PKG00262388-instructions.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Science Applications

F20AS00160

07/30/2020

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100, Expiration Date: 7/31/2021

We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program-specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:

OMB Control Number: 1018-0100, Expiration Date: 7/31/2021 We are collecting this information in accordance with the authorizing legislation identified above. Your response is required to obtain or retain a benefit. We will use the information you provide to conduct a competitive review and select projects for funding and, if awarded, to evaluate performance. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. We estimate that it will take you on average about 40 hours to complete an initial application, about 3 hours to revise the terms of an award, and about 8 hours per report to prepare and submit financial and performance reports, including time to maintain records and gather information. Actual time for these activities will vary depending on program- specific requirements. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

A. Program Description

A1. Authority Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§661-666

15.678

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network is a national, collaborative consortium of federal agencies, tribes, universities, state and local governments, and other partners that provide scientific research, technical assistance, and education on natural and cultural resource issues to federal land management, environmental, and research agencies.

There are currently 17 CESUs throughout the country. Each is comprised of a host university, multiple federal agencies, and additional academic and nonfederal partners. The mission of the CESU Network is to: Provide resource managers with high-quality scientific research, technical assistance, and education; provide resource managers with solid natural resource information;

deliver research and technical assistance that is timely, relevant to resource managers, and needed to develop and implement sound adaptive management approaches; ensure the independence and objectivity of research; create and maintain effective partnerships among federal agencies and universities to share resources and expertise; take full advantage of university resources while benefiting faculty and students; provide research, technical assistance, and educational functions within the context of cultural, social, biological, and physical sciences;

enhance the ability of Federal natural and cultural resource managers to generate, acquire, synthesize, act upon, and articulate to the public sound research and scientific information;

encourage professional development of federal scientists and enhance their ability to manage federal science resources efficiently.

This program and funding opportunity supports the following Department of the Interior Priorities for Financial Assistance:

Create a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt: The program and funding opportunity will support the development of essential information to improve the collaborative management of invasive aquatic species across multiple jurisdictions to achieve conservation goals shared across Federal and State Fish and Wildlife agencies.

Restore trust and be a good neighbor: The program and funding opportunity will foster the development of trust between State and Federal agencies and with the scientific community. Projects to be funded through this announcement will be co-developed by a partnership of Federal and non-federal partners.

Strike a regulatory balance: This program and funding opportunity will improve the best-available science needed to support listing and de-listing decisions.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 500,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $ 500,000 Minimum Award $ 50,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding Expected Award Date September 01, 2020

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type CA - Cooperative Agreement

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 20 – Private institutions of higher education 13 – Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 12 – Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 06 – Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility Must be a non-federal partner in the Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Network to be qualified for consideration.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

C3. Other Foreign Entities or Projects:

This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

Excluded Parties: FWS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The Bureau cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package Program Website Link

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. Individuals applying as a private citizen (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate in your name), must complete the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance-Individual form. All other applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

Project Summary Identification of Priority Information Needs To develop science that supports collaborative landscape conservation and at-risk species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Science Applications Program (based out of the Albuquerque, NM Regional Office) in Interior Regions 6, 7, and 8 has been facilitating and convening other Service programs and State Fish and Wildlife agencies to identify high-priority challenges for specific aquatic invasive species that limit our collective ability to achieve and deliver landscape-scale conservation for at-risk and federally listed species. Partners directly involved in this effort include biologists and resource managers from Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs (Ecological Services, Refuges, and Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation) from Interior Regions 6, 7, 8, and 10. Science Applications is also identifying research needs that, if supported, could help overcome those shared challenges. In the southwestern United States, where scarce water resources support myriad species of conservation priority, native and invasive non-native aquatic species compete for limited habitat and resources; invasive species must be addressed in order to achieve our shared conservation objectives for native species.

Purpose Some success has been achieved in control and removal of invasive aquatic species in some locations. In order to improve the scale and effectiveness of this work, there is a need to advance:

1) our understanding of invasive species distributions and impacts on native species and their habitats in Arizona and New Mexico, and 2) the practice of invasive species control. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is intended to support both topics through a competitive funding announcement.

The Science Applications Program is soliciting proposals on collaborative landscape-scale applied scientific research that will address at least one of the following invasive non-native species: 1) American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), and 2) crayfish (e.g., northern [virile] crayfish [Orconectes virilis], red swamp crayfish [Procambarus clarkii], rusty crayfish [Faxonius rusticus]).

Research must specifically address control techniques, inventory and monitoring (I&M) to support management decision-making or document effectiveness of invasive species control, novel I&M protocol development and/or determination of how these species impact native Federal or State-listed or at-risk species (e.g., Apache trout [Oncorhynchus apache], Chiricahua leopard frog [Lithobates chiricahuensis], Gila trout [Oncorhynchus gilae], lowland leopard frog [Lithobates yavapaiensis], narrow-headed gartersnake [Thamnophis rufipunctatus], northern Mexican gartersnake [Thamnophis eques megalops], and Sonora mud turtle [Kinosternon sonoriense]) in terms of population viability, abundance, survival, productivity, and distribution/range at various stages of life history. At-risk are generally considered to be those species not currently listed where collaborative conservation actions can help preclude the need for listing.

Research must have conservation and management outcomes that will benefit State Fish and Wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies and partners with management responsibility for native and invasive aquatic species. On-the-ground research and monitoring must be conducted in Arizona and/or New Mexico (hereafter project region). This on-the-ground research must be coordinated with the appropriate State agency(ies). Projects proposing the development of novel technology for control or monitoring techniques in a laboratory setting (e.g., genetic techniques) can be completed outside of geography specified above, provided that the techniques developed remotely are directly applicable for on-the-ground work in the project region.

To be considered for funding research outcomes for proposals must have direct management and conservation implications, and projects must be at least one of the following project categories.

Project Categories

1. Quantification of the impacts of invasive bullfrogs and/or crayfish on native fish and wildlife in the project region. Proposals must address science needs for state species of greatest conservation need, federally listed (threatened and/or endangered) species, and/or at-risk species. Examples of projects that may be considered for this funding category include:

a. Investigation of the physiological and demographic consequences, and the associated drivers (e.g., predation, competition, disease), of interactions between bullfrogs and/or crayfish and native fish and wildlife species at all stages of life history.

b. Metapopulation dynamics, resiliency, and susceptibility of populations of native fish and wildlife species and their habitats in relation to bullfrogs and/or crayfish introduction, invasion, and colonization.

c. Quantifying changes in food web and trophic dynamics in bullfrog and/or crayfish-invaded aquatic communities (e.g., before-after-impact-assessment) and impacts on native fish and wildlife species.

2. Development and testing of innovative control techniques for invasive bullfrogs and crayfish within the project region. Proposals for on-the-ground research on control techniques must clearly identify how the river, basin, or watershed being proposed for research will benefit from experimentation and specify how methods are not harmful to native species and the realized population and ecological benefits of these methods for native species.

a. Development, testing, and validation of innovative and novel mechanical, chemical, biological, and/or genetic control techniques for bullfrogs and/or crayfish across all stages of life history. Demonstration of large-scale applications, economic feasibility, and absence of negative impacts on native species or the environment. On-the-ground research must be conducted within the project region. Laboratory-based assessments may be completed outside of the project region; however, proposals must clearly state how developed techniques could be implemented on-the-ground within the project region.

3. Inventory and monitoring of bullfrogs and/or non-native crayfish to assess threats to native species and/or support implementation of native species recovery actions.

Examples of projects that may be considered for this funding opportunity include:

a. Presence-absence surveys of crayfish across the project region that support planning and implementation of on-the-ground conservation and recovery work.

b. A census of waters and bullfrog populations in key geographies (e.g., watersheds) within the project region targeted for recovery of native fish and wildlife species.

4. Evaluation of the degree to which control efforts for bullfrogs and/or crayfish promote (or do not promote) native species recovery, and how results may have varied due to environmental variability or habitat setting (e.g., prey availability, physical setting of aquatic habitat), interspecific interactions (e.g., competition, predation), and population dynamics and demography (e.g., survival, reproduction, population growth, dispersal).

a. Development of techniques and demonstration of successful translocations, reintroductions, and recolonization/reestablishment of native fish and wildlife species in previously bullfrog- and/or crayfish-invaded aquatic communities and ecosystems.

b. Measuring the population response (e.g., abundance, productivity, survival) of native species to bullfrog and/or crayfish control.

c. Investigation of changes in habitat selection by native species as a result of bullfrog and crayfish control.

Project Narrative Proposals should be submitted in a single WORD document, singled-spaced, with 1-inch margins using Times New Roman 12-pt font. All proposals must be formatted, numbered, and lettered as outlined below. Proposals shall not exceed 6 pages (not including References/Literature Cited, resumes [if included] and Budget and Justification, Overlap/Duplication of Effort Statement, or environmental compliance statement). Proposals that exceed length specifications will be disqualified. The proposal must be accompanied by Standard Forms (SF): SF-424, SF-424a, and SF-424b.

1. PROJECT TITLE: Provide a brief descriptive title for the project.

2. NAMES and CONTACT INFORMATION of AUTHORS: Provide the name(s), title, affiliation, mailing address, telephone, fax, and e-mail.

3. DESCRIPTION of ENTITY(IES) UNDERTAKING THE PROJECT: Include the names, key expertise, and roles of organizations that would be supported by the project and/or would provide in-kind or matching funding.

4. ABSTRACT: The abstract should provide a brief, informative description of the project, including a Statement of Need, goals and objectives, anticipated deliverables, and a clear description of the relevance to State Fish and Wildlife agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other natural resource agencies or organizations. The abstract should not exceed 300 words.

5. INTRODUCTION: The introduction should include the following components.

a. BACKGROUND: Address the technical and scientific issues that underlie proposed scientific project. Information should include related ongoing activities, current relevant findings, and scientific merit of proposed results.

b. INTEGRATION: How will the project enhance the management and control of bullfrogs and non-native crayfish, promote the recovery and of priority native species that are at-risk or imperiled, and provide information to guide management practices.

c. PROBLEM STATEMENT and IMPLICATIONS: Clearly describe the exact management and/or conservation problems and how the proposed study will address these needs.

6. OBJECTIVES: Clearly describe the objectives of the proposed project or the need for continuation of an existing project. Explain the priority and significance of the project as it relates to the issue(s) being addressed.

7. METHODS and STUDY AREA: Clearly describe proposed methodologies (e.g., experimental/study design, laboratory and field work, quantitative/statistical analyses) and how they will achieve the stated objectives. Methods must detail the means by which each of the objectives will be achieved. Provide sufficient detail so that the likelihood of achieving each of the objectives can be fully evaluated. Please define the proposed study area(s).

8. PARTNERSHIPS and ROLES: Describe any partnership(s) and the responsibilities of each partner in the project. Describe coordination with key stakeholders, and how State Fish and Wildlife agencies have been involved in the study design development and/or will be engaged in completion of the project.

9. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (DURATION, TIMELINE, and MILESTONES): Provide the start date and completion date (the completion date is when deliverables are provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Point-of-Contact).

Provide a timetable for achievement of milestones, major accomplishments, and completion of project.

10. PRODUCTS: Provide information on specific products expected and delivery dates.

Specify the product format in which these results would be most useful. Products in electronic format streamline dissemination as well as enable the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to include such products into data repositories. Special requests for products in hard copy format, in addition to electronic format, should be included in this section of the proposal.

11. QUALIFICATIONS of PROJECT PERSONNEL: List all project personnel and their respective roles and responsibilities. Summarize the qualifications of the principal investigator and each co-investigator, cooperator, and partner that will contribution significantly to the success of the project.

12. BUDGET and JUSTIFICATION: Provide a budget itemized in the following categories as appropriate: (1) Personnel, (2) Fringe Benefits, (3) Travel, (4) Equipment,

(5) Supplies, (6) Contractual, (7) Construction, (8) Other, and (9) Indirect Charges.

The budget must include a breakout by Federal government fiscal year (10/1 – 9/30).

If a project involves personnel with different fringe benefit or indirect rates, please apply the appropriate rates to each portion.

Itemize partner matching or in-kind contributions in a separate column in the budget breakout, one column per partner.

13. OVERLAP or DUPLICATION of EFFORT STATEMENT: Applicants must document literature searches (e.g,. academic literature, industry publication, ScienceBase, and Data.gov), and explain why their project is non-duplicative and how it will augment existing knowledge.

14. INFORMATION to SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW REQUIREMENTS: Note: For projects on the high seas, the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. For projects outside the U.S. on any property on the

UNESCO World Heritage List or the in-country equivalent of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the narrative should provide enough detail so that reviewers are able to determine project compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.

For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles in 2 CFR 200. Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding.

In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form. The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source. Identify any cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR 200.306 “Cost sharing or matching” for more information.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

(a) Applicability.

(1) 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.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

(b) Notification.

(1) 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.

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(2) 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 sub recipients.

(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR part 18 and 31 U.S.C. 1352.

(d) 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.

(e) 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).

Single Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, and non-profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribal government, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement

Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”.

If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in this application, we will immediately notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.”

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own or operate) or any entity with an exception approved by the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet and then register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application. Federal award recipients must continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. We may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. There is no cost to register with Dun & Bradstreet or SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with Dun & Bradstreet and SAM.gov; please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Obtain a DUNS Number

Request a DUNS Number through the Dun & Bradstreet website. For technical difficulties, send an email to the D&B SAM Help Desk. Please ensure that you are able to receive emails from SAMHelp@dnb.com. The Grants.gov “Obtain a DUNS Number” webpage also provides detailed instructions. Once assigned a DUNS number, your organization must maintain up-to-date information with Dun & Bradstreet. Applicants must enter their DUNS number in the “Organizational DUNS” field on the SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)

Register on the SAM.gov website. “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov Register with SAM page also provides detailed instructions. You can also contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been to the entity’s DUNS or IRS information.

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com

07/30/2020 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review Prior to application submission, U.S. state and local government applicants should visit the OMB Office of Federal Financial Management website and view the “State Point of Contact (SPOC) List” to determine whether their application is subject to the state intergovernmental review process under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

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

D6. Funding Restrictions Indirect Cost: Individuals Individuals applying for and receiving funds separate from a business or non-profit organization he/she may operate are not eligible to charge indirect costs to their award. If you are an individual applying for funding, you must not include any indirect costs in your proposed budget.

Individuals are not required to submit any of the following statements regarding indirect costs.

Indirect Costs: Organizations The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Website for more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients must have prior written approval from the Service to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted with Application All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

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A U.S. state or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Attached is a copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification.

A U.S. state or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We have prepared and will retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation.

A [insert your organization type; U.S. states and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either: “Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date.

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in §2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the Service in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by the Service.

A [insert your organization type] that is submitting this proposal for consideration under the [insert either “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program” or “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”], which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of [insert program rate]. If we have an approved indirect https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_168 cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must apply this reduced rate against the same direct cost base as identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement per 2 CFR §1402.414. If we do not have an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency, we understand that we must charge indirect costs against the modified total direct cost base defined in 2 CFR §200.68 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”. We understand that we must request prior approval from the Service to use the 2 CFR 200 MTDC base instead of the base identified in our approved indirect cost rate agreement. We understand that Service approval of such a request will be based on: 1) a determination that our approved base is only a subset of the MTDC (such as salaries and wages); and 2) that use of the MTDC base will still result in a reduction of the total indirect costs to be charged to the award. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.405, we understand that indirect costs not recovered due to a voluntary reduction to our federally negotiated rate are not allowable for recovery via any other means.

A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

D7. Other Submission Requirements Download the Application Package linked to this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov to begin the application process. Downloading and saving the Application Package to your computer makes the required government-wide standard forms fillable and printable. Completed applications may be submitted by mail, by email, electronically through Grants.gov, or as otherwise described in the Grants.gov funding opportunity. For additional information and detailed instructions, visit: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html]

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Address Research Priorities Maximum Points: 10 Proposals submitted must address at least one of the priority science needs (i.e., project categories) related to the conservation and management of priority native species and control of bullfrogs and crayfish. Projects that most directly address these priorities will be scored higher.

Benefit of project to native fish and wildlife and habitat management Maximum Points: 10

Proposals that have direct applicability to on-the-ground management and conservation of State and Federal priority species and habitats (e.g., species of greatest conservation need, threatened and endangered species) will be scored highest. Examples of priority species include, but are not limited to: Apache trout, Chiricahua leopard frog, Gila trout, lowland leopard frog, narrow-headed gartersnake, northern Mexican gartersnake, and Sonora mud turtle.

Collaboration Maximum Points: 10 Proposals that present a detailed plan for coordination of the project with Federal and State Fish and Wildlife agencies will be scored higher. Identification of study sites within the project region (e.g., watersheds or drainage basins) should be coordinated with State and Federal Fish https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1bfd0da1190f850482e94794cca23a5d&mc=true&node=20190830y1.1 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html and Wildlife agencies. If the study is proposing to investigate the response, reintroduction, or recovery of native species in relation to bullfrog or crayfish management, this also should be coordinated with State and Federal Fish and Wildlife agencies and other appropriate agencies or organizations. Proposals must include a plan to disseminate project results to Federal and State Fish and Wildlife agencies.

Study scale and inference Maximum Points: 10 Proposals and study areas should be of sufficient size such that the inference could be extended to a broader scale within a range of environmental characteristics and conditions. Proposals that include work within multiple jurisdictions (e.g., both Arizona and New Mexico, multiple watersheds) within the project region will be scored higher than proposals within limited geographies.

Technical merit Maximum Points: 10 Proposals with high scientific merit, statistically and scientifically defensible methodology and feasibility of study design, and achievable results will score highest.

Project implementation plan Maximum Points: 10 Proposed projects must be include a well-developed implementation plan with clearly established milestones, including dates of completion. Proposals with a detailed, realistic implementation plan will be scored highest.

Partner funding/in-kind services and contributions Maximum Points: 10 Proposals with matching funds or in-kind services/contributions will be scored higher than proposals that do not demonstrate leveraged resources.

Letters of Recommendation Maximum Points: 10 Proposals should include at least one letter of recommendation from a director, division or program leader of a State Fish and Wildlife agency that expresses direct interest in and support of the proposed research and associated products and other deliverables. In the event a State Fish and Wildlife agency is submitting a proposal a letter of recommendation from the Director of the State Fish and Wildlife agency must be included. When the proposal addresses federally listed species, a letter of support should also be included from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

E2. Review and Selection Process Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project.

The program may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Bureau is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied to the award.

An expert review panel will be convened to score and rank submitted proposals based on the merit criteria. This panel will be comprised of peers external to the Science Applications Program, and may include representatives from other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs, State Fish and Wildlife agencies, and other bureaus of the U.S. Department of the Interior. This review panel will provide recommendations to awarding agency personnel, who will make final recommendations to the deciding official. Due to limited funding availability, the program may negotiate proposal scopes of work with applicants. Mutually agreed-upon revisions must be reflected in revised SF-424 forms, project narratives, and budget narratives.

Any unsuccessful applicants will be notified electronically prior to final award of funded project(s). Notifications will include information on why proposals were not selected, including points awarded for each selection criterion.

Prior to award, the program will review any applicant statement regarding potential overlap or duplication between the project to be funded and any other funded or proposed project in terms of activities, funding, or time commitment of key personnel. Depending on the circumstances, the program may request modification to the application, other pending applications, or an active award, as needed to eliminate any duplication of effort, or the Bureau may choose not to fund the selected project. The program may not make a Federal award to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the Bureau is ready to make an award, the program may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. The program can use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Prior to award, the program will evaluate the risk posed by applicants as required in 2 CFR

200.205. Programs document applicant risk evaluations using the Bureau’s “Financial Assistance Recipient Risk Assessment” form. Prior to approving awards for Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the Bureau is required to review and consider any information about or from the applicant found in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System. The Bureau will consider this information when completing the risk review. The Bureau uses the results of the risk evaluation to establish monitoring plans, recipient reporting frequency requirements, and to determine if one or more of the specific award conditions in 2 CFR 200.207 should be applied the award.

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E3. CFR – Regulatory Information See the Service’s General Award Terms and Conditions for the general administrative and national policy requirements applicable to Service awards. The Service will communicate any other program- or project-specific special terms and conditions to recipients in their notices of award.

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices The program will provide a selection notice to the entity before issuing the Federal award. This selection notice is not an authorization to begin project performance. Instead, the signed notice of Federal award, to be delivered electronically, is the authorizing document and will specify the period of performance, which is the Federal sponsorship period for which costs can be reimbursed.

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Data Availability Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.315:

(a) All data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, valuation products or other scientific assessments in any…