PKG00252809-instructions.docx

BLM Funding Opportunity Announcement No. L19AS00XX

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, NV Rangeland Resource Management

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: L19AS00100

Federal Program: 15.237 Rangeland Resource Management

Authorizing Legislation:

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 USC § 1737(b)

Good Neighbor Authority. 16 USC §2113a (b) (1) (A)

Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements (aka The Wyden Amendment), 16 USC 1011, PL 104-208, Section 124, as amended by PL 105-277, Section 136, as amended by PL 108-7, Section 135.

I. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rangeland Management Program administers grazing for more than 155 million acres of public land. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as inventorying, controlling and managing noxious weeds and invasive species; improving rangelands through grazing management, vegetation restoration treatments, and grazing management structures; and soil resource management. Coordination with land managers and other stakeholders is conducted to complete priority soil surveys, ecological site descriptions, and on-the-ground projects to improve soil stability and reduce erosion. Appropriate management of rangeland and soil resources also support actions and authorizations that include, but is not limited to, such things as energy development, endangered and special status species recovery, grazing of domestic livestock, recreation, forest management, hazardous fuels reduction, and post fire rehabilitation.

To better support land management decisions regarding grazing and other range management treatments, soils management, and invasive species, the BLM will place a priority on collecting data through the use of consistent, comparable, and common indicators, consistent methods, and an unbiased sampling framework which will allow for analyses that are repeatable and comparable across a region, and decisions based on science and data that are legally defensible. Land health assessments completed at a larger scale will be more efficient and less costly over time and provide timely support for decision-making.

The Rangeland Management program conducts inventories, assessments and evaluations of soil and vegetation conditions and land health. Monitoring data is collected and analyzed to ensure progress toward meeting land health standards.

In 2019, the BLM is implementing directives related to rangeland management in:

Executive Order 13855 Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk.

Secretarial Order 3372 Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management. Specifically, the BLM is seeking to incorporate practices that reduce fuel loads including, but not limited to, such things as:

Funded projects under this program will focus on high priority work such as activities that support maintaining or achieving land health and productivity and creating resilient landscapes. These activities could include, but are not limited to, such things as:

· Cultural survey and assessment data collection, and monitoring.

Program Strategic Goals:

3. Increased efforts to coordinate shared objectives with wildlife, forestry, aquatic, and cultural and recreation programs, to effectively maintain or restore land health.

4. Evaluate multiple allotments together or at the watershed scale to improve efficiencies for evaluating land health and processing permits.

5. Continue to work with permittees and other stakeholders on targeted grazing to decrease fuel loads and restore desirable perennial grasses and forbs.

6. Implement outcome based grazing with collaborative monitoring with stakeholders to increase flexibility and improve efficiencies.

The following program legislation authority, BLM Manuals, etc. are applicable to this program:

1. Endangered Species Act, 16 USC 1535

2. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – BLM Handbook 1790-1

3. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470, as amended through December 19, 2014, as codified in Title 54 USC, Subtitle III, Division A, Subdivision 2 Chapter 3023 § 302304. Contracts and cooperative agreements, (b)

4. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 16 USC 470, as amended through December 19, 2014, as codified in Title 54 USC, subtitle III, Division A, Subdivision 2 Chapter 3027—Historic Preservation Programs and Authorities for Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations

5. Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 (TGA)

6. Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978

All proposed projects submitted under this funding announcement must state a benefit to the public.

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

The NV Bureau of Land Management anticipates making multiple awards under this funding opportunity. The type of award instruments will be cooperative agreements in accordance with the legislative authority stated at the beginning of this announcement.

The recipient should expect Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to have substantial involvement in the project. Substantial involvement may include:

1. Joint collaboration between the BLM and recipient in carrying out management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed work.

2. Training of recipient personnel.

3. Review and approval by the BLM of one stage of work prior to the start of the next stage.

4. Review and approval by the BLM of modifications or sub-awards prior to their award.

5. Participation in selecting recipient project staff.

6. Directing or redirecting of recipient work by the BLM because of relationships to other projects.

7. Ability to immediately halt work because of failure to meet agreement objectives; and

8. Close monitoring and/or operational involvement in the proposed work.

A. Anticipated Federal Program Funding Based on prior year(s) data, BLM anticipates between $47,000 and 1,000,000 in funding for FY 2019. This information is also available on the USASpending.gov website (https://www.usaspending.gov/#/). Applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received and may be submitted at any time up until the closing date of this announcement. Individual award amounts will depend on the merit review process of application packages and proposed budget. Funding for this program is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds.

In appropriate circumstances, BLM reserves the right to, partially fund proposals in discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If BLM chooses to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. Funded proposals through this competitive announcement is not a guarantee of future funding. Any additional selections must be made in accordance with the terms of this announcement and BLM policy.

BLM is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement and only Grants Management Officers can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds

BLM reserves the right to fund projects in the following fiscal year. These awards will not require further competition.

B. Estimated Number of Agreement to be Awarded Based on prior year(s) data, BLM anticipates between 9 and 11 agreements for FY 2019. The actual number of awards will depend on the number of meritorious applications and the availability of appropriated funds.

C. Estimated Amount of Funding Available Per Award

Expected individual award amounts are listed below for FY2019. However, BLM is encouraging other proposal submissions in support of the objectives and outcomes of this funding opportunity in the case additional funding becomes available.

Awards will range from $47,000 and $1,000,000. Below are individual awards and amounts listed by District or Field Office.

Battle Mountain District POC Anna O’Brien (775) 635-4175, aobrien@blm.gov $375,000 available in FY19.

Elko District POC Samantha Cisney (775) 753-0372, scisney@blm.gov $1,000,000 available in FY19

Ely District POC Cody Coombs (775) 289-1854, ccoombs@blm.gov $150,000 available in FY19

Winnemucca District POC K.C. Sheddon (775) 623-1563, kshedden@blm.gov $200,000 available in FY19

D. Anticipated Start Date Projects funded through this Notice of Funding Opportunity will start once funding is secured and awards issued. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the BLM Grants Management Officer (GMO).

E. Anticipated Term of the Agreement Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and five years, depending on the negotiated project proposal.

The BLM will consider continued support of the project in subsequent fiscal years upon; (a) the recipient showing progress satisfactory to the BLM toward program goals and the determination by the BLM that continuation of the program would be in the best interests of the Government, (b) project is still in line with management’s top priorities, (c) compliance with the terms and conditions of the award and/or (d) the availability of funds appropriated by Congress.

F. Additional Funding Information Funding for this project(s) is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds and evaluation of proposals is based on the criterion in this announcement. In appropriate circumstances, BLM reserves the right to partially fund proposals in discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If BLM chooses to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. Funded proposals through this competitive announcement is not a guarantee of future funding.

When or if additional funding becomes available, BLM reserves the right to issue additional awards under this announcement through the next fiscal year.

Any additional selections must be made in accordance with the terms of this announcement and BLM policy.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. The following types of entities are eligible to apply for award under this announcement. Failure to meet eligibility requirements will result in precluding the BLM from making an award.

Awards under the Good Neighbor Authority. 16 USC §2113a (b) (1) (A) are limited to Governor or County. The term “Governor” means the Governor or any other appropriate executive official of an affected State or Indian tribe.

· State, local government, Indian Tribe

· Institution of Higher Education (IHE)

· Nonprofit Organizations

C. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity; however, is strongly encourage.

CESU partners are encouraged to show the difference between their formal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate and the 17.5% rate agreed upon as a CESU partner as their voluntary cost share.

Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost-share/match.

D. Other Eligibility Restrictions Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: All 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 BLM 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 BLM 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. 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 BLM under 2 CFR 25.110(d).

E. Excluded Parties The BLM conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The BLM 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

NOTE: It’s recommended, prior to submitting an application, to contact the program expert at the BLM office in the district or field office where the work will take place to discuss the type of project(s) that are available or of interest to determine, if it meets the criteria under this funding opportunity notice.

A. Requesting Paper Application Package This announcement includes all information, documents, and electronic addresses needed to submit an application through www.Grants.gov. Paper copies may be requested by contacting the individual(s) named at the end of this notice.

B. Application Form and Content Requirements

DO NOT MERGE INDIVIDUAL DOCUMENTS INTO A SINGLE PDF FILE

1. SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form-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(B & D), Assurances NOTE: IAW Office of Management and Budget Memo, M-18-24, dated September 5, 2018, these forms are optional through January 1, 2020. At that time your assurances statements will be maintained in your SAM registrations.

3. Project Proposal (Suggested Format Attachment A project proposal template and may be used when submitting your proposal. The proposal must be no longer than 15 pages, with a typeface no smaller than 11-point, and have at least one (1) inch margins on all sides. The 15-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and vitae, but does not include the Budget Detail (Attachment B)).

Application narrative requirements may include:

(NOTE: Projects under wildlife management, the native plant program, threatened and endangered species habitat conservation - the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973)

All proposals are confidential.

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. 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 Detail and Narrative (Attachment B- Suggested Format) 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. Include detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see BLM’s suggested format attachment B for more detail). Additionally, provide any cost sharing and matching funds in the same level of detail as the federal funds. The budget narrative submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms.

Budget items must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the supported activity. Refer to 2 CFR §200, for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles.

If your proposal is for multi-year or multiple year funding, you must provide a budget and budget justification for each year. Show each year in a separate column on the SF-424A and use a separate column for listing any matching funds. NOFO expects that applicants will ensure that no Federal or non-Federal grant funds will be expended for in-kind goods or services, for purposes of providing transportation, travel, and other expenses for any Federal employee.

NOTE: Budget Detail and Narrative form (Attachment B) is a suggested format to present the breakdown of your estimated costs by category needed to accomplish project activities. Estimated costs must be documented in sufficient detail to determine reasonableness. Include a description of any cost share (cash, in-kind, etc.) listed.

Lump sum costs are not acceptable in any category, without a detail breakdown of how the cost were derived.

Profit or fees are “not” allowable.

6. 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 the Department of the Interior 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 BLM 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 and Documentation:

All applicants must include in their budget justification narrative one of the following indirect cost rate statements and attach to their application any required documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 Bureau of Land Management in this application, we will immediately notify the Bureau of Land Management point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

11. Applicants must submit the following forms

Form Name and Number

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs

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

Project Proposal (Attachment A to this document)

Budget Detail (Attachment B to this document)

Indirect Cost Statement and related Federal Agency-approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) (when applicable)

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosure (when applicable)

Single Audit Reporting Statement (when applicable)

NOTE: 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

Example of rolling cut-off dates:

Open from June 24, 2019 – August 24, 2019, 4:30 PM EST Round One – Applications Due: July 24, 2019, 4:30 PM EST Round Two – Applications Due: Every 30 Days Thereafter until August 31, 2019 4:30 PM EST

Proposals must be submitted in English.

Late applications will not be accepted.

BLM requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov. Follow these steps to apply through Grants.gov.

C. Intergovernmental Review Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” States not on the list do not participate in the intergovernmental review process, and therefore do not have a SPOC.

If you are located within a State that does not have a SPOC, you may send application materials directly to a Federal awarding agency. If your state is on the list, contact the designated entity for more information on the state’s prior review requirements for Federal assistance applications.

D. Funding Restrictions Construction, reconstruction, repair, or restoration of paved or permanent roads or parking areas are not allowed under this announcement, unless project qualifies as a “Stewardship Agreement”.

E. Submission Instructions

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 web forms 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 BLM’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

Prior to award, the BLM 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 BLM may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the BLM may choose not to fund the selected project.

A. SAM.gov Registration The BLM 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 BLM 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.

B. Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) Award cannot be finalized, until awardee finalizes their enrollment in the Department of the Treasury, ASAP System. See following website: http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap.

If your organization is not enrolled in ASAP, contact the POC on the cover-sheet of this funding opportunity.

C. Review and Selection Process:

Applications eligible for merit review will be evaluated by an ad hoc evaluation team assembled to review, rate, rank, and recommend applications for award using the below evaluation criteria. Evaluation teams are made up of two or more qualified personnel familiar with the program and certified to have no conflict of interest with any persons or organizations applying for award.

Reviews are handled as confidential documents. Once award decisions are made, applicants may request in writing a written summary of the evaluation of their application/proposal.

A total of 100 points will be used to score each proposal received. The scores assigned to each criteria in the second level evaluation correspond to their relative importance. Proposals will be evaluated, scored, and ranked by appropriate BLM Staff expert in the program's field of study.

The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals which do not meet the requirements of this funding opportunity announcement and which are determined to be outside the scope of the authority under which this announcement is posted.

Project must assist BLM in meeting one of the Department of the Interior 10 priorities

1. Enhancing the visitor experience at our National Parks and public lands by better meeting our infrastructure and maintenance needs;

2. Delegating greater authority and accountability closer to the front line in our organization and modernizing the Department to better meet the needs of today and tomorrow;

3. Working to ensure meaningful consultation and self-determination for Tribes, Alaska Native communities, and our territories;

4. Building a meaningful conservation stewardship legacy by expanding public access for sport and recreation opportunities on public lands;

5. Collaborating with states to protect and improve the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, while continuing the move toward shared conservation stewardship;

6. Modifying or eliminating unneeded and unnecessary regulations;

7. Administering the appropriate development of all forms of energy on our Federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf;

8. Ensuring that actions taken by the Department and its Bureaus reflect the development and promotion of a culture of ethical compliance and a workplace free of harassment;

9. Implementing the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act; and,

10. Modifying our business practices and processes to eliminate unnecessary steps and duplicative reviews, while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.

Award will be made to responsive, responsible applicants submitting proposals, which conform to the funding opportunity announcement and are most advantageous to the Government considering the evaluation factors listed below.

1. First Level Screening --Basic Eligibility Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Depending on the specifics of the opportunity, screening may include, but is not limited to, the following:

· Submission is timely;

· Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; and

· Complete and properly executed required application package documents (Section IV. B. 10 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION) are included.

Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review.

2. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation Eligible applications will be evaluated in an objective and unbiased manner using the following merit review criteria using numerical scoring based on a 100-point maximum score. Proposals must include the following information. Applicant

STATEMENT OF NEED (Maximum score 15/100 Points) Describe your mission and objectives, including what the project is expected to achieve.

Describe how your objectives of your project meets DOI priorities described in this announcement.

TECHNICAL APPROACH (Maximum score 35/100 Points) Describe the techniques, processes, methodologies to be used.

Describe how data collection, analysis, and means of interpretation will be accomplished.

Describe how the proposed objectives will be achieved within the proposed period of performance (POP).

Describe significant outputs and expected outcomes of the project with a clear set of milestones and how they will be measured.

Describe what tasks will be performed by partners organizations, sub awards, contractors, consultants, if applicable.

Information to support environmental compliance review requirements, Project monitoring and evaluation plan, including how you will measure project performance and assessment tools to be used. Should include monitoring of sub-recipients, contractors, consultants, volunteers, etc.

PUBLIC BENEFIT (Maximum score 15/100 Points) Describe how this project will affect the public.

QUALIFICATIONS/PAST PERFORMANCE: (Maximum score 35/100 Points) List key project personnel and responsibilities, along with their contact information.

Description of stakeholder coordination or involvement.

Describe the time to be dedicated to the project, and how their experience and qualifications are appropriate to success of the project.

List contractors, sub awards, consultants, if known, and their qualifications.

A list of federally funded assistance agreements (not contracts) that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than 5, and preferably BLM agreements), and describe how you documented and/or reported on whether you were making progress toward achieving the expected results (e.g., outputs and outcomes) under those agreements. Describe similar successful projects completed in the past and any unique qualifications your organization may possess.)

OFFERED COST SHARE or MATCH Cost is not normally not evaluated. However, will be reviewed during the merit review and used as a tiebreaker.

This program has no cost sharing or matching requirements Indicate the type and amount of any offered cost share or match (any offered match must be from non-Federal sources).

OR

LEVERAGING OF RESOURCES (Cost is not normally evaluated. However, is reviewed during the merit review and will be used as a tiebreaker).

Demonstrate how you leverage funds or resources with other federal and/or non-federal sources of funds or resources to carry out proposed project.

3. Third Level Review Pre-award Clearance and Budget Approvals Prior to award, the BLM will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR 200.205. BLM programs document applicant risk evaluations using the DOI “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards, the BLM is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The BLM will consider this information when completing the risk review. The BLM 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.

If the results of all pre-award reviews and clearances are satisfactory, an award of funding will be made once the agreement is finalized. If the BLM determines that a Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award

Budget review is based on the following:

· Budget line items must be allowable, allocable, reasonable in price, and appropriate for the level of effort needed to accomplish the project

· Budget details and narrative must provide adequate explanation of, and justification for, each estimated cost.

· Requested equipment must be justified and necessary for completion of the project

· Cost Sharing/Matching funds must not come from Federal funds.

4. Final Review of Selected Applicants:

Final review will be by management to determine if the selected proposed project (s) are in line with DOI and BLM current priorities. This process may take a few months to finalize.

VII. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Federal Award Notices Awards are based on the application submitted to and approved by the BLM 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 BLM 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 BLM “Financial Assistance Award Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to BLM 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 BLM 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 (ITS) System. Foreign recipients receiving funds to a final destination bank in the U.S. are required to enter and maintain current banking details in their SAM.gov entity profile and receive payment through the Automated Clearing House network by electronic funds transfer (EFT). The BLM 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

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.

2. 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 performance reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

3. 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 BLM will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, as applicable.

E. DOI/BLM continues to improve its financial assistance program as part of these efforts below:

1. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Recipients must notify the BLM immediately in writing of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that arise during the life of their Federal award.

Applicability

· 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.

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

Requirements

· Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the recipient's ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement

· In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual…