PKG00248142-instructions.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Title American Battlefield Protection Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: P19AS00020 Announcement Type: Initial CFDA Number: 15.926

Issue Date: 02/06/2019 Application Due Date: 04/08/2019 Time AM/PM Zone 11:59 PM Pacific

Agency Contact Information Questions and Requests Name ABPP Staff Name ABPP Staff Address 1849 C St NW MS 7228 Address (as applicable) 1849 C St NW MS 7228 Phone 202-354-2037 Phone 202-354-2037 Email abpp@nps.gov Email abpp@nps.gov mailto:abpp@nps.gov

Table of Contents

Section A: Program Description

Section B: Federal Award Information

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Application Package

2. Contents and Form of Application Submission

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Evaluation of Applicant Risk

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

4. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Section H: Other Information:

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF 424, SF 424A, Budget Narrative Attachment, SF 424B, SF-LLL (Lobbying), and the Project Narrative Attachment

Appendix B - NPS Standard and Special Award Terms and Conditions

Section A: Program Description

Federal Agency Name: Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2019 Battlefield Preservation Planning Grants

Funding Opportunity Number: P19AS00020

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.926

Legislative Authority:

54 U.S.C. § 308102

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

Program Background Information and Objectives:

The American Battlefield Protection Program supports the identification, research, evaluation, interpretation, and protection of historic battlefields and associated sites on a national, State, and local level.

Under this Funding Opportunity, grant funds are awarded to Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations.

Projects must relate to planning, interpreting, and protecting sites where historic battles were fought on American soil during the armed conflicts that shaped the growth and development of the United States, in order that present and future generations may learn and gain inspiration from the ground where Americans made their ultimate sacrifice.

Secretary of the Interior Priorities:

This program supports the following priorities of the Secretary of the Interior:

• “Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.”

• “Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resources offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.”

This program supports the priorities listed above by assisting conservation or preservation organizations as well as Federal, State, local, and tribal governments with projects related to local and regional community needs and interests. This program provides financial and technical assistance to Federal, State, tribal, and local governments and community organizations to support projects developed and carried out at the local and regional levels.

Section B: Federal Award Information

Anticipated Federal Funding:

The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined once final FY 2019 appropriations have been made. This NOFO will be cancelled if FY 2019 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Non-Federal Entity Cost Share:

Cost share or matching is not required, nor expected, for this agreement, and will not be used as a factor in the merit review of applications or proposals under this announcement.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded:

Based on prior year data and depending on the number of meritorious applications and availability of appropriated funds, NPS anticipates approximately 20 agreements for FY 2019.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available Per Award:

An estimated range of $10,000.00 to $100,000.00 is anticipated for each award.

The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the merit review process and funding made available through appropriations.

Anticipated Start Date:

Projects receiving funding through this NOFO will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made. Pre-award costs are not allowable unless specified in the written grant agreement.

Anticipated Term of the Agreement:

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to last two years, depending on the negotiated project statement of work. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

Grant Agreement:

A legal instrument of financial assistance between The National Park Service and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6302, 6304:

(1) Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value from the Federal awarding agency to the non-Federal entity to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. § 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal awarding agency’s direct benefit or use;

(2) Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement between the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and the non-Federal entity in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award.

Substantial Involvement:

No substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated.

Other Information:

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards. Applications to renew or supplement existing projects must explain in full the specific, discrete project that can be accomplished within a 24-month period that is an additional part of a larger ongoing project.

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). See Section F for more information.

Section C: Eligibility Information

Application Due Date: April 8, 2019, 11:59 PM PT An applicant's failure to meet any eligibility criterion by the time of the application deadline will result in the application being excluded from consideration. This includes but is not limited to late or incomplete application packages, ineligible sites or activities, and not having an active registration with the System for Awards Management (SAM) - start this process early, don’t delay!

1. Eligible Applicants In accordance with the Battlefield Preservation Assistance provisions of the American Battlefield Protection Program within the National Park Service and Related Programs (54 U.S.C. § 308102), this funding opportunity is limited to:

• State, local, and Native American tribal governments

• Federal agencies

• Other public entities

• Educational organizations

• Non-profit organizations

2. Cost Sharing or Matching Non-Federal cost sharing is not required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO and will not be used as a factor during the merit review of applications or proposals.

3. Other: Eligible Activities Eligible activities must focus on battlefields or associated sites located in the United States. The table below includes examples of activities that are eligible and ineligible for funding. This is not an exhaustive list. Please contact NPS (see section G for contact information) with any questions, or to discuss the eligibility of activities not listed here.

ACTIVITY ELIGIBILE NOT ELIGIBLE

Historical Documentation

• Baseline research on battlefield landscapes, events, and associated sites

• Nominations, updates, and boundary expansions for national and state registers

• Oral histories

• Research with no connection to battlefield preservation

Survey and Inventory • Archeological identification and evaluation following a systematic research design

• Maritime archeological survey

• Large-scale archeological excavation or recovery of artifacts or human remains

• Remote sensing survey

• KOCOA and other military terrain analyses

• Cultural landscape inventories and reports that may harm the battlefield’s integrity

• Metal detector survey or artifact collection without a systematic research design and curation strategy

Artifact Curation • One-time curation fees for artifacts recovered as a result of grant activities

• Artifact processing or analysis for research or interpretation

• Ongoing curation of existing collections

Interpretation and Education

• Interpretive plans and designs

• Educational materials

• Print or digital outreach products

• Public events and programs

• Construction of exhibits, visitor centers, trails, or signage

• Battle reenactments Planning • Management plans

• Strategic plans

• Preservation plans

• Stabilization plans

• Heritage tourism plans

• Feasibility and impact studies

• Any type of bricks and mortar preservation work, construction, or landscape restoration

Advocacy and Support • Public outreach

• Consensus building

• Administrative support

• Press and media outreach

• Fundraising

• Lobbying State or Federal

Representatives

• Payment of rent on properties or land

Land Acquisition • Research, planning, or outreach that is associated with past or future battlefield land acquisition

• Any acquisition of fee simple or interest in land

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Application Package An application package has been included within this NOFO for your convenience, found in Appendix A. The Application Package contains six mandatory forms that must be submitted with your proposal: SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information), Budget Narrative Attachment, SF-424B (Assurances), SF-LLL (Lobbying), and Project Narrative Attachment. The Application Package can also be accessed and downloaded from the Synopsis page of this announcement on Grants.gov. All forms can also be located under the “FORMS” tab, SF-424 Mandatory Family Section on Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting NPS using the information provided in Section G of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

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

Standard Form 424 (SF 424) - Application for Federal Assistance Complete this form with all applicable information, including the person to be contacted on matters involving this application (box f), who may be different from the authorized representative. The authorized representative must sign and certify this form.

Standard Form 424A (SF 424A) - Budget Information The project budget shall include information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all project costs, including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients.

Include the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement).

Budget Narrative – Proposal Submission Format Using the provided headings, write a narrative that addresses the questions and prompts.

When appropriate, explain the amounts for individual direct object class cost categories and related details that may appear to be out of the ordinary. The total of the details you provide for each direct object class category must match the total amounts provided on the SF-424a Section B lines 6.a. – 6.h.

A. Personnel Provide the position description, unit of time, quantity, cost per unit of time and resultant dollar amount for each of the personnel included in the dollar amount in accordance with Section B Line 6.a. of the SF-424a.

B. Fringe Benefits Fringe Benefits: For each position description included above provide the fringe benefits dollar amount in accordance with Section B Line 6.b. of the SF- 424a.

C. Travel Provide the unit of measure, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each of the following travel details in accordance with Section B Line 6.c.

of the SF-424a: Airfare, Lodging, Per Diem, Ground Transportation, Housing Stipend and Transportation Stipend.

D. Equipment (defined in the CFR as over $5k & useful life of more than 1 year) Provide the equipment description, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each category of equipment in accordance with Section B Line 6.d.

of the SF-424a.

E. Supplies Provide the supply description, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each category of supplies in accordance with Section B Line 6.e. of the SF-424a.

F. Contractual Provide the subcontract/sub-award description, unit of time, quantity, cost per unit of time and resultant dollar amount for each subcontract/sub-award in accordance with Section B Line 6.f. of the SF-424a.

G. Construction This section is not applicable due to being an ineligible activity under this funding opportunity.

H. Other Provide the description, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each item in accordance with Section B Line 6.h. of the SF-424a.

I. Indirect Costs Provide the indirect cost rate percentage, type (negotiated or de minimis), associated base (modified total direct costs, total direct costs, personnel and benefits, etc.) and resultant indirect cost amount. If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII, as applicable. If your proposed budget includes a negotiated indirect cost rate, the negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs may have those costs disallowed.

J. Non-Federal Share of Budget (only applicable if cost share is provided) Provide the details of the non-Federal share of the budget including description, source, quantity, cost per unit and resultant dollar amount for each item in accordance with Section A of the SF-424a.

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

Standard Form LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities In accordance with 43 C.F.R. § 18 and 31 U.S.C. § 1352 this form must be completed and signed if the amount of the Federal award is anticipated to exceed $100,000.00.

Project Narrative - Proposal Submission Format Using the provided headings, write a narrative that addresses the questions and prompts listed below (A through E). The proposal text must be no longer than 5 pages, and no smaller than size 11 font. Margins should not be smaller than 0.5 inches, and no larger than 1-inch.

Answers may be concise, but provide enough detail that a reviewer will be able to assess the criteria provided in Section E, paragraph 1 of this Notice of Funding Opportunity. The 5 page limit includes all text and references associated with the proposal. Maps and photographs illustrating site locations and conditions may be attached. Only that information which is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

A. Preservation Opportunity

Summarize the project by identifying the battle or battles involved, the location of the project, and the objectives of the project. Explain what makes this site important to preserve, whether at a local, national, or regional level, why this project is necessary for this site, and how the project will contribute to important preservation needs that might not otherwise be addressed. If applicable, discuss how the project takes a new or unusual approach to identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, and protecting historic battlefields and associated sites, or focuses on a site, conflict, or story that is underrepresented.

B. Objectives and Activities Describe the activities or work tasks needed to accomplish project objectives and explain how they will lead to an intended outcome. Identify all resulting products, such as a final technical report, surveys, maps, GIS, or public outreach materials. Discuss how this project’s proposed methods and activities will follow or advance best preservation practices, including but not limited to meeting any applicable Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation.

C. Administration and Implementation Discuss how the project objectives will be achieved in two years by providing a tentative task schedule, identifying key personnel and their qualifications (CVs/resumes may be attached), and identifying any areas where contractors may be required. Identify any property owner permissions and State, local, tribal or Federal permits that will be required and attach all relevant documentation or plans for obtaining them. List any previously awarded ABPP grants from the last 5 years, and for closed awards, note if and when all project deliverables were submitted.

D. Partnerships and Engagement Identify any appropriate project partners, describe their roles, and attach all letters of support. Partners may include State or Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, community organizations, or local, state, tribal, or Federal government representatives. Discuss how the project will identify and engage with key stakeholders, communities, or audiences. Explain how the proposed partnerships, support, or public engagement strategies will strengthen the project’s preservation objectives.

E. Secretary of the Interior Priorities Explain how this project will 1) advocate or plan for balanced stewardship and use of public lands or foster relationships with organizations that do, and/or 2) expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resources offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

F. Statement of Overlap All applicants must provide a statement to identify whether or not any overlap exists between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal). If no overlap or duplication exists, a sample statement to satisfy this requirement might be:

“[Insert Applicant Name] affirms that no overlap or duplication exists between the proposed project in this application and any other active or anticipated project in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal).”

If any overlap or duplication does exist, applicants must provide a description of the overlap including when the overlapping or duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be overlapping or duplicative of the funding requested from NPS, the applicant must immediately notify the NPS point of contact. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount.

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

(a) Other budget information

(b) Financial capability

(c) Evaluation of risk

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

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant (unless exempt under 2 CFR §25.110) is required to:

(a) Be registered in SAM;

(b) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application (currently a DUNS number);

(c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

Registration processes for SAM can be found at https://www.sam.gov

A financial assistance agreement will not be made with a non-Federal entity until the non- Federal entity has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements.

If a non-Federal entity has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that an agreement is ready for award, a determination may be made that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award. That determination may be used as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

In addition, in order to submit an application through Grants.gov an applicant must have an active SAM registration and register for submission permissions through the Grants.gov website.

Utilize the following link to guide you through this process:

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

4. Submission Dates and Times Applicants are held responsible for their proposals being submitted to the National Park Service.

Applications must be received by Monday, April 8, 11:59 PM Pacific time. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline.

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

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

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/

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

7. Other Submission Requirements Applications must be submitted by grants.gov to the National Park Service by the deadline identified in paragraph D (4) above. Applications submitted by other means or not received by the deadline will not be considered.

https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/

Any issue relating to Grants.gov should be resolved by contacting their help desk by phone at 1- 800-518-4726 or by e-mail at support@grants.gov. Document any issues with the submission process, and notify ABPP if necessary.

START THIS PROCESS EARLY, DON’T DELAY!

mailto:support@grants.gov

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria NPS will evaluate and consider only those applications that separately address each of the merit review criteria. Each applicant is required to provide a detailed narrative, in accordance with section D.2., of the following criteria elements. It is HIGHLY recommended that the project narrative have sections labeled as follows:

Criterion 1 Preservation Opportunity Weight 20% Responses will be evaluated with the following considerations:

• How important is this site to preserve? (This question is not limited to consideration of NRHP significance criteria. Reviewers should evaluate how the application defines importance, which may be at the local, regional, or national level.)

• How well would this project address a significant preservation need that might not otherwise be fulfilled?

• Does this project propose a new or unusual approach to identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, and protecting historic battlefields and associated sites, or focus on a site, conflict, or story that is underrepresented?

Criterion 2 Objectives and Activities Weight 20%

• Are project objectives, activities, and products clearly described in detail?

• How suitable are the proposed activities for meeting the project objectives and intended outcome?

• Are project objectives and activities compatible with the applicable Secretary of the

Interior’s Standards? Will the project otherwise follow or advance best practices in preservation?

• How closely do the project objectives and activities align with the program goal of identifying, researching, evaluating, interpreting, and protecting historic battlefields and associated sites?

• How well do the proposed deliverables support the project objectives and intended outcome?

Criterion 3 Administration and Implementation Weight 20%

• Are budget items described in detail, reasonable, and necessary? Does the proposed budget make sense for a two year project?

• Are the roles and responsibilities of all project personnel (staff and contractors) clearly defined, and are key personnel qualified?

• Does the project have any applicable permissions from property owners and permits from local, State, federal, or tribal governments, or a clear path to obtain those within the project time frame?

• Can the project objectives be accomplished within the timeframe provided?

• Does the applicant demonstrate, through this application and their record of past performance, the ability to ensure administrative and technical grant requirements will be met in a timely manner?

Criterion 4 Partnerships and Engagement Weight 20%

• Has the applicant initiated dialogue with all partners necessary to project success?

• How appropriate are the project partners, and how clear are their roles?

• Is there a viable strategy for engagement with relevant stakeholders, audiences, and/or communities?

• Will these partnerships, support, or stakeholder/community engagement strengthen the project’s preservation objectives?

Criterion 5 Secretary of the Interior Priorities Weight 20%

• How effectively will this project advocate or plan for balanced stewardship and use of public lands or foster relationships with organizations that do?

AND/OR

• How effectively will this project expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, or local communities?

2. Review and Selection Process NPS personnel, and in some cases independent reviewers, will review all proposals. All proposals for funding will be considered using the criteria outlined above. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested.

a. Initial Review Prior to conducting the comprehensive merit review, an initial review will be performed to determine whether: (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied;

and (4) the proposed project is responsive to the program objectives of the NOFO (program determination). If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or objectives of the NOFO, or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Comprehensive Merit Review All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial review will be eligible for the Comprehensive Merit Review. Each criteria element will be scored on a 0-10 point scale:

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

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

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

6 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.

4 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.

2 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.

0 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, and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding.

d. Discussions and Award The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or

(3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

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

Negative information that leads to an applicant being designated as “Medium Risk” or “High Risk” may result in specific conditions, as identified in 2 C.F.R. § 200.207, being incorporated into the final award.

4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Estimated date of Federal Award: September 15, 2019

Estimated date notifying successful and unsuccessful applicants: August 15, 2019

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices Upon being selected for the award, successful applicants will receive a notification of the selection of their application for funding. NPS will notify the applicant selected for award by September 1, 2019. A notice of selection is not an authorization to begin performance on an agreement. This notice will detail the next steps in the awarding process. Once all clearances and reviews have been conducted, a grant agreement will be sent for signature.

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

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

2. Program Requirements 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 American Battlefield Protection Program will fulfill its responsibilities under Section 106 following processes described in its Programmatic Agreement (PA), available at:

https://www.nps.gov/abpp/grants/ABPPNationwidePA_FINALExecuted.pdf.

For eligible activities listed in Stipulation III.A.1 (“Programmatic Exclusions”), NPS shall assume there is no potential to cause effect (No Effect) to historic properties. For eligible activities that NPS determines do not meet the definition of a Programmatic Exclusion, the NPS will consult with the Applicant, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), 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 plans and specifications or scopes of work can be modified to ensure adherence to the Standards and avoid, minimize, or mitigate effects on historic properties.

b. Recipient Responsibilities All grant-funded work or activity must adhere to the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement and NPS-approved scope of work. The Grant Agreement may require the https://www.nps.gov/abpp/grants/ABPPNationwidePA_FINALExecuted.pdf

Recipient to meet any or all of the following conditions, depending on the proposed project activities:

• Ensure that project work will meet, as applicable, the Secretary of the Interior’s

Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation and relevant state standards and guidelines;

• Ensure that work will be carried out by a professional that meets or exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards;

• Submit a research design to the applicable State or Tribal Historic Preservation Office for review at least 30 days prior to commencing activities involving ground disturbance, artifact recovery, or alterations to historic buildings or structures;

• Submit a draft technical report to the applicable State or Tribal Historic Preservation Office and NPS for review;

• Deposit all archeological materials and appropriate field and research materials collected as a result of archeological investigations for permanent curation with a curation facility which meets the requirements in 36 CFR Part 79, Curation of Federally Owned and Administered Archeological Collections, and provide the NPS with a copy of the curation agreement as evidence of its compliance; and

• Comply with the PA’s requirements for the treatment of unanticipated discoveries and human remains (Stipulation XI, “Post-review Discoveries”).

3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

a. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) By accepting Federal financial assistance, the non-Federal entity agrees to abide by the applicable Federal regulations in the expenditure of Federal funds and performance under this program: 2 C.F.R. Part 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements For Federal Awards

b. Standard Award Terms and Conditions Acceptance of a Federal financial assistance award from the Department of the Interior carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of the award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer. All financial assistance awards are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the award document. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable, are listed within Appendix B of this announcement (Contact the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer with any questions regarding the applicability of any terms and conditions).

• 2 C.F.R. Part 175 - Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000

• 2 C.F.R. Parts 182 & 1401 - Government-wide Requirements for a Drug-Free

Workplace

• 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 & 1400 - Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement)

• 43 CFR. 18 - Restrictions on Lobbying http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=63fa3a961cf535c2c8382c1da1d0f279&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=63fa3a961cf535c2c8382c1da1d0f279&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5

c. Order of Precedence Any inconsistency in the agreement shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: (a) Any national policy requirements and administrative management standards; (b) 2 C.F.R. Part 200, in its entirety; (c) requirements of the applicable OMB Circulars and Treasury regulations; (d) special terms and conditions; (e) all agreement sections, documents, exhibits, and attachments; (f) and the non-Federal Entity’s project proposal.

d. Modifications The agreement may be modified by written agreement signed by both the non-Federal entity’s Authorized Representative and the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

Administrative changes (i.e. Financial Assistance Awarding Officer name change, etc.)

which do not change the statement of work, agreement amount, etc., or otherwise affect the non-Federal entity may be signed unilaterally by the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

Additionally, a unilateral modification may be utilized if it should become necessary to impose remedies for non- compliance, suspension or termination of the agreement in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Section 200.338 – 200.342.

All other changes shall be made by means of a bilateral modification to the agreement. No oral statement made by any person, or written statement by any person other than the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer shall be allowed in any manner or degree to modify or otherwise effect the terms of the agreement.

e. Payments All applicants must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM) prior to award under this NOFO. Instructions for registering for SAM are located at http://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM. All applicants must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times while they have an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

All applicants must also be registered with, and willing to process all payments through, the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system.

All non-Federal entities with active NPS financial assistance agreements must be enrolled in ASAP under the appropriate Agency Location Code(s) (ALC) and the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number prior to the award of funds. If a non-Federal has multiple DUNS numbers they must separately enroll within ASAP for each unique DUNS Number and/or Agency. Note that if your entity is currently enrolled in the ASAP system with an agency other than NPS, you must enroll specifically with NPS in order to process payments.

f. Funding Restrictions All funding is contingent upon the availability and appropriation of funds by the United States Congress.

http://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM

g. Cost Principles:

Costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.

h. Pre-award Costs:

Must comply with 2 CFR Part 200.458 and requires written approval from the Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

4. Reporting

a. Financial Status Reports:

A report of expenditures is required as documentation of the financial status of awards according to the official accounting records of the non-Federal entity. The financial information will be reported by completing and submitting the Federal Financial Report (FFR), SF425. At a minimum, financial reports will be required annually and shall be submitted within 90 calendar days after the end of the annual reporting period. The Financial Assistance Awarding Officer may designate a reporting schedule requiring more frequent reporting based on the assessment of risk. The reporting requirements will be defined within the grant agreement. A final FFR shall be submitted no more than 90 calendar days after the end date of the agreement.

The FFR can be downloaded at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/standard_forms/ffr.pdf

The NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer will review the report for patterns of cash expenditures and assess whether performance or financial management problems exist.

Before submitting the FFR to the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer, the non- Federal entity must ensure that the information submitted is accurate, complete, and consistent with the non-Federal entity’s accounting system. The non-Federal entity’s Authorized Certifying Official’s signature on the FFR certifies that the information in the FFR is correct and complete and that all outlays and obligations are for the purposes set forth in the agreement documents, and represents a claim to the Federal Government. Filing a false claim may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

b. Performance Reports:

A report of performance is required as documentation of performance towards the accomplishments of the Federal award and detailing project activity and participant profile information. At a minimum, performance reports will be required annually and shall be submitted within 90 calendar days after the end of the annual reporting period. The Financial Assistance Awarding Officer may designate a reporting schedule requiring more frequent reporting based on the assessment of risk. The reporting requirements will be defined within the grant agreement. A final performance report shall be submitted no more than 90 calendar days after the end date of the agreement.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/standard_forms/ffr.pdf

In accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200 § 200.328, the performance reports shall contain brief information on:

(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the Federal award established for the period. Where the accomplishments of the Federal award can be quantified, a computation of the cost (for example, related to units of accomplishment) may be required if that information will be useful. Where performance trend data and analysis would be informative to the Federal awarding agency program, the Federal awarding agency should include this as a performance reporting requirement;

(2) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and

(3) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

Before submitting the performance report to the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer, the non-Federal entity must ensure that the information submitted is accurate, complete, and consistent with the non-Federal entity’s Federal financial report. Filing false information may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties.

c. Non-Compliance:

Failure to comply with the reporting requirements contained in an agreement may be considered a material non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the award. Non-compliance may result in withholding of future payments, suspension or termination of the agreement, recovery of funds paid under the agreement, and the withholding of future awards. The specific information regarding type, frequency and means of submission of post-Federal award reporting requirements will be contained in the award document.

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Agency Contact Information:

Name: ABPP Staff Address: 1849 C St NW, MS 7228, Washington, DC 20240 Phone: 202-354-2037 E-mail: abpp@nps.gov Fax:

Questions and Requests pertaining to this Notice of Funding Opportunity shall be submitted to:

Name: ABPP Staff Address: 1849 C St NW, MS 7228, Washington, DC 20240 Phone: 202-354-2037 E-mail: abpp@nps.gov Fax:

Section H: Other Information:

1. Program Information

The National Park Service’s (NPS) American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) assists citizens, public and private institutions, and government at all levels in efforts to identify, evaluate, interpret, and protect historic battlefields and sites associated with wars on American soil.

Battlefield Preservation Planning Grants are funded by direct appropriation and administered by the NPS. This competitive grant program provides grants to Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private non-profit organizations. Non-federal matching share is not required, but evidence of partnerships, community commitment, and a project’s contribution to a larger battlefield site preservation strategy are encouraged. Grants will fund a broad range of planning projects including survey and inventory, community engagement and consensus building, and interpretation and education.

General program information is available on the American Battlefield Protection Program website at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/index.htm.

2. Proprietary and Personally Identifiable Information

a. Notice of Potential Disclosure under Freedom of Information Act Applicants should be advised that identifying information regarding all applicants, including applicant names and/or points of contact, may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, whether or not such applicants are selected for negotiation of award. Applicants must identify any proprietary information within their applications.

b. Personally Identifiable Information In responding to this NOFO, applicants must ensure that Protected Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is not included in the following documents: Project Abstract, Project Narrative, Biographical Sketches, Budget or Budget Justification. These documents will be used by the Merit Review Committee in the review process to evaluate each application. PII is defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as:

Any information about an individual maintained by an agency, including but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as their name, social security number, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, biometric records, etc., including any other personal information that is linked or linkable to an individual. This definition of PII can be further defined as: (1) Public PII and (2) Protected PII.

Public PII:

PII found in public sources such as telephone books, public websites, business cards, university listing, etc. Public PII includes first and last name, address, work telephone number, email address, home telephone number, and general education credentials.

Protected PII:

PII that requires enhanced protection. This information includes data that if compromised could cause harm to an individual such as identity theft.

3. Routine Notices to Applicants

a. Modification or Changes to the Notice of Funding Opportunity Notices of any modifications to this NOFO will be posted on Grants.gov. You can receive an email when a modification or an announcement message is posted. When you download the application at Grants.gov; you can also register to receive notifications of changes through Grants.gov.

b. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate NPS reserves the right, without qualification, to reject any or all applications received in response to this announcement and to select any application, in whole or in part, as a basis for negotiation and/or award.

c. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel In conducting the merit review evaluation, the Government may seek the advice of qualified non-Federal personnel as reviewers. The Government may also use non-Federal personnel to conduct routine, nondiscretionary administrative activities. The applicant, by submitting its application, consents to the use of non-Federal reviewers/administrators. Non-Federal reviewers must sign conflict of interest and non-disclosure agreements prior to reviewing an application. Non-Federal personnel conducting administrative activities must sign a nondisclosure agreement.

d. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability NPS reserves the right to conduct an independent third party review of financial capability for applicants that are selected for negotiation of award (including personal credit information of principal(s) of a small business if there is insufficient information to determine financial capability of the organization).

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF 424, SF 424A, Budget Narrative Attachment, SF 424B, SF-LLL (Lobbying), and

Project Narrative Attachment

Appendix B - NPS Standard and Special Award Terms and Conditions

This appendix provides the standard and special terms and conditions for financial assistance agreements awarded by the National Park Service to assist applicants in developing proposals in response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. It is the responsibility of the non-Federal entity to review the final terms and conditions incorporated into any resulting financial assistance agreement at the time of award as the terms and conditions in this appendix are subject to change based on executive orders, changes to regulations, or changes to policy.