P26AS00363_SHPO NOFO_2026-0424.pdf

Signature Date

National Park Service

Notice of Funding Opportunity

FY2026 - Historic Preservation Fund- Annual State Historic Preservation Office Grants

Funding Opportunity Number

P26AS00363

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

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

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: P26AS00363

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.904

Estimated Total Program Funding: $62,150,000

Expected Number of Awards: 59

Award Ceiling: $2,200,000

Award Floor: $316,000

The Historic Preservation Fund provides annual formula grants to State (54 U.S.C. 302902) Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) for responsibilities delegated to them by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 302304) based on an approved apportionment formula approved by the Secretary of the Interior (last reviewed and approved 2022). SHPOs fulfill the requirements of NHPA in eight program areas:

nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, Review and Compliance for Federal undertakings, Survey and Inventory, Development (physical preservation), Preservation Planning, working with Certified Local Governments (CLGs) to preserve local resources, and administration of the grant programs and offices of 59 State Offices. In the case of a Continuing Resolution, a partial appropriation may be offered to the States to fund their required federal activities that began on October 1, and a supplemental apportionment offered when the full budget is passed, thus resulting is a range of award floor/ceiling amounts.

Cost Sharing Required?

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

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.

Have Questions?

All questions should be submitted to STLPG@nps.gov.

Executive Summary This funding program supports the operation of State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in the 50 states, 5 territories, 3 Freely Associated States, and District of Columbia within allowable program areas as described in the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq).

Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.

The purposes of this program are to provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, Federal tax incentives available for historic properties, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, distribution of funding to Certified Local Governments, and to assist Federal, State, and Local Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private individuals in carrying out historic preservation activities. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.

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/

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants State governments

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

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

Additional Information on Eligibility In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. 302902 - Grants to States, this funding opportunity is limited to:

State governments, as defined in the National Historic Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq. Further eligible applicants are defined in 54 U.S.C. 302902 - Grants to States; 54 U.S.C.

302908 - Grants to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau; and specifically in 54 U.S.C. 300317 – States. One nonprofit organization, Ohio History Connection, is eligible to apply serving as the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office.

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?

Yes In accordance with 54 U.S.C. 302902(b)(3)(A) Grants to States, a non-Federal cost share in the amount of 40% is required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. The non-Federal entity must provide a cost match minimum of 40% of the total project cost from non-Federal sources as evidenced in the application documentation from the applicant. Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, in-kind contributions, and/or volunteer services. Non-Federal entity cost share or cost match contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A or C and Detailed Budget submitted by the applicant.

Insular areas and some territories are exempt from this requirement.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration 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

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 provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties as defined by the National Historic Preservation Act

Program Description This funding program supports the operation of State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in the 50 states, 5 territories, 3 Freely Associated States, and District of Columbia within allowable program areas described in the National Historic Preservation Act. Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.

The purposes of this program are to provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, review and compliance of Federal undertakings, Federal historic preservation tax incentives, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, distribution of funding to and support of Certified Local Governments, and to assist Federal, State, and Local Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private individuals in carrying out historic preservation activities. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq. (commonly known as the National Historic Preservation Act).

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

Legislative Authority

• 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq., National Historic Preservation Act

• 54 U.S.C. 302902 - Grants to States

• 54 U.S.C. 302908 - Grants to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the

Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau

• Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and

Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, enacted as Public Law 119-74

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 (SO) 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. Furthermore, applicants acknowledge that funding will be restricted for projects that do not align with Administration priorities or do not comport with Administration directives, including the President’s Executive Order (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.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed activities are consistent with the intent and requirements of these directives.

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

Organization Name on SF-424 must match with SAM.gov registration 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 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

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

Required from all applicants.

The SF-424A will serve as the detailed budget narrative along with any other required information in HPFOnline.

Costs should be divided across different categories including Administration, Program, Contracts, and Subgrants. The budget should indicate a minimum pass through of 10% to Certified Local Governments, as required.

SF-424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs Required from all applicants

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,

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

Required from all applicants in HPFOnline.

Project Narrative Organizational Chart and Staffing Summary Statement

• Applicants must fill out the SHPO Staffing Summary in HPFOnline. It can be found in HPFOnline as "Org Chart/Staff Summary" within the Application for 2026 Annual Grant section of the left-hand sidebar. Your org chart can be uploaded on the same page in HPF Online.

• Certification of Qualified Staff and Review Board Statement o Located in HPFOnline under the “HPF Forms” tab (left-hand column) or in grants.gov under the “related documents” tab.

o A blank copy of this statement should be signed, scanned, and uploaded in HPFOnline under Org Chart/Staffing Summary.

• Additionally, States must use HPFOnline to complete Cumulative Products Table Projections and at a minimum, In House activities in the Project Activity Database Report.

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 per 54 U.S.C. 302902.

Administrative costs are defined as: 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.

Your SF-424A will serve as your detailed budget narrative along with any other required information in HPFOnline. They must indicate a minimum pass through of 10% to Certified Local Governments as required. Please divide your costs across the columns under Administration, Program, Contracts, and Subgrants.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/forms.htm 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

State Total Award Match

Required Total Grant

Budget

Total CLG Passthrough

Required

ALABAMA

1,101,411

734,274

1,835,685

110,141

ALASKA

1,395,234

930,156

2,325,390

139,523

ARIZONA

1,229,174

819,450

2,048,624

122,917

ARKANSAS

991,478

660,986

1,652,464

99,147

CALIFORNIA

2,178,979

1,452,653

3,631,632

217,897

COLORADO

1,213,636

809,091

2,022,727

121,363

CONNECTICUT

940,213

626,809

1,567,022

94,021

DELAWARE

668,277

445,518

1,113,795

66,827

FLORIDA

1,551,904

1,034,603

2,586,507

155,190

GEORGIA

1,274,793

849,862

2,124,655

127,479

HAWAII

751,525

501,017

1,252,542

75,152

IDAHO

963,809

642,540

1,606,349

96,380

ILLINOIS

1,497,085

998,057

2,495,142

149,708

INDIANA

1,196,472

797,648

1,994,120

119,647

IOWA

1,071,922

714,615

1,786,537

107,192

KANSAS

1,090,324

726,883

1,817,207

109,032

KENTUCKY

1,069,341

712,894

1,782,235

106,934

LOUISIANA

1,094,775

729,850

1,824,625

109,477

MAINE

877,873

585,249

1,463,122

87,787

MARYLAND

1,060,521

707,014

1,767,535

106,052

MASSACHUSETTS

1,157,066

771,378

1,928,444

115,706

MICHIGAN

1,482,403

988,269

2,470,672

148,240

MINNESOTA

1,238,175

825,450

2,063,625

123,817

MISSISSIPPI

979,581

653,054

1,632,635

97,958

MISSOURI

1,236,513

824,342

2,060,855

123,651

MONTANA

1,024,898

683,266

1,708,164

102,489

NEBRASKA

1,010,330

673,554

1,683,884

101,033

NEVADA

1,037,725

691,817

1,729,542

103,772

NEW HAMPSHIRE

767,662

511,775

1,279,437

76,766

NEW JERSEY

1,212,233

808,156

2,020,389

121,223

NEW MEXICO

1,060,235

706,824

1,767,059

106,023

NEW YORK

1,787,942

1,191,962

2,979,904

178,794

NORTH CAROLINA

1,286,023

857,349

2,143,372

128,602

NORTH DAKOTA

869,584

579,723

1,449,307

86,958

OHIO

1,447,930

965,287

2,413,217

144,793

OKLAHOMA

1,102,117

734,745

1,836,862

110,211

OREGON

1,161,730

774,487

1,936,217

116,173

PENNSYLVANIA

1,514,473

1,009,649

2,524,122

151,447

RHODE ISLAND

704,548

469,699

1,174,247

70,454

SOUTH CAROLINA

1,030,316

686,878

1,717,194

103,031

SOUTH DAKOTA

896,513

597,676

1,494,189

89,651

TENNESSEE

1,155,572

770,382

1,925,954

115,557

TEXAS

1,970,659

1,313,773

3,284,432

197,065

UTAH

1,039,647

693,098

1,732,745

103,964

VERMONT

693,085

462,057

1,155,142

69,308

VIRGINIA

1,222,930

815,287

2,038,217

122,293

WASHINGTON

1,253,080

835,387

2,088,467

125,308

WEST VIRGINIA

880,133

586,756

1,466,889

88,013

WISCONSIN

1,233,612

822,408

2,056,020

123,361

WYOMING

887,396

591,598

1,478,994

88,739

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

627,846

418,564

1,046,410

PUERTO RICO

870,008

580,006

1,450,014

AMERICAN SAMOA

457,295

457,295

GUAM

484,673

484,673

COMMON WEALTH OF THE

NORTHERN MARIANA

ISLANDS

474,239

474,239

VIRGIN ISLANDS

494,453

494,453

FEDERATED STATES OF

MICRONESIA

545,891

545,891

REPUBLIC OF PALAU

316,369

316,369

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL

ISLANDS

316,369

316,369

Total

62,150,000

39,373,825.00

101,523,825

5,756,266

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.

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

Other Required Information Organizational Chart and Staffing Summary Statement This chart shows position titles, vacant positions, and the hierarchy of reporting relationships among and between SHPO staff. The staffing summary can now be done in HPFOnline.

In addition, the chart should identify specific staff who:

• Meet 36 C.F.R. 61 professional qualifications for required historian, architectural historian, and archeologist positions, unless an alternate staffing plan has been approved by the NPS;

• Are funded in full or part with HPF or matching share and the number of full time equivalent (FTE) positions charged to the Federal share and the number of FTEs charged to the matching share; please also identify what percent of funding (Federal or match) is applied towards a particular position and provide a total of staff funded by Federal and match;

• Assigned to each program area (Planning, National Register, Review and Compliance, Survey and Inventory, Tax Credits, Local Government Certification, and Administration);

• Serve as the HPF Grant manager;

• Serve as the statewide CLG coordinator(s); and,

• Coordinate Title VI/Section 504 monitoring (See 10 C.F.R. 1040.5).

Certification of Qualified Staff and Review Board Statement Located in HPFOnline under the “HPF Forms” tab (left-hand column) or in grants.gov under the “related documents” tab.

A blank copy of this statement should be signed, scanned, and uploaded in HPFOnline under Org Chart/Staffing Summary.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package The application package can be found on Grants.gov. Additional materials must be submitted in HPFOnline.

Submission Dates and Times Closing Date for Applications: 06/30/2026

Closing Date Explanation

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

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.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/forms.htm https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

• 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 announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

Qualified federal personnel will review all applications.

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.

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

Merit Review The Historic Preservation Fund provides annual formula grants to State (54 U.S.C. 302902) Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) for responsibilities delegated to them by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 302304) based on an approved apportionment formula approved by the Secretary of the Interior. SHPOs fulfill the requirements of NHPA in eight program areas: nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, Review and Compliance for Federal undertakings, Survey and Inventory, Development (physical preservation), Preservation Planning, working with Certified Local Governments (CLGs) to preserve local resources, and administration of the grant programs and offices of 59 State Offices. Qualified federal personnel will review all applications in accordance with the requirements the NHPA places on these formula grants. These are not competitive awards, and funding is determined by an apportionment formula as detailed in the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual and approved by the Secretary of the Interior.

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.

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 executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, as well as the executive order and Secretary order 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.

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 recipient 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 eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant's SAM.gov records will also be performed per 2 CFR 200.206.

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: 10/01/2025

Anticipated Project End Date: 09/30/2028

Once an application is approved, applicants will receive notification of their award through GrantSolutions.

Any pre-award costs incurred prior to the receipt of a signed agreement or written notice signed by a Financial Assistance Awarding Officer authorizing pre-award costs, is at the applicant’s own risk. A fully executed copy of the grant agreement through Grant Solutions by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer is the only authorizing document to begin performance. Costs are allowable from the start date of the agreement, October 1, 2025, forward.

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.

1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible.

2. Projects funded under this program constitute “undertakings” as defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 306108). Accordingly, after the grant is awarded, the National Park Service will work with the grantee to complete the consultation process for Section 106.

3. Section 110 of the NHPA will apply to National Historic Landmarks.

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/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

4. All section 106 & 110 responsibilities will be conducted in accordance with the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Cultural Resources Grants and Financial Assistance (CRFA PA).

5. All projects will also be reviewed for effects under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).

6. All work will be reviewed to ensure it meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.

7. Any historic property receiving physical preservation (development) assistance through the program will be required to place a preservation covenant/easement/agreement on the property ranging from 5 to 20 years determined by the amount of grant, to protect the federal investment and characteristics which made the property historic.

8. The total of administration and indirect 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 per 54 U.S.C. 302902.

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.

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

Geospatial Data

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

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.

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1966/programmatic-agreement-financial-assistance.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1966/programmatic-agreement-financial-assistance.htm https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2019&path=%2Fprelim%40title43%2Fchapter46&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2019-title43-chapter46&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTQzL2NoYXB0ZXI0Ng%3D%3D%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0My1jaGFwdGVyNDY%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim

• 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.

• 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 annual reporting on minimum federal requirements in the program areas required by the National Historic Preservation Act. These include: nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, Review and Compliance for Federal undertakings, Survey and Inventory, Development (physical preservation), Preservation Planning, working with Certified Local Governments (CLGs) to preserve local resources, and administration of the grant programs and offices. Activity in these areas will be reported quantitatively in Cumulative Products Tables, and qualitatively in the Project Activity Database, both within the HPFOnline digital reporting system.

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.

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