PKG00250847-instructions.docx

Texas Coastal Refuges Hurricane Harvey Invasive Species Recovery

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: F19AS00209 Federal Program: Department of the Interior (DOI), United States (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Anahuac, Attwater, McFaddin, Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges (NWR), and the Texas Mid-Coast Refuge Complex.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.654 Authorizing Legislation: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 2901-2911); Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742(a)-754); Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k(4)); National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd); Youth Conservation Corps Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1701-1706); Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa-47011); The National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-57); National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-327); Public Lands Corps Act of 1993, as amended 2005 (16 U.S.C. 1721-1726, P.L. 109-154) Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program-specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100 (Expiration Date: 7/31/2021) I. Program Description: As part of the Service’s commitment to maintaining the public trust and taking care of Federal lands under the Service’s care, is the responsibility to maintain those lands in as natural or historically natural state as possible. In part, this is accomplished by controlling invasive species (IS) of plants and animals that move into a new area, which improves visitor experience by ensuring that visitors are able to observe native species in a functional native ecosystem. Due to the extensive flooding that occurred following the landfall of Hurricane Harvey, many of the Texas coastal refuges saw the rapid increase in the numbers and types of invasive plants establishing footholds throughout the refuges. This purpose of this cooperative agreement is to work with the American Conservation Experience (ACE) to provide onsite student training on invasive plant and animals through multiple internships and work crews throughout the Texas Coastal NWRs.

This award will provide support 5 refuges/complexes, with each having different personnel requirements and timelines as described below. Some teams may be able to move between different requirements as well. The initial plan is to support each refuge with the following personnel and equipment as listed:

A. Anahuac NWR Complex:

1. A 6 person work crew on station for 6 weeks from April-June in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The 2019 dates will be determined once this agreement is finalized based upon available resources.

2. One crew member must have a spraying license for chemical application.

3. Provide ATVs or UTVs for use around the Complex by work crews.

B. Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR:

1. Multiple internships of varying length of tour (26 or 52 week) beginning in 2019, ending in mid-2022. Preliminary schedule is in the attached chart. Report dates will be coordinated with the Refuge Biology Team.

2. A 6-8 person work crew on station for 2 weeks each Fall of 2020, 2021, and 2022.

C. McFaddin NWR:

A 6-8 person work crew on station for 6 weeks from April-May in 2020 and 2021. Crew report time for 2019 will be determined once this agreement is finalized and may be shifted to 2022 if crews are unavailable or the potential removal season is passed in 2019.

D. Texas Mid-Coast NWR Complex:

1. Three 12 week Interns in the Fall of 2019, 2020, and 2021;

2. Three 26 week Internships beginning in the Spring of 2020 and 2021;

3. A 6-8 person work crew in late summer 2019 for 8 weeks. Complex will provide kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft for use by these interns/crews. Training to be conducted on site by the Region 2 watercraft Safety Instructor.

E. Texas Point NWR:

A 6-8 person work crew on station for 10 weeks beginning in the spring of 2020, 2021, and 2022. A crew in 2019 may be requested if it would be possible to utilize the crew based on agreement completion date.

Proposed timelines are attached below:

II. Federal Award Information:

This is a single-source award for ACE. The period of performance for projects under this program is 4 years. Funding amounts for each refuge/complex will vary each year, with the expectation that all funding will be obligated with the initial agreement. Projects will be performed on the refuges listed in the project description only. Service staff on individual NWRs will be substantially involved with: 1) planning the projects; 2) developing the appropriate control/ management/restoration activities with personnel; 3) providing oversight for work crews and “real time” feedback and quality assurance/quality control for activities; and 4) NWR staff will be responsible for providing project-specific training to crews and interns (i.e., plant identification).

The Recipient will: 1) provide trained crews and interns and related equipment (e.g., vehicles, chainsaws, personal protective equipment, hand tools, sprayers, etc.) to conduct IS control/ eradication and habitat restoration projects; 2) perform, coordinate, and carry out the proposed project as detailed in the attached timeline; and 3) provide annual financial and performance reports that summarize the results of Invasive Species control/eradication and habitat restoration projects, and include with those reports all raw data from projects (including, but not limited to, spatial data and data on chemical usage). Recipient will be responsible for providing their own equipment and not using federally-funded equipment (unless as otherwise stated at each refuge).

Over the 4 years of this agreement, the Service may contribute up to $1 million. Nothing herein shall be considered as obligating the Service to expend funds or otherwise obligate the Service for the future payment of money in excess of appropriations authorized by law and administratively allocated for the activities associated with this agreement. Amendment(s) to this agreement must be proposed by ACE and shall become effective upon approval by all parties in writing.

III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants:

This Single Source Award is being awarded in accordance with DOI Policy 505 DM 2.14 B(4) Unique Qualifications: The recipient, ACE, has a great deal of expertise in conducting IS control/eradication measures using integrated pest management (IPM) practices. ACE is headquartered Flagstaff, Arizona, and is able to devote a large number of individuals to meet the objectives of the aforementioned projects in a cost-efficient manner.

ACE has trained pesticide applicators, trained ATV/UTV operators, and sawyers to accomplish IS control/eradication projects on NWRs. ACE is a local partner, familiar with the southwestern environment. They have the resources and internal capacity to maintain scheduling flexibility and to respond to project needs on short notice. Their proximity to the project sites, cost efficiency, proven quality of work, flexible availability, expertise, and long-standing track record with the Service justifies a single-source award to ACE.

U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organizations with 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Status (IRS) must provide a copy of their Section 501(c)(3) status determination letter received from the IRS.

Federal law mandates that all entities applying for Federal financial assistance must have a valid Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and have a current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). See Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 25 for more information. Exemptions: The SAM registration requirement does not apply to individuals submitting an application on their own behalf and not on behalf of a company or other for-profit entity, state, local or Tribal government, academia or other type of organization.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching: Recipient may attribute some or all of their volunteers as an in-kind match and must meet cost-sharing requirements as stated in their signed NICRA.

C. Other Eligibility Criteria Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name) or any entity with an exception approved by the Service under 2 CFR 25.110(d). All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. The Service may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Service is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prohibition on Issuing Awards to Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements: Domestic (U.S.) non-Federal entities requiring their employees or contractors to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements that prohibit, or otherwise restrict, such employees or contractors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information are not eligible to compete for or receive a Federal award. See Pub. L. 113-235, Title VII, Division E, Section 743 for more information.

Excluded Parties: The Service conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Service cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

IV. Application Requirements A. Requesting Paper Application Package Applicants may visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html in order to obtain the paper forms as well as the instructions in the grant application package.

B. Application Form and Content Requirements Applicants must submit the following:

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box, and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

2. SF 424, Assurances Applicants must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. Complete either the SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424D, Assurances for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. The SF-424 Assurances forms include a statement that some of the assurances may not be applicable to your organization and/or your project or program. Signing the required SF-424 Assurances form does not make you or your organization subject to laws that are otherwise not applicable to you or your organization. Changing, crossing out, or making notations on the form before signing has no impact on the applicability of law.

3. Project Narrative Statement of Need:

a. Statement of Need: Invasive species are recognized as one of the highest threats to wildlife and their habitats. NWRs and other landscapes are consistently battling IS intusions that threaten native wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend for survival. Refuge managers and biologists have been conducting IS control/eradication projects for decades; however, following Hurricane Harvey and the associated flooding, refuges have lost considerable ground in these efforts due to the rapid deposit of new species seeds and animals as the water flowed through the area. After the Spring/ Summer of 2018 and early 2019, it is now evident that a surge in effort to remove these species is required in order to recover from the environmental damage.

b. Project Goals: The goals of the IS programs are: 1) assist NWRs in detecting IS; 2) assist NWRs in control of new or established IS with IPM; 3) promote and develop partnerships with adjacent landowners, public and private organizations, and other interested parties to conserve, restore, and enhance native plant and wildlife communities through enhanced control and containment of IS over the landscape; and 4) enhance awareness (education) of NWRS IS challenges and solutions to the public

c. Project Activities, Methods, and Timetable: The IS programs work in cooperation with the refuges and partners to manage and mitigate the threat of IS and restore natural areas on refuges. The crew teams and interns will use the IPM approach using manual, mechanical, cultural, and chemical methods to remove IS that are considered threats to refuge biological and cultural resources and priorities. Common treatment methods employed include sawing and stump chemical treatment with a backpack sprayer , mechanical (chainsaw) removal of live and treated trees and shrubs, foliar application of herbicides with backpack sprayers and hand wands, and mechanical (hand pulling) removal of perennial and annual invasive plant species. The IS program will also assist with native vegetation restoration activities along with other tasks which may include, but are not limited to, seed and cuttings collection, planting native vegetation, and brush removal. They will maintain accurate records of all project activities (using GPS/GIS technology), track and record herbicide use and provide/report all raw data to refuge biologist or other designated refuge staff at end of the project prior to leaving the refuge, track and map areas surveyed and areas treated, and provide a final report of activities, including maps and raw spatial data, to the Service Program Officer/Coordinator within 30 days of the end of each project period.

d. Stakeholder Coordination/Involvement: Partners on this project will include other agencies that operate in support of these refuges/complexes, to include Friends Groups, The Nature Conservancy, and numerous other groups that have a focus on wildlife habitat and recovery. Coordination with stakeholders and partners will be the responsibility of the Service.

e. Project Monitoring and Evaluation: The Service’s Invasive Species Strike Teams (ISST) and IS Programs have developed protocols and processes for monitoring and evaluating IS control efficacy, native plant establishment success, and overall percent change in quality wildlife habitat metrics. The Service’s Southwest Region IS programs will implement a standard monitoring and reporting plan for all work under this project. Individual refuge staffs, IS, and ISST Program Coordinators will oversee project progress, monitoring data collections, and reports. The IS and ISST Coordinators have developed a streamlined efficacy evaluation tool that will be used as a pilot methodology to track project progress. Mobile, self-contained crews or interns will collect all field data to the standards provided by the Service and report all work accomplished in a standard format. Results of this evaluation will be shared with all participants in individual projects in order to inform and educate beneficiaries, ACE members, and refuge staff for adaptive management decision making to continuously improve treatment methods. The Recipient is required to provide annual reports to the Service Project Officer.

f. Description of Entities Undertaking the Project: ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America’s public lands. ACE is grounded in the philosophy that cooperative labor on meaningful conservation projects fosters cross-cultural understanding and operates on the belief that challenging volunteer service unites people of all backgrounds in common cause.

ACE has maintained an excellent working relationship with the Service, and many interns from this program have gone on to become full-time staff members at many of our refuges and other offices nationwide. This group is the premier organization for youth volunteer training and post-secondary real-world field training.

4. SF-424, Budget Information Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form. Complete either the SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs or the SF-424C, Budget Information for Construction Programs, as applicable to your project. All of the required application forms are available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles as detailed in the Service’s “Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions”. Please note: Show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this Federal program appears on the first page of this Funding Opportunity.

5. Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source.

6. Indirect Costs: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, do not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget and skip the next section.

7. Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If DOI is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application to the Service, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

· A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, please use one of the statements above or below] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

· A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR 200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

· A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter that might place the recipient, including their employees and subrecipients, in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest include direct or indirect financial interests; close personal relationships; positions of trust in outside organizations; consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization; and decision-making authority related to the proposed project. Conflicts of interest are those circumstances real or perceived that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the applicant, or the applicant’s employees or subrecipients, in matters pertaining to the proposed project. Applicants must notify the Service in writing in their application if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal program receiving this application or who otherwise may be involved in the review and selection of their proposal. The term employee means any individual to be engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award application. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in the rejection or disqualification of the application.

9. Single Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

10. Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

11. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available on the “Packages” tab of this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

12. Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”. If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

13. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

· SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance or Application for Federal Assistance-Individual

· Project Narrative

· SF-424A, Budget Information

· Budget Narrative

· SF-424B, Assurances

· IRS Letter (non-profit status) for 501 (c)(3) status

· Indirect Cost Statement and related documentation (when applicable)

· Conflict of Interest Disclosure (when applicable)

· Single Audit Reporting Statement (when applicable)

· SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (when applicable)

· Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

· Evidence of Comprehensive General Liability Insurance

Failure to provide complete information may cause delays, postponement, or rejection of the application.

V. Submission Requirements A. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration These requirements do not apply to any individual applying for funds as a private citizen or any entity with an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d). All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and provide that number in the application; complete SAM.gov registration before submitting an application; and continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times when the entity has an active Federal award or application under consideration. There is NO COST to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

1. Obtain a DUNS Number Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The official website address is http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

2. Register with SAM Register on the SAM.gov website. The official website address is http://www.sam.gov. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM” webpage also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information. Foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

B. Submission Dates and Times: Thursday, May 16, 2019, by 4 p.m. MDT.

C. Funding Restrictions: Funding restrictions include equipment rentals, construction, and pre-award costs. There will be no foreign travel associated with this agreement.

D. Submission Instructions This program requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Follow these steps to apply through Grants.gov.

1. Register with Grants.gov Applicants must first register an account with Grants.gov and complete all steps of the registration process before they can apply through Grants.gov. Grants.gov registration requires the entity to create an account, create an account profile, and establish authorized profile roles, including the applicant’s authorized representative. Registration can take three to five business days or longer, if you do not complete the required steps in a timely manner.

2. Grants.gov Workspace Application Grants.gov applicants apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement, you can create individual instances of a workspace. To apply, the applicant will create, complete, and submit a Workspace application package for this Funding Opportunity directly on Grants.gov. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to allow time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission. When attaching files to the Grants.gov application, please do not assign file names longer than 20 characters, including spaces. File names longer than 20 characters will prevent your application received by Grants.gov from automatically downloading into the Service’s financial assistance management system. Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that the transmission of the application to Grants.gov takes time. Grants.gov sends either an error message or a “successfully received” message by email to the applicant’s authorized representative once the transmission is complete. Please do not end the transmission process before receiving that message.

3. Proof of Timely Submission Grants.gov automatically generates an electronic date and time stamp in the system upon application receipt. Grants.gov sends an acknowledgement of receipt with the date and time stamp and a unique Grants.gov application tracking number to the authorized representative by email. This email from Grants.gov serves as your proof of timely submission.

VI. Application Review Information A. Criteria:

This Single Source Award is being awarded in accordance with DOI Policy 505 DM 2.14 B(4) Unique Qualifications.

B. Review and Selection Process This Single Source Award is being awarded in accordance with DOI Policy 505 DM 2.14 B(4) Unique Qualifications.

Prior to award, the Service will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the Service may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Service may choose not to fund the selected project.

The Service may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Service is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prior to award, the Service will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR 200.205. Service programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Service’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Service is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Service will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Service uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

VII. Federal Award Administration A. Federal Award Notices Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the Service and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated into the Notice of Award either by direct citation or by reference to the following: Federal regulations; program legislation or regulation; and special award terms and conditions. Recipient acceptance of a Federal award from the Service carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with all terms and conditions applicable to the award. Recipients indicate their acceptance of the Federal award by starting work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means.

B. Award Terms and Conditions See the Service’s “Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards.

C. 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 the Service program. 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 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. The Service 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.

D. Reporting Requirements The Service will include recipient-specific reporting requirements, including the required reports, reporting frequency, and report due dates in all Notices of Award, as applicable.

1. Financial Reports All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. See Service policy 516 FW 1, Monitoring Financial and Performance Reporting for Financial Assistance for more information.

1. Performance Reports Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final performance report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. See Service policy 516 FW 1, Monitoring Financial and Performance Reporting for Financial Assistance for more information.

1. Significant Developments Reports Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates that have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Service 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 the Service 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.

1. Real Property Reports Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period. The Service will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, as applicable.

1. Conflict of Interest Disclosures Recipients must notify the Service immediately in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that arise during the life of their Federal award. Conflicts of interest include any relationship or matter that might place the recipient, including their employees and subrecipients, in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between their responsibilities under the award and any other outside interests. Conflicts of interest include direct or indirect financial interests; close personal relationships; positions of trust in outside organizations; consideration of future employment arrangements with a different organization; and decision-making authority related to the award. Conflicts of interest are those circumstances real or perceived that would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the impartiality of the recipient or the recipients’s employees or subrecipients in matters pertaining to the award. Recipients must notify the Service in writing if any employees, including subrecipient and contractor personnel, are related to, married to, or have a close personal relationship with any Federal employee in the Federal funding program or who otherwise may have been involved in the review and selection of the award. The term employee means any individual engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the Federal award. Failure to disclose and resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Service may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including termination of the award.

1. Other Mandatory Disclosures The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that receive a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII—Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338 Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment.

Insurance and Policy Requirements:

All employees, contractors, or partners have a personal obligation for the proper care, security, and return of government vehicles or property (including ATVs and UTVs) entrusted to them or under their direct control or supervision while carrying out duties outlined in this Cooperative Agreement. Individuals may be held personally liable for any loss, theft, damage, or destruction that results from negligent operation or care. Costs of any loss, theft, damage, or destruction of government property or equipment are reimbursable to the affected agency.

Motor vehicle operators are responsible for:

· Operating motor vehicles in a safe and prudent manner; and exercising a reasonable degree of care, skill, and judgment in the performance of their duties

· Having knowledge of and complying with applicable motor vehicle laws and regulations of Federal, State, and local governments

· Reporting vehicle malfunctions, failures, damages, and accidents to the supervisor, and the responsible official for their respective fleet; in the case of damages and accidents, presenting a written statement of facts surrounding the loss to the Board of Survey

· Accomplishing vehicle repairs, inspection and maintenance as needed

· Providing vehicle data on usage, maintenance, mileage, accidents, repairs, and other information when required

· Refraining from the use of cell phones while the vehicle is in motion

· Ensuring that all vehicle occupants wear safety belts

· Ensuring that all vehicle occupants refrain from the use of tobacco products while in DOl provided vehicles

· Notifying supervisors of any physical condition that may affect their ability to operate the vehicle safely

· Proper training from a Service employee and safety equipment for the use of an ATV/ UTV will be required for all employees, contractors, or partners.

The Recipient, ACE, shall procure and maintain, for the life of this cooperative agreement (under opportunity number F19AS00209) issued in accordance with this Notice of Funding Opportunity, and any extension thereof, liability insurance in a form satisfactory to the Service. The amounts of the insurance shall be not less than as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence and $25,000 property damage. ACE will provide to the Service a certificate of such Comprehensive General Liability Insurance evidencing this insurance coverage. The certificate shall identify the insured, the policy number, and a brief description of services to be performed. Should any of the policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice will be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions.

To the extent authorized by law, neither party will be required to hold the other party harmless from responsibility for damages or other liability arising from this Cooperative Agreement. Instead, each party is responsible for their own acts and their results and is not responsible for the acts of the other party and those results. Each party agrees to assume all risk and liability for itself, its agents or employees, and for any injury to people or property resulting from operations of its agents or employees under this Cooperative Agreement. Each party also agrees to assume risk and liability for any loss, cost damage, or expense resulting from acts, negligence, or the failure to exercise proper precautions of or by itself or its agents to this agreement. If both parties are liable, the degree of each party’s financial responsibility is limited to its degree of culpability. Liability of the Federal Government is governed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.) and liability of the partner is governed by applicable Federal and State laws.

If at any time in the future the Recipient, ACE, has a need to rent a vehicle for one of their employees (due to a government vehicle being unavailable), it becomes the Recipient's (name to be inserted) sole responsibility for any and all liability with the rental car and the rental car agency.

VIII. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

The technical information point of contact is:

John Magera, Refuge Manager Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR PO Box 519 Eagle Lake, Texas 77434 john_magera@fws.gov Ph: 979-234-3021 Fax: 979-234-3278

Attachment A: DOI Award Provisions I. Conflicts of Interest

(a) Applicability.

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by subrecipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

(b) Requirements.

(1) Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could…