P25AS00496_FY25_AACR_History_NOFO_6.2026.pdf

Signature Date

National Park Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund- African American Civil Rights- History Grants

Funding Opportunity Number

P25AS00496

6/11/2026

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

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

A full application consists of:

Project Images Worksheet

National Register Eligibility Worksheet

Proof of Non-Profit Status, if applicable

Letter of Owner Consent, if applicable

Letters of Support, if applicable

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Criterion 1: Significance - 25 Points

Criterion 2: Need, Urgency, Threat - 25 Points

Criterion 3: Feasibility - 25 Points

Criterion 4: Sustainability - 25 Points

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Data Availability

Reporting

Payments

Program Requirements

Eligible costs

What Is Not Funded

NPS Oversight

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: P25AS00496

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.966

Estimated Total Program Funding: $24,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 45

Award Ceiling: $100,000

Award Floor: $15,000

Cost Sharing Required?

No Closing Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET on the listed application due date.

Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service.

Applications must be received by the date above. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline.

Application preparation time may take several weeks. Start the application process as soon as possible.

Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified after the selection process.

Have Questions?

All questions can be sent to STLPG@nps.gov or our voicemail line at 202-354-2020.

mailto:STLPG@nps.gov

Executive Summary The National Park Service’s (NPS) African American Civil Rights Grant Program (AACR) will document and preserve the sites and stories of the full history of the African American struggle to gain equal rights, from transatlantic slave trade forward. The program funds history and preservation projects using the NPS report, Civil Rights in America, A Framework for Identifying Significant Sites, as a guide in determining the appropriateness of proposed projects and properties. AACR grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), administered by the NPS, and will fund a broad range of history projects including: survey and planning, research and documentation, education, and collection conservation. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal match.

There are separate funding announcements for physical preservation projects and for historical research/documentation projects. Funding announcement P25AS00495 is for physical preservation of historic sites only; P25AS00496 is for history/research/documentation/survey/nomination projects. Please ensure you apply under the correct opportunity number for your project.

FY2025 Public Law 119-4 provides $24,000,000 total for the AACR Grant Program.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

County governments

City or township 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 Eligible applicants are State governments, local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations, as defined by 54 U.S.C. § 300309, 54 U.S.C. § 300313 and 54 U.S.C. § 300314.

Grants are not available for sites or collections owned or leased by the NPS, or in which the NPS holds a property interest.

Cost Sharing Requirement Cost Sharing Required?

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/upload/Civil-Rights-Framework-2018.pdf

No

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRANTS.GOV

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

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

• To document and preserve the sites and stories of the full history of the African American struggle to gain equal rights in America, from transatlantic slave trade forward.

Program Description The National Park Service’s (NPS) African American Civil Rights Grant Program (AACR) will document and preserve the sites and stories of the full history of the African American struggle to gain equal rights, from transatlantic slave trade forward. The program funds history and preservation projects using the NPS report, Civil Rights in America, A Framework for Identifying Significant Sites, as a guide in determining the appropriateness of proposed projects and properties. AACR grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), administered by the NPS, and will fund a broad range of history projects including: survey and planning, research and documentation, education, and collection conservation. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal match.

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

There are separate funding announcements for physical preservation projects and for history/research/documentation projects. Funding announcement P25AS00495 is for physical preservation of historic sites only; P25AS00496 is for history/research/documentation projects Please ensure you apply under the correct opportunity number for your project.

FY2025 Public Law 119-4 provides $24,000,000 total for the AACR Grant Program to include both preservation and history projects.

History Projects

• History projects must range from $15,000 to $100,000 in federal share.

• Eligible costs include survey and planning, research and documentation, education, and collection conservation.

• Successful applications will emphasize innovative strategies, creative projects with measurable results, and include public engagement.

Projects must fit one of the categories listed below. If a project overlaps more than one category, select the dominant category.

1. Survey and Planning

2. Research and Documentation

3. Education

4. Collection Conservation/Digitization

Applicants are encouraged to prioritize projects in support of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday (America250). This may include, but is not limited to, projects that recognize and honor the nation’s founding, history, and cultural heritage.

This program supports the Administration's policies as follows:

This program helps to promote historic sites and events, while also working to expand listings to the National Register of Historic Places. These grant projects support the Administration's policies to restore and honor American history and "focus on the greatness of the achievements of progress of the American people" and "remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage" (Executive Order 14253 – Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History). The program also advances the White House Freedom 250 initiative by preserving historic sites and commemorating individuals who shaped the nation. These grants help celebrate national heritage and ensure that all of America's stories and achievements are preserved for future generations.

Legislative Authority

• 54 USC 300101 et seq. - National Historic Preservation Act

• 54 USC §302904 - Direct grants for the preservation of properties included on the

National Register

• Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 enacted as Public Law

119-4 (FY 2025)

Type of Award Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application 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, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.

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.

A full application consists of:

1. SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance)

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

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

*Note: ALL applicants must fill out the SF-424A and SF-424B, they are mandatory for all grant applications.

4. Project Abstract Summary

5. Attachments Form

Documents 6 through 9 can be found on the “Related Documents” tab within the Grants.gov opportunity, not within Workspace.

6. Project Description Worksheet

7. Budget Justification Worksheet

• Do you have policies and procedures in place that meet the financial management standards in 2 CFR 200.302? NPS may ask for copies of policies if selected for funding.

• Do you have a single audit and was it submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse? If no, do you have another type of audit or other annual financial statement?

• Can you certify that there will be no overlap of Federal Funding?

• Attach a complete set of financial statements including:

o Balance sheet/Statement of Financial Position o Statement of Revenue and Expense/Statement of Activities o Statement of Cash Flow

8. Project Images Worksheet

9. National Register Eligibility Worksheet https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cshannon_l_king%40nps.gov%7C48a7b54ed8f04d27335108dd67e9b62e%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638780975656899405%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rn4C6P1%2FXJvu7%2B0f5Aiws%2FwxCC8Ai2Z6VEzE1Sr9Bdc%3D&reserved=0 https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

10. Indirect Cost Statement (See D6. Funding Restrictions below)

11. Letters of Support (Submit if applicable, see below)

12. Letter of Owner Consent (Submit if applicable, see below)

Materials not specifically requested as part of the application may not be reviewed, nor will attachments take the place of a completed application.

There is no required sequence or naming convention for attaching items to the Attachments Form.

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-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,

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

Required from all applicants

Project Narrative

• Project descriptions must address each of the evaluation criteria separately and applications will be reviewed with the rubric as a guide as part of the merit evaluation process.

• NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the criteria listed in this NOFO.

• Each criterion is limited to 6,000 characters including spaces.

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

• A preferred Project Description Worksheet format is included under the “Related Documents” tab on grants.gov which includes all character limits. Do not flatten your PDF as it will stop the ability to scroll to see text until the character limit.

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).

This program has a mandated cap on indirect costs or approved rate deviation.

Administration costs necessary to complete and administer the program cannot exceed 25% of total cost (primary and subgrants combined). This limitation for the Historic Preservation Fund is by statute, 54 U.S.C. 302902. Lower relative administrative costs will be considered as a competitive factor. Applicants with administrative costs of no more than 5% will receive the highest rating for this portion of the Feasibility rating criteria. Administrative costs are:

Allowable, reasonable, and allocable costs related to the overall management of activities directly related to finance (accounting, auditing, budgeting, contracting), general administrative salaries and wages (grant administration, personnel, property management, equal opportunity) and other “overhead” functions (general legal services, general liability insurance, depreciation on buildings and equipment, etc.) not directly attributable to specific program areas identified in the grant agreement. All administrative costs reported must be absolutely necessary for program implementation, such as the cost items identified in the final grant agreement or items otherwise approved in writing by the NPS Awarding Officer (AO).

• The Budget Justification Worksheet, included under the “Related Documents” tab on grants.gov, fulfills the detailed budget narrative requirement.

• All costs listed in the SF-424A and SF-424C must correspond to the activities in the Project Description and must be outlined in the Budget Justification Worksheet.

However, do not include your cost breakdown as part of the narrative Project Description.

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

• Costs must be broken out into Federal and matching funds by cost center such as personnel, fringe benefits, travel, administrative costs, etc.

• If matching share is included in your budget, list the sources of non-Federal match, as well as if the match is secured or unsecured.

• The following questions must be answered in your budget justification:

▪ Do you have policies and procedures in place that meet the financial management standards in 2 CFR 200.302? NPS may ask for copies of policies if selected for funding.

▪ Do you have a single audit and was it submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse? If no, do you have another type of audit or other annual financial statement?

▪ Attach a complete set of financial statements including:

a. Balance sheet/Statement of Financial Position

b. Statement of Revenue and Expense/Statement of Activities

c. Statement of Cash Flow

• A preferred Budget Justification Worksheet format is included under the “Related Documents” tab on grants.gov.

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures:

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

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

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

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

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

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

Other Required Information Project Images Worksheet

• Provide photos of the potential affected properties or collections

• Photos should be of good quality and show current conditions and immediate threat

• May also be elevations, plans, or other images

• Color or black and white photos are both accepted 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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

• Photographs should clearly show the community/context and the entire historic site/collection involved in the project (outbuildings, district, landscape features, etc.)

• A preferred Project Images Worksheet format is included under the “Related Documents” tab on grants.gov which allows for 19 images to be uploaded in one document

National Register Eligibility Worksheet

• If your project is doing pre-preservation work, your application must respond to the questions and provide information on the current or potential National Register nomination.

• Preferred format is available on grants.gov under the “Related Documents” tab.

• All questions found in the preferred format must be answered.

Proof of Non-Profit Status, if applicable

• If your organization is a non-profit, submit proof of your current non-profit status as part of your application.

Letter of Owner Consent, if applicable

• If your project is doing work to or preparing a National Register nomination for a property and the owner is different from the applicant, then the applicant must include written permission from the owner to complete the project and any applicable easements or covenants with the application.

• The Letter of Owner Consent must be submitted with the application, signed no earlier than 60 days before the application due date, and pertain to and be included with this particular application.

• Previous letters of owner consent will not be accepted.

Letters of Support, if applicable

• Letters of support should only be submitted if defining specific partner involvement, support, or matching funds. All letters must be addressed to: Megan Brown, Chief of State, Tribal, Local, Plans & Grants Division, NPS.

• These letters must be submitted with your application via grants.gov as part of the attachments form. DO NOT mail/send separately.

• Letters received in any other manner may not be considered. This applies to Congressional letters of support as well. A copy must be included with your application.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package All application materials can be found on grants.gov.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 07/14/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET on the listed application due date.

Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service.

Applications must be received by the date above. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline.

Application preparation time may take several weeks. Start the application process as soon as possible.

Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed or considered for award. If it is determined that a proposal was not considered due to lateness, the applicant will be notified after the selection process.

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

• 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 https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

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

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

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

If 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: Significance - 25 Points The resource(s) receiving assistance from the proposed project must have direct significance to African American civil rights and the struggle for equality.

1. Describe the historic resource/collection(s) in the proposed project and the role the resource(s) played in African-American civil rights and the struggle for equality.

2. Identify any current designations at the National, State, Tribal, or local level and if those designations describe the role the resource(s) played in the African-American civil rights and the struggle for equality from the transatlantic slave trade forward.

3. Discuss the current integrity of the resource to include major changes that have been made since the time associated with civil rights.

*If applicable, resources which are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places or not listed for their civil rights association must include a concurrence of eligibility from the State or Tribal Historic Preservation Office (SHPO/ THPO). Concurrence may be in the form of a determination of eligibility by the SHPO/THPO or a completed survey that was reviewed by the

SHPO/THPO.

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

Criterion 2: Need, Urgency, Threat - 25 Points The proposed project must address issues that directly and imminently threaten the resource and fulfill a clear financial need.

1. Describe the need, urgency, and threat the project addresses.

2. Discuss how the project will directly mitigate any threats to materials, stories, property, sites, and/or resources?

3. Discuss how the project is the next logical step towards long-term preservation of the resource(s).

Criterion 3: Feasibility - 25 Points The proposed project must be achievable within 3 years, within a reasonable budget, and be performed with qualified personnel and/or consultants

1. List and describe all tasks and their expected results. If you have a previous or active NPS grant, explain your progress to date and its relationship to the project proposed in this application.

2. Justify the timeline as provided in the Timeline section of the Project Description Worksheet, keeping in mind that award announcements are not expected until approximately 6 months following the application due date.

3. Demonstrate that the costs identified in the Budget Justification Worksheet are necessary, reasonable, and allowable.

4. Demonstrate how you will successfully complete the project within the given time frame (2 years) and with the given resources while meeting all federal requirements and guidelines.

5. Briefly describe what type of professional expertise will be involved in managing and completing the project and their qualifications. Note that prior involvement with consultants may exclude them from working on the project (2CFR200.320).

6. Lower relative administrative costs will be considered as a competitive factor. Applicants with administrative costs of no more than 5% will receive the highest rating for this portion of the Feasibility rating criteria.

7. Cost sharing is not required for this grant but may be considered as a competitive factor.

Criterion 4: Sustainability - 25 Points Proposed projects must develop sustainable long-term preservation of the resource(s).

1. Describe the impacts of the project after completion, including how the information will be shared with the public.

2. Describe the public-private partnerships and community engagement involved in the project.

3. Explain how these partnerships will sustain and continue to support the resources after the grant project is complete.

4. Describe how the products of this project (exhibit, website, interpretive panels, oral history recordings) will be protected, maintained, and accessed by the public. How will this project continue to tell the story of the struggle for African American civil rights from transatlantic slave trade forward?

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.

Qualified federal personnel 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.

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; (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination);

and (5) the proposed project is in compliance with all applicable executive and secretary orders, including the President’s EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing as well as the EO and SO on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. 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.

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 with the following suggested range:

Criterion Scoring Range per Rating

Criterion

Criterion 2 Criterion 3 Criterion

4 Rating

25 25 25 25 Superior 20 20 20 20 Good 15 15 15 15 Satisfactory 10 10 10 10 Marginal 5 5 5 5 Poor

0 0 0 0 Not Acceptable

The scoring of each criterion must be based on the strengths and weaknesses of the application materials. To assist in assigning an appropriate score, the following will be used as guidance:

Rating Descriptive Statement

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.

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

Selection The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors, and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review comments may be provided to the applicant upon request. The Selection Official may determine a project is more suitable for a history or preservation grant despite the opportunity applied for.

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 applicant will be assessed for their level of risk per 2 CFR

200.206. This assessment includes the applicant's financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past award performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential for challenges. If an award will be made, special conditions may be applied to the award corresponding to the assessed risk. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $350,000), a review of the applicant's https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

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.

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: 11/01/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 11/30/2029

Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive notification of the selection of their application for funding. NPS anticipates funding notifications to the applicants selected for award around 6 months following the application deadline. 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.

The non-Federal Entity’s proposal, including all representations of capability, proposed approaches (including those of subgrantees), and other specific undertakings upon which the non-Federal Entity was evaluated (see Section E), also shall form the basis of award.

Accordingly, these are terms and conditions (see below) for which the non-Federal Entity will be held responsible.

Work cannot begin before the non-Federal entity receives a fully executed copy of the grant agreement through Grant Solutions by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. Any pre-award costs incurred prior to the receipt of an executed agreement by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer authorizing pre-award costs, is at the applicant’s own risk.

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

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.

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

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184

As authorized by 2 CFR § 200.340(a)(4), awards made under this announcement may be terminated in part or its entirety by the Federal agency if an award is determined to no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.

Recipients are responsible for monitoring subrecipient compliance with award terms and conditions, including applicable Executive Orders and Secretary Orders.

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

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

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

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

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

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

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per

Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

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

43 CFR 18.100.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR8feb98c2e3e5ad2/section-200.315 https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 requires certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Performance will be regularly evaluated to determine recipient adherence to program goals and Agency and Administration priorities, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and with all current and applicable Executive Orders and Secretary Orders. This will include interim and final reporting on status of the grant project. Reports must outline the status of the project in meeting the required conditions of the grant agreement, including but not limited to consultant selection, compliance review, easement execution, and reporting. Special conditions may be applied to ensure adherence to program goals and agency priorities as necessary. Levels of reporting will be based upon risk level and may include either/both increased financial and/or program reporting.

Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify NPS in writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify NPS in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Other Information Payments Domestic recipients are required to register in and receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP), unless approved for a waiver by NPS.

Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank outside the U.S. are required to receive payment through the U.S. Treasury’s International Treasury Services (ITS) System.

Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer (EFT). NPS will include recipient-specific instructions on how to request payment, including identification of any additional information required and where to submit payment requests, as applicable, in all Notices of Award.

Program Requirements

• Projects funded under this program constitute "undertakings" as defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. § 306108). In Section 106 review, grantees must work with NPS and consulting parties to assess and then seek ways to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse effects to historic properties which may be affected by the project (36 CFR Part 800).

• For projects involving resources that have been designated National Historic Landmarks, Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act requirements apply (54 U.S.C. § 306101) in addition to Section 106, including notification and potential consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/national-historic-preservation-act.htm

• All projects must be reviewed for effects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to make sure that project work does not damage the natural or cultural environment.

• All work must be reviewed to ensure it meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.

• When applicable, NPS compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act will be addressed by the Programmatic Agreement among the National Park Service, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers Regarding Cultural Resources, Grants and Financial Assistance, found here: Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Cultural Resources Grants and Financial Assistance (CRFA PA).

• If you are applying for a grant to do work on a resource you do not own, you must obtain written permission from the owner to both complete grant-assisted work and execute a preservation easement or covenant. The letter of owner consent must: be submitted with the application and signed no earlier than 60 days before the application due date and pertain to and be included with this specific application. You cannot re-use previous letters of owner consent.

• For archaeological surveys, provide plans for curating any artifacts recovered incidentally, including any strategies for outreach and the sharing of survey reports, research, results, etc. These will also require NEPA and NPS review prior to surveying.

• Administration costs plus indirect costs necessary to complete and administer the program cannot exceed 25% of total cost (Federal and matching share combined). This limitation for the Historic Preservation Fund is by statute, 54 USC 302902.

Eligible costs Eligible costs under this award are as described in this Notice, 2 CFR 200, and the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual (HPF Manual).

For this program they also include:

• Survey and Planning;

• Education;

• Research and Documentation;

• Collections Conservation, to include housing and digitization;

• Administrative costs necessary to complete and administer the grant requirements;

• Cost for producing or amending a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places or Tribal Register (if applicable);

• Cost for any required audits or financial requests;

• Costs for public notice of grant opportunity;

• Costs associated with required training or reporting; and

• Any other costs as determined eligible by the NPS in accordance with the OMB circulars, NPS policies, and the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual.

What Is Not Funded

• Acquisition of collections or historic sites;

• Long-term maintenance or curatorial work beyond the grant period;

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/national-environmental-policy-act.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/understanding-the-secretary-s-standards.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/understanding-the-secretary-s-standards.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1966/programmatic-agreement-financial-assistance.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1966/programmatic-agreement-financial-assistance.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/historic-preservation-fund-grant-manual.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/historic-preservation-fund-grant-manual.htm

• Reconstructing historic properties (recreating all or…