PKG00264749-instructions.pdf

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

FWS - Fisheries

Yukon River Salmon Research and Management Assistance FY 2021 Fiscal Year: 2021

F21AS00154

Due Date for Applications: 03/05/2021

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.

Table of Contents A. Program Description

A1. Authority

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority The Yukon River Salmon Act of 2000 (16 USC 5701 et seq., P.L. 104-43, November 3, 1995, 109 Stat 392) as amended by P.L. 106-450, November 7, 2000, 114 Stat 1941; P.L 108-219, April 13, 2004, 118 Stat 615.

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A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The Yukon River Salmon Research and Management Assistance (R&M Fund) is administered by the Fisheries Program of Region 7.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) receives funds for implementation of the Yukon River Salmon Agreement of 2000 (Agreement) with Canada. The Agreement authorizes funds for the implementation of the Agreement including funds for cooperative research and management projects on the Alaska Portion of the Yukon River. The Service administers these funds through financial assistance on a competitive basis for projects, studies, and events that advance the scientific and public community’s understanding of the biology and management of salmon, with focus on Yukon River Chinook and Chum salmon stocks in Alaska. The following is a request for Detailed Project Proposal of one year in length addressing the needs of the priority general Categories and Factors and specific near-term needs listed below. For additional information about the R&M Fund please visit https://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/fieldoffice/fairbanks/subsistence/r_m_fund.htm.

All funding opportunities must identify which Department of Interior financial assistance priorities are being met through this funding opportunity. Three of the Department of Interior’s priorities are addressed through the implementation of the R&M Fund.

1. Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt

a. Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment.

The R&M Fund has provided financial assistance for projects that assist managers assessing stock health and productivity, enumerating and assessing Chinook and Chum salmon returning to the Yukon and its tributaries; analyses for genetic mixed stock analysis to determine the location of origin of shared Chinook and Chum salmon; age, sex, and length compositions for postseason analyses. The information collected and developed by these projects ensures the Service, the State of Alaska, and other users are using the best scientific information available to manage these key resources.

e. Foster relationships with conservation organizations advocating for balanced stewardship and use of public lands.

https://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/fieldoffice/fairbanks/subsistence/r_m_fund.htm

The R&M Fund provides financial assistance to cooperative Federal and State governments, non-government organizations; and other entities to assist in projects that inform the conservation and management actions of both the State and Federal agencies for coordinated subsistence, commercial and recreational fisheries in State and Federal waters. The funding fosters partnerships between the entities who manage salmon as well as the people who depend upon them for their livelihood and subsistence needs.

f. Identify and implement initiatives to expand access to DOI lands for hunting and fishing.

The R&M Fund expands the knowledge of research and management tools for State and Federal fisheries managers. This provides greater confidence in managing for long-term sustainable fisheries while minimizing or eliminating restrictions for subsistence, commercial, and recreational fisheries on salmon returning to the Yukon River when there are not concerns for conservation, especially in regards to ensuring that the U.S. meets the agreed escapement of salmon into Canada.

g. Shift the balance towards providing greater public access to public lands over restrictions to access.

The R&M Fund provides some of the same information to address this priority as described in priority 1(f). By focusing on key salmon habitat needs, locations, and public use, we are better able to match our management with the type of resource use.

3. Restoring trust with local communities

a. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands;

b. Expand the lines of communication with Governors, state natural resource offices, Fish and Wildlife Offices, water authorities, county commissioners, Tribes, and local communities.

One of the main priorities of the R&M Fund has been to facilitate projects that promote continuous outreach, and facilitate understanding and collaboration in conservation and management throughout the Alaska portion of the Yukon Drainage. Due to the vast geographical distances between communities, much of this outreach is done through telecommunications, newsletter, mailed surveys, other media types, as well as in-person preseason meetings.

The R&M Fund has provided financial assistance to multiple projects and organizations to conduct outreach projects such as Yukon Advisory Group teleconferences, the Chena River (Yuko Tributary) juvenile salmon citizen scientist project, Yukon Flats village outreach and communication, and a short film titled “The Voices of the Chena”.

4. Ensuring sovereignty means something

b. Solidify mutual interests between the U.S. and the freely associated states and territories.

One of the R&M Fund’s primary purposes is to provide financial assistance to fund projects or studies that advance the scientific community’s understanding and management of Chinook and Chum salmon in the Alaska Portion of the Yukon River. This advancement in understanding and management benefits not only the State and Federal resource managers, but more significantly the local communities and their residents who rely on the Yukon River to meet their subsistence, commercial, and recreational fishery needs.

Funding will support work beginning in May, 2021 with project activities completed and final reports due September, 2022. Applicants are strongly encouraged to develop projects that incorporate local capacity with members of Yukon River communities in which they may be working. Coordinating projects with state and federal regulatory agencies is also recommended, but not mandatory.

The U.S. Delegation of the Yukon River Panel (Panel) has laid out the following general Categories and corresponding Factors for the Fiscal Year 2020 R&M Fund. The four categories will be used as evaluation criteria for each proposal and are listed in descending order of importance from highest (Priority 1) to lowest (Priority 4). The factors within each category are not prioritized.

Category: Assess and achieve fishery management objectives (Priority 1).

1. Develop and/or improve in-season run size and stock specific estimates at the mouth of the Yukon River.

2. Develop or incorporate new methodologies and/or approaches to improve management and research capability.

3. Develop and expand the genetic baseline for Alaska Yukon River Basin salmon stocks.

4. Identify stock composition of salmon runs through genetic stock identification.

5. Monitor salmon escapements by Alaskan Genetic Groupings.

Category: Build and maintain public support of, and meaningful participation in, salmon resource management (Priority 2).

1. Build and maintain community capacity.

2. Develop mutual understandings between agencies and the public, best demonstrated by a third party.

3. Encourage conservation principles of the salmon resources.

4. Encourage stewardship of the resource.

5. Promote public values of the salmon resource.

Category: Improve understanding of salmon biology and ecology (Priority 3).

1. Assessment of the quality of escapements (e.g., age/size/sex; health).

2. Develop population estimates for Alaskan Yukon River Basin salmon stocks.

3. Investigate relationships between salmon and their physical environment.

4. Investigate relationships between salmon and other organisms.

Category: Assess, conserve and restore salmon habitats (Priority 4).

1. Habitat monitoring.

2. Identify and characterize salmon spawning and rearing habitats.

3. Identify and evaluate potential impacts to habitat.

4. Identify and monitor key salmon spawning streams/areas (index streams).

5. Identify and implement restoration opportunities.

The Panel has also identified two near term priority needs. Proposals that fall within the scope of the following priorities will receive additional points during the review process. Each proposal should incorporate elements of the Factors listed above.

1. Yukon River fall Chum Salmon stock assessment and genetics.

Description of Focused Priority: Fall Chum Salmon are an important resource within the Yukon, with the decline in the Chinook Salmon populations, there has been a trend towards a greater utilization of fall Chum Salmon particularly in communities unable to harvest other salmon species throughout the year. Although recent annual run sizes of Fall Chum Salmon have been healthy, the Panel is seeking proposals that utilize genetics to improve the mixed stock analysis of fall Chum Salmon in the harvest or the stock assessment of fall Chum Salmon returning to the Teedriinjik (Chandalar) and Porcupine rivers.

2. Yukon River salmon management awareness and participation.

Description of Focused Priority: There are over 42 communities within the Alaska portion of the Yukon River basin. These communities have diverse needs; however, they all significantly rely on salmon for a food resource. An informed and involved public is critical to effectively manage and conserve Yukon salmon stocks. The Panel seeks to build on past successes through supporting projects that increase awareness and participation in management and conservation of Yukon River salmon stocks. The Panel invites proposals that work towards public education and multi-stakeholder planning efforts necessary to develop and sustain locally-supported approaches for management.

B. Federal Award Information B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 260,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $ 120,000 Minimum Award $ 2,000

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates Expected Award Funding Expected Award Date May 28, 2021 Up to $260,000 may be awarded in the federal fiscal year 2021. Currently, the source of general funding is federally appropriated funds directed to the Service. The funds shall be used for salmon related projects, with focus on Chinook and chum salmon research and management located in the Alaska portion of the Yukon River drainage as recommended by the Yukon River Panel after review for scientific and technical merit. Due to the limited funds available, modest funding requests (< $60,000) are encouraged; however, higher amounts may be requested with appropriate justification. The period of performance for projects funded under this program is for one year, starting on the date the proponent indicates within the proposal. Proponent should keep in mind that due to when proposals actually receive approval for funding by the U.S.

Delegation of the Yukon Panel (~early April) and the time needed to process the financial assistance that the project may begin prior to award notification with a signed notification of risk document. In general, past and present recipients of awards under this program are eligible and all applicants must submit new proposals to compete for funding each year. Applicants who had projects funded with these funds in 2019, and who have applications that successfully compete for funding through this notification, will not receive their 2021 funds until the Technical Review Committee reviews and accepts their final report for the work funded in 2019. This program uses grant agreements as the primary assistance instrument.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 99 – Unrestricted (i.e. open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in the text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" Additional Information on Eligibility Applicants are encouraged from nonprofit organizations, public and private educational organizations, federal, state, local, and tribal governments and organizations, and individuals. Individuals and organizations submitting investigation plans should have the necessary technical and administrative abilities and resources to ensure successful completion of studies.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity; however, it is strongly encouraged.

Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as a voluntary committed cost-share/match.

C3. Other In order to be considered for funding under the R&M Fund, the proposed project should improve the understanding of the biology and management of the Yukon River salmon within the Alaska portion of the Yukon River drainage.

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 Narrative 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.

(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.

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(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.

Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” form if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

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 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being 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

03/05/2021 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., AKST, 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 Costs: 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

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Yukon River Salmon Research and Management Fund Detailed Proposal Scoring Rubric

Maximum Points: 29

To be considered for funding, applications must submit a Detailed Proposal that will be evaluated by an interagency review committee. Detailed Proposals will be ranked with respect to 13 criteria. Scores will be summed across criteria and ranked by the summed value.

1. Contribution to the identified Priority Categories and Factors,

2. Adequately addresses one or two of the Near Term Priorities,

3. Justification for the duration of the project,

4. Project relevance and description,

5. Clarity and significance of objectives and hypotheses,

6. How well the proposal describes the methods and project design,

7. How well the proposal describes how the short-term and long-term goals of the project will measured. Also, if it describes any future monitoring work associated with the project.

8. The duration in which the results of the project will aid in the conservation and management of Yukon River salmon

9. How well the proponent laid out the operation plan for achieving each objective.

10. The description of the organizations doing the project.

11. Wages are appropriate for the level of work being conducted.

12. Overhead costs of the total project costs

13. Cost effectiveness and how well the proponent described each budget line item.

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Yukon River Salmon Research and Management Fund Detailed Proposal Scoring Rubric (29.5 points possible)

Category Priority (0.5-2)

2 Category: Assess and achieve fishery management objectives

1.5 Category: Build and maintain public support of, and meaningful participation in, salmon resource management

Category: Improve understanding of salmon biology and ecology

0.5 Category: Assess, conserve and restore salmon habitats

Near Term Priority (0-2)

Results of the proposed project will directly address two of the near term priorities upon completion.

Results of the proposed projecct will directly address one of the near term priorities upon completion.

Overview (4 pts)

Proposal does not address either of the near term priority needs.

Justification (0-2)

Clearly describes how the information collected would ultimately be applied to conservation and regulation of Alaskan Yukon River salmon.

Did not describe how the information collected would ultimately be applied to conservation and regulation of Alaskan Yukon River salmon.

Relevance (1-3)

Project contributes to addressing or improving knowledge towards crucial data gaps and/or management needs of Yukon River salmon species.

Introduction (8 pts)

Project is unlikely to improve knowledge towards the understanding and/or management of Yukon River salmon species.

Objectives (1-3)

Objectives are well described, address the needs of the Panel, and are achievable as presented.

Objectives are poorly described making it difficult to know if they address the needs of the Panel.

Methods (0-3)

Methods were adequately detailed with sound explanations and reasoning.

1.5 Methods were presented but lacked detail.

Nothing was provided regarding montitoring or evaluation methods or information was not applicable to the project objectives;

Monitoring and Evaluation

(0-3)

Descriptions were detailed and complete with sound reasoning and consistent with project objectives

Minimal explanation or information provided to understand how monitoring or evaluation would be completed and reported

Nothing was provided regarding montitoring or evaluation methods or information was not applicable to the project objectives;

Sustainability (0-2)

The results of this project will aid in the conservation and management of Yukon River salmon beyond this year of funding.

The results of this project will only assist in the conservation and management of Yukon River salmon during this year.

Operation (0-2)

Objectives and project milestones are well described and appear to be achievable.

Technical Implementation Details (10 pts)

Objectives and project milestones are poorly described making it difficult to know if they are achievable as presented.

Description of Organizations

(0-1.5)

1.5 Clearly identifies the roles of the Project Leader and other participants.

0 Does not identify the Project Leader or the roles of the Principal Project Participants.

Labor (1-2)

2 Wages are appropriate for the level of work being conducted.

1 Wages are excessive for the level of work being conducted

Administration (0-2)

2 Overhead costs are 0<15% of the total project costs 1 Overhead costs are 15-30% of the total project costs 0 Overhead costs >30% of the total project cost

Budget Justification

(1-2) 2 Project costs are consistent with other similar projects.

Capacity to Deliver and Cost(7.5 pts)

Project costs are excessive when compared to other similar projects.

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.

The interagency Technical Review Committee (TRC) will review each detailed proposal submitted by the deadline and rank each proposal based on the criteria listed above. The ranking of each proposal will be provided as recommendations to the U.S. Delegation of the Yukon River Panel (Panel) for their final approval. Authors of selected Detailed Proposals by the Panel will be notified (~May 2021) by the Service. The Panel reserves the right to ask questions for clarification and conduct negotiations with promising proposal authors prior to final selection of the conceptual or detailed proposal. The Panel also reserves the right to eliminate from consideration any proposals whose author does not adhere to proposal deadlines or provide clarification in a timely manner, if and when clarification is sought.

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 All applicants will receive a notification letter by email within 30 days of the final review decision as to whether or not the applicant’s proposal was successful in receiving funding. This notification letter is not an authorization to begin project performance but to only inform applicants of the decision that was reached by the Panel

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices All applicants will receive a notification letter by email within 30 days of the final review decision as to whether or not the applicant’s proposal was successful in receiving funding. This notification letter is not an authorization to begin project performance but to only inform applicants of the decision that was reached by the Panel https://www.fws.gov/grants/index.html

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements See the “DOI Standard Terms and Conditions” for the administrative and national policy requirements applicable to DOI awards.

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 medium or form, including textual, numerical, graphic, cartographic, narrative, or audiovisual, resulting from a financial assistance agreement is available for use by the Department of the Interior, including being available in a manner that is sufficient for independent verification.

(b) The Federal Government has the right to:

(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, produced under a Federal award; and

(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data, methodology, factual inputs, models, analyses, technical information, reports, conclusions, or other scientific assessments, for Federal purposes, including to allow for meaningful third-party evaluation.

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.

F3. Reporting Financial Reports All recipients must use the SF-425, Federal Financial Report form for financial reporting. At a minimum, all recipients must submit a final financial report. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim financial reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award. The only exception to the interim financial reporting requirement is if the recipient is required to use the SF 270/271 to request payment and requests payment at least once annually through the entire award period of performance. We will describe all financial reporting requirements in the Notice of Award.

Performance Reports Performance reports must contain a comparison of actual accomplishments with the established goals and objectives of the award; a description of reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate; and any other pertinent information relevant to the project results. Final reports are due no later than 90 calendar days after the award period of performance end date or termination date. For awards with periods of performance longer than 12 months, recipients are required to submit interim performance reports on the frequency established in the Notice of Award.

Significant Development Reports Events may occur between the scheduled performance reporting dates which have significant impact upon the supported activity. In such cases, recipients are required to notify the Bureau in https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=2cb9f6d1c1c131ed576a5e65845ef3fa&mc=true&node=se2.1.1402_1315&rgn=div8 https://www.fws.gov/grants/index.html writing as soon as the recipient becomes aware of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the Federal award. This disclosure must include a statement of any corrective action(s) taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation. The recipient should also notify the Service in writing of any favorable developments that enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more or different beneficial results than originally planned.

Real Property Reports Recipients and subrecipients are required to submit status reports on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest. The required frequency of these reports will depend on the anticipated length of the Federal interest period. The Bureau will include recipient-specific real property reporting requirements, including the required data elements, reporting frequency, and report due dates, in the Notice of Award when applicable.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures…