PKG00253346-instructions.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Eastern Region State and Private Forestry Fiscal Year 2020 Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Process

Request for Applications with Guidance and Instructions

Clickable Table of Contents

Purpose, Aim, and Scope of the LSR Competitive Process

Key Points

Eligibility

Requirements for All Applications

Criteria for Landscape Scale Restoration Project Selection (100 points total)

Preparing and Submitting an Application for this Funding Opportunity

Project Selection

Contacts For Further Information

Appendix I. Instructions for Submitting Applications through Grants.gov

Appendix II. Additional Guidelines for Forest Health Treatment Projects

Important Notes and Changes for FY 2020

• Submit all applications through Grants.gov by 6 p.m. Eastern, October 11, 2019. Search for grant

Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2020-LSR. See Appendix I for Grants.gov instructions.

• For any applications developed by partners and collaborators with State forestry agencies: Submit an initial draft of your Grants.gov application to the relevant State Forester(s) by COB September 13, 2019. If the State Forester(s) concurs with the partner’s application and supports it being submitted to the USDA Forest Service, the leading State Sponsor must submit a support letter to the applicant for upload to Grants.gov by 6 p.m.

Eastern, October 11, 2019.

• Key Changes in the FY 2020 Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) National Guidance:

Projects should focus on rural forest land, which is also considered nonindustrial private forest land or

State forest land. For the purposes of this program, “rural” means any area other than an urbanized area such as a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants. Refer to the national LSR website for national program guidance.

The six LSR program objectives listed in Criteria 2. Measurable Outcomes replace the objectives and measures used in past years.

• Revised the regional LSR scoring criteria to align with the changes in the national guidance and to clarify and reduce redundancy among them.

Purpose, Aim, and Scope of the LSR Competitive Process The purpose of the LSR Program, as cited in Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (as amended by the 2018 “Farm Bill”), is: “To encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes.”

This regional guidance and LSR process aligns with the FY 2020 LSR Competitive Process National Guidance. As noted in the national guidance, “The competitive approach is intended to demonstrate that Federal funds are being spent on projects that promote collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes, leverage public and private resources, and that further priorities identified in each State’s Forest Action Plan.” The project scale shall be a function of the most appropriate size associated with the issue or landscape of priority importance and may result in single, multistate, or cross-regional implementation.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Cooperative%20Forestry%20Assistance%20Act%20Of%201978.pdf https://www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/2019-06/lsr-fy2020-national-guidance-may2019.pdf https://www.stateforesters.org/forest-action-plans/ https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/private-land/landscape-scale-restoration https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/private-land/landscape-scale-restoration

Proposed projects should aim to address priority issues and landscapes, produce measurable outcomes, involve collaboration with partners that results in added value, and maximize State and Private Forestry (S&PF) funding by using it to leverage contributions from both Federal and non-Federal entities. Per the national LSR guidance, projects should cross boundaries on any combination of land ownerships. LSR funds must be spent on non-Federal lands as appropriate using S&PF authorities. Matching funds must be derived entirely from non-Federal sources.

Through this competition, Federal S&PF funds requested in the application are targeted at the highest priority conservation needs within a State as identified in each State’s Forest Action Plan.

As in past years, for FY 2020, funds available to the Eastern Region for evaluated and ranked LSR applications will be based on the final FY 2020 appropriation from Congress for the LSR program, and the funding allocation to the Region from the Agency’s Washington Office. LSR funds can use specific authorities included under The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as amended. Forest Stewardship, Rural Forestry Assistance, Urban and Community Forestry, Forest Health Management-Cooperative Lands, and State Fire Assistance are all valid singularly or in combination. The competitive allocation will not use Volunteer Fire Assistance, Forest Legacy, Community Forest and Open Space, and Federal Lands Forest Health Management program authorities.

Key Points

• States may collaboratively or independently submit no more than 5 applications (single, multistate, or cross-regional). This cap ensures that applications are best addressing State Forest Action Plans. Applications with 11 or more State Forester Sponsors and applications submitted by tribes do not count against this cap.

• The minimum project application amount in Federal funding for Landscape Scale Restoration grants is $25,000.

• The maximum amount of Federal funding awarded to any one State (State cap) via this competitive process is 15% of the total available.

• Grants.gov requires a single SF-424, which is preliminary if multiple direct recipients are identified in the narrative. Lead agency applicants must submit a preliminary SF-424 that includes all Federal funds requested and matching contributions whether or not they intend to receive all funds. If approved for funding, each direct recipient will have to submit a new SF-424 and final narrative.

• All applications must identify the lead agency that will have primary responsibility for coordinating project work and reporting on status and accomplishments. Direct funds recipients are responsible for fiscal and performance reporting.

• Funding available for this Request for Applications (RFA) does not include, nor does it affect, core program funding.

• Projects proposed through this process may extend or expand upon other work supported by Federal funds;

however, activities and accomplishments must be tracked and reported separately.

• Projects will be fully funded to the extent possible once the final Eastern Region S&PF FY 2020 budget is received.

• Projects should be completed within 3 years.

• For multistate and cross-regional projects:

States and partners are encouraged to develop multistate projects in collaboration with other State forestry agencies and partners. Collaborative projects that involve multiple partners must include letters of concurrence from each fiscal partner and all affected State Foresters.

Multistate projects will remain eligible for funding unless all cooperating States would exceed their individual caps.

A multistate or cross-regional project shall not exceed $600,000 of Federal share.

Multistate project applications must clearly delineate each State’s share in the budget table explanation

(the allocation against each State cap need not directly link to contributions by partners).

Eligibility

State forestry agencies are eligible to submit or authorize applications for this LSR process. Nonprofit organizations, universities, and other partners must submit draft applications to the State Forester(s) in the State(s) where the activity will be conducted for their consideration. See the “Preparing and Submitting an Application” section of this document for more instructions. For applications from tribes, we suggest that the lead State coordinate directly with any tribe that wishes to submit an application. S&PF is also available to facilitate and assist with this coordination and can provide liaison support for tribes. For-profit organizations are not eligible to submit applications under this competition. State Foresters will collaborate with State agriculture agency directors or other organization directors with State forest health program responsibilities.

At least one State Forester sponsor is required for each application.

State Forester letters of support will be submitted in one of two categories:

• State Forester Sponsor: This level of support is required if any of the following apply:

The State government unit is a recipient of Federal funds.

The State government unit is supplying match in any form.

The project is expected to generate deliverables within the State.

Sponsoring Partner(s) support will count against the 5 application/State cap, with this exception:

Applications with 11 or more State Forester Sponsors and applications submitted by tribes do not count against the individual State cap of these Sponsoring States.

• State Forester Endorsement: This level of support does not count against the 5 application/State cap. Use this level of support if there is no significant direct State involvement (State cannot be a direct recipient or provide match, and work does not generate deliverables to the endorsing State(s)).

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Water quality and watershed health improvement.

• Wildlife habitat improvement.

• Conservation education efforts that transcend programs and authorities.

• Ecosystem services projects.

• Community tree planting projects in communities with less than 50,000 inhabitants that are part of a larger rural forest landscape-scale outcome.1

• Strategic outreach efforts to land managers/owners facing threats from urban sprawl, invasive species, and wildfire, and complementary efforts to improve rural prosperity.

• Cross-boundary fuels management projects that are adjacent to National Forest System lands.

• Integrated efforts to improve management of nonindustrial private forest lands according to the State’s

Forest Action Plan.

• Survey, prioritization, and treatment to control invasive plants in a high-priority landscape.

• Reducing risk in the wildland-urban interface to protect high-value assets such as drinking water and community infrastructure.

1 Conform to Tree Planting Guidelines, which address accepted techniques for tree planting and maintenance. The number of trees to be planted, size of trees, and general description of the planting should be included in the application.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/sites/default/files/tree_planting_grant_fs_guidance_4.25.19_508.pdf

Eligible Fuels Management and Forest Health Management and Treatment Activities

• Prevention and preparedness projects in advance of known invasive pests.

• Fuels management projects.

• Restoration of forests following damaging events to promote desired future conditions.

• Special surveys and technical assistance for forest health issues that exceed the resources available through core Forest Health Program (FHP) funding. Applications must clearly show how and why the proposed activities complement the core FHP program in the State.

• Activities to better engage the public in forest health management work to achieve on-the-ground outcomes.

Important Notes:

• For Forest Health projects: Applicants are encouraged to review information pertaining to treatment and management objectives for specific pests on our Forest Health Protection website and to contact the Eastern Region S&PF Forest Health Program specialists for assistance and additional information.

• If an application includes forest health treatment: Refer to Appendix II and attach a completed Cooperative Lands Forest Pest Treatment Funding Request to the application at submission.

• If an application involves Forest Fire Hazard Mitigation activities: You are required to attach a completed National Fire Plan Operations and Reporting System (NFPORS) Form (available on our Landscape Scale Restoration Grants website) to the application package at the time of submission.

• Fuels management projects adjacent to National Forests may be eligible for additional funding sources.

Please consult with Steve Goldman (steve.goldman@usda.gov or 414-297-1812), Eastern Region S&PF, Cooperative Fire Specialist, prior to submission to ensure all funding opportunities are explored.

Projects Excluded from Consideration under this RFA

• Due to the change in LSR requiring focus on rural forest land, purely urban forest projects in cities or towns with greater than 50,000 inhabitants will not be ranked or funded under this program.

• National and cross-regional forest health initiatives: Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR), Evaluation

Monitoring, Forest Service Pesticide Impact Assessment Program, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Methods, and Special Technology Development Projects. These are run through separate national processes. NOTE: The EDRR exclusion does not apply to plants.

• Forest health technology development and methods improvement projects, which are solicited separately.

• Purchase of fire department equipment, including fire weather stations; purchase and installation of dry fire hydrants.

• Small business start-up funding.

• Research and development projects. However, technical transfer, education, and outreach activities associated with research can be included in the application, and a research entity could be included as a partner with its contribution leveraged in the larger project, but not within the S&PF-funded component (Federal dollars and associated cost share).

• Capital improvements (facilities and infrastructure). However, capital improvements completed by private companies and/or State agencies may apply as leverage (not S&PF component or match).

• Forest Legacy Program and Community Forest and Open Space projects.

• Gypsy moth suppression, eradication, and Slow-the-Spread (STS) projects. These are determined by cooperative surveys or other efforts in cooperation with the STS Foundation.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/programs/forest-health-protection https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/sites/default/files/template_coop_lands_forest_pest_treatment_funding_request_0.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/sites/default/files/template_coop_lands_forest_pest_treatment_funding_request_0.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/working-with-us/grants/landscape-scale-restoration-grants https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/working-with-us/grants/landscape-scale-restoration-grants mailto:steve.goldman@usda.gov

Requirements for All Applications

FY 2020 Eastern Region S&PF Landscape Scale Restoration Competitive Process applications will proceed for funding consideration only if they meet the required elements below:

A. Support State Forest Action Plan Priorities.

The proposed projects must address and be clearly linked to priority issues and/or landscapes identified in the respective State’s Forest Action Plan. For multistate projects, the deliverables must link to the Forest Action Plan of each State involved. As Forest Action plans enter the revision cycle, partners are encouraged to work closely with States to ensure they reference the current plan.

B. Required matching funds (1:1 minimum).

The match must be met by eligible and allowable costs and is subject to match provisions in grant regulations (see Federal Regulations Title 2 Part 200.306 and Subpart E for Cost Principles). Match must meet all the same requirements as the Federal share and be documented sufficiently to support financial tracking and accountability.

C. Appropriate and authorized use of Federal funds.

Projects must conform to laws and authorities in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act. The authorities for this RFA may be used singly or in combination. All respective program reporting requirements will apply to any funds disbursed through this grant process.

Additional Reporting and Accountability for Funded LSR Projects In addition to the standard annual reporting requirements associated with all USDA Forest Service grants to States and partners, funded LSR Competitive Allocation projects are required to provide project performance and spatial data through the Landscape Scale Restoration database (LaSR) no later than December 29 each year. This requires both Forest Service grant monitors and LSR grant recipients to coordinate in entering project information. If an LSR grant recipient is new to this reporting process, they will need to sign up for an account to access the LaSR module.

The assigned Forest Service grant monitor can assist you with this.

Criteria for Landscape Scale Restoration Project Selection (100 points total)

1. Priority Issues and/or Landscapes in the State Forest Action Plan(s) (25 points) Projects will be based on an analysis within the State or region that identifies the issue or landscape being addressed as a priority in the State Forest Action Plan(s).

• Demonstrate focus on a significant issue and/or priority landscape in the respective State Forest Action

Plan(s).

• Describe how the project will bring a State or region to a desired future condition, goal, or strategy as articulated in the respective State Forest Action Plan(s).

2. Measurable Outcomes (35 points)

• Describe how reaching the goals and achievements of the project will influence positive change.

• Projects should prioritize funding and other resources toward one or more of the national LSR objectives:

Reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires.

Improve fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species.

Maintain or improve water quality and watershed function.

Mitigate invasive species, insect infestation, and disease.

Improve important forest ecosystems.

Measure ecological and economic benefits including air quality and soil quality and productivity.

• Include specific measurable results that show how the Federal investment will lead to outcomes on the landscape. In the narrative describe less quantifiable return on investments. Reviewers will assess if outcomes are commensurate with the budget.

https://www.stateforesters.org/forest-action-plans/ https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl) https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Cooperative%20Forestry%20Assistance%20Act%20Of%201978.pdf

3. Collaboration and Integrated Delivery (20 points) Projects should:

• Identify partners that have demonstrated a commitment and add value towards planning and carrying out the project, and describe what these partners contribute.

• Seek to improve the cross-boundary delivery of public benefits from forest management by coordinating with complementary State and Federal programs.

• Demonstrate residual positive benefits, as a result of collaboration, related to capacity, skills, knowledge, infrastructure, or a replicable approach, among others.

Collaboration may be qualitative in nature, and the contribution of the partners may be more important than the number of partners involved in the projects. Multistate collaboration and integration of projects are encouraged.

4. Enhanced Leverage (10 points) Projects should maximize S&PF funding by using it to leverage contributions from both Federal and non- Federal entities. Project applications need to clearly identify LSR Competitive Allocation funds requested and associated non-Federal contributions in the SF-424A and in the “Project Budget Explanation” section of the Project Narrative Form. Describe details about leveraged contributions in the “Enhanced Leverage” section of the Project Narrative Form. Note: Collaboration with a for-profit Conservation Finance partner can be a powerful leverage multiplier, but requires careful budget segregation to ensure Federal grants are not for profit.

5. Knowledge and Technical Transfer (10 points) Technical transfer is defined as the sharing of knowledge, tools, and innovations for practical application. As specifically as possible, describe how others may learn from the work done on this project. Describe the project’s potential to inform practitioners and enhance the effectiveness of similar initiatives. Knowledge and technical transfer need not necessarily be between States, but should aim to share innovation across the landscapes of importance wherever it can be utilized. Projects should include a component of outreach, training, lessons learned, or related opportunities so that carrying out the project results in skills and capability that extend beyond the life of the project itself.

Note: Clearly articulate the methods employed, timelines, and resources needed in the “Project Overview” section of the Project Narrative Form.

Preparing and Submitting an Application for this Funding Opportunity

Submit all applications for this funding opportunity through Grants.gov. Search for grant Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2020-LSR. Only authorized Grants.gov Workspace representatives for the applying entity are eligible to submit applications through Grants.gov. See Appendix I for Grants.gov instructions.

Partners and collaborators must submit an initial draft of their Grants.gov application to involved State Foresters by September 13, 2019. Procedures and policies regarding how State Foresters work with partners vary from State to State, so be sure to consult your State Forester before preparing an application. Contact information for each State Forester is available on the National Association of State Foresters website. The leading State Sponsor must submit their support letter to the applicant for upload to Grants.gov by 6 p.m. Eastern, October 11, 2019, which is the application deadline. State Foresters may choose to submit either a standard form letter or a custom letter of support. A single letter documenting support for all applications supported by that State is also acceptable. Each State Forester may sponsor up to 5 submissions from his or her State. Applications with 11 or more State Forester sponsors are exempt from the limit of 5 applications per State. If State financial involvement is negligible, a State Forester may submit a letter of endorsement for an application sponsored by another State(s).

Prior to preparing an application, carefully read this document and review the resources for application development listed on our Landscape Scale Restoration Grants website. Along with other valuable information, this site provides full text of previous competitive project applications, reviewer comments, and composite rankings.

Applicants should also be familiar with the relevant State’s Forest Action Plan(s).

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.stateforesters.org/who-we-are/our-membership/ http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.stateforesters.org/forest-action-plans/

Complete application packages include the following (complete all forms in your Workspace at Grants.gov):

Required forms available through the Grants.gov application package:

• SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424A Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

• USDA AD-1047 (Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension)

• Attachments Form (must be included in the application package in order to attach additional required and optional forms below)

Optional forms available through the Grants.gov application package (fill out only if applicable):

• SF-424B Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (unless Certified as part of the SAM registration process)

• USDA AD-1049 (Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace for all non-State entities) OR…

USDA AD-1052 (Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace for “State and State Agencies”)

• SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (for entities that lobby)

• USDA AD-3030 (Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate

Applicants) if applicable (recipient will determine if form applies to them)

Required agency-specific forms to submit through the Attachments Form in Grants.gov (attach in this order):

• Project Narrative Form

• Letters of Support (template available for each type of support)

Optional forms to be submitted through the Attachments Form in Grants.gov:

• Supplement 1 – Partner Budget: Recommended for projects with multiple financial partners.

• FS-1500-35 Certification Regarding Lobbying for entities that do not lobby (only if applicable)

• Cooperative Lands Forest Pest Treatment Funding Request Form for projects with a Forest Health treatment component (only if applicable)

• National Fire Plan Operations and Reporting System (NFPORS) Form (only if applicable)

Project Narrative Form Instructions

• Project Title: Provide a uniquely descriptive title for this project. Use this full title consistently on all submission communications and supplemental documents, including letters of support, until an official application number is assigned by the Eastern Region S&PF.

• Project Applicant: Enter the name of organization applying for Federal funding.

• Project Overview: 39 lines of text or up to 4,800 characters and spaces with no carriage returns. Provide a comprehensive but succinct overview of the proposed project that includes basic details of who is doing what, where, and why (in context of need documented elsewhere). Clearly articulate the methods employed, timelines, and resources needed. Address the project’s suitability as the most appropriate scale of response (local, statewide, multistate, or national) to the issue being addressed. Projects should effectively address the purpose statement: “To encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes.”

• Project Budget Explanation: Nearly 30 full lines of text or up to 3,500 characters and spaces with no carriage returns:

Provide descriptions to justify the costs for each relevant budget category included in the SF-424A:

personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, and other.

Description should detail match derived from consolidated grant (state partner must be included).

Provide an explanation if you have a partner contributing funds to cover construction or other

Federally unallowable portions of your project.

Recipients must utilize either their approved overhead rate or the standard deminimus rate for budget calculations.

For multistate proposals: Clearly note portion of project to be allocated against each State cap.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/sites/default/files/fs_1500-35_certification_regarding_lobbying.docx https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/sites/default/files/template_coop_lands_forest_pest_treatment_funding_request_0.pdf

• Priority Issues and/or Landscapes in the State Forest Action Plan(s) (25 points): 42 full lines of text or up to 5,000 characters and spaces with no carriage returns. Refer to the Criteria in this RFA for what to address in this section.

• Measurable Outcomes (35 points):

List of LSR Objectives: Select the relevant LSR objective(s) the project addresses.

Measurable Results Table: List specific measurable results (measure, output, and unit).

Narrative: Describe measurable outcomes in nearly 43 full lines of text or up to 5,000 characters and spaces with no carriage returns. Refer to the Criteria in this RFA for what to address in this section.

• Collaboration and Integrated Delivery (20 Points): Nearly 26 full lines of text or up to 3,000 characters and spaces with no carriage returns. Refer to the Criteria section of this RFA for what to address in this section.

• Enhanced Leverage (10 Points): Nearly 26 full lines of text or up to 3,000 characters and spaces with no carriage returns. Refer to the Criteria in this RFA for what to address in this section.

• Knowledge and Technical Transfer (10 points): Nearly 26 full lines of text or up to 3,000 characters and spaces with no carriage returns. Refer to the Criteria in this RFA for what to address in this section.

Project Application Supplement 1—Partner Budget Table Instructions

The Supplemental Partner Budget Table is intended only for projects with multiple financial partners and is not required if the project applicant will bear the sole financial responsibility for completion of the proposed project.

This form includes space for a short description. Each primary recipient is responsible for documenting match equal to the Federal Funds received in a separate Partner Budget Table. The match may be derived from another partner, but must be tracked by the primary recipient (please make note of the match generated from partners in the Partner Budget Table description field).

You may attach as many Partner Budget Tables to document partner organizations. Please be sure to enter consistent and complete Project Title, Partner, and State fields to ensure project submissions are complete. It can be confusing to identify partners correctly because of complex statutory limitations or complex organization structures, so please work with your local Eastern Region S&PF Field Representative to accurately identify partners.

It is critical for each Partner Budget Table to clearly identify each entity receiving funds and to identify the State(s) receiving funds (this might be different than the State where the project occurs). In the case where match is expected from unidentified secondary recipients, it is acceptable to complete a single budget table for this entire category. Care should be taken to ensure all Partner Budget Tables are complete and accurate and that all numbers match the values presented in the SF-424A. Numbers that do not match are red flags for reviewers.

Space is provided at the bottom of the page to enter a page number as “____ of ____”; please fill in this field to help ensure your application is complete.

Letters of Support Instructions

Letters of support are of two types: Sponsor and Endorsement. State Foresters must choose the type most appropriate for them. Letters of support are welcome from all partners, but are required from sponsoring State Foresters. At least one State Forester Sponsor letter must accompany each application. State Forester Sponsor letters indicate that the sponsoring State understands that their State has a significant stake in the project (will receive Federal funds, contribute match, or accrue project deliverables). States may collaboratively or independently submit no more than 5 applications (single, multistate, or cross-regional). Applications with 11 or more State Forester Sponsors and applications submitted by tribes do not count against this cap. State Foresters may submit a letter of endorsement to an application sponsored by another State if their State contribution is negligible and the direct benefit accrues primarily elsewhere.

Project Selection

An LSR Competitive Allocation Review Team consisting of an equal number of State representatives and Eastern Region S&PF leaders will collaboratively review, evaluate, and prioritize project applications.

1. Applications will undergo a preliminary review to dismiss those that are incomplete or ineligible.

2. The interagency review team will complete the review of applications and develop a recommended ranked list of projects by the end of December 2019.

3. The recommended list of projects will be submitted to the NMSFA (Northeast–Midwest State Forester

Alliance) Executive Committee for concurrence and to the Eastern Regional Forester for approval.

4. Regionally recommended projects will be submitted to the USDA Forest Service Washington Office by

December 31, 2019.

Projects ranked but not funded will receive further consideration by the NMSFA Executive Committee and the Eastern Regional Forester should additional funds become available.

Contacts for Further Information

• Eastern Region S&PF Contact for LSR: Sherri Wormstead, 603-868-7737, sherri.j.wormstead@usda.gov

• NMSFA Executive Director: Ian MacFarlane, 202-526–4804, Ian@northeasternforests.org

• For New England and New York: Durham, NH Field Office Representative, Constance Carpenter, 603-868- 7694, constance.carpenter@usda.gov

• For Mid-Atlantic States (DC, DE, MD, NH, OH, PA, WV): Morgantown, WV Field Office Representative: Joe Koloski, (304) 285-1540, joseph.koloski@usda.gov

• For Midwestern States (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, WI): St. Paul, MN Field Office Representative: Carleen Yocum, 651-649-5276, carleen.yocum@usda.gov. Note: Brendan Cain, brendan.cain@usda.gov, is Acting Field Office Rep. July – September 2019.

mailto:sherri.j.wormstead@usda.gov mailto:Ian@northeasternforests.org mailto:constance.carpenter@usda.gov mailto:joseph.koloski@usda.gov mailto:carleen.yocum@usda.gov mailto:brendan.cain@usda.gov

Appendix I. Instructions for Submitting Applications through Grants.gov

Submit all applications for this funding opportunity through Grants.gov. Search for grant Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2020-LSR. Partners and collaborators must submit an initial draft of their Grants.gov application to involved State Foresters by September 13, 2019. You can find contact information for each State Forester in the member roster available on the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Web site. The leading State Sponsor will submit their support letter to the applicant for upload to Grants.gov by 6 p.m. Eastern, October 11, 2019, which is the application deadline. The following section provides guidance on how to submit applications through Grants.gov.

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for USDA Forest Service Eastern Region State and Private Forestry program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

1. Electronic Delivery The Eastern Region S&PF is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. All applicants are required to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

2. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a. Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for Eastern Region S&PF funds.

Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

Organizations must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, active System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and Grants.gov account to apply for grants.

Creating a Grants.gov account can be completed online in minutes, but please NOTE: DUNS and SAM registrations may take several weeks or more to complete. Therefore, an organization's registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact the entity's ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

Complete organization instructions can be found on Grants.gov here:

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

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Applicants must enter the DUNS Number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form. For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS Number, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html

2) Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. SAM registration must be renewed annually. For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.stateforesters.org/who-we-are/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step is to register an account with Grants.gov. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the detailed instructions here:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html

4) Add a Profile to a Grants.gov Account: A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant) or an individual applicant. If you work for or consult with multiple organizations and have a profile for each, you may log in to one Grants.gov account to access all of your grant applications. To add an organizational profile to your Grants.gov account, enter the DUNS Number for the organization in the DUNS field while adding a profile. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html

5) EBiz POC Authorized Profile Roles: After you register with Grants.gov and create an Organization Applicant Profile, the organization applicant's request for Grants.gov roles and access is sent to the EBiz POC. The EBiz POC will then log in to Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you have been assigned the AOR role. For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html

6) Track Role Status: To track your role request, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html

b. Electronic Signature: When applications are submitted through Grants.gov, the name of the organization applicant with the AOR role that submitted the application is inserted into the signature line of the application, serving as the electronic signature. The EBiz POC must authorize people who are able to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the organization as a user with the AOR role; this step is often missed and it is crucial for valid and timely submissions.

3. How to Submit an Application to Eastern Region S&PF via Grants.gov 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. NOTE: Grants.gov applicants are required to use Workspace to apply online. Package forms must be completed in or downloaded from Workspace.

Below is an overview of applying on Grants.gov. For access to complete instructions on how to apply for opportunities, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html

a. Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

b. Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace to work on the application together, complete all the required forms online or by downloading PDF versions, and check for errors before submission. The Workspace progress bar will display the state of your application process as you apply. As you apply using Workspace, you may click the blue question mark icon near the upper-right corner of each page to access context-sensitive help.

1) Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/add-profile.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/authorize-roles.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration/track-role-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

2) Mandatory Fields in Forms: In the forms, you will note fields marked with an asterisk and a different background color. These fields are mandatory fields that must be completed to successfully submit your application.

3) Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS Number. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

c. Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab. Grants.gov recommends submitting your application package at least 24-48 hours prior to the close date to provide you with time to correct any potential technical issues that may disrupt the application submission.

d. Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application. The number is listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission. Using the tracking number, access the Track My Application page under the Applicants tab or the Details tab in the submitted workspace.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist Eastern Region S&PF with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission Online Submission. All applications must be received by 6 p.m. Eastern Time, October 11, 2019. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. This applicant with the AOR role will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

When Eastern Region S&PF successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, and acknowledges the download of submissions, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the email address of the applicant with the AOR role who submitted the application. Again, proof of timely submission shall be the official date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by Eastern Region S&PF.

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role attempting to submit the application. The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov

Appendix II. Additional Guidelines for Forest Health Treatment Projects

Projects with a Forest Health treatment component should also follow these guidelines:

• Show strong potential for meeting project objectives and must be supported by a biological evaluation that substantiates the need for the project and the strategies proposed.

• Be environmentally acceptable and appropriately documented in accordance with appropriate laws.

• To be eligible for such assistance, the entity having ownership or jurisdiction over the affected land must:

Consent, cooperate, and participate in the project.

Contribute directly to the work to be done.

Have the legal authority to carry out such projects.

• Treatment projects require the following documentation:

Appropriate documentation in accordance with relevant and required environmental analyses.

Biological evaluations, including pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations.

Work, safety, and security plans where appropriate or required.

• Forest Health authorities may not be used to cut either dead trees or trees that have commercial value.

• Cooperators shall also maintain appropriate records for each project, including the location of treated areas.

• Attach a completed Cooperative Lands Forest Pest Treatment Funding Request Form to the application at submission.

Applicants are encouraged to review information pertaining to treatment and management objectives for specific pests on our Forest Health Protection website and to contact the Eastern Region S&PF Forest Health Program specialists for assistance and additional information:

• Eastern Region S&PF, Assistant Director for Forest Health: Susan Ellsworth, 414-297-3021, susan.ellsworth@usda.gov

• New England States and New York (CT, MA, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT): Mike Bohne, 603-868-7708, michael.bohne@usda.gov

• Mid-Atlantic States (DC, DE, MD, NJ, OH, PA, WV): Rick Turcotte, 304-285-1544, richard.m.turcotte@usda.gov

• Mid-Western States (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, WI): Sunny Lucas, 651-649-5180, Sunny.L.Lucas@usda.gov https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/sites/default/files/template_coop_lands_forest_pest_treatment_funding_request_0.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/naspf/programs/forest-health-protection mailto:susan.ellsworth@usda.gov mailto:michael.bohne@usda.gov mailto:richard.m.turcotte@usda.gov mailto:Sunny.L.Lucas@usda.gov