PKG00256967-instructions.pdf

SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Funding Opportunity Title: California Biological Assistance

Announcement Type: Initial Request for Proposals for NRCS Contribution Agreements

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-20-GEN0010588

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number:

1. 10.902 – Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTA)

2. 10.912 - Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

3. 10.924 – Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

4. 10.931, and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) – Wetland Reserve

Easements (WRE)

Funding Opportunity Announcement Summary

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – California State Office, an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking technical support from natural resource conservation partners to provide technical assistance to NRCS and its clients for biological planning and conservation activities in specified geographic areas in California.

Applicants will be responsible for assisting landowners by providing technical assistance necessary to develop and implement CTA and Farm Bill programs, to include, but not limited EQIP, WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program), ACEP and CSP conservation plans and easement activities.

NRCS anticipates that the total funds available for this program in FY 2020 will be up to $ 1,000,000 subject to availability of funds at the time of award. NRCS will accept applications under this notice for a base year and up to four, one-year option periods. Applicants must be based in or with substantial operations in California and who can contribute matching funds.

Proposals must provide for all of the technical services specified.

Proposals will be accepted from entities who have the ability and resources to deliver biological assistance in California. The applicants must contribute equal resources to the accomplishment of the objectives. NRCS policy requires a 50 percent (50%) contribution by the recipient, however a 75 percent (75%) NRCS share and 25 percent (25%) recipient share is possible if the selected applicant provides a written statement of a financial burden to provide the 25 percent (50%) match and a statement of mutual interest. Applicants must submit proposals via Grants.gov.

This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria and application instructions. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant applications will be eliminated from competition and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The California State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications.

Key Dates

Applications must be received by NRCS before 8:59pm PST, Friday, December 20, 2019

One (1) teleconference will be held during the open period of this announcements to answer any clarifying questions on the following date:

Monday, December 11th, 2019 at 12:30pm PST

Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling Amounts

The funding floor for this announcement $100,000, and the funding ceiling is $1,000,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. The authorizing statutes and regulations for this opportunity are:

- 7 U.S.C. 6962a

- 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, 590q – CTA

- 16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq. - EQIP

- 16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq. – ACEP-WRE

- 16 U.S.C 3839-21 et seq. - CSTP

2. Funding Areas

This agreement facilitates the delivery of conservation under the 2018 Farm Bill regarding biological components. The partner will provide technical assistance to NRCS and its clients for biological assistance and conservation easement activities in eleven

(11) locations throughout California. Services include identifying suitable projects with private landowners, developing conservation plans following the nine step NRCS planning process, completing Implementation Requirements Sheets and working with landowners to plan and implement conservation practices that meet NRCS standards and specifications.

Description of Services:

California NRCS has separated the technical biological support into two distinct categories. The first relates to technical assistance associated with working lands conservation while the second category is related to technical assistance for Farm Bill easement activities. The description and associated tasks are listed as 1 and 2 below.

NRCS will provide all job-related equipment needed to complete tasks. The Applicant’s staff should have proficiency with NRCS tools, such as; but not limited to, PROTRACTS, Tool Kit, Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, and National Easement Staging Tool (NEST) will be given extra consideration.

NRCS will provide all training required to complete tasks under the Working Lands Programs and Easement Programs, based on NRCS’ Supporting Technical Assistance Results (STAR) Curriculum (Attachment C).

During outreach, planning, and presentations on this collaborative process agreement recipient will acknowledge partnership, including financial, and operational assistance provided by NRCS California.

Task 1: Working Lands Programs Technical Assistance

The applicant will provide biological assistance to 11 areas throughout California.

Specific locations, counties served and staffing requirements are provided in Attachment A & B.

NRCS identified specific tasks needed to provide this technical assistance. The applicant will:

1. Coordinate assistance with NRCS personnel to fill staffing gaps where there are biologist vacancies.

2. Develop biological assessments and exercise environmental due-diligence on landowner applications.

3. Conduct outreach, planning, contracting, and certification for water bird, riparian, sage grouse, pollinator, monarch projects and other terrestrial and aquatic species projects addressing site-specific resource concerns.

4. Conduct biological inventory and monitoring activities related to National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance for federally funded activities.

5. Monitor NRCS contracted practices. (A partial list of practices is enclosed as Attachment D).

6. Attain certified conservation planner credentials, and appropriate job-approval-authorities (JAA).

7. Attend and participate in NRCS training as requested.

8. Provide suggestions to NRCS Area Biologist on improving practice standards, implementation methods and program opportunities.

9. Coordinate daily work tasks with NRCS Field Office District Conservationist.

10. Establish a work schedule with NRCS Field Office District Conservationist.

11. Provide guidance for potential impacts of planned conservation practices on Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species and assist with appending projects to Biological Opinion (BO).

12. Identify and develop wildlife habitat enhancement projects and plans.

13. With concurrence from District Conservationist, collaborate with conservation partners and producer groups on outreach and projects.

14. Conduct conservation planning and inventory for wildlife factors using science-based tools, such as; but not limited to, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEGS), Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP), Pollinator Habitat Assessment (PHA), Environmental Evaluation (EE or CPA-52 form).

15. Review and certify biological conservation practices with appropriate Job Approval Authority (JAA), including the development of implementation requirements.

16. Inspect, measure, and certify completed project work in accordance with NRCS Practice Standards, Specifications and Implementation Requirements.

Review documentation for accuracy, compliance with regulations, and justification of requests for payment to clients for goods and services.

Deliverables: NRCS will establish a quantifiable deliverable for each task above (1-16) by designated office prior to award. These specific deliverables and products will allow NRCS to monitor progress and make payment. These measurements may vary depending on location, professional experience, and NRCS staff. Deliverable examples may include: number of landowners contacted/visited, effected acreage, conservation plans complete, or practices certified.

Business Process Principles for Task 1 Deliverables:

All work related to individual land owners will be retained at the field office in the appropriate case file.

Planning or certification information will be input to NRCS software systems such as Toolkit, Conservation Desktop and/or Protracts.

Task 2: Provide Easement Program Technical Assistance

The applicant will provide biological assistance to 5 locations throughout California.

Specific locations, counties served and staffing requirements are provided in Attachment B.

The applicant will provide technical assistance to NRCS’ Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Teams in four regions in Central and Northern California. Technical assistance includes:

- Planning and applying conservation measures with emphasis on wildlife biology

- Grazing management and habitat restoration, especially for wetland wildlife species

- Developing prescribed grazing management practices and other wetland management practices (Compatible Use Agreements) that are in balance with the wildlife habitat objectives for WRE properties

- Assessing and monitoring conservation practices already applied on easements

Specific tasks for this Easement Program technical assistance include the following tasks:

1. Conduct easement compliance and habitat monitoring.

2. Develop Wetland Reserve Plans of Operations (WRPO) and Grazing Management

Plans (GMP) for easements.

3. Develop Compatible Use Authorizations and biological recommendations for easements.

4. Develop wetland enhancement and restoration designs for easements.

5. Conduct biological assessments and environmental due-diligence on new landowner easement applications

6. Complete the Environmental Evaluation (NRCS-CPA-52) for easement applications, management actions, and WRPOs/GMPs.

7. Monitor NRCS contracted practice installation and performance.

8. Attend and participate in NRCS training as requested.

9. Collaborate with conservation partners and producer groups on outreach and projects.

Deliverables: NRCS will establish a quantifiable deliverable for each task above (1-9) by designated office prior to award. These specific deliverables and products will allow NRCS to monitor progress and make payment. These measurements may vary depending on location, professional experience, and NRCS staff. Deliverable examples may include: number of landowners contacted/visited, effected acreage, conservation plans complete, or practices certified.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimated Funding

The total amount of Federal funding the agency expects to award through this announcement is between $100,000 and $1,000,000.

2. Start Dates and Performance Periods

Projects may begin as early as February 1, 2020 and will include one (1) base year and four (4) option years for a total of five years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on a project start date of February 1, 2020.

3. Type of Federal Award

The agency plans to award a contribution agreement pursuant to this opportunity.

Contribution agreements are a unique non-assistance cooperative agreement type available only to NRCS established by 7 U.S.C. Section 6962a. NRCS may enter contribution agreements, including for the acquisition of goods or services, when the objectives of the agreement will serve a mutual interest of the parties to the agreement in carrying out NRCS programs, and all parties will contribute resources to the accomplishment of these objectives. Applicants should contribute equal resources to the accomplishment of the objectives. NRCS policy requires a 50 percent (50%) contribution by the recipient, however a 75 percent (75%) NRCS share and 25 percent (25%) recipient share is possible if the selected applicant provides a written statement of a financial burden to provide the 25 percent (25%) match and a statement of mutual interest. Moreover, any applicant contribution percentage between these two boundaries (50% to 25%) may also be possible.

4. Number of Awards

The agency expects to make one (1) award.

5. Procurement Contracts

The agency does not expect to award procurement contracts associated with this announcement.

6. Eligibility of Renewal or Supplemental Project Applications

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards. An application for renewal means a proposal submitted to continue an existing agreement that meets the objectives and requirements of this NFO. An application for supplementation of an existing project means a proposal to add components to an existing agreement so that it would meet the objectives and requirements in this NFO.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline to be considered for award. Eligible applicant type is determined by the implementing program statute.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), and special district governments.

Refer to section D of this announcement for required documentation supporting eligibility status.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

This opportunity requires applicants to cost share 50 percent of total project costs. NRCS policy requires a 50 percent (50%) contribution by the recipient, however a 75 percent (75%) NRCS share and 25 percent (25%) recipient share is possible if the selected applicant provides a written statement of a financial burden to provide the 25 percent (25%) match and a statement of mutual interest.

Moreover, any applicant contribution percentage between these two boundaries (50% to 25%) may also be possible. The contribution ratio in the award must remain consistent throughout the duration of the award.

Cost sharing may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third-party in-kind contributions. Refer to section D of this opportunity for required submittals related to match or cost-share requirements.

Recipients with unrecovered indirect costs may also use those to meet cost-sharing obligations.

3. Other (if applicable)

Basic Applicant Qualifications:

Applicants must ensure that employees or contractors:

a. Are located in the NRCS Office location specified

b. Follow USDA procedures for work schedules.

c. Possess valid driving license.

d. Must be able to obtain an NRCS credential (pass a background check) to allow for them to gain access to secure government office(s) and files.

e. Proficient in word processing and knowledgeable and experienced in utilizing a variety of computer hardware and software applications, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access and ARC GIS.

f. Able to use e-mail and internet browsers i.e., Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft explorer.

g. Skillful in working with the general public, emphasizing the agricultural community

h. Capable of working independently.

i. Possess basic telephone skills.

j. Although not required, the following qualifications would be preferred and will be given extra weight during the ranking process:

i. Knowledge and experience with NRCS conservation programs.

ii. Demonstrated knowledge of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) or ACEP and associated elements of biological assistance, contracts, easements, practices and practice specifications.

Applicant entities identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits will not be considered for Federal funding, as applicable to the funding being requested under this Federal program.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

All standard forms necessary for this announcement are included in the Grants.gov application package. Applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting Melinda Grow at (530) 792-5688 or by written request mailed to USDA – NRCS c/o Melinda Grow, 430 G Street, #4164, Davis, CA 95616-4164.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission To be considered for funding under this opportunity, an application must contain:

a. Application Form: (Standard Form 424 Application for Federal Assistance)

Applicants must use this document as the cover sheet for each proposal. See Instructions for Completing SF 424 located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

b. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs. Fill in all spaces as appropriate. Section B, Item 6, Column 1 should reflect the agency funds, and Column 2 should reflect the applicant’s matching funds. This form is the summary budget for the project. See Instructions for Completing SF 424A located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

c. Budget Narrative - In a separate narrative titled “Budget Narrative”, explain and justify all requested budget items/costs. Detail how the totals on the SF- 424A were determined and demonstrate a clear connection between costs and the proposed project activities. For personnel salary costs, please include all positions and identify supervisory staff and include the base-line salary figures and the estimates of time (as percentages) to be directly charged to the project.

Describe any item that under the applicable Federal cost principles requires the agency’s approval and estimate its cost. See Instructions for Completing Budget Narrative located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

i. As required in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Subpart F Audit Requirements, all U.S. states, local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in a fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. Therefore, any U.S. states, local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations applying under this opportunity must include one of the following statements in its budget narrative:

“My organization was required to submit a Single Audit report last year. The reporting period covered was from (insert date) to (insert date). This report filed under EIN # (insert EIN), is available on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse Single Audit Database website (https://harvester.census.gov/facweb/) or will be by (insert date).”

OR

“My organization was not required to submit a Single Audit report last year.”

ii. Proposals must include written verification of commitments of matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from non-Federal third parties. For third-party contributions, a separate letter of support is required for each contribution, signed by the authorized organizational representative of the contributing organization and the applicant organization, which must include: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the contributor, (2) the name of the applicant organization, (3) the title of the project for which the contribution is made, (4) the dollar amount of the contribution, and (5) a statement that the contributor will pay the contribution during the grant period. The agency may conduct reference checks to ensure that organizations identified are supportive and involved with the project.

iii. Required Indirect Costs Statement - All applicants except individuals applying for funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate must complete and attach the Indirect Costs Statement located in the Related Documents tab of this announcement on Grants.gov.

d. Standard Form (SF) 424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs.

Applicants, by signing and submitting an application, assure and certify that they are in compliance with the following Federal regulations:

- 2 CFR Part 417, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement)

- 4 CFR Part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying

- 2 CFR Part 421, Government wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)

e. Certification and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Under Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 1352, an applicant or recipient must not use any federally appropriated funds (both annually appropriated and continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a grant or cooperative agreement award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is defined as influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress connection with the award. Submission of an application also represents the applicant’s certification of the statements in 2 CFR Part 418, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If you/your organization have/has made or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with this proposal AND the Federal share exceeds $100,000, you must also complete and submit the SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities located at 2 CFR 418, Appendix B. See 2 CFR, Subpart 418.110 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

f. AD-3031, Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. Although the text of this document states it is applicable only to corporate entities, USDA policy requires that all entity types complete it.

g. Proposal

Each page must be on numbered 8½” x 11” paper with one-inch margins. The text of the proposal must be single spaced and typed in New Times Roman, no smaller than 12-point font and must not exceed 10 pages.

Proposals that fail to comply with the required content and format will not be considered for funding. Material exceeding stated page limits and/or formatting structure will not be considered. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will not be considered.

Provide a description of the work proposed by the applicant. Include details regarding any specific personnel and locations assigned to perform the work, resources that will be required, the technical experience and capability of the applicant organization, and any specific strategies developed to address the objectives described in this NFO.

h. Post Award Documentation –

Once a selection is made from the applications received, NRCS CA will coordinate with the applicant to develop a Statement of Work (SOW) that includes all of the required elements, to include: Objectives, Responsibilities of the Parties, Resources Required, Accomplishments and Deliverables and Milestones.

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

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the

Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier (Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number) in its application; and (iii) 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. The agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the agency is ready to make an award, it may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

Entities must obtain a DUNS and register in SAM prior to registering with Grants.gov. A description of each is below. Entities are strongly encouraged to apply early for their DUNS number and SAM registration.

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number: A Dun and Bradstreet DUNS number is a unique, nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of over 70 million businesses worldwide. Applicants must obtain a DUNS number.

Information on how to obtain a DUNS number can be found at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by calling 1-866-705-5711.

System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: SAM is the official Federal system that consolidated the capabilities of Central Contractor Registry, Federal Agency Registration, Online Representations and Certifications Application, and Excluded Parties List System. To register, go to: https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM. The Federal Service Desk is available for registration assistance and can be contacted via the Help tab at the website listed above.

4. Submission Dates and Times

Applicants must submit proposals via Grants.gov. Proposals must be received by 8:59pm PST, Friday, December 20, 2019. Late submissions will not be reviewed or considered. The agency will rely on system generated date and time receipt documentation to determine whether applications meet the submission deadline. Grants.gov provides and automatic acknowledgement when applications are received.

5. Intergovernmental Review (if applicable)

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

6. Funding Restrictions

Funds may not be used to pay any of the following costs unless otherwise permitted by law, or approved in writing by the Authorized Departmental Officer in advance of incurring such costs:

Costs above the amount of funds authorized for the project:

Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant;

Costs which lie outside the scope of the approved project and amendments thereto;

Entertainment costs, regardless of their apparent relationship to project objectives;

Compensation for injuries to persons, or damage to property arising out of project activities;

Consulting services performed by a Federal employee during official duty hours when such consulting services result in the payment of additional compensation to the employee; and

Renovation or refurbishment of research or related spaces, the purchase or installation of fixed equipment in such spaces, and the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of buildings or facilities.

This list is not exhaustive. Questions regarding the allowances of particular items of cost should be directed to the administrative contact person listed in this announcement.

Indirect costs limitations:

a. A non-profit organization or institution of higher education awarded a contribution agreement will be limited to a 10% indirect cost rate in accordance with the Agency’s annual appropriations act. The 10% indirect cost rate applies to both federal and non-federal funds. Other types of entities are not subject to this statutory limitation.

b. To be eligible to recover any indirect cost under a Federal award, recipients must either 1) have a current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with a Federal agency that has not expired; or 2) qualify for use of the de minimis rate authorized by 2 CFR 200.414(f). In order to qualify for the de minimis rate, the recipient must have never had a NICRA. A State, local, or tribal governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct Federal funding is not eligible for the de minimis rate.

c. Applicants not subject to the statutory limitation stated above, which have a current NICRA must calculate indirect costs using the rate and base specified in their NICRA. A recipient may voluntarily reduce or waive recovery of indirect costs at its sole discretion and must not be encouraged or coerced in any way to do so by the agency. If voluntarily reduced or waived, the recipient may choose to apply any unrecovered indirect costs as part of their cost share or match. Unrecovered indirect cost means the difference between the amount charged to the Federal award and the amount which could have been charged to the Federal award under the recipient's approved negotiated indirect cost rate (2 CFR 200.306(c)). A copy of the applicant’s current NICRA must be provided with the application. Indirect costs may not be recovered under an expired NICRA. However, if an applicant with a current NICRA is subject to the statutory limitation, indirect costs must be calculated as follows. First, multiply the NICRA rate by the base stated in the NICRA to arrive at Amount A. Next, multiply the statutory limit of 10% by the total of all direct costs to arrive at Amount B. The lower of Amount A and B is the amount of indirect cost to include on the budget.

d. Entities that are eligible for the de minimis rate who already have a de minimis rate agreement must use the rate and base specified in the agreement, which is modified total direct costs (MTDC) as defined by 2 CFR 200.68 and also excluding the amount of each subaward exceeding $25,000. Note that MTDC excludes certain costs from the base to which the rate is applied. A copy of the applicant’s de minimis rate agreement must be provided with the application. If a recipient is eligible to use the de minimis rate, but does not have a de minimis rate agreement, use an indirect cost rate of no more than 10% of MTDC when preparing the budget. If selected for award, a de minimis rate agreement will be executed along with the award. Applicants wishing to use the de minimis rate must submit a signed statement certifying that the entity 1) has never had a NICRA previously and 2) specifically request a de minimis rate agreement.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Merit/Technical Criteria

Initially, all application packages will be reviewed to confirm that applicants are eligible recipients. Applications will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Ranking will then be determined by evaluating the entities’ submission packages for services provided and services and staffing proposals. Applications will be evaluated against the description of services identified above in Section B. Business evaluations are performed by the grants and agreements specialist. Technical reviews are performed by a technical review board.

The technical review board will review all documents submitted in response to this solicitation, which meet the requirements in accordance with the factors listed below. Failure to provide the minimal information needed for each factor may result in the proposal being rejected.

The evaluation factors are in their descending order of importance.

A. Quality/Technical (Prior Experience) Factor

An applicant that has been established for a number for years, versus a startup, will have greater experience in providing the needed services. An applicant that has more frequent experience in sourcing and placing their employees, especially in NRCS assistance functions will receive more weight. Extra consideration will be given to applicants with proficiency with NRCS tools, such as; but not limited to, PROTRACTS, Tool Kit, Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, and National Easement Staging Tool (NEST). An applicant that has more experience in sourcing and employing candidates in private rural geographic areas will receive more weight. An applicant that has significant experience in contracting with Federal agencies or private land owners in California for similar services.

B. Quality/Technical (Management Capability) Factor

An applicant that demonstrates they have resources needed to source, onboard (orientation/background check), place, and employ/supervise their employees in a prompt and effective manner. Additional weight is given to applicants that can demonstrate a familiarity with CTA and EQIP biological assistance and the associated processes of contracts, practices, and practice specifications. Applicants with experience in “Toolkit” and “Protracts” will also be given additional weight.

Applicants that do not have adequate RFP resources needed throughout the geographic area(s) could adversely impact the timeliness and quality of the service, or in some cases cause there to be an office without biological support.

C. Quality/Technical (Past Performance) Factor

Past performance information is one indicator of an applicant’s ability to perform the service(s) successfully. An applicant that has past performance feedback that is not adverse. Adverse feedback could include employee performance issues, inability to provide a sufficient number of employees, and delays in sourcing and placing employees to meet customer needs. Applicants must identify past or current contracts, agreements or grants (may include Federal, State, and local government and private businesses) for efforts similar to this requirement in terms of size and scope. The following information must be provided (name of entity, address, contact name, contact number and email address. Past performance information must be relevant and recent. Applicants are authorized to provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the applicant’s corrective actions.

Applicants with no past performance information will be rated neutrally and will not be looked upon favorably or unfavorably. The Government may contact some or all of the past performance references provided.

D. Price Factor

The overall cost to the NRCS is an important factor; however, less important than the above factors. It will be more important to ensure that the applicant has demonstrated experience and capability of sourcing and employing experienced RFP employees in a short time frame especially in predominately rural areas, and a successful track record of placing employees that meet customer needs without the need for replacement. Applicants are cautioned that "materially unbalanced" prices and/or unreasonably high or low prices may cause your proposal to be deemed unacceptable and rejected. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the NRCS to exercise the option(s).

2. Risk Criteria

The agency will check SAM to ensure the applicant is not suspended or debarred, which would preclude receiving an award. In addition, prior to making a Federal award with a total Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313 and 2 CFR 200.205(a)).

To further comply with the requirements at 2 CFR 200.205, the agency has established the following risk review process and related standards that an applicant must meet to be considered for award:

a. Financial Stability. The applicant certifies that it maintains adequate financial resources or cash flow to meet its financial obligations on a routine basis and successfully complete any agreement it may be awarded.

b. Quality of Management Systems and Ability to meet Management Standards prescribed in 2 CFR Part 200. The applicant certifies it has a financial management system adequate to segregate and track federal funds. It further certifies is has adequate systems in place for proper agreement administration;

compliance with the standards outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Section D for procurement, property, and records management; and required financial and performance reporting.

c. History of Performance. If the applicant has previously obtained Federal financial assistance award, it certifies that it has never failed to materially comply with the Federal award terms and conditions and further that it has never had an award terminated on that basis.

Submission of a proposal constitutes certification that an applicant meets these standards.

3. Review and Selection Process Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete, noncompliant, and/or proposals not meeting the formatting criteria will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The agency intends to make a selection and award without conducting any discussions or allowing applicants to correct deficiencies or omissions in their applications. Consequently, they must ensure their applications are complete and accurate. However, while the agency intents to make a selection and award without discussions, it reserves the right to conduct discussions for the purpose of allowing applicants to revise their applications to correct deficiencies or omissions identified by the NRCS. If this is done, the agency will conduct discussions with all applicants and identify deficiencies and omissions and give applicants and opportunity to submit a revised application by a common cut-off date.

Merit/technical reviews will be conducted by a technical review board nominated by the approving official. Risk reviews will be conducted by the Grants and Agreements Service Branch. The approving official will make the final award decisions. The approving official for this opportunity is the State Conservationist.

4. Awards Over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (if applicable)

Notice to applicants:

a. Prior to making a Federal award with a total Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (the Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System, FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313 and 2 CFR 200.205(a));

b. An applicant may review information in FAPIIS accessible through SAM and comment on any information about it that a Federal awarding agency previously entered;

c. The 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 CFR 200.205, Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

5. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

The agency anticipates announcing or notifying successful and unsuccessful applicants by January 6th, 2020 and expects to have Federal awards in place by February 1, 2020.

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

1. Federal Award Notices

The agency will provide notice that an application has been selected before it actually makes the Federal award. As such, the selection notification is not an authorization to begin performance. Any pre-award costs incurred by the awardee will not be reimbursed. The Notice of Grant and Agreement Award (form NRCS- ADS-093) signed by the authorized agency representative is the only authorizing document and will be provided electronically to the entity’s authorized representative for signature.

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants with be notified of the award decision via letter.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All project funds will be used in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NRCS’ General Terms and Conditions; a copy of the General Terms and Conditions may be obtained by contacting the Federal Awarding Agency Contacts listed in this announcement.

3. Reporting

Reporting will follow NRCS’ General Terms and Conditions but will generally include electronic submission of semiannual progress reports, quarterly financial status reports, and final reports.

If the Federal share of any agreement awarded under this opportunity notice may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, recipients must also comply with the post award reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII of 2 CFR Part 200 —Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT(S)

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact one of the following individuals:

Administrative Contact Name: Michele Devaney Grants Management Specialist USDA-Farm Production and Conservation Business Center Mailing Address: 125 S. State St., Room 4010, Salt Lake City, UT 84138 Phone Number: (801) 524-4587 Email: michele.devaney@usda.gov

Program Contact:

Task 1: Conservation Planning Technical Assistance

Name: Kay Joy Barge, Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations (ASTC-

FO) USDA-NRCS

Mailing Address: 744-A La Guardia Street, Salinas CA 93905

Phone Number: (831) 975-7763 Email: Kay.JoyBarge@usda.gov

Task 2: Provide Easement Program Technical Assistance

Name: Dean Kwasny, State Easement Coordinator, USDA-NRCS Mailing Address: 430 G Street, #4164, Davis, CA 95616-4164 Phone Number: (530) 792-5648 Email: Dean.Kwasny@usda.gov

H. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Questions regarding this announcement must be submitted to the Administrative Contact identified above via email with the Opportunity Number in the subject line. Questions must be submitted by December 10th, 2019. A question and answer document addressing all questions will be posted to the Related Documents tab of this announcement in Grants.gov as a modification by December 13th, 2019.

2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Proposals to NRCS are considered to be confidential information. Proposals are not shared with individuals or entities seeking public disclosure through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) without the consent of the applicant. More specifically, Executive Order 12600 and USDA FOIA regulation 7 CFR Part 1, Subpart A requires the NRCS to provide notice to applicants that a third party has requested copies of their business information and requires NRCS to consult with applicants regarding the releasing their records.

3. Government Obligation

The Federal Government is not obligated to make any Federal award as a result of the announcement. Only authorized federal officials can bind the Federal Government to the expenditure of funds.

4. Useful Internet Sites:

Field Office Technical Guide (EFOG) - https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/#/

U.S. Department of Agriculture Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call

(866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Attachment A ‐ Task 1: Conservation Planning Technical Assistance Locations and Staffing Requirements

1 12/2/2019

Geographic Area Designated Colocation

Staffing Requirement

1 FTE = 2,080 hrs Tasks

Counties Western Shasta, Trinity

Redding Field Office

0.4 FTE Task 1: Working Lands Programs Technical Assistance

1. Coordinate assistance with NRCS personnel to fill staffing gaps where there are biologist vacancies.

2. Develop biological assessments and exercise environmental due‐diligence on landowner applications.

3. Conduct outreach, planning, contracting, and certification for water bird, riparian, sage grouse, pollinator, monarch projects and other terrestrial and aquatic species projects addressing site‐specific resource concerns.

4. Conduct biological inventory and monitoring activities related to National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance for federally funded activities.

5. Monitor NRCS contracted practices. (A partial list of practices is enclosed as Attachment D).

6. Attain certified conservation planner credentials, and appropriate job‐approval‐authorities

(JAA).

7. Attend and participate in NRCS training as requested.

8. Provide suggestions to NRCS Area Biologist on improving practice standards, implementation methods and program opportunities.

9. Coordinate daily work tasks with NRCS Field Office District Conservationist.

10. Establish a work schedule with NRCS Field Office District Conservationist.

11. Provide guidance for potential impacts of planned conservation practices on Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species and assist with appending projects to Biological Opinion

(BO).

12. Identify and develop wildlife habitat enhancement projects and plans.

13. With concurrence from District Conservationist, collaborate with conservation partners and producer groups on outreach and projects.

14. Conduct conservation planning and inventory for wildlife factors using science‐based tools; such as, but not limited to, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEGS), Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP), Pollinator Habitat Assessment (PHA), Environmental Evaluation (EE or CPA‐52 form).

15. Review and certify biological conservation practices with appropriate Job Approval Authority (JAA), including the development of implementation requirements.

16. Inspect, measure, and certify completed project work in accordance with NRCS Practice Standards, Specifications and Implementation Requirements. Review documentation for accuracy, compliance with regulations, and justification of requests for payment to clients for goods and services.

Nevada, El Dorado & Placer counties

Grass Valley Field Office

1 FTE

Bay‐Delta Area Vacaville Field Office

1 FTE

Bay‐Delta Area Central & Southern Sierra Ecoregion

Petaluma Field Office

1 FTE

Mariposa Field Office

1 FTE

High Desert Ecoregion (Southern California)

Victorville Field Office

1 FTE

Attachment B – Task 1 and 2 ‐ Locations and Staffing Requirements

2 12/2/2019

Geographic Area Ideal Office Percent Needed Tasks Del Norte, Humboldt & Mendocino counties

Eureka Field Office

Task 1: 0.25 FTE Task 2: 0.75 FTE

Task 1: Working Lands Programs Technical Assistance

1. Coordinate assistance with NRCS personnel to fill staffing gaps where there are biologist vacancies.

2. Develop biological assessments and exercise environmental due‐diligence on landowner applications.

3. Conduct outreach, planning, contracting, and certification for water bird, riparian, sage grouse, pollinator, monarch projects and other terrestrial and aquatic species projects addressing site‐specific resource concerns.

4. Conduct biological inventory and monitoring activities related to National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance for federally funded activities.

5. Monitor NRCS contracted practices. (A partial list of practices is enclosed as Attachment D).

6. Attain certified conservation planner credentials, and appropriate job‐approval‐authorities (JAA).

7. Attend and participate in NRCS training as requested.

8. Provide suggestions to NRCS Area Biologist on improving practice standards, implementation methods and program opportunities.

9. Coordinate daily work tasks with NRCS Field Office District Conservationist.

10. Establish a work schedule with NRCS Field Office District Conservationist.

11. Provide guidance for potential impacts of planned conservation practices on Threatened and Endangered

(T&E) species and assist with appending projects to Biological Opinion (BO).

12. Identify and develop wildlife habitat enhancement projects and plans.

13. With concurrence from District Conservationist, collaborate with conservation partners and producer groups on outreach and projects.

14. Conduct conservation planning and inventory for wildlife factors using science‐based tools; such as, but not limited to, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEGS), Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP), Pollinator Habitat Assessment (PHA), Environmental Evaluation (EE or CPA‐52 form).

15. Review and certify biological conservation practices with appropriate Job Approval Authority (JAA), including the development of implementation requirements.

16. Inspect, measure, and certify completed project work in accordance with NRCS Practice Standards, Specifications and Implementation Requirements. Review documentation for accuracy, compliance with regulations, and justification of requests for payment to clients for goods and services.

Task 2: Provide Easement…