by

NPS ABPP.

Two major types of projects are ineligibile for funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity:

1. Capital Projects, including physical brick and mortar construction, restoration, and hands-on historic preservation at battlefields or associated sites of armed conflict.

2. Land acquisition, including the purchase of a protective instrument (easements) on battlefields or associated sites of armed conflict. However, planning for these activities is not prohibited.

Restrictions and Requirements for Non-U.S. Entities or Projects

• We do not fund countries supporting terrorism subject to U.S. sanctions.

• We do not fund countries under U.S. Treasury sanctions without licenses.

• You must get all required approvals for work outside the U.S. We are not responsible for your compliance with local rules.

• For projects over $500,000, you may need to comply with 2 CFR 175.105(b) before we make an award.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

No https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/ http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-175

Non-Federal cost share is not a requirement of the Preservation Planning Grants program. Any voluntary cost share will not be used as a scoring factor for merit review. However, if an applicant chooses to voluntarily include cost share as part of their proposed project budget, those costs must be accurately identified on all relevant mandatory forms required. Successful applications will have their voluntary cost share included as part of the grant award and all voluntary costs will be subject to Federal financial assistance monitoring standards as identified in 2 CFR Part 200.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

GRANTS.GOV

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• Engagement of a wide-ranging community of preservation partners,

• Helping communities preserve, promote, and protect battlefields and associated sites, and

• Helping communities strive to keep battlefields and associated sites relevant.

• Advancement of scholarship related to battlefields and associated sites on American soil, https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Program Description Historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict are powerful reminders of the shared heritage of all Americans. As an ongoing effort to engage all Americans in the preservation of cultural resources beyond our park boundaries, the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) promotes the preservation and interpretation of these important places. NPS ABPP administers four grant opportunities that provide financial assistance to support community-driven stewardship of battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict. The broadest of these four opportunities is the Preservation Planning Grants program.

Preservation Planning Grants support a variety of projects that contribute to the preservation and interpretation of historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict on American soil.

Awards of financial assistance to eligible applicants are based on the outcome of a competitive merit review process. These grants are funded by direct appropriation from the U.S. Congress and are authorized under 54 U.S.C. § 308102.

Successful applicants typically provide straightforward answers to the Merit Review Criteria, backed by clear and concise supporting documentation, including but not limited to GIS maps, resumes/CVs, charts, graphs, spreadsheets, summary tables, and other relevant information.

These applicants also tend to have a plan for making contact, or have already established contact, with landowners or organizations with an economic or legal interest in the proposed project sites.

NPS ABPP encourages all applicants to consider forming inclusive preservation partnerships with these landowners/organizations as well as descendant communities, Native American Tribes, state and/or tribal historic preservation offices, and other nonprofit organizations that may help guide, or want to actively participate in, the proposed project.

To better support all applicants and encourage them to actively embrace individual differences and accessibility as important components for all proposed projects, NPS ABPP has included specific prompts within the programmatic focus areas for Preservation Planning Grants to help remove barriers to inclusion and engagement and respond to the latest best practices in stewardship and advances in technology.

As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NPS ABPP also encourages projects that promote and expand preservation as well as enhance our understanding of the origins of the United States. This includes applications that address the histories and legacies of those who experienced the armed conflicts that led to American independence (for example, the “Pueblo Revolt”, the American Revolutionary War, or “Nat Turner’s Rebellion”), and that preserve associated historic sites as a living part of community life and development.

Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects

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

Preservation Planning Grants are not infrastructure projects.

Legislative Authority American Battlefield Protection Program - Preservation Assistance (54 U.S.C § 308102) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

Type of Award Projects will be funded through:

Funding Instrument G (Grant)

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Applications Content and Format Pre-Application Requirements

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should review presidential actions found at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ and DOI secretary’s Orders found at:

https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order. By submitting an application in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity, the applicant certifies awareness and compliance with all current and applicable executive and secretary orders.

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

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

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

Required from all applicants

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects

SF-424C: Budget Information – Construction Programs Required for construction projects

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Award purpose,

• Activities to be performed,

• Expected deliverables or outcomes, Required from all applicants https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJim_modrick%40nps.gov%7Cc1ed90901ea74c379b7208dd688a811c%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638781666256156310%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wYGILvSgZJqoZVplUO15WwOHTYop0jgScxVPWMBdbco%3D&reserved=0 https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

• Intended beneficiaries, Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Project Narrative Applicants are encouraged to use the section headings listed below that relate directly to the merit review criteria identified in Application Review section of this Notice of Funding Opportunity. A Merit Review Panel of NPS subject-matter experts will use the merit review criteria in the Application Review Section to score all applications, so it is very important for applicants to relate all information to the criteria prompts.

The Project Narrative is limited to 5 pages, and any text beyond 5 pages will not be used to score an application. Applicants should be concise, and may use bullet points, subheadings, and other formatting techniques to organize their information, but all pages should maintain at least one-inch margins on all sides of the narrative, and at least eleven-point font. Where appropriate, supporting information such as charts, CVs, graphs, GIS maps, resumes, spreadsheets, summary tables, and other relevant information may be referenced in the narrative and provided as an “attachment” to help economize space (example: requesting merit reviewers “see figure 3” in other attachments).

Information referenced in the Project Narrative and provided as an “attachment” should also be concise, typically ranging in size from 1 to 3 pages. However, supporting materials may be longer when relevant information directly responds to merit review criteria prompts (example:

Preservation Plans or recommendations of advisory councils).

The Project Narrative should begin with a brief project summary (1-2 paragraphs) that introduces the project and identifies the historic battlefield(s) or associated site(s) that will be the focus of the proposed project. This project summary is not scored. Applicants should include addresses and/or geographic location information for each site referenced, and include if the property is within a National Historic Landmark or property listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). When available, applicants should include the site(s) NRHP or state reference number ID(s) following the properties official title. The remainder of the narrative should address the merit review criteria included in the Application Review section of this Notice of Funding Opportunity according to the following categories:

1. Preservation Goals and Anticipated Outcomes

2. FY-2025 Focus Areas

3. Objectives and Activities

4. Administration and Implementation

5. Partnerships and Engagement

The Project Narrative must be submitted using the Project Narrative Attachment Form.

Additional instructions and tips for forms may be found in the Attachments section of the package.

Eligible project proposals must focus on the preservation or interpretation of battlefields or associated sites of armed conflict that shaped the origins and/or growth of the United States.

Proposals must describe projects are clearly separated from the regular activities carried out by applicants, 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.

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

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

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

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

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

Detailed Budget Narrative Information and tips for filling out a detailed budget narrative are available as a download from Related Documents.

Other Required Information

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

Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

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

All application information is available on Grants.Gov.

A full application consists of:

1. SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance) (Additional instructions for filling out the SF- 424 forms is included in Related Documents.)

2. SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)

3. SF-424B (Assurance for Non-Construction Programs)

4. 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 will be viewable by the public.

5. SF-LLL (Disclosure of Lobbying Activities), if anticipated award is over $100,000. If your organization does not participate in any lobbying, simply put "N/A" in the appropriate sections.

6. Attachments Form (Please clearly label each document provided under the “attachments” form.)

a. Map(s): Applicants must provide at least one map for each site involved in their proposed project, indicating how it relates to battlefield(s) or associated site(s) of armed conflict. Any areas where proposed work will occur should be highlighted (example:

portions of a battlefield where archeological survey will take place), and any known archeological or historical resources on the site should also be identified.

Additional historic maps can be included for context purposes, but the primary map(s) of the project site(s) must be of modern origin (example: GIS, Google Maps, or topographical maps). All maps must be submitted using the “attachments” form.

Applicants are encouraged to provide an itemized list or table of contents when providing more than one map, combining maps into a single document.

b. Image(s): Applicants must provide at least one image of each proposed project site (after securing property owner permission to take the image if the property is not public space) using the “attachments” form.

c. Property Owner Permissions: Applicants must provide property owner permission letters or a plan for acquiring property owner permission as part of the project as identified in the Project Narrative using the “attachments” form.

d. Related Project Plans and Design Documents: Applicants should provide excerpts from any related project plans or designs (no larger than a couple pages) relating to their project work. Applicants are reminded that the inclusion of a contractor's name or logo may disqualify it from consideration for any contract associated with the project. All plans and designs should be provided using the “attachments” form.

e. Letters of Support: Applicants should provide letters of support from identified project partners and stakeholders using the “attachments” form. Applicants are reminded that stakeholders typically includes landowners or organizations with an economic or legal interest in the proposed project sites.

f. Other Supporting Materials: Applicants should provide any other materials outside of the Project Narrative text to support effective merit review of your proposal. These may include resumes or CVs of key project personnel (2 page maximum per resume); position descriptions, quotes, or statements of work for staff and consultants. Other materials should be provided using the “attachments” form.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov (Grants.Gov) by the deadline identified in this Notice of Funding Opportunity, and no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 03/31/2025

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, EDT, 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.

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

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

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

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

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

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

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

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

Eligibility review will ensure if applications meet requirements for eligible applicants, complete applications, and eligible project types. Failure to meet one of these requirements will remove the application from review. All incomplete and ineligible applicants will be notified of decisions once the review and approval process is complete.

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

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

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

Merit Review

Criterion 1 - Preservation Goals and Anticipated Outcomes (Maximum Points: 20) Applicants should clearly identify the goal(s) and anticipated outcome(s) of the proposed project, and respond to one or more of the following prompts:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205

• Explain how the battlefields(s) or associated site(s) included in the project are important at the local, state, or national level.

• Explain how the project will meet the purpose of this grant program and help preserve or interpret the historic battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Describe how the project fits into a larger strategy, or is the catalyst for the beginning of a larger preservation or interpretation strategy for the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Describe the urgency of a threat that the project will address, including the source, nature, and extent of the threat to the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Justify how this project will contribute to preservation needs that might not otherwise be addressed at the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

Criterion 2 - FY2025 Programmatic Focus Areas (Maximum Points:

20) Applicants should clearly identify how the proposed project will help ensure that battlefield(s) or associated site(s) remain relevant, and respond to one or more of the following prompts:

• Explain how the project will help preserve, promote, or protect the shared cultural heritage of all Americans at the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Explain how the project will explore and/or interpret the narrative of the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Describe how the project will embrace a variety of communities as active participants in the preservation or interpretation of the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Describe how the project will be focused on using the best practices in resource stewardship to help preserve the battlefield(s) or associate site(s).

• Discuss how the project will use the most advanced or relevant technology to improve accessibility and/or remove barriers to access under the Americans with Disabilities Act at the battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

Criterion 3 - Objectives and Activities (Maximum Points: 20) Applicants should clearly identify the objectives and activities of the proposed project, and respond to all the following prompts:

• Explain how specific work tasks are needed to help achieve project objectives and accomplish the goal(s) and anticipated outcome(s) of the project.

• Explain how the specific work tasks are the best method for achieving the objectives, goal(s) and anticipated outcome(s) of the project.

• Justify how the proposed project budget is reasonable and necessary to carry out the specific work tasks associated with the project (applicants may reference their budget narrative for supporting information).

• Justify how the specific work tasks are compatible with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties or how the standards do not apply (ex:

website development).

Criterion 4 - Administration and Implementation (Maximum Points:

20) Applicants should clearly identify all members of the proposed project team, provide a summary work schedule, and respond to all the following prompts:

• Explain each the role and responsibilities for each team member during the project, and their qualifications for carrying out the assigned work (applicants may reference “attachments” such as resumes and CVs to provide additional information).

• Explain if contractors/consultants will be hired as part of the project, how that hiring process will be conducted, and how the contractor(s)/consultant(s) will support the project team.

• Describe any anticipated reviews that will need to be carried out as part of the project, and how the review(s) will be completed.

• Describe any anticipated permissions (example: property owner) that will need to be obtained as part of the project, and how permission(s) will be requested.

• Justify the anticipated period of performance for the project and summarize key dates for the assigned work (applicants may reference “attachments” such as timetables, Gantt charts, and other scheduling tools to provide additional information).

Criterion 5 - Partnerships and Engagement (Maximum Points: 20) Applicants should clearly identify all current or potential project partners, how they will be engaged with the project, and respond to all the following prompts:

• Explain how current or potential project partners are appropriate and will be involved with the project, including how the proposed project will identify and incorporate multiple perspectives.

• Explain if current or potential project partners have a community, economic, legal, or professional interest in the proposed battlefield(s) or associated site(s).

• Describe any anticipated concerns that may be a barrier to current or potential project partner involvement.

• Justify the level of current project partner engagement with letters of support, memorandum of understanding, or other correspondence (applicants may reference “attachments” for supporting documentation).

• Justify the level of potential project partner engagement and discuss how they will be invited to participate in the project (applicants may reference “attachments” or specific tasks outlined in the Project Narrative's objectives and activities).

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.

Review and Selection Process This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

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

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

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

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.

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 eligible proposals. All eligible 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 this NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program goals of the NOFO; and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders. 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. The criteria elements will be scored on a 20 point scale:

20 points Superior 16 Good 12 Satisfactory

8 Marginal 4 Poor 0 Not acceptable

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

20 points Superior: Applicant fully addresses all aspects of the criterion, convincingly demonstrates that it will meet the Government's performance requirements, and demonstrates no weaknesses.

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.

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.

Marginal: Applicant addresses all aspects of the criterion and demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's performance requirements. The Application contains significant weaknesses and/or a significant number of minor weaknesses.

Poor: Applicant addresses some aspects of the criterion and demonstrates some doubt in the likelihood of successfully meting the Government's requirements. Significant weaknesses are demonstrated and clearly outweigh any strength presented.

Not Acceptable: Applicant does not address all aspects of the criterion and the information presented indicates a strong likelihood of failure to meet the Government's requirements.

c. Selection The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors including geographic location and distinct preservation outcome of the project, as well as the amount of funds available to select applications for funding.

d. Budget Review The proposed budget will be reviewed to ensure all costs are necessary, reasonable, allowable and allocable for the activities to be conducted. Costs will also be reviewed to determine cost realism and feasibility relative to the objectives contained within the project narrative. Deficiencies, as well as suggested adjustments, may be noted for discussion purposes if an applicant is selected for award. Although the budget evaluation does not affect the comprehensive merit review criteria noted above, the budget information may be considered as a deciding factor for selection if the budget does not support the technical aspects of the proposal, or if adequate funds are not available to support the proposed effort.

e. 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.

Risk Review Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR

200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

AWARD NOTICES

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

Anticipated Project Start Date: 09/30/2025

Anticipated Project End Date: 09/30/2027

Anticipated Award Date: 6/30/2025

The anticipated award date for this Notice of Funding Opportunity is only an estimate for the public announcement of awards and may be changed based on programmatic requirements.

Federal funds are not released until after a grant agreement has been issued in GrantSolutions, the grants management system used by the NPS. The process for issuing a grant agreement may take anywhere from 30-120 days after the public announcement of awards due to Section 106 consultation, if needed, or specific grant agreement term and condition negotiations. Applicants should keep these variables in mind when developing their specific project timeline and are encouraged to not schedule any grant funded work that may include ground disturbance until January 2026.

Estimated date of notifying successful and unsuccessful applicants: 6/30/2025. Organizations whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible.

Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive a notification of the selection of their application for funding. NPS will notify the applicant selected for award by 6/30/2025. 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 cooperative agreement or grant will be sent for signature.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.206(a) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458

Work cannot begin before the non-Federal entity receives a final copy of the grant 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.

Pre-award costs may be incurred in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.458 and require the prior written approval of the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. A signed grant/cooperative agreement signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer is the only authorizing document to begin performance.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

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

Data Availability

Per theFinancial 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.

NHPA Section 106

Projects funded under this program constitute “undertakings” as defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (54 U.S.C. 306108).

(a) NPS Responsibilities

The NPS encourages Applicants to design projects to avoid Adverse Effects on historic properties and adhere to the appropriate Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.

Upon receipt of applications, the NPS ABPP will fulfill its responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to review proposed activities for their potential effects on historic properties. For eligible activities that NPS determines have potential to cause effect, the NPS will consult with the Applicant, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Federally-recognized Indian tribes, and other appropriate consulting parties. NPS and the SHPO will make best efforts to expedite reviews through a finding of No Adverse Effect when they concur that project plans and specifications or scopes of work can be modified to ensure adherence to the https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions

Standards and avoid, minimize, or mitigate effects on historic properties. Applicants may include costs associated with Section 106 in their proposed budgets if eligible project activities may require identification and evaluation efforts (such as activities involving ground disturbance or other alterations to historic properties). Funding amounts for eligible activities cannot be increased after award under this NOFO. NPS ABPP will not fund costs associated with mitigating Adverse Effects.

(b) Recipient Responsibilities

All grant-funded activities must adhere to the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement…