PKG00264751-instructions.pdf

National Park Service

CRFA-PGC - Cultural Resources Financial Assistance

P21AS00227

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. Anticipated Award Funding and 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 Contact

G3. Application System Technical Support

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

A1. Authority 54 U.S.C. 308103

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 15.928

A2. Background, Purpose and Program Requirements The National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) supports the identification, research, evaluation, interpretation, and protection of historic battlefields and associated sites on a national, State, and local level.

NPS ABPP offers Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAGs) to assist state and local governments and, when applicable, their nonprofit partners acquire and preserve eligible Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands. Funding for the BLAG program is made available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is awarded competitively. Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match. Grants are available to purchase 1) land in fee simple or 2) permanent, protective interests in land (easements) at Civil War battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission's (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and the principal battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 identified in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007) (“Survey Reports”).

Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Applications for acquisition of lands at eligible battlefield and associated sites rated as Preservation Priority I and II properties will be given precedence in processing, evaluation, and award recommendations. Eligible battlefields and associated sites (“eligible sites”) have been assigned a battlefield or “survey” code in the aforementioned (“Survey Reports”). Boundaries for most eligible battlefields are defined in NPS survey data. Eligible acquisitions should lie within the boundaries of eligible sites, with priority given to proposals to acquire land within the “core” area of the battlefield. Battlefield boundary and “core” area maps are available on the NPS ABPP website. Applications to acquire lands associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites identified as “Needing Further Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), must select defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register Bulletin No. 40:

Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and Registering America’s Historic Battlefields and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21: Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. If the https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/Boundaries-Completed.pdf land to be acquired overlaps the battlefield boundary, a majority (more than 50%) of the land must be within the boundary for the proposal to be eligible for funding.

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NPS ABPP encourages projects that promote and expand preservation as well as enhance our understanding of the origins of the United States. Special thematic priority will be given to applications that address the histories and legacies of those who experienced the armed conflicts that led to American independence at Revolutionary War battlefields and other related sites.

NPS ABPP BLAG funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a National Park. Grant recipients are encouraged to provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or interests in lands acquired with NPS ABPP financial assistance in a manner consistent with the preservation goals of the program. Land acquired with these funds must be preserved in perpetuity and will be subject to the LWCF non-conversion requirements. Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners who acquire land or an interest in land with financial assistance under this program must convey a perpetual protective easement on the land to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.

Secretary of the Interior Priorities:

This program supports Secretary of the Interior Priorities1a and 1c:

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

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

This program supports the priorities listed above by providing financial and technical assistance to state and local governments (as grant recipients) and to conservation or preservation organizations (as subrecipients) for projects and partnerships related to local and regional community needs and interests. BLAG funds support the efforts of state and local governments in the preservation of battlefield lands through the acquisition of fee simple or permanent protective interests in eligible properties.

Other Program Requirements:

Projects funded under this program constitute “undertakings” as defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (54 U.S.C. 306108). See Section F.2.a. of this Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.

Depending on the project, per Executive Order 13933, information may be required that will enable the NPS to assess whether the project includes reasonable measures for protection of the property from vandalism or other damage, including measures to protect any monuments, memorials, or other statues. This may include, as applicable, including provisions in the easement to impose reasonable measures to protect the project site.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding Estimated Total Funding $ 17,400,000

B2. Expected Award Amount Maximum Award $ 2,000,000 Minimum Award $ 30,000 The amount of funding available per award for this NOFO will be determined as part of the application review process based on applications received and funding made available through appropriations.

B3. Anticipated Award Funding and Dates Anticipated Award Date July 01, 2021 Anticipated Start Date: Rolling Anticipates Award Date is an example. Applications under this Notice will be accepted through December 31, 2021 and may be prioritized based on battlefield Preservation Priority rating (see Program Description A.2).

Projects receiving funding through this Notice of Funding Opportunity will start once funding has been secured and awards have been made.

B4. Number of Awards Expected Number of Awards Each activity or project under this agreement will be treated individually, with more detail through project statements, project plans and budgets developed cooperatively between the NPS and the non-Federal entity.

B5. Type of Award Funding Instrument Type G - Grant Consistent with 31 U.S.C. § 6304:

An executive agency shall use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the United States Government and a State, a local government, or other recipient when:

(1) The principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer a thing of value to the State or local government or other recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring (by purchase, lease, or barter) property or services for the direct benefit or use of the United States Government; and

(2) Substantial involvement is not expected between the executive agency and the State, local government, or other recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated in the agreement

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants Eligible Applicants 00 – State governments 01 – County governments 02 – City or township governments Additional Information on Eligibility In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308103(b), Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program, this funding opportunity is limited to state or local governments. Tribal governments or nonprofit organizations may acquire an interest in an eligible site by partnering in an application from a state or local government which has jurisdiction over the property to be acquired or put under easement. The government agency will be the grant recipient and serve as a pass-through entity for Federal funds to the nonprofit organization (2 C.F.R. § 200.74 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.86).

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement Yes In accordance with 54 U.S.C. § 308103(d), non-Federal cost share in the amount of 50% is required to be eligible for an award under this NOFO. The non-Federal entity must be willing to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost from non-Federal sources as evidenced by a letter of commitment from the funding source or awarding entity that is addressed to the applicant.

Eligible non-Federal sources of contributions must be in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and may include: cash, loans, and/or in-kind contributions. Non-Federal entity cost share contributions shall be annotated within the SF-424A (reference section D, Application and Submission Information).

For purposes of this program, applicants may use a loan as non-Federal cost share. However, if the loan is secured by the land to be acquired, the lending institution must agree in writing that it will subordinate its own interest in the property to the terms of the grant, particularly the LWCF non-conversion (54 USC 200305(f)(3)) and conservation easement requirements. The applicant must include this explicit, written agreement from the lending institution in the proposal package.

C3. Other There are no limits to the number of applications an applicant may submit.

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new Federal awards.

Excluded Parties: NPS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The NPS 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 An Application Package has been included within this Notice of Funding Opportunity for your convenience, found in Appendix A. The Application Package contains four mandatory forms, which must be submitted with your proposal, forms include: form SF-424 (Application for Financial Assistance), form SF-424A (Budget Information), form SF-424B (Assurances), and SF-LLL (Lobbying). The Application Package can also be accessed and downloaded from the Synopsis page of this announcement in Grants.gov. Applicants may also request paper copies of application materials by contacting the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this Notice of Funding Opportunity.

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission Project Narrative The Project Narrative must identify the property to be acquired with the following information:

name and address of property (“Tract”) and eligible battlefield or associated site where property is located, including survey code assigned in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission’s Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) and/or the NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007) [“Survey Reports”]. Applicants must also state the Preservation Priority assigned to the eligible battlefield or associated site in the Survey Reports and should provide the National Register Information System (NRIS) database number for any properties, including National Historic Landmarks, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Applications to acquire lands associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites identified as “Needing Further Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), must select defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register Bulletin No. 40: Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and Registering America’s Historic Battlefields and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21: Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. (The Project Narrative may reference documentation substantiating boundaries that is provided as a separate attachment to the application).

The Project Narrative should specifically address each of the review criteria and questions (see Section E):

Historical Significance and Integrity Resource Analysis and Proposed Activities Statement of Threat, Preservation Strategy and Future Sustainability Qualification, Experience and Capacity of Applicant and partners

The Project Narrative should address the Secretary of the Interior Priorities and briefly explain how the proposed project will:

Advocate or plan for balanced stewardship and use of public lands or foster relationships with organizations that do, and/or

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

The Project Narrative must be no longer than 5 pages, text no smaller than font size 11, and document with 1-inch margins. The 5-page limit includes all text, figures, references, and resumes (Forms SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and SF-LLL are not counted as part of the 5-page limit). Additional information that is pertinent to the proposal should be included as attachments.

1. 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, signed, and dated. Do not include any proprietary or personally identifiable information. 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).

This form must be signed by the authorizing representative and submitted with the application.

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 https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf 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 provide an estimated cumulative budget for the total project in the proposal. The estimated budget must align with the proposed scope of work presented in the Project Narrative.

Unit cost estimates shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients.

Any applicant organization that has not completed the financial assistance certifications and representations within their SAM.gov registration must submit the appropriate signed and dated Assurances form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

This form must be signed by the authorizing representative and submitted with the application.

Applicants seeking approval to acquire real property under an award must complete and submit the SF-429, “Real Property Status Report (Cover Page)” and the SF-429-B, “Real Property Status Report Attachment B (Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish)”. These forms are required if the real property is acquired with Federal funds, with recipient cost share or matching funds, or as an in-kind contribution under the award.

For properties that have been appraised, this form must be signed by the authorizing representative and submitted with the application.

Detailed Budget Narrative The project budget shall include detailed information on all cost categories and must clearly identify all estimated project costs. Unit costs shall be provided for all budget items including the cost of work to be provided by contractors or sub-recipients. In addition, applicants shall include a narrative description of the items included in the project budget, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project when cost share is identified to be included (reference section C of this announcement). Cost categories can include, but are not limited to, those costs items included on the SF424A or SF424C.

In addition to the SF-424A, applicants shall include a detailed Budget Narrative description of the items included in line 6.h. (“Other”) of the SF-424A, including the value of in-kind contributions of goods and services provided to complete the project in accordance with 2 C.F.R.

§ 200.306(b) (See Section C.2. of this announcement). The Budget Narrative must include cost centers to distinguish expenses allocated to Federal and non-Federal sources. Expense categories can include, but are not limited to: Purchase Price, Appraisal, Appraisal Review, Environmental Assessment, expenses relating to Section 106 review and consultation, Property Surveying, Title Search and Insurance, Recording Fees, Settlement and Legal Fees.

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.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=1bfd0da1190f850482e94794cca23a5d&mc=true&node=20190830y1.1

(2) 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.

(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 subrecipients.

(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 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 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 notified of their funding decision. The statement and the description of overlap or duplication, when applicable, may be provided within the proposal or as a separate attachment to the application. If at any time a proposal is awarded funds that would be overlapping or duplicative of the funding requested from NPS, the applicant must immediately notify the NPS point of contact. Any overlap or duplication of funding between the proposed project and other active or anticipated projects may impact selection and/or funding amount.

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 mailto:SAMHelp@dnb.com 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.

Each applicant (unless exempt under 2 CFR §25.110) is required to:

(a) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;

(b) Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application (currently a DUNS number);

(c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal Awarding Agency.

Registration processes for SAM can be found at https://www.sam.gov

A financial assistance agreement will not be made with an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time that an agreement is ready for award, a determination may be made that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award. That determination may be used as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

In addition, in order to submit an application through Grants.gov an applicant must have an active SAM registration and register for submission permissions through the Grants.gov website.

Utilize the following link to guide you through this process:

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

D4. Submission Dates and Times Due Date for Applications 06/01/2021 Application Due Date Explanation This Notice of Funding Opportunity will remain open until December 31, 2021, or until it is succeeded by another issuance. Electronically submitted applications and associated required documents will be accepted throughout the calendar year, but must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on December 31, 2021.

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.

https://www.sam.gov http://www.grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-financial-management/

D6. Funding Restrictions 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:

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 https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services 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 “Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Network”, which has a Department of the Interior-approved indirect cost rate cap of 17.5%. If we have an approved indirect 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.

If your proposed budget includes indirect costs, the rate as proposed must meet the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Section 200.414 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix III through Appendix VII as applicable. A negotiated indirect cost rate agreement must be provided with your proposal.

Proposals that fail to document their indirect costs may have those costs disallowed.

NPS ABPP BLAG awards use the Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) described in 2 CFR §

200.68 in calculating indirect costs. MTDC include all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each sub-award.

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In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414(f), if you have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of MTDC. If this methodology is chosen, it must be applied in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414 and must be consistently used for all federal awards. Proposals shall document that a negotiated indirect cost rate has never been received and the applicant is electing to charge a de minimis rate of 10%.

D7. Other Submission Requirements Applicants must also submit in electronic format:

o Applicant Cover Letter – A succinct description of the property to be acquired and summary of the overall preservation strategy and the disposition of the property at completion of the project, including identification of the easement holder, acknowledgment of Land and Water Conservation Fund Act requirements (see Section F(2)(b) of this announcement), and the Applicant’s affirmative commitment to serve as grant recipient (Recipient) and, if there is a Subrecipient, as a pass-through entity for Federal funding consistent with 2 CFR §200.331;

o Schedule for Completion – A statement detailing estimated dates for major milestones in the acquisition project, including acquisition/purchase of the property (or interest), any planned transfer of the property, recordation of deed and/or easement, as well as any proposed ground-disturbing activities or other activities that have the potential to affect historic properties or resources;

o Section 106 Initiation Correspondence– Copies of invitations from the Applicant and/or nonprofit partner inviting the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office(s) (SHPOs) and other by-right and interested parties to consult on the proposed acquisition (undertaking), in conformance with responsibilities delegated to the Applicant by the NPS ABPP Programmatic Agreement. This correspondence should include a narrative description of the undertaking (including any activities with the potential to affect historic properties or resources that are proposed as part of the acquisition and preservation strategy);

both a narrative definition and map of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the undertaking; and, a description of historic resources within the APE and the research efforts undertaken to identify these resources by the Applicant and/or nonprofit partner (as described in 36 CFR 800, “Protection of Historic Properties, the Section 106 implementing regulations);

o Section 106 Recommendation Letter – A copy of correspondence from the appropriate SHPO(s) stating their effects assessment of the acquisition/undertaking, including activities proposed as part of the acquisition and preservation strategy that may have the potential to affect historic properties or resources (a preliminary assessment is acceptable);

o Easement Holder Letter – A letter or statement addressed to NPS ABPP and signed by an authorized representative of the organization agreeing to hold and enforce a perpetual preservation easement on the property under terms acceptable to both NPS ABPP to the appropriate SHPO(s). The letter should acknowledge the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Section non-conversion requirement (54 USC 200305(f)(3)) and should describe the qualifications of the proposed https://www.nps.gov/subjects/battlefields/upload/ABPP-FY16-Programmatic-Agreement_Fully-Executed.pdf easement holder, including recent experience (within 5 years) holding and enforcing preservation easements and documentation demonstrating how cultural resource specialists who will assist with development and enforcement of the easement meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards. (Note: See Section F(2)(d) of this announcement for required easement clauses for acquisitions in which a nonprofit organization will hold an easement over properties acquired in fee-simple by another nonprofit organization.)

o Preservation Letter of Agreement (only for projects in which a State governmental agency will acquire and manage the property) – A statement from the Applicant of their intention to record a Preservation Letter of Agreement, in lieu of an easement, with the deed of sale and requiring the following stipulations (when permitted by State law): perpetual duration of acquisition; allowance for public access; commitment to maintain the historic features and landscape of the property; restrictions on development to activities needed for interpretation and visitor access; SHPO review and approval of pre-development plans (including survey, evaluation and documentation of historic resources and design/construction documents); acknowledgment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Section non-conversion requirement (54 USC 200305(f)(3)).

o Willingness to Sell documentation – A copy of a letter stating willingness to sell or contract to purchase signed and dated by the landowner;

o Battlefield/parcel map – Map depicting the property to be acquired with reference to the core and study area boundaries of associated eligible battlefields; the project’s APE for Section 106 purposes; boundaries of any properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places within the project area; and existing buildings, structures, and potential historic resources within the project area;

o Associated GIS shapefiles, or geodatabases, including metadata compliant with NPS Spatial Data Transfer Standards and FGDC;

o Three to four photos of the property (or interest) to be acquired; photos should be in high-def JPEG format and georeferenced, including one aerial image via Google Earth, and should include a narrative caption and credits for potential use in NPS ABPP announcements.

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Criterion 1 Maximum Points: 10 Description Weight 10% https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm

Secretary of the Interior Priorities

The application must include a description of how the proposed acquisition aligns with the following:

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

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

Criterion 2 Maximum Points: 25 Description Weight 25%

Public and Program interests of the NPS

The NPS ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant provides for the protection of sites where historic battles were fought on American soil during several of the most significant armed conflicts that shaped the growth and development of the United States, including the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War. Applications should describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the property to be acquired (“Tract”) in a narrative statement addressing the following factors and considerations:

Cite the Priority ranking(s) of the associated battlefield lands as defined in the CWSAC Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993) or the NPS ABPP Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007) [“Survey Reports”].

If the battlefield is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (including National Historic Landmarks), describe the significance and integrity of the battlefield lands as stated in relevant NRHP documentation. (The property may be listed individually or as part of a larger district and may hold significance and retain integrity in areas and periods of significance related to events before or after the battle events).

Is the property associated with any other NPS designations or certifications (e.g. National Trails System, National Heritage Areas, and other commemorative programs)?

Describe the Historical Significance and Integrity of the Tract by addressing the following factors:

Describe the location and acreage of the Tract in relation to the boundaries of an eligible battlefield(s) identified in the Survey Reports (e.g. inside/outside battlefield boundary, within core or study area, acreage in each area); Eligible battlefields and associated sites (“eligible sites”) have been assigned a battlefield or “survey” code in the aforementioned (“Survey Reports”). Boundaries for most eligible battlefields are defined in NPS survey data. Eligible acquisitions should lie within the boundaries of eligible sites, with priority given to proposals to acquire land within the “core” area of the battlefield.

Battlefield boundary and “core” area maps are available on the NPS ABPP website.

If the lands to be acquired are associated with eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries, including sites identified as “Needing Further Study” in NPS ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), please describe defensible boundaries for the site according to guidelines provided in National Register Bulletin No. 40:

Guidelines for Identifying, Evaluating and Registering America’s Historic Battlefields and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21: Defining Boundaries for National Register Properties. (The Project Narrative may reference documentation substantiating boundaries that is provided as a separate attachment to the application);

Describe how the Tract contributes to the significance and integrity of the entire battlefield. Please identify historic resources/character-defining features located on the Tract, if known, and any evaluations or determinations of eligibility completed by state or local preservation officials. Please reference maps included in the application package.

Describe the use of the property since the Survey Reports were completed. How has the battlefield and, specifically, the Tract been altered since the Survey Reports were completed?

Describe the current use of the Tract and any buildings and structures, including roads, on the property. Please reference photographs included in the application package.

Special Thematic Consideration – National Semiquincentennial As the United States of America approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NPS encourages projects that promote a deeper understanding of American history and culture and that advance civic education and knowledge of our core principles of government. This special consideration is not necessarily limited to projects that will help to preserve Revolutionary War battlefields.

Describe how this project will help Americans better understand the histories and legacies of those who experienced the armed conflicts that led to American independence at Revolutionary War battlefields and other related sites.

Criterion 3 Maximum Points: 25 Description Weight 25%

Technical Merits of the

Applications should demonstrate how the preservation of the eligible property will be accomplished within its geographic and thematic contexts and how proposed activities will affect historic resources. Resource Analysis and https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/NRB40-Complete.pdf

Proposed Effort

Proposed Activities should be addressed through the following considerations and by referring to the required map:

Describe any known cultural or archaeological resources on the property. Please reference any completed survey and evaluation documentation (including National Register of Historic Places documentation) and/or describe how the project will identify and assess effects on all historic resources on the property.

Describe the proposed short-term and long-term preservation outcomes, including any proposed activities, treatments, or uses that have the potential to affect historic resources.