PKG00264105-instructions.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Upper Mississippi River Restoration Long Term

Resource Monitoring Element (UMRR LTRM)

Cooperative Agreement Program

The Long Term Resource Monitoring Element (LTRM) was authorized under the

Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662) as an element of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program

(UMRR). Original authorization provided for a 10-year Program starting in 1987;

Section 405 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-

640) extended the Program an additional 5 years; Section 509 of the Water

Resources Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-53) extended the Program indefinitely.

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT No. G21AS00009

For Fiscal Year 2021

ISSUE DATE: November 13, 2020

CLOSING DATE:

May 31, 2021 (new or changes in scope of work or total estimated cost)

May 31, 2021 (other changes not involving change to scope of work or total estimated cost)

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE GRANTS.GOV WEB SITE. COMPLETE

DETAILS ARE PROVIDED UNDER PART III.

http://www.umrba.org/emp/empleg.pdf i

USGS LTRM 2021 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT NO. G21AS00009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. Public Law and Program Priorities

A. The Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) Element Cooperative Agreement Program. 1

B. LTRM mission C. Cooperative Agreement coordination

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility and Proposal Format Instructions A. Timetables B. Eligibility – Who May Submit a Proposal

C. Proposal and Budget Content Instructions PART III. Proposal Delivery/Submission Instructions and Deliverables

A. Preparing and Submitting an application via Grants.gov – www.grants.gov B. Award Administration Information

C. Reports PART IV. General Provisions

A. Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements

B. Method of Payment C. Additional Regulations

D. Additional General Terms and Conditions Important Contacts:

USGS Office of Acquisition and Grants Staff:

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center:

PART I. Public Law and Program Priorities

A. The Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) Element Cooperative Agreement Program.

LTRM is the monitoring and research element of the UMRR Program, managed by the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS) and implemented by the five Upper Mississippi River System states

(Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin). Overall guidance, funding, and Program responsibility is provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). A directive outlining the mode of operation and the respective roles of each agency is embodied in a 1988 Memorandum of

Agreement.

The authority to enter into a cooperative agreement is stipulated in the Water Resources Development

Act of 1986. Congress recognized the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) as both a nationally significant ecosystem and a nationally significant commercial navigation system. The Upper Midwest

Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) is the USGS facility which administers the LTRM element of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR). Five

Upper Mississippi River System states which house six state-operated field stations provide data collection for water quality, sediment, fish, vegetation, and invertebrates, and land cover/use, and participate in numerous research projects. This work directly addresses the Secretarial Priority to

“create a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt” through the utilization of science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment.

This program announcement, with its support of UMRR, contributes to science that will enhance and inform the implementation of the Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project element (HREP) of the

UMRR. The UMRR HREP provide substantial economic benefit to local and regional economies bordering the Mississippi River by increasing consumptive and nonconsumptive recreational opportunities. Research and information developed through this agreement will inform HREP planning, thereby indirectly supporting the Secretarial Priority ‘Generating additional revenues to support DOI & National Interests’ by providing the sound science on which local and regional managers depend.

B. LTRM mission

The mission of the LTRM Element is to provide decision makers with the information needed to maintain the Upper Mississippi River System as a viable multiple-use large river ecosystem. The long-term monitoring goals of the Program are to understand the system, determine resource trends and impacts, develop management alternatives, manage information, and develop useful products.

C. Cooperative Agreement coordination

All proposals must be coordinated with the Recipient’s Financial Department prior to http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/umesc_about/about_umrs.html http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/ http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/ http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/field_stations/fieldstations.html submission, and will be required to be submitted electronically through grants.gov. Complete details are provided under Part III.

PART II. Timetables, Eligibility and Proposal Format Instructions

A. Timetables

The announcement shall open each year for new cooperative agreements and modifications to be submitted from October 1 through the due date stipulated by the USGS. For FY 2021, due dates are as follows:

31 May 2021 (new or changes in scope of work or total estimated cost)

31 May 2021 (other changes not involving change to scope of work or total estimated cost)

B. Eligibility – Who May Submit a Proposal

Only five state agencies (six field stations) listed below are eligible to apply as stipulated in the Water

Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662)

a) Iowa – Department of Natural Resources – LTRM Iowa DNR Mississippi River Monitoring

Station

b) Illinois – Illinois Natural History Survey through the University of Illinois,

a. LTRM Great Rivers Field Station

b. LTRM Illinois River Biological Field Station

c) Minnesota – Department of Natural Resources – LTRM Lake City Field Station

d) Missouri – Department of Conservation – LTRM Big Rivers and Wetlands Field Station

e) Wisconsin – Department of Natural Resources – LTRM La Crosse Field Station

C. Proposal and Budget Content Instructions

All proposal text shall include the following:

a) Introduction and Statement of Problem. Give a brief introduction to the problem. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work that has been completed or is ongoing in this area.

b) Objectives. Clearly define goals of project. State how the proposal addresses USGS goals and its relevance and impact. Explain why the work is important.

c) Methods. This section should include a fairly detailed discussion of the work plan and technical approach to both field and laboratory techniques.

d) Dissemination of Results. List any anticipated reports, analyses, digital data, etc. that will be disseminated during the performance period. The USGS considers dissemination of research data and results to potential users to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects funded by this program. Beyond the requirements for a final report, describe your plan for dissemination of project data and results that will result in the greatest possible benefit to customers as defined by your proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to disseminate research results to the scientific community and appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and

Federal agencies; and the general public. The USGS encourages the Recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals.

e) Data Management Plan Requirements. Proposals submitted to USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than four pages labeled "Data Management Plan"

(DMP). This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to

USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid

DMP may include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g. “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), as long as the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document may include:

• the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced in the course of the project;

• the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (where existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, this should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);

• policies for access and sharing including provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements;

• provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and

• plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of free public access to them.

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS

Data Management web site here: https://www.usgs.gov/products/data-and-tools/data-management/data-management-plans. Simultaneously submitted collaborative proposals and proposals that include subawards are a single unified project and should include only one supplemental combined DMP by the lead PI that also addresses all subaward data management needs, regardless of the number of non-lead collaborative proposals or subawards included.

f) References Cited. List all references to which you refer in text and references from your past work in the field that the research problem addresses. Be sure to identify references as journal articles, chapters in books, abstracts, maps, digital data, etc.

Detailed Budget Breakdown - Please include the following:

a) Salaries and Wages. List names, positions, and rate of compensation. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles.

b) Fringe benefits/labor overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations.

c) Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work (if applicable).

https://www.usgs.gov/products/data-and-tools/data-management/data-management-plans https://www.usgs.gov/products/data-and-tools/data-management/data-management-plans

d) Operational Support. Enter all facilities, common service and field supply costs separately.

Provide detail on any specific item, which represents a significant portion of the requested funding.

e) Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. "Special-purpose equipment" means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available. General-purpose equipment must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds.

Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested with the Recipient or the Federal

Government as determined in the award terms and conditions. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient.

f) Services or contractual agreements. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the potential sub-recipients by name, the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour.

g) Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, airfare, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

h) Publication costs. Show the estimated cost of publishing the results of the research, including the final report. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

i) Other direct costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

j) Total Direct Charges. Totals for items a – i.

k) Indirect Charges (Overhead). Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant's organization. If the

Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown.

l) Amount proposed. Total items j and k.

PART III. Proposal Delivery/Submission Instructions and Deliverables

A. Preparing and Submitting an application via Grants.gov – www.grants.gov.

Note: All proposals will be reviewed in advance by UMESC Long Term Resource Monitoring Element

(LTRM) project manager prior to submission.

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for USGS program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

http://www.grants.gov/

1. Electronic Delivery

USGS is participating in the Grants.gov initiative to provide the grant community with a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. USGS requires applicants to submit their applications online through Grants.gov.

2. How to Register to Apply through Grants.gov

a) Instructions: Read the instructions below about registering to apply for USGS funds. Applicants should read the registration instructions carefully and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling the required information before beginning the registration process will alleviate last-minute searches for required information.

The registration process can take up to four weeks to complete. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required application submission deadlines.

If individual applicants are eligible to apply for this grant funding opportunity, refer to:

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

Organization applicants can find complete instructions here:

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

1) Obtain a DUNS Number: All entities applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).

Applicants must enter the DUNS number in the data entry field labeled "Organizational DUNS" on the SF-424 form.

For more detailed instructions for obtaining a DUNS number, refer to:

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

2) Register with SAM: In addition to having a DUNS number, organizations applying online through Grants.gov must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). All organizations must register with SAM in order to apply online. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov.

For more detailed instructions for registering with SAM, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html

3) Create a Grants.gov Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with Grants.gov. Applicants must know their organization's DUNS number to complete this process. Completing this process automatically triggers an email request for applicant roles to the organization's E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) for review. The EBiz POC is a https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/individual-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-1-obtain-duns-number.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html representative from your organization who is the contact listed for SAM. To apply for grants on behalf of your organization, you will need the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) role.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html

4) Authorize Grants.gov Roles: After creating an account on Grants.gov, the EBiz POC receives an email notifying them of your registration and request for roles. The EBiz POC will then log in to

Grants.gov and authorize the appropriate roles, which may include the AOR role, thereby giving you permission to complete and submit applications on behalf of the organization. You will be able to submit your application online anytime after you have been approved as an AOR.

For more detailed instructions about creating a profile on Grants.gov, refer to:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html

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

3. How to Submit an Application to USGS via Grants.gov

Grants.gov applicants can apply online using Workspace. Workspace is a shared, online environment where members of a grant team may simultaneously access and edit different webforms within an application. For each funding opportunity announcement (FOA), you can create individual instances of a workspace.

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

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

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

2) Complete a Workspace: Add participants to the workspace, complete all the required forms, and check for errors before submission.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-3-username-password.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-4-aor-authorization.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-5-track-aor-status.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/apply-for-grants.html

a. Adobe Reader: If you decide not to apply by filling out webforms you can download individual PDF forms in Workspace so that they will appear similar to other Standard or

[INSERT AGENCY NAME] forms. The individual PDF forms can be downloaded and saved to your local device storage, network drive(s), or external drives, then accessed through Adobe Reader.

NOTE: Visit the Adobe Software Compatibility page on Grants.gov to download the appropriate version of the software at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html

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

c. Complete SF-424 Fields First: The forms are designed to fill in common required fields across other forms, such as the applicant name, address, and DUNS number. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is completed, the information will transfer to the other forms.

3) Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the

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

4) Track a Workspace: After successfully submitting a workspace package, a Grants.gov

Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the package. The number will be listed on the Confirmation page that is generated after submission.

For additional training resources, including video tutorials, refer to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html

Applicant Support: Grants.gov provides applicants 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-

4726 and email at support@grants.gov. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your submission, it is best to call the Grants.gov Support

Center and get a ticket number. The Support Center ticket number will assist the USGS with tracking your issue and understanding background information on the issue.

4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission

a. Online Submission. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern time on the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-training.html mailto:support@grants.gov electronic date/time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant AOR will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number

(GRANTXXXXXXXX) from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application.

Applicant AORs will also receive the official date/time stamp and Grants.gov Tracking number in an email serving as proof of their timely submission.

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

Applicants using slow internet, such as dial-up connections, should be aware that transmission can take some time before Grants.gov receives your application. Again, Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission in the form of an email sent to the applicant with the AOR role.

The Grants.gov Support Center reports that some applicants end the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application.

B. Award Administration Information

Award recipients are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the agreement and supported activities to assure compliance with applicable Federal requirements, and that performance goals are being achieved. Recipient monitoring must cover each program, function or activity.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Pre-agreement costs are any costs that are incurred by a recipient prior to the effective date of the assistance award. The effective date of an award is the date it is signed by the Contracting Officer

(CO). Requests for approval of anticipated pre-agreement costs will be sent to the designated Grant

Specialist. The request must be received and approved by the USGS before the recipient incurs any costs. The request should include the following information:

Recipient name, Project title or other identifying information (including previous Agreement/Award Number, if applicable), Period of time to be covered by funds, Justification of need to begin incurring costs before the award is signed, Amount Requested, including a breakdown by category, and

A statement that the recipient understands that they proceed at their own risk and that the Government will have no obligation or liability to reimburse these costs unless and until the contemplated award is made. Please note that pre-agreement costs, even when approved by the Contracting Officer, are incurred at the recipient’s risk. Awards are subject to the availability of funds and until obligation of the award, cannot be guaranteed.

C. Reports

The following reports will be required from all award recipients:

Report Due Dates

Progress Report (i.e., Milestone Chart) 30 calendar days after the end of the current budget period.

Final Technical Report (i.e., Milestone

Charter provided in year 5)

90 calendar days after the agreement completion date.

Annual SF425 Federal Financial Report On or before 90 working days after the annual anniversary of the award effective date.

Final SF-425 Federal Financial Report 90 calendar days after the agreement completion date.

1. Progress Report

a) The Recipient shall submit two copies of each Progress Report to the USGS Project Officer and one copy of the transmittal letter to the USGS Contracting Officer. Unless otherwise specified in this

Agreement, annual progress reports should be submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the current budget period to allow adequate time for the designated office to review the report. In the case of multi-year Agreements, failure to submit timely reports may delay processing of funding increments. For Agreements with a total anticipated performance period of twelve months (12) months or less, only a Final Technical Report will be required. A progress report is not required in the final budget year, unless the Recipient requests an extension to the project period.

b) The progress reports shall include the following information:

(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives of the Agreement established for the budget period and overall progress in response to the performance metrics.

(ii) The reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.

(iii) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.

(iv) An outline of anticipated activities and adjustments to the program during the next budget period.

c) Between the required reporting dates, events may occur which have significant impact upon the project or program. In such cases, the Recipient shall inform the USGS as soon as the following types of conditions become known:

(i) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Agreement. This disclosure must include a statement of the action taken, or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.

(ii) Favorable developments which enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

2 Final Technical Report

a) The Recipient shall submit two copies of the final technical report to the USGS Project Officer and one copy of the transmittal letter to the USGS Contracting Officer. The final performance report will be due 90 calendar days after the period of performance end date.

b) The final technical report shall document and summarize the results of Recipient’s work. The report shall include a quantitative description of activities and overall progress in response to the performance metrics which documents and summarizes the results of the entire Agreement. The final report shall include tables, graphs, diagrams, sketches, etc., as required to explain the results achieved under the Agreement. The report shall also include recommendations and conclusions based upon both the experience and the results obtained.

3 Annual Financial Reports

a) The Recipient will submit an annual SF 425, Federal Financial Report, for each individual USGS award. The SF 425 is available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms. The

SF 425 will be due in accordance with the following schedule. USGS acknowledges that this annual reporting schedule may not always correspond with a specific budget period.

Award Performance Start

Date

Annual Interim Report

End Date

(year following start date)

Annual Interim Report

Due Date

(90 days after report end date)

January 1- March 31 March 31 June 30

April 1- June 30 June 30 September 30

July 1- September 30 September 30 December 31

October 1 – December 31 December 31 March 31

b) The SF 425 must be submitted electronically by e-mail to SF425@usgs.gov with a cc to the

Contracting Officer. Recipient must include the USGS award number in the subject line of all correspondence. If, after 90 days, Recipient has not submitted a report, the Recipient’s account in

ASAP will be placed in a manual review status until the report is submitted.

4 Final Financial Report

a) The Recipient will liquidate all obligations incurred under the award and submit a final SF 425, Federal Financial Report in accordance with C.3.b. no later than 90 calendar days after the

Agreement completion date.

b) Recipient will promptly return any unexpended federal cash advances or will complete a final draw from ASAP to obtain any remaining amounts due. Once 120 days has passed since the

Agreement completion date, USGS shall unilaterally deobligate federal funds as reflected in the

Final SF 425.

c) Subsequent revision to the final SF 425 will be considered only as follows:

i. When the revision results in a balance due to the Government, the Recipient must submit a revised final SF 425, Federal Financial Report, and refund the excess payment whenever the overcharge is discovered, no matter how long the lapse of time since the original due date of the report.

ii. When the revision represents additional reimbursable costs claimed by the Recipient, a revised final SF 425 may be submitted to the USGS Contracting Officer with an explanation. If approved, the USGS will either request and pay a final invoice or reestablish the ASAP subaccount to permit the Recipient to make a revised final draw. Any revised final report representing additional reimbursable amounts must be submitted no later than 1 year from the due date of the original report, i.e., 15 months following the Agreement completion date. USGS will not accept any revised SF 425 covering additional expenditures after that date and will return any late request for additional payment to the Recipient.

PART IV. General Provisions

A. Cost Principles, Audit, and Administrative Requirements

The Recipient shall be subject to the following regulations, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Copies of these Circulars can be obtained from the Internet at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for

Federal Awards, as implemented by the Department of the Interior in 2 CFR Part 1402 and 43 CFR

Part 12.

B. Method of Payment

Payments under financial assistance awards must be made using the Department of the Treasury

Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system (www.asap.gov).

a) The Recipient will establish an account with ASAP. USGS will initiate enrollment in ASAP. If the

Recipient does not currently have an ASAP account, they must designate an individual (name, title, address, phone and e-mail) who will serve as the Point of Contact (POC).

b) With the award of each cooperative agreement, a sub-account will be set up from which the

Recipient may draw down funds. After recipients complete enrollment in ASAP and link their banking information to the USGS ALC (14080001), it may take 7-10 days for sub-accounts to be activated and for funds to be authorized for drawdown in ASAP.

c) Inquiries regarding payment should be directed to the Department of the Treasury’s Financial

Management Service (FMS) Payment Management Call Center at 855-868-0151.

d) Payments may be drawn in advance only as needed to meet immediate cash disbursement needs.

C. Additional Regulations

The Recipient shall be subject to the Department of the Interior Standard Terms and Conditions which are incorporated herein by reference and available on the Internet at:

https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions

D. Additional General Terms and Conditions

a) Research Integrity

1) USGS requires that all grant or cooperative agreement Recipient organizations adhere to the

Federal Policy on Research Misconduct, Office of Science and Technology Policy, December 6, 2000, 65 Federal Register (FR) 76260. The Federal Policy on Research

Misconduct outlines requirements for addressing allegations of research misconduct, including the investigation, adjudication, and appeal of allegations of research misconduct and the implementation of appropriate administrative actions.

2) The Recipient must promptly notify the USGS Project Office when research misconduct that warrants an investigation pursuant to the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct is alleged.

b) Access To Research Data

1) Applicability. The Department of the Interior is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully http://www.asap.gov/ https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by the Department to inform its decisions.

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

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

a. The scientific data relied upon;

b. The analysis replied upon; and

c. The methodology, including models, use to gather and analyze the data.

c) Conflict of Interest

1) Applicability.

a. This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

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

2) Requirements.

a. Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the recipient’s ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.

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

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

3) Notification.

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

b. 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 USGS Contracting Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by subrecipients.

4) Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 USC 1352.

5) Review Procedures. The USGS Contracting 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 and appropriate means for resolving it.

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

d) Program Income

1) If the Recipient is an educational institution or nonprofit research organization, any other program income will be added to funds committed to the project by the Federal awarding agency and Recipient and be used to further eligible project or program objectives, as described in 2 CFR 200.307(e)(2).

2) For all other types of Recipients, any other program income will be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs before calculating the Government's share of reimbursable costs, as provided in 2 CFR 200.307(e)(1).

e) Government Furnished Equipment or Equipment Authorized for Purchase

Title to equipment acquired wholly or in part with Federal funds shall be vested in the Recipient unless otherwise specified in the award document. The Recipient shall retain control and maintain an inventory of such equipment as long as there is a need for such equipment to accomplish the purpose of the project, whether or not the project continues to be supported by Federal funds.

When there is no longer a need for such equipment to accomplish the purpose of the project, the

Recipient shall use the equipment in connection with other Federal awards the Recipient has received. Disposal of equipment shall be in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

Important Contacts:

USGS Office of Acquisition and Grants Staff:

Desiree Santa

USGS Grants Specialist

Phone: (703) 648-7382

Email: dsanta@usgs.gov

Grants.gov Support:

Laura Mahoney

Grant Analyst

Phone (703) 648-7344

Email: lmahoney@usgs.gov

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center:

Marissa Borre

Budget Analyst

Phone: (608) 781-6303

Email: mborre@usgs.gov

-- END OF PROGRAM ANNOUNCMENT--

mailto:dsanta@usgs.gov