PKG00257913-instructions.pdf

W9127N2020006

Funding Opportunity Announcement

Natural Resource Management (NRM) Education and Training Opportunities for Portland District Area Youth Service and Conservation Corps Organizations in the Portland District (NWP), Oregon

Funding Agency :

Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement

US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District 333 SW First Ave

Portland, OR 97204

Funding Opportunity Number:

W9127N-20-2-0006

CFDA

Number:

12.010

Program Title: US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District Environmental Stewardship Program

Issue Date: January 23, 2020 Application Due Date: February 24, 2020

Overview:

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District (NWP) intends to enter into a cooperative agreement with a qualified youth service or conservation corps organization for land stewardship and restoration services on USACE land in the Portland District. This cooperative agreement will assist NWP in fulfilling environmental stewardship responsibilities consisting of restoration and management of native prairie landscapes and wildlife habitat while providing education and training opportunities to the recipient’s participants in the local communities within NWP. These education and training opportunities exist through the need for natural resource and maintenance services on USACE lands located at the Bonneville Lock and Dam, The Dalles Lock and Dam, John Day Lock and Dam, Willamette Valley Projects, and Rogue River Basin Project. The goals and objectives of this cooperative agreement are for the implementation of best natural resources management practices with regards to environmental stewardship, high and low density recreation areas, and operations/facilities maintenance. Environmental and maintenance services include but are not limited to:

a. Wildlife Habitat and Vegetation Improvement

b. Cultural Resources Management

c. Park and Recreation Site Management

d. Development of Visitor Features for Public Education and Interpretive Services

e. Fisheries Management

This cooperative agreement will be awarded pursuant to 33 USC 2339(a) Conservation and Recreation Management.

The recipient for this cooperative agreement must be a qualified youth service or conservation corps organization with experience in land stewardship and restoration using interns and small work crews supervised by experienced leaders so that ecological concepts can be accurately conveyed to work crew and leaders.

Estimated Total Funding: $841,455 Estimated Number of Awards: 1 Contents of Full Text Announcement

A. Program Description E. Application Review Information B. Federal Award Information F. Federal Award Administration Information C. Eligibility Information G. Federal Agency Contact D. Application and Submission Information H. Other Information

Contact Information: Questions relating to Grants.gov including the registration process and system requirements should be directed to the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726. For assistance with the requirements of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, please contact the grants and agreements administrator Patrick.P.Collins@usace,.army.mil.

Instructions to Applicants:

The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement shall be submitted by the application due date.

Applicants shall have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and register with the System for Award Management (SAM) at sam.gov. Applicants must register with Grants.gov in order to submit their package through that site.

See Section D of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for complete application submission information.

W9127N2020006

Section A: Program Description

USACE NWP develops and operates water resources and public lands within the Portland District’s jurisdiction. The goal of this cooperative agreement is to implement creative stewardship techniques and effect accomplishments within its recreational and environmental missions, and provide a specific opportunity to further USACE’s national organization interest for developing knowledge and applications of mathematics and the sciences in the United States while fulfilling Natural Resources Management program responsibilities consisting of restoration and management of native landscapes and wildlife habitat at NWP Projects.

Work projects may consist of: education and task assignments in land stewardship and restoration, wildlife habitat improvement, riparian enhancement, wetlands restoration and enhancement, native grassland restoration and management, plant propagation, fisheries habitat management, park and recreation site improvement, and development of visitor features for public education and interpretive services.

1. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES – Natural Resource Management Education & Environmental Stewardship

The goal of this cooperative agreement is to implement creative stewardship techniques and effect accomplishments within its recreation, environmental, and dam safety missions, and provide a specific opportunity to further the USACE’s national interests in developing knowledge and skills related to natural resource management at water resource development projects. It also represents an opportunity to further the USACE’s national objectives for interpretive service, community outreach, and partnerships.

USACE is engaged in diverse opportunities enabling work in a resource oriented environment and acquisition of strong ethics regarding proper management and use of public land resources. By utilizing these opportunities, participants will receive technical, applied, and practical job training/skills and education on USACE projects.

Each specific project proposed under this Agreement will be individually evaluated by USACE and the recipient to make certain it meets the education and stewardship objectives set forth herein, and it will not displace any government workers nor impair contracts for service.

2. BENEFITS

It is to the mutual benefit of USACE and the recipient to forge a working relationship to assist and cooperate in job training or education opportunities that would also benefit environmental stewardship and recreation efforts.

By supporting continuous job training and natural resource education programs, USACE will expand its recruitment base and elevate the public consciousness of stewardship issues.

The recipient will contribute to the well-being of publicly owned natural resources, and provide tangible improvements for the public to enjoy.

Participants will benefit by learning outdoor work skills, ethics, and exposure to tasks that benefit the environment or aid in bettering public recreation areas. These training activities will aid participants in successfully re-entering society with practical skills and a viable work ethic.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

Work projects may include:

1. Wildlife Habitat and Vegetation Improvement:

Perform selective removal of invasive vegetation from wetland, upland prairie, forest, and other habitat types by pulling and/or cutting.

Removal or emplacement of wood debris, grass, or other specified woody vegetation on the dam embankment, spillway channel, river channels and levees, or other sites as directed.

W9127N192005

Plant native seed and/or nursery stock in habitat restoration sites. The USACE representative will specify the area to be planted, what species to use, and proper technique for planting or dispersal.

Perform irrigation, weeding, and mulching to insure the establishment of restoration plantings.

Perform native plant seed collection, assist with native plant propagation, and other duties in support of environmental restoration and native plant nursery operations.

Perform other tasks as determined by the POC at a NWP Project in support of vegetation and wildlife habitat restoration.

2. Cultural Resources Management:

Assist with cultural resource management as it pertains to natural resource and recreation management. Learn and apply field techniques associated with recognizing and mitigating natural resource and recreation use impacts to culturally sensitive sites.

3. Park and Recreation Site Management:

Learn and apply recreation infrastructure and facility improvement techniques, including trail building or maintenance. Work may include the use of hand or power tools to clear vegetation along the trail or proposed trail route, construct or improve the surface of the trail, and import materials such as gravel, fill dirt, wooden, stone, or metal bracing, waterbars, or steps, and to construct and anchor bridges, handrails, and culverts. The USACE representative will coordinate with the work crew supervisor in advance of the start date and will identify the area where trails will be constructed or maintained, and where trail building or repair materials will be sourced and placed at the job site. Trail size, type, and design will be discussed and identified during initial planning. Specialized equipment and/or tools (if needed) will be provided by USACE.

Routine landscape cleanup of parks, recreation areas, and trails. This work may include weeding, landscaping, trimming of branches, removing dead trees or snags, removing live trees, and removing plants and shrubs. May also involve the removal of wood debris from parking lots around buildings, sidewalks, trails, and mowing areas. The appointed USACE representative will provide drawings or verbal orientation of each site and show the work crew supervisor the various locations of work. All refuse and cut materials will be placed and/or disposed of as directed per USACE instructions.

Assist with monument location using GPS, maps, and other info to establish boundary locations at USACE sites, and inputting the data that is provided by these boundary surveys into excel spreadsheets or GIS system.

Collect GPS data on trail systems and/or recreation facilities, create maps and/or lists of needed trail or recreation facility maintenance, and organizing and directing volunteer crews for trail or site maintenance.

4. Development of Visitor Features for Public Education and Interpretive Services:

Develop and assist with interpretive products, events, and outreach activities designed to promote water safety, inform the public of the Corps missions, and reinforce stewardship ethics among visitors to promote natural resource protection. Potential tasks include planning and presenting interpretive programs in the campgrounds, assisting with dam tours, updating brochures and website information, and developing interpretive panels about wildlife and natural resources.

5. Fisheries Management:

While working closely with USACE Aquatic Stewardship staff, assist with trapping, tracking and transport of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed fish using rotary screw traps, minnow traps, adult fishways, fish transport trucks, and stream surveys. Duties primarily involve traveling to fish traps by truck or boat, netting fish, setting and retrieving minnow traps, identifying fish, weighing, measuring and documenting catch, and clipping fins for genetic samples and/or later identification. Office duties mainly involve data entry into Excel spreadsheets and review of current scientific literature.

4. SCHEDULE

The term of this cooperative agreement is a one year base period with two one year option periods. The base period will be in effect for one year from date signed followed by two one-year option periods. At any time prior to the completion of a performance period, the parties may agree to bilaterally exercise a one-year option period, extending the cooperative agreement performance period by one year, so long as funds remain available for continued performance.

If additional funds become available, the parties may agree to bilaterally modify the cooperative agreement to increase the number of interns, work crews or work period, or to include a location listed in sections a and b below that was not funded at the beginning of the term. All increases will be completed within the active period of performance.

Each project proposed under this agreement will be individually evaluated by USACE and the recipient to make certain that it meets the education and stewardship objectives set forth herein, and that it will not displace any government workers nor impair contracts for service.

The specific dates the work crew will be on site will be determined through coordination after award of the cooperative agreement.

a. Work may occur in the following locations:

Willamette Valley Project sites: Fern Ridge, Fall Creek, Dexter, Lookout Point, Dorena, Cottage Grove, or Hills Creek Lakes.

Rogue River Basin Project sites: Lost Creek Lake, Elk Creek Bonneville Lock and Dam The Dalles Lock and Dam John Day Lock and Dam and Willow Creek Reservoir

b. The dates of internships may occur at any period within the calendar year, and for durations ranging from approximately 450 hours to 675 hours.

c. Work crews may be employed during the late spring or early autumn months, but generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Under the cooperative agreement, the following sites have estimated the following anticipated needs available for work crews:

Bonneville Lock and Dam – up to 20 days The Dalles Lock and Dam – up to five days John Day Lock and Dam and Willow Creek Reservoir – up to 20 days The Rogue River Basin Project – up to ten days The Willamette Valley Project – up to five days

5. OBLIGATION OF THE PARTIES

The Recipient will:

a. Recruit, select, and enroll eligible participants and refer appropriate participants to USACE in accordance with available funds, Federal regulations, Equal Employment Opportunity Laws, needs of participants, and the terms developed under this cooperative agreement to identify interns and create work crews. Work crew participants shall be at least 15 years of age, and conservation interns shall be at least 18 years of age.

1. Work Crews:

Provide work crews consisting of six to 10 participants plus one or more supervisors, to perform during mutually agreed upon days and times, and to be further defined in the Cooperative Agreement.

Provide at least one supervisor per crew responsible for directing the work of the crew and ensuring the work performance of participants assigned under this cooperative agreement meets applicable laws and policies.

Ensure each participant is properly equipped and dressed for the work to be accomplished.

This will include a work jacket, work shirt, work trousers, hard hat, gloves, and a pair of minimum 8-inch laced safety work boots, if required.

Arrange for transportation of participants to and from work sites.

Ensure participants bring food and water as required for rest breaks.

Provide first aid and other customary supervisory care of the participants at the work sites.

Ensure all tools and equipment provided by USACE are returned to USACE in a like-condition as when loaned, except for normal wear and tear. Unused materials provided by USACE shall be returned to USACE upon completion of the scope under this cooperative agreement. All tools and equipment provided by USACE remain the property of USACE.

2. Conservation Interns:

Collaborate with USACE site staff in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting interns for specific positions.

If the intern participates in the AmeriCorps program (see https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps), ensure that intern hours are tracked appropriately, and provide support for delivering those benefits to interns who successfully complete required service hours.

b. Conform with State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to Wage and Hours, Equal

Employment Opportunity, Civil Rights, and Child Labor.

c. Provide workers’ compensation insurance or comparable coverage for participants and assume responsibility for Tort Claims resulting from their actions within the scope of this cooperative agreement. Participants must be covered by their home school district’s insurance should the participants school commence prior to the expiration of this cooperative agreement.

d. Reserve the right to terminate or reassign participants to other activities in accordance with the participant’s program objectives. Reasonable notice of reassignments will be provided to USACE.

e. Provide program orientation including safety training sessions to all participants.

f. Ensure all training accomplished is documented for each participant under this agreement. These records shall be available at any time for USACE to review.

g. Submit annual performance progress reports (SF-PPR) and annual financial reports, SF425

(Attachment 01), during the performance period. Reports shall contain a narrative of work performed during the season and detail how goals and objectives were met.

h. Comply with OSHA regulations, the safety regulations defined in the Corps of Engineers Safety

Manual EM 385-1-1, and all federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and orders.

USACE will:

a. Submit project information in support of the scope of this cooperative agreement, including objectives and locations, diagrams, specifications, location maps, schedules and other required details.

b. Supply sufficient materials, tools and equipment as applicable.

c. Ensure there is sufficient work to productively occupy the participants during scheduled work hours.

d. Provide thorough orientation and education to participants covering: a) general overview of USACE and its missions, b) how the scope of work furthers those missions, c) how the scope of work is specifically related to the specific site or Project and the surrounding community.

e. Assign a USACE staff member to serve as a point of contact (POC) and resource advisor for the duration of the cooperative agreement, provide day-to-day direction to the intern(s) or technical assistance to the crew supervisor, provide specific task instruction, provide instructions on the proper use of tools and materials, demonstrate task completion, and engage and encourage participants.

f. Coordinate work schedules to accommodate participant’s participation in education, vocational training, counseling, or related activities.

Representatives from USACE and the recipient will meet on a regular basis to ensure progress of scope of work, troubleshoot problems, discuss how training or education expectations are being met and otherwise effect the provisions of this agreement.

6. OPTIONS

This cooperative agreement contains options. At any time prior to the completion of a performance period, the parties may agree to bilaterally exercise a one-year option period, extending the cooperative agreement performance period by one year, so long as funds remain available for continued performance. The parties have no obligation to continue and may elect to cease performance. Options will be exercised through a modification to the agreement.

7. MODIFICATIONS

a. Modifications to this agreement may be proposed by either party, but neither party shall implement a change until the change has been negotiated and approved by the USACE Grants Officer. Change proposals shall be submitted in writing and shall detail the technical, schedule, and financial impacts of the proposed modification. Only the Grants Officer has the authority to act on behalf of USACE to change this agreement.

b. Revision of budget/program plans: Recipient shall request prior approval for plan changes in accordance with 2 CFR 200.308.

c. The Grants Officer may unilaterally issue modifications for minor or administrative matters, such as changes in key personnel, paying office, etc.

8. SUBAWARDS

a. The Recipient shall apply to each subaward the administrative requirements of 2 CFR 200 applicable to the particular type of subrecipient.

b. Recipients awarding contracts under this agreement shall assure that contracts awarded contain, at a minimum, the provisions in Appendix B to DoDGARS Part 22.

c. The Recipient’s systems for acquiring goods and services under this agreement shall comply with 2

CFR 200.

9. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The use of a cooperative agreement for services relating to natural resources conservation and recreation management is authorized pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 2339 - Assistance Programs.

Through this cooperative agreement, USACE will use a qualified youth service or a conservation corps organization to provide the opportunity for job training and education in natural resources management to participants living within the local commuting distance from the Bonneville Lock and Dam, The Dalles Lock and Dam, John Day Lock and Dam, Willamette Valley Projects, or Rogue River Basin Project and help improve participant’s skills in developing working relationships and work ethics.

Section B: Federal Award Information

1. Type of Award Instrument – USACE intends to award at least one cooperative agreement to at least one applicant determined to best demonstrate the ability of meeting the goals and objectives of the program.

2. Substantial Involvement – USACE manages public land, and through this cooperative agreement will provide job training and education in natural resource management to selected participants and interns. USACE will provide work sites for participants to learn work skills and develop appropriate work habitats. USACE personnel will work closely with work crew participants to ensure they are trained to identify applicable native and invasive species, are able to understand, apply and execute appropriate management techniques which may include: hand-pulling or other manual removal of invasive weeds, encroaching brush/shrubs/small trees; native planting, watering or other ecological restoration techniques; litter removal; and trail maintenance and/or construction.

The Government will also provide guidance in the form of educational presentations, hands-on training and demonstration, as well as advice and final approval for restoration activities, trail work, recreation and habitat improvement projects.

3. Estimated Funding – The maximum estimated cost is $274,950 for the first year, $280,449 for the second year and $286,058 for the third year for a total maximum estimated cost of $841,455 for the base and two one-year option periods. The annual cost will not exceed $287,000. Actual funding will be determined as budgets allows.

4. Period of Performance - The base cooperative agreement will be in effect for one year from date signed followed by two one-year option periods to be exercised bilaterally at the discretion of the Government. The parties have no obligation to continue and may elect to cease performance.

Section C: Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants – Qualified youth service or conservation corps organization. In accordance with

Section D.2.d., Program Narrative, Documentation of Eligibility - documentation must be submitted to support eligibility.

2. Cost Sharing – All work under this cooperative agreement is 100% USACE funded.

3. The submitting organization is limited to one application.

Section D: Application and Submission Information

1. One complete application package may be submitted.

2. Address to Request Application Package

The complete funding opportunity announcement, application forms, and instructions are available for download at Grants.gov. USACE is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an applicant’s inability to access documents posted at the referenced website.

The administrative point of contact is Patrick Collins, 503-808-4594, Patrick.P.Collins@usace.army.mil.

3. Content and Form of Application Submission

All mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below.

a. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance.

b. SF 424 A - Budget Information for Non-construction Programs.

A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or a statement stating the applicant is eligible and electing to use the de minimis rate (in accordance 2 CFR 200.414(f)) must be submitted with the SF 424 A when indirect costs are included in the applicant’s budget.

c. Price Schedule Attachment C – Enter data in the fields highlighted yellow.

d. SF 424 B - Assurances - Non-Construction Programs

e. Program Narrative – Submit a Program Narrative that addresses the following:

1) Program Goals and Objectives – In no more than 12 pages single sided or 6-pages double sided, provide a program description, illustrating how the applicant plans to achieve the goals and objectives included in Section A of this announcement. Include the applicant’s relevant past experience meeting similar goals and objectives through the performance of similar natural resource and recreation services supporting participants that are low security inmates and/or individuals executing community service sentences.

2) Program Management Plan – In no more than 10 pages single sided or 5-pages double sided, explain how the applicant plans to effectively manage the program in terms of manpower, recruiting, administration, and quality control. Include the following:

a. The applicant’s plans for obtaining the necessary work crews and interns for each location listed under Section A, Schedule;

b. The applicant’s plans for transporting participants to and from the work sites for each location listed under Section A, Schedule;

c. How the applicant will supervise the work crew, manage, and perform quality control over the program for each location listed under Section A, Schedule;

d. The supplies and equipment to be used to perform the services;

e. The technical resources (staffing) to be used to execute the program.

f. Documentation of Eligibility - documentation to support eligibility

3) Past Performance: Using Attachment B, provide references for up to three relevant federal assistance agreements of similar size and scope performed within the last five years – No more than one single sided page per reference. Applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience shall provide a statement in their proposal to that affect. Using Attachment B, applicants with no prior federal assistance agreement experience may submit reference information for key personnel that will be working on this project that have performed work under past federal assistance agreements.

NOTE: All three sections of the program narrative shall be submitted on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with no less than 10 point font and 1 inch margins.

4) Determination of Eligibility Submit evidence of eligibility per Section C.1.

f. Attachment A – Certifications

1) Lobbying

2) Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

3) Drug-Free Workplace (Recipients other than individuals)

4) Environmental Tobacco Smoke

5) Certificate of Authority

4. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award

Management (SAM) - Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is 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 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. It also must state that the Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency 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.

5. A complete application must be received NO LATER THAN 10:00 a.m. PST, February 24, 2020.

Applications received on www.grants.gov or by the grants specialist after the due date and time will not be considered.

6. Submission Instructions

The preferred method for submission of proposals is through Grants.gov. If the applicant is unable to submit their proposal package via Grants.gov, as a backup option submissions can be received by e-mail or courier.

a. Preferred Method - Internet via Grants.gov:

All applicants using Grants.gov to submit proposals must be registered and have an account with Grants.gov. For more information on registration, go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants.html

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Grants.gov proposal submission is received in its entirety. The Government will bear no responsibility for delays in submissions due to technical difficulties at or with the Grants.gov website.

b. Backup Method 1 - E-mail:

Format all documents to print on Letter (8 ½ x 11”) paper. E-mail proposal to Patrick.P.Collins@usace.army.mil

c. Backup Method 2 – Courier:

Send one unbound copy of your complete proposal to:

US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District Attn: CECT-NWP, Grants and Agreements Officer 333 SW 1st Ave Portland, OR 97204

7. Reimbursement of pre-Federal award costs are not allowable.

Section E: Application Review Information

1. Criteria

The following criteria shall serve as the standard against which any response to this announcement will be evaluated.

a. Initial Review

The Government will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with Section C of the announcement; (2) all information required by Section D has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

b. Merit Review

Only proposals meeting ALL criteria in the initial review will be forwarded for merit review.

Proposals in the merit review will be evaluated on whether applicant demonstrates ability to meet goals and objectives, effectively manage program, and has satisfactory past performance. These factors will be rated individually and are of equal importance. Each proposal will also be given an overall rating based on the individual ratings of each factor and the effect one may have on another.

1) Program Goals and Objectives – The proposal illustrates that the applicant’s goals are in alignment with those described in Section A of the announcement. Proposal also details measurable objectives for achievement of goals.

2) Program Management - The applicant shows the ability to effectively manage program in terms of manpower and administration. Proposal should illustrate applicant’s ability to:

Provide work crews and/or interns to report to work sites as specified through the scope of this cooperative agreement.

Transport work crews and/or interns to and from designated work sites.

Provide supervision of work crews and/or interns.

Supply all necessary supplies and equipment to perform work described in

Section A of this announcement.

Work in Oregon Successfully execute training/education programs.

The application should also demonstrate the applicant’s:

Experience with conservation programs.

Management capability, financial resources and technical resources to execute the program.

A satisfactory record of executing Government programs (if a prior recipient).

A satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

3) Past Performance (Attachment B) - Applicants will be evaluated based on their past performance in i) successfully completing and managing federally funded assistance agreements similar in size, scope, and relevance to the program, ii) history of meeting reporting requirements under Federal grants and cooperative agreements, and iii) extent and quality to which they adequately documented and/or reported on their progress towards achieving the expected results. (In evaluating applicants under this criterion the Government will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources including agency files and prior/current grantors).

c. Budget Review

This agreement will be 100% USACE funded and applicant’s budgets will be reviewed to ensure proposed costs and cost allocation are allowable and reasonable. Applicants are required to submit an SF 424A providing a breakdown of the proposed daily rate. Budget proposals will be evaluated on reasonableness of costs and allowability. Costs associated with the program must be in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles.

2. Review and Selection Process

a. The Grants Specialist will perform an initial review to determine that the applicant is (1) eligible in accordance with the announcement; (2) all information required by the announcement has been submitted; and (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied.

b. The Program Official is responsible for evaluation of applications against the merit criteria.

c. The Grants Officer is responsible for making the final selection of the cooperative agreement awardee.

3. Anticipated Award Date

Announcement Issue Date: January 23, 2020 Application Due Date: February 24, 2020 Estimated Award Date: February 28, 2020

Section F: Federal Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

Electronic notice of award will be given in conjunction with issuance of a cooperative agreement signed by a Grants Officer. The cooperative agreement will contain the effective date of the agreement, the period of performance, funding information, and all terms and conditions. The recipient is required to sign and return the document before work under the agreement commences. Work described in this announcement SHALL NOT begin without prior authorization from a Grants Officer.

2. Administrative Requirements

The cooperative agreement issued as a result of this announcement will be subject to the National Policy requirements of 32 CFR Ch. 1, Part 22, Appendix B, as applicable. Applicable provisions will be specified in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions. The cooperative agreement will also be subject to the administrative requirements of 2 CFR 200 and 32 CFR Ch.

1, Part 22, Appendix C, as applicable. Applicable administrative requirements will be specified in the cooperative agreement terms and conditions.

3. Reporting

a. Upon completion of each period of performance and of the cooperative agreement, the recipient will be required to submit one performance progress report as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the final cooperative agreement.

b. Recipient will be required to submit an SF 425 – Federal Financial Report quarterly as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the final cooperative agreement.

c. All reporting shall be in accordance with 32 CFR Part 33.40-41

Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact

Patrick Collins Grants and Agreements Officer, Contracting Division E-mail: Patrick.P.Collins@usace.army.mil Tel: 503-808-4594 Fax: 503-808-4605

US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District Attn: CECT-NWP-P, Grants and Agreements Officer 333 SW 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97204

Section H: Other Information

1. Only Grants Officers are legally authorized to bind the Government to an agreement.

2. A preaward notice identifying a proposal was successful neither obligates the Government to make an award nor commits the Government to reimburse any pre-award costs incurred in anticipation of an award.

3. Responses should reference Program Announcement W9127N-20-2-0006.

4. Questions regarding the proposal submission should be submitted no later than February 19, 2020.