PKG00253618-instructions.pdf

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service

Financial Assistance

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Program Title Shared Beringian Heritage Program 2020

Funding Call Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: P19AS00018 Announcement Type: Initial CFDA Number: 15.946 – Cultural Resources Management

Issue Date: August 6, 2019 Application Due Date: October 21, 2019 Time AM/PM Zone 5:00pm AKT

Agency Contact Information Questions and Requests Name Erica Cordeiro Name Erica Cordeiro Address National Park

Service 240 W.

5th Avenue

Anchorage, AK 99501

Address (as applicable) National Park Service 240 W.

5th Avenue

Anchorage, AK 99501

Phone (907) 644-3315 Phone (907) 644-3315 Email Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov Email Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov

Table of Contents

Section A: Program Description

Section B: Federal Award Information

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Contents and Form of Application Submission

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

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Evaluation of Applicant Risk

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

Section H: Other Information:

Appendix A - Application Package Forms SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424B

Appendix B - NPS Standard and Special Award Terms and Conditions

Section A: Program Description

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

Funding Opportunity Title: Shared Beringian Heritage Program (SBHP)

Funding Opportunity Number: P19AS00018

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.944 Natural Resource Stewardship, 15.945 Cooperative Research and Training Programs, 15.946 Cultural Resource Management

Legislative Authority:

54 U.S.C. §101702(a) Cooperative Agreements, Transfer of Service Appropriated Funds:

Authorizes the National Park Service (NPS) to enter into cooperative agreements that involve the transfer of NPS appropriated funds to funds to State, local and tribal governments, other public entities, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations for the public purpose of carrying out National Park Service programs pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 6305.

54 U.S.C. §101702(b) Cooperative Agreements, Cooperative Research and Training Programs:

The Secretary may enter into agreements with public or private educational institutions, States and their political subdivisions, for the purpose of developing adequate, coordinated, cooperative research and training programs concerning the resources of the National Park System, and pursuant to such agreements, to accept from and make available to the cooperator such technical and support staff, financial assistance for mutually agreed upon research projects, supplies and equipment, facilities, and administrative services relating to cooperative research units as the Secretary deems appropriate.

54 USC §100703 Cooperative Study Units: The Secretary is authorized and directed to enter into cooperative agreements with colleges and universities, including but not limited to, land grant schools, in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, to establish cooperative study units to conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated information products on the resources of the National Park System, or the larger region of which parts area a part.

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

Program Background Information and Objectives:

The National Park Service Shared Beringian Heritage Program (SBHP) recognizes and celebrates the unique natural resources and cultural heritage shared by Russia and the United States in the region known as Beringia. From the Kolyma River in the west (Russia) to Alaska's border with the Yukon in the east (Canada), this region includes the people, the land, and the water that connected the continents of North America and Asia during the Pleistocene ice ages.

The area provides unparalleled opportunities to study both earth and human history.

The overall purpose of the SBHP is to advance local, national, international understanding and preservation of the region’s resources and to sustain the cultural vitality of its indigenous people. Specific programmatic goals are to:

Improve conservation, sustainability, and knowledge of the region’s natural and cultural resources;

Preserve subsistence opportunities and other historic traditions and practices;

Interpret and communicate about the region’s unique and internationally significant resources and values;

Provide opportunities for cultural connections and knowledge exchange.

To meet its goals, the SBHP funds projects that connect people and activities in the Beringia region. Proposed projects may be research-focused, community-based, educational, cultural, or conservational. Every project must demonstrate how it fulfills the goals of the SBHP. Recent projects have focused on marine mammals, sea-ice patterns, reindeer herding, archaeology, documentation of local traditions, language preservation, climate change, and cultural exchange.

All proposals must be submitted by a U.S. based organization. The project must address one or more goals of the SBHP and include a meaningful Russian component. A meaningful Russian component may be achieved by activities including:

Involving a Russian specialist or partner as a project collaborator;

Conducting a portion of the project in Russia;

Fostering cultural, scientific, educational, or familial exchanges between Russia and the United States related to the Beringia area;

Compiling, translating (either Russian-to-English or English-to-Russian), and disseminating research results and other materials that could be beneficial to others.

In FY2020, the SBHP will consider two different types of proposals for funding:

Standard Proposal. Addresses one or more SBHP goals with a duration from one to three years. Funding may not exceed $75,000 in any single year for a total project cost up to $225,000.

Cultural Exchange Proposal. Designed to address local community-based activities, cultural connections, and other short-term needs to support ongoing knowledge exchange among the people of the Beringia. Funding may not exceed $30,000 with a duration of one year.

Secretary of the Interior Priorities:

This program supports Secretary of the Interior Priority 3a. “Be a Better Neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands.” The program supports this priority in the following way: Projects funded will have strong applied scientific merit, and will benefit the natural resources, cultural resources and/or subsistence of Beringian area residents.

Section B: Federal Award Information

Anticipated Federal Funding: ($30,000.00 to $225,000.00)

The total amount of federal assistance funds available for projects under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is estimated to be around $400,000. For Standard Proposals, funding may not exceed $75,000 annually for a duration of one to three years. For Cultural Exchange Proposals, funding may not exceed $30,000 with a duration of one year. The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined once final FY 2020 appropriations have been made. Distribution of funds is contingent on the appropriation and availability of the annual federal budget. This NOFO will be cancelled if FY 2020 appropriations are insufficient to support new awards.

Non-Federal Entity Cost Share:

Non-Federal cost share is not required for this agreement.

Estimated Number of Agreements to be Awarded: 7-9 The SBHP anticipates awarding seven (7) to nine (9) agreements under this NOFO. Each activity or project under this agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non- Federal entity.

Estimated Amount of Funding Available Per Award:

The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations. There are two Shared Beringian Heritage Program (SBHP) proposal categories (Standard and Cultural Exchange Program).

Proposal Category

Funding Level Duration Thematic Areas

Standard Proposal

Up to $75,000/year, $225,000 total project costs.

1-3 years Research to support natural or cultural resource conservation;

Documentation of historical knowledge and traditional practices;

Investigation of the human, ecological, socio- economic and biogeographical changes that have shaped Beringia over modern to deep time;

Community-based capacity building to support resiliency and adaptation to changing socio- environmental conditions;

Education and outreach about

Cultural Exchange Proposal

Up to $30,000 1 year Community-based projects and events;

Cultural exchanges;

Translations

Applicants may not submit the same proposal to more than one category. Applicants may submit more than one proposal.

Anticipated Start Date:

Projects awarded through this NOFO may begin once federal funds have been appropriated, final terms for the proposed activity have been negotiated and agreed upon, and all necessary agreements and forms have been signed by all required parties. Projects must be initiated no later than September 30, 2020.

Anticipated Term of the Agreement: One to three years

Agreement terms for funded projects are estimated to range between one and three years, depending on the negotiated project statement of work. Multiple year awards are allocated on an annual cycle, with each successive year contingent on the appropriation and availability of federal funds and on demonstrated progress toward project deliverables. Agreements are not effective until fully executed with signature from the NPS Financial Assistance Awarding Officer.

Type of Agreements:

Assistance agreements are expected to reflect a cooperative work plan with the NPS, and to be awarded as one of three types: Stand Alone Cooperative Agreement, Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Task Order (Master Cooperative Agreement must be identified), or Interagency Agreement. Each of these assistance types requires “Substantial Involvement” by NPS, see letter H for additional details.

Stand-Alone Cooperative Agreement – A legal instrument of financial assistance entered into when the principal purpose of the relationship of the agreement is to transfer something of value from the Federal awarding agency to the non-Federal entity to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law, and substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated in carrying out the funded activity. Stand-alone cooperative agreements contain terms and conditions, statements of work, and funding that is obligated by the cooperative agreement.

They are not linked to task agreements or master cooperative agreements as they are fully self-contained.

Task Agreement – A Task Agreement is issued to authorize work and obligate funds of a project that falls within the scope of an established master cooperative agreement. Task agreements are not stand-alone documents and must always reference the initial master agreement.

Interagency Agreement – A legal instrument used for an interagency acquisition to exchange funds between two federal agencies. This agreement includes a statement of work that defines the cooperative work that will be performed, along with the roles of each agency.

Substantial Involvement:

All agreements entered into under this NOFO shall include “Substantial Involvement” by the NPS. Substantial Involvement is defined as significant NPS participation during the performance of a financial assistance agreement. Substantial involvement is a required component of a cooperative agreement.

Substantial involvement may include:

NPS may participate in collaborative project design, field work, data analysis, writing, or serve as co-coordinator for the project.

NPS staff may jointly organize and deliver seminars, workshops, and types of training programs for the purpose of disseminating information about the project internally, to other federal partners, States, Tribes, local governments, public, or non-governmental audiences.

NPS will provide the services of a Program Coordinator to serve as liaison to the Recipient for the work under this agreement. This includes technical assistance, consulting and working specifically with the non-Federal entity’s program coordinator and team leaders.

Data Availability:

1) Applicability. The Department of the Interior is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by the Department to inform its decisions.

2) Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award, including the provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.

3) Availability of Data. The recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any subaward(s) available to the Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow meaningful third party evaluation and reproduction of the following:

(a) The scientific data relied upon;

(b) The analysis relied upon; and

(c) The methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze data.

Conflict of Interest:

1) Applicability.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

2) Requirements.

(a) 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.

(b) In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual or proposed recipient or subrecipient, who is substantially involved in the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with respect to that recipient or subrecipient or in development of the requirement leading to the funding announcement.

(c) No actual or prospective recipient or subrecipient may solicit, obtain, or use non-public information regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that recipient or subrecipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or subrecipient.

3) Notification.

(a) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112, Conflicts of interest.

4) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients. Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 USC 1352.

5) Review Procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

6) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the

Government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR Part 180).

Other Information:

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

Section C: Eligibility Information

Application Due Date: Oct 21 5:00 pm AKT All application materials must be received no later than October 21, at 5:00 pm Alaska Time.

An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the time of the application deadline will result in the application being excluded from consideration. This includes but is not limited to late and incomplete application packages.

. Eligible Applicants

A. Who may submit an application?

Universities and Colleges - Universities and two- and four-year colleges (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in, the U.S. acting on behalf of their faculty members. Such organizations are referred to as “academic institutions”.

State and Local Governments – U.S.-based state government, borough or city government, working on projects that address the stated SBHP goals and priorities in Section I.G. Educational offices or organizations and local school districts may submit proposals.

Non-profit, non-academic organizations - Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.

Federally recognized Tribal Governments, including Alaska Native Villages, or Tribal Associations – Alaskan Native Tribal Governments, inter-tribal consortia of federally recognized Tribes, and Native associations working to improve the health, welfare and environment of Tribal people and lands.

B. Who may serve as Program Coordinator or Principal Investigator?

The principal point of contact for the proposal and person responsible for project implementation and deliverables must be a U.S. citizen and affiliated with a U.S.-based organization.

. Cost Sharing or Matching Non-Federal cost sharing is not required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

. Address to Request Application Package An application package has been included within this NOFO for your convenience, found in Appendix A. The Application Package contains four forms, which either can 1) be submitted with your proposal, or 2) if your proposal is selected, prior to award. The forms are mandatory for all selected projects and must be received prior to award. The forms include: form SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance), form SF-424A (Budget Information), form SF-424B (Assurances), and SF-LLL (Lobbying). The Application Package can also be accessed and downloaded from the Synopsis page of this announcement in Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this NOFO.

. Contents and Form of Application Submission You must complete the forms identified in this section in accordance with the instructions below, as required by this NOFO. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information.

There are two types of Shared Beringia Heritage Program (SBHP) proposals being considered under this NOFO: 1) Standard Proposal and a 2) Cultural Exchange Proposal.

STANDARD PROPOSAL:

The information in this section is for the Standard Proposal. For a description of the two proposal categories (Standard and Cultural Exchange), see Section A. To be considered for a Standard Proposal under this NOFO, you must submit the mandatory information in accordance with the instructions below. The following six (6) elements must be included for the proposal to be considered.

A. Project Narrative for a Standard Proposal

The body of the proposal should be in the form of a narrative description. The Project Narrative for a Standard Proposal may be up to 15 pages in total length and must include Elements a) through j) below. The Project Narrative must be single-spaced, use Times New Roman size 12 font, and have one-inch margins. The page limit includes text, figures, figure captions, and cited references. Required Elements 2-6 (below) are not part of the 15 page Project Narrative limit.

i. Project Title

ii. Proposal Category: Standard

iii. Name, Position, and Affiliation of the Project Coordinator

iv. Introduction/Background

What is the basic need the project proposes to address?

Why is this work important and relevant to the people or resources of Beringia?

v. Purpose/Objectives

What is the project trying to achieve?

How do the project objectives relate to the goals of the SBHP?

vi. Methods How do you intend to meet your objectives?

What methods will be employed?

vii. Deliverables and Project Timeline What products or services will be delivered as a result of this work?

What are the steps, actions, and time line for results?

viii. Education and Outreach Component How will results be disseminated, provide educational benefits, or result in raised knowledge and awareness of Beringia resources and heritage?

ix. Meaningful Russian Component

How does the project meet the requirement for a Russian Component (see Section A, Program Background Information and Objectives for examples)?

B. References

C. 2-Page Curriculum Vitae for Key Personnel

If submitting a Standard Proposal, you must provide a brief (2-page maximum) Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each of the key personnel with responsibilities for the project. Only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

D. Brief Description of Applicant Organization

In 200 words or less, describe the applicant’s organization, how it enables the applicant to conduct the proposed work, and any financial or in-kind resources that will be provided to ensure the project is successful.

E. Detailed Budget

A detailed budget must be submitted for each year of funding requested. The budget must specify amounts and provide justification for expenditures in the following categories. An example budget is provided in Appendix D for reference.

i. Salary and Benefits

ii. Travel

iii. Equipment

iv. Supplies

v. Subcontracts or Agreements

vi. Indirect Costs

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

i. Other budget information

ii. Financial capability

iii. Evaluation of risk

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

If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal.

Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs will have those costs disallowed.

F. Contact Information for Project Coordinator and Sponsoring Organization

List full name, title, affiliation, mailing address, email address, and phone number for the Project Coordinator and sponsoring organization. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Contact information such as name, address, telephone number, and e- mail are not considered proprietary and must be included.

G. Responses to Eligibility Criteria for the Standard Proposal

Please give a narrative response summarizing how your proposal addresses each Merit Review Criterion for the Standard Proposal category. Each criterion should be addressed directly in 200 words or fewer. See Section E for a more detailed description of each criterion.

The Merit Review Criteria for the Standard Proposal are:

Standard Proposal Criterion 1: Significance of the Issue Standard Proposal Criterion 2: Technical Soundness Standard Proposal Criterion 3: Qualification and Resources Standard Proposal Criterion 4: Benefits, Context, and Transferability Standard Proposal Criterion 5: Education and Outreach

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM PROPOSALS:

There are two types of SBHP proposals being considered under this NOFO, a Standard Proposal and a Cultural Exchange Proposal. The information in this section is for the Cultural Exchange Proposal. For a description of the two proposal categories, see Section A. To be considered for a Cultural Exchange Proposal under this NOFO, you must submit the mandatory information in accordance with the instructions below. The following six (6) elements must be included for the proposal to be considered.

A. Project Narrative for a Cultural Exchange Proposal

The body of the proposal should be in the form of a narrative description. The Project Narrative for a Cultural Exchange Proposal may be up to 10 pages in total length and must include Elements a) through h) below. The Project Narrative must be single-spaced, use Times New Roman size 12 font, and have one-inch margins. The page limit allowed includes all text, figures, figure captions, and cited references. Required Elements 2-6 (below) are not part of the 10 page Project Narrative limit.

i. Project Title

ii. Proposal Category: (Cultural Exchange)

iii. Name, Position, and Affiliation of the Project Coordinator

iv. Introduction/Background

• What is the basic need the project proposes to address?

• Why is this work important and relevant to the people or resources of

Beringia?

v. Purpose/Objectives

What is the project trying to achieve?

How do the project objectives relate to the goals of the Shared

Beringian Heritage Program?

vi. Methods and Deliverables

How do you intend to meet your objectives?

What are the steps, actions, and timeline for results?

What products or services will be delivered as a result of this work?

vii. Meaningful Russian Component How does the project meet the requirement for a Russian Component?

viii. References (Optional)

B. Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel

If submitting a Cultural Exchange Proposal, you must provide a biographical sketch for each of the key personnel with responsibilities for the project. Each biographical sketch should be no more than 1 page in length. Only information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included.

C. Brief Description of Applicant Organization

Briefly describe the applicant’s organization, how it enables the applicant to conduct the proposed work, and any financial or in-kind resources that will be provided to ensure the project is successful.

D. Detailed Budget

A detailed budget must be submitted for each year of funding requested. The budget must specify amounts and provide justification for expenditures in the following categories. An example budget is provided in Appendix D for reference.

i. Salary and Benefits

ii. Travel

iii. Equipment

iv. Supplies

v. Subcontracts or Agreements

vi. Indirect Costs

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

a) Other budget information

b) Financial capability

c) Evaluation of risk

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

If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal.

Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs will have those costs disallowed.

E. Contact Information for Project Coordinator and Sponsoring Organization

List full name, title, affiliation, mailing address, email address, and phone number for the Project Coordinator and sponsoring organization. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. Contact information such as name, address, telephone number, and e- mail are not considered proprietary and must be included.

F. Responses to Eligibility Criteria

Please give a narrative response summarizing how your proposal addresses each Merit Review Criterion for the Cultural Exchange Proposal category. Each criterion should be addressed directly in 200 words or less. See Section E for a description of each criterion.

The Merit Review Criteria for a Cultural Exchange Proposal are:

Cultural Exchange Proposal Criterion 1: Significance of the Issue Cultural Exchange Proposal Criterion 2: Ability to Achieve Results Cultural Exchange Proposal Criterion 3: Benefits, Context, and Transferability

G. Indirect Costs: If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal. Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs will have those costs disallowed.

H. Other Documents Required by the Program - All applicants must provide a statement to identify whether or not any overlap exists between the proposed project and any other active or anticipated projects in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non- Federal). If no overlap or duplication exists, a sample statement to satisfy this requirement might be: “[Insert Applicant Name] affirms that no overlap or duplication exists between the proposed project in this application and any other active or anticipated project in terms of activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel, including any application that was submitted for funding consideration to any other potential funding source (Federal or non-Federal).” If any overlap or duplication does exist, applicants must provide a description of the overlap including when the overlapping or duplicative proposal(s) were submitted, to whom (entity and program), and when funding decisions are expected to be announced. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be overlapping or duplicative of the funding requested from NPS, the applicant must immediately notify the NPS point of contact. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount.

I. Required Mandatory Forms, if your proposal is selected:

Standard Form 424 (SF 424) – Application for Federal Assistance

MANDATORY FORM, if selected*. Complete this form as much as possible with all applicable information.

*This form must be submitted if your proposal has been selected. Not required for application to this NOFO.

Standard Form 424A (SF 424A) - Budget Information MANDATORY FORM, if selected*.

The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A and SF424C.

Standard Form 424B (SF 424B) – Assurances MANDATORY FORM, if selected*.

Standard Form LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities MANDATORY FORM, if selected for applications over $100K total.

Federally recognized Tribal Governments are exempt from this requirement.

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

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

i. Other budget information

ii. Financial capability

iii. Evaluation of risk (audits)

iv. Liability Insurance

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

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

Each applicant (unless exempt under 2 CFR §25.110) is required to:

(a) Be registered in SAM

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

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

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

A financial assistance agreement will not be made with a non-Federal entity until the non- Federal entity has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If a non-Federal entity has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that an agreement is ready for award, a determination may be made that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award. That determination may be used as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

In addition, in order to submit an application through Grants.gov an applicant must have an active SAM registration and register for submission permissions through the Grants.gov website. Utilize the following link to guide you through this process:

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

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

Applications must be received by October 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm Alaska Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well before the deadline.

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

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

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

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

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

Applications must be sent to: Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov or at grants.gov, P19AC00018 Applicants are required to provide their proposal electronically.

In the event the applicant experiences technical difficulties with submitting their application, please contact: Erica Cordeiro via email: Erica_Cordeiro@nps.gov, or phone: 907-644-3315.

START THIS PROCESS EARLY DON’T DELAY!

Section E: Application Review Information

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

STANDARD PROPOSAL:

TABLE 1:

Criterion 1 Description Weight 15% Standard Proposal Criterion 1:

Significance of the Issue

Describe the central issue or need that the project is designed to address and how it is significant to the natural resources, cultural resources or cultural heritage of the Beringia region.

Criterion 2 Weight 25% Standard Proposal Criterion 2: Technical Soundness

Explain how the proposed approach and methods will enable you to meet the objectives and deliverables of the projects.

Criterion 3 Weight 20% Standard Proposal Criterion 3:

Qualification and Resources

Explain how the available personnel and resources provided will result in a successful outcome, including any in-kind support from your organization or other partners toward the project.

Criterion 4 Weight 25% Standard Proposal Criterion 4: Benefits, Context, and Transferability

Describe the tangible benefits that will result from the proposed work. Include information on benefits to the people and/or resources of Beringia and how the results may advance knowledge and understanding about the resources and issues of common concern to the U.S. and Russia.

Criterion 5 Weight 15% Standard Proposal Criterion 5: Education and Outreach

Explain how results will be disseminated, provide educational benefits, or help to raise knowledge and awareness of Beringia

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

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROPOSAL:

TABLE 2

Criterion 1 Description Weight 30% Standard Proposal Criterion 1:

Significance of the Issue

Describe the central issue or need that the project is designed to address and how it is significant to the natural resources, cultural resources or cultural heritage of the Beringia region.

Criterion 2 Weight 30% Cultural Exchange Proposal Criterion 2:

Ability to Achieve Results

Explain how the proposed approach, available personnel, and resources provided will result in a successful outcome.

Criterion 3 Weight 40% Cultural Exchange Proposal Criterion 3:

Benefits, Context, and Transferability

Describe the tangible benefits that will result from the proposed work. Include information on benefits to the people of Beringia and how the results may advance knowledge and understanding about the resources and issues of common concern to the U.S. and Russia.

. Review and Selection Process

Submitted proposal packages initially will be screened for eligibility and completeness and then forwarded to the review panel. The review panel comprising NPS experts will review each eligible and complete proposal using the criteria outlined above. The panel will make recommendations to the SBHP fund source manager, who will make the final selections for funding.

a. Determination of Eligibility and Completeness

Prior to conducting the merit review, an initial screening of all submissions will determine whether: ( ) the Applicant is eligible for an award; ( ) the information required by the NOFO has been submitted; and ( ) all mandatory requirements of the NOFO are satisfied.

If an applicant fails to meet the requirements or does not provide sufficient information for review, the applicant will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further review.

b. Merit Review

All applications that satisfactorily pass the initial screening will be eligible for the Merit Review. Eligible projects will be rated using a value scale for each criterion of (lowest) through (highest). Applications submitted to the Standard Proposal category will be rated across the criteria in Table and applications to the Cultural Exchange Proposal category will be rated using the criteria in Table . Each criterion is weighted according to the information given in the two tables to create a normalized score for each proposal that allows results from the two proposal categories to be compared. Scores will be averaged across all reviewers to create a ranking of proposals from high to low. The Merit Review Panel will meet to discuss and resolve discrepancies between reviewers and will collectively agree on a final ranking and recommendation of priorities for funding. These recommendations will be forwarded to the SBHP fund source manager who will make provisional selections for funding.

c. Selection

The Selection Official may consider the merit review recommendation and the amount of funds available to select applications for funding.

d. Discussions and Award

The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the applicant is capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

i. Provisional Selection

The SBHP will consider the recommendations for funding priority from the Merit Review Panel and may make modifications to the final project ranking.

Additional considerations that may be taken into account in determining project awards include but are not limited to the success of previously awarded SBHP project funds, the relevance of the proposal in meeting SBHP program goals and priorities, and the amount of funds requested compared to those available. The SBHP will review all considerations and establish a provisional list of projects for financial assistance awards. Once the provisional list is ascertained, the NPS will contact selected applicants.

ii. Discussions and Award

The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: (1) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (2) the Government needs additional information to determine that the recipient is capable of complying with the requirements of DOI Financial Assistance Regulations, and/or (3) additional specific terms and conditions are required. Failure to satisfactorily resolve the issues identified by the Government may preclude award to the applicant.

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

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

Prior to making a Federal award, any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance (currently FAPIIS) will be reviewed and considered (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313). Applicants may review and comment about any information about itself in FAPIIS. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 C.F.R. §200.205

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

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

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

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

. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

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

2 C.F.R. Part 175 - Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 2 C.F.R. Parts 182 & 1401 - Government-wide Requirements for a Drug-Free

Workplace 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 & 1400 - Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement) 43 CFR. 18 - Restrictions on Lobbying

c. Order of Precedence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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